Most pitbull books tell you the same comfortable things. This one tells
you the truth — with the numbers to back it up.
The American Pit Bull Terrier passed the American Temperament Test
Society's standardized behavioral evaluation at 87.6%. That puts it above
the Golden Retriever (85.9%) and the German Shepherd (85.7%). The
Staffordshire Bull Terrier scored 91.9%. These aren't anecdotes or
wishful thinking — they're cumulative results from 960 tested individuals,
published in January 2023. Yet nearly one million pitbull-type dogs are
euthanized in American shelters each year, most of them never having
harmed anyone.
The gap between those two facts is what this book is about.
THE PITBULL OWNER'S BIBLE is a comprehensive, research-driven guide for
every stage of pitbull ownership — from the moment you first consider
the breed through years of confident, informed care. Unlike the generic
guides that treat "pitbull" as a single uniform animal, this book covers
all four distinct pitbull-type breeds — the American Pit Bull Terrier,
American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American
Bully — their separate histories, temperaments, health profiles, and what
makes each one different to live with.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
★ The complete, unfiltered history of the breed — from 19th-century
bull-and-terrier crosses through WWI mascots to the modern shelter
crisis. Understanding where these dogs came from changes everything
about how you see them.
★ A practical, day-by-day training roadmap — positive reinforcement
methods that work specifically for a high-drive, people-focused breed.
Leash manners, socialization, impulse control, and advanced obedience,
explained without jargon.
★ Health chapter built for the breed's actual vulnerabilities — hip
dysplasia, allergies, skin conditions, cardiac issues, and what to
watch for in routine vet visits. Know the warning signs before they
become emergencies.
★ The honest conversation about dog-selective aggression — yes, it
exists in some pitbulls. This book tells you exactly what it is, how
to assess your individual dog, and how to manage it responsibly.
No sugarcoating, no panic — just clear, actionable information.
★ Breed-Specific Legislation explained — how BSL laws work, which
cities have them, your legal rights as an owner, and how to advocate
at a city council meeting with data in your hands.
★ Rescue and rehabilitation guidance — the majority of pitbulls in
American homes are rescues, often with unknown histories. This book
walks you through evaluating a rescue dog, setting realistic
expectations, and building trust with a dog who has reasons not to
give it.
This isn't a book that tells you pitbulls are just "misunderstood teddy
bears." It's a book that gives you the full picture — the science, the
history, the real challenges, and the practical tools to handle all of
them well. Because the best thing you can do for this breed isn't to
pretend the problems don't exist. It's to walk in prepared.
Reed Hollis has spent fifteen years working across companion animal care
and behavioral rehabilitation. This is the book he wishes every pitbull
owner had on the first day.
