Adopt A "Pibble"!!

Did you know?

Although the media focuses on the negative aspects, in reality "Pibbles" (Pit Bulls and Pit Mixes) can be awesome pets for the smart owner. Here are six reasons why: 

1. Pibbles are Affectionate Companions... 

Pibbles are wiggly, cuddly, affectionate dogs. If you don't like dog kisses then consider another breed, because most pibbles love licking. The same goes if you have children and you don't want them to be a regular target for face washes. Pibbles are not aloof - they like to remind you regularly of how they feel about you, and in general this means a lot of tail wagging and kissing.

2. Pibbles are Generally Healthy and Easy to Care For... 

Yes, pibbles require a reasonable amount of attention. They do not, however, need a lot of care. They have short coats and are normal shedders, and only need to be brushed semi-regularly.

They don't tend toward genetic disorders like some other breeds, although they should be inspected at puppyhood for signs of hip dysplasia, but this is a good idea for most medium to large breeds anyway. Most pibbles do not get larger than 50 to 60 pounds, although there are some larger sub-breeds. And as long as you exercise the dog regularly, a pibble can be very comfortable in a small dwelling.

3. Pibbles are People-Orientated, When Socialized Properly... 

Pibbles love people. Although this breed frequently gets a bad rap in the media, if you have ever met a pibble that was raised by a loving, conscientious family then you will understand how much they like to be with people.

The downside of this personality trait is that they can get overexcited when they meet new people, which is something that needs to be addressed through training and positive reinforcement.

4. Pibbles are Loyal to their Owners...

Your pibble will be you and your family's best friend from the day you take them home to the day they pass away. While they will be naturally protective of their family and their property, because pibbles are so people-orientated they do not make good guard dogs-unless you just want them to smother intruders with hugs and kisses.

5. Pibbles are Eager to Please...

A pibble will always do it's best to make you happy, as long as you are clear about what you expect from them. Many people will mention the fact that this breed is notoriously stubborn, but once they realize that you are the boss, they will work hard to ensure that you were happy with them.

6. Pibbles have a High Tolerance for Pain...

Sometimes presented as a negative trait, the fact that pibbles have a high pain tolerance makes them exceptional family dogs. They easily (and happily) put up with the rough play of children without reacting. It is important that when considering a pibble as a pet that you carefully screen all puppies and adult dogs to ensure that they respond positively. Dogs of any breed that show fearfulness or aggression towards people or other dogs should be avoided, particularly as a family pet, unless you are willing to put in a lot of extra time and money into behavioural training.

To be a successful and responsible pibble owner you need to at all times have your pet under control. Dogs should never be left unsupervised with other dogs or children, and should never be allowed to roam off leash except in controlled dog-friendly spaces.

Remember that as a pibble owner you are charged with showing the positive side of this breed, so make sure that you always have a friendly and well behaved pet.

(Article by Pitbulls.org)

Famous Pibbles & Pibble Owners!

Famous Pibbles:

• Petey, the Little Rascals' sidekick from Our Gang? He was a pibble.
• The RCA Victrola dog? A pibble.
• The Buster Brown mascot? Pibble.
• Sergeant Stubby, the most highly decorated dog in World War I? Pibble.

Famous Pibble Owners:

• President Theodore Roosevelt
• President Woodrow Wilson
• Gisele Bündchen
• Thomas Edison
• John Steinbeck
• General George Patton
• Fred Astaire
• Humphrey Bogart
• Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft
• Mary Tyler Moore
• Michael J. Fox
• Jon Stewart
• Madonna
• Bernadette Peters
• Alicia Silverstone
• Linda Blair
• Usher
• Pink
• Eliza Dushku
• Anthony Robbins
• Ashley Olsen
• Orlando Bloom
• Serena Williams
• Tom Brady
• Helen Keller (see photo and story below)

Those are just a few celebrities who own or have owned a pibble!

Helen Keller & her Pibble, Sir Thomas

Blind and deaf since the age of 19 months, Helen Keller was an inspirational writer and speaker, and one of the most admired figures in the 20th century. She was an avid animal lover and had many canine companions throughout her long life, including her beloved pit bull, Sir Thomas. In her words: "Whenever it is possible, my dog accompanies me on a walk or ride or sail. I have had many dog friends-huge mastiffs, soft-eyed spaniels, wood-wise setters and honest, homely bull terriers. At present the lord of my affections is one of these bull terriers. He has a long pedigree, a crooked tail and the drollest "phiz" in dogdom. My dog friends seem to understand my limitations, and always keep close beside me when I am alone. I love their affectionate ways and the eloquent wag of their tails."

(From cesarsway.com)

History...

In the '70s they blamed Dobermans, in the '80s they blamed German Shepherds, in the '90s they blamed Rottweilers. Now they blame the Pit Bull. ~Cesar Milan, "The Dog Whisperer"

For more information about Pitbulls, please read this editorial: What Happened to America's Dog? (PDF) Pit Bulls were once loved and revered in America. How did they become so maligned in today's society? By: Mutts Matter Rescue