Need Pitbull Advice. (breed, mixed, people)

[DrEarth]

I have had three pit bulls in the span of 15 years, and I have always rented. I learned early, telling the truth will not get you a place to live in general. Granted, there may be a few understanding landlords, but there are insurance restrictions against certain breeds.

I have always said my dog is a mixed breed, but I have always rented houses. In the leases I have signed, no mention of breed restrictions are mentioned. However, if you move to an apartment complex, I would bet it is included in the lease.

Futhermore, I have never heard of an apartment complex allowing pit bulls (in my area), so if someone were to complain to management, you would most likley be asked to provide a vet statement about the breed of your dog. Since there would be a clause in the lease about pit bulls, you could be evicted.

So, my advice is lie. Although, I would like to see how far you will get by being honest. It would amaze me if a landlord would accept the dog, but then again, rental vacancies have been increasing most everywhere.

[Mearth]

Originally Posted by DrEarth

...if someone were to complain to management, you would most likley be asked to provide a vet statement about the breed of your dog.

When I found a vet, and when I had my dog (a pit/boxer mix) licensed, both the doc and the city just took my word for it regarding her breed.

So a "vet statement" might not work against you after all. In my experience, their guess is as good as mine.

[kaylor]

Is there such a breed as "Pit Bull"?

I thought there were several breeds lumped under the name "Pit bull".

If it is a purebred Staffordshire Terrier......I would just call it a terrier.

Most certinly I would drop "Pit Bull" from my vocabulary.

Next choice is to call it a mix-breed.....even if it is a pure bred whatever.

There is a rash of breed specific legislation running about the country aimed against "Pit Bulls". Stupid, but.....?

Oregon just stopped a bill from going through their legislature and I seriously doubt if many will get through. There are groups fighting it and doing quite well.

Punish the Deed, not the Breed!

Anyplace you move could have BSL in place, but you should be able to get a copy of their dog laws by asking or they might be available on their webistes. If there is anything in the works, it is easier to stop than repeal. Keep your eye on 'em.

http://benedict.lunarbreeze.com/~adoa00/ (broken link) check out Oregon....just on the news today..they dropped the BSL

[Mearth]

Originally Posted by kaylor

Is there such a breed as "Pit Bull"?

I thought there were several breeds lumped under the name "Pit bull".

Correct: American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff), and Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy).

They all split off from the same line years ago. The AKC actually groups all 3 as APBTs, but the UKC does not.

"Pit bull" tends to be a derogatory term that lumps them together. "Bully breeds" is a more affectionate term for all 3.

I say "Pit bulls" when I think the people I'm talking to don't know the difference, for more efficient communication.

Unfortunately, some BSL is worded, "...or any dog that LOOKS like a pit bull."

[BrianH]

The AKC recognizes the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and certainly does not group them all into the same dog. You can register your dog as an American Staffordshire Terrier with the AKC and APBT with the UKC but not the other way round from my understanding.akc

[Mearth]

Originally Posted by BrianH

You can register your dog as an American Staffordshire Terrier with the AKC and APBT with the UKC but not the other way round from my understanding.akc

I guess I got it backwards.

[kaylor]

There are some other posts that say as many as 20-30 breeds are called "pit bulls". I'm not so sure how the AKC or any other registry recognizes them, it's what people generally call them and even some who happen to know the breed of their dog, still call them "pit bull".

If any shorthaired dog of medium size can be called "pit bull". I would most certainly find a different name for them, when I spoke of them. Even if it was only "my terrier".

I also thought "pit bull" could almost be used to refer to any dog they threw into a pit to fight with another dog.

I like "American Staffordshire Terrier".....that's a good name.

[pjQueen4sho]

American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff)/American Pitbull Terrier is what my doggy is. When I bought him thats what they told me hes a pit mixed with amstaff. What do you think he is? pic enclosed. I love him , and will never move if i cannot move with him, But the place we live in now is not worth what we pay. I called on a house yesterday and called him a "terrier" and then the owner said"its not a pitbull is it?" And I just hung up. Useless...Im at a dead end road, I mean all these replies are great but Ive tried them. EH Thanks anyways though ...

[ccd19592000]

Find an insurance company like Farmers and get some personal insurance on your dog. This will show your future landlord that you are a responsible dog owner. I carry insurance on my dog, not because he is going to bit some one but becuse I believe any person who owns a dog should be responsbile and have insuance just like you have car insurance. Theinsurance does not mean your dog will bite any more than your car insurance mean you are going to crash your car into someone else.

[foxywench]

for other folks also having these same issues, (i know this is an OLD thread) but get your dog TRAINED...
i know it sounds liek something so simple, but a certificate of completion from a training school goes a long way for getting ANY dog accepted in pet restricted houseing...even better go that next step and finnish your canine good citizen training and certificate....

not only is the training good for your dog...its paper proof that your dog has completed a behavioural course that requires temperment testing...