Customer Reviews

This Is The American Pit Bull Terrier

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The book mentions some history of the breed mentions some famous breeders, famous dogs and tells some interesting true stories. I give the book five stars because this book helped spark my interest in the American Pit Bull Terrier. I would also suggest anyone interested in this breed read the rest of Richard F. Strattons books.

Anyone interested in pit bulls should read this book. The book offers a little bit of history on the breed, and basically lightly covers all areas of the breed. It also has some interesting stories of famous dogs and dog men. This book and all of Strattons books should change any negative views you have of the breed.

I've owned this book for many years. It has helped me with my own dogs. I've had at least 2 of these dogs most of my life. This book tells about the old time dogs as well as a few recent greats. It gives great insight into the dogs mind and dispells a lot of myths. They are not "bulletproof" or "armor plated." Heart and soul gives them the edge. His mind and will makes him what he is.

This book is great, it helped me pick my pup and work with my older Pit. There is a lot of information and many helpful hints! It really makes a difference. If you have a Pit or AmStaff you 100% need this book!

Thank God for people like Richard Stratton who defend this noble breed during the media frenzy of today.

It was about 1974 when Richard contacted me to reproduce my story of a heroic American Pit Bull Terrier that I owned as a child, named Vino. She was given to me by an Air Force Colonel right after WWII in San Antonio.

I have owned Pit Bulls all of my life. They have more personality and sense than any two other dogs put together. My children were raised with them. We also used them in ranch work to catch and hold bulls so we could vaccinate/doctor them. They will do anything you ask.
There will always be bad dogs in ANY BREED, depending on what you ask them to do.

If you want to see the real side of an American Pit Bull Terrier, read Richard's book and my story on Vino.
I would not be sitting here today typing this, if not for her, she saved my life.

Cheyrl

I do not know why alot of people bash Richard Stratton. I find all his books to be very informative. He writes about the PROS AND CONS of an APBT. I do NOT gametest or Roll my dogs and I'm completely against dog fighting. But, you need to have an open mind. Pit Bulls were bred for generation to be fighters and YOU CANNOT DENY THEIR HISTORY. That is like denying a shark from biting and a Lion from hunting and devouring his prey. I know to some people that do not have an open mind about APBT's will NEVER understand what the book is talking about, all they see is fighting this and that and death. I know its sick but for as much as I hate to say it, FIGHTING is one thing the American Pit Bull Terrier loves, and it is the reason for their existence. But, for you to understand the breed you also need to understand this. Now, the book got 5 stars because it is very informative, bloodlines, well reknowned breeders etc are on the book. The pictures are very old, but the text is excellent. KUDOS to Richard F. Stratton for shedding some light on the American Pit Bull Terrier instead of just the pros that most authors writes about. PIT BULLS AREN'T FOR EVERYONE!!! SPECIAL/RESPONSIBLE OWNERS REQUIRED!!! REAPEAT THAT LINE 10X'S BEFORE YOU GO OUT AND PURCHASE AN APBT. Read, Read, Read and research about the breed before you get one as there are too many unwanted APBT on deathrow at local shelters because of ireesposible owners. Knowledge is power! So, I highly recommend you buying ALL of Richard Stratton's books, THE COMPLETE GAMEDOG (THIS IS THE APBT BIBLE) and subscribe to the ADBA's "Gazette" magazine. I hope this review helped some people, if not then at least it helped me understand the breed 100% after reading all the Stratton books. KUDOS!! Mr. Stratton.
Pitbullsonly4us
www.freewebs.com/massmonsterpits

This book is an excellent educator of the breed and how it originated. I really respect the way Stratton reveals the truth about the Pit Bull. They truely are a magnificant beast and are highly misunderstood. I have 6 Pits of my own and they are treated as they were my children. Stratton really stresses how spirited the breed is.

Maybe you have to have "been there" in time and in spirit to fully appreciate what a grand, old classic this book is. It may seem antiquated by today's "information superhighway" standards, but if you are a serious student of this breed and you still own a book shelf, this book should be on that shelf somewhere.

This book is a classic among pit bull enthusiast. Stratton's story book style writing is very entertaining and informative. This book is full of stories of famous pit bulls, and not so famous dogs. He talks about some of dogs of the past that are still prominent in todays dogs pedigrees.
There are a lot of great pictures of dogs and some of the famous dog men from the past. If you own a pit bull this in a must own book for any fancier of the breed. Well worth the money spent.

I am writing this review in regards to a review posted by Cory Smith of Calgary.
I want to stress to everyone that it doesn't matter if your a "dogman" or not, dog fighting is cruel in all shapes and forms. The dogs always get hurt, so how is that not cruel? I think what people forget like Cory, is that these dogs are (possibly) game and therefore they keep going even if they hurt in a fight,but trust me they do get hurt and they do die! I do agree with Cory that dog-fighting is not how "Hollywood" portrays it, however having said that, have you ever seen a dog match? It is not hugs and kisses!!!
I have owned a pit bull and he was a great companion. ALthough, they are not for everyone!! They are not lapdogs and some are not even people dogs!! If they are a "Real" one they need to be in the hands of an experienced owner, not a novice. The problem is people like Stratton glorify dog fighting to the point where some macho dead-head thinks, "cool." NO, not cool, dangerous, and should be dealt with utmost care!! These men handling these dogs 30 years ago sometimes had to "apprentice" before they could even get a dog.
If you're going to get a "show" type pit bull, just be careful and read ALL opinions, talk to as many owners as you can before you jump in, and most importantly see as many pits as you can and the potential parents of your pup! It makes a big difference when it comes to Pits. But please leave the "pit" (game) dogs to people that can handle them and will be responsible by not letting them get loose etc,. The novice is the biggest problem in Pit's today.
Pit Bulls will do whatever you want, and unless you realize that and positively use that to try and ensure a stable dog you will be in for a long and difficult time with your pit.

Please be aware!!! and Don't believe any ONE opinion...mine included!
BE RESPONSIBLE with your pit so no one gets hurt!!!

GO ahead and read stratton's books, I do, but be aware that he is trying to sell you the dogs in order to sell his books. $$$

If you want a guard or people aggressive dog get another breed..please! Making or promoting a human aggressive pit bull is the detriment to all bull bred dogs, innocent or not.

Just please be aware.