Customer Reviews

The Ultimate American Pit Bull Terrier (Dog Breed Books)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Do not, I repeat, do not purchase this book if you already own "An Owners Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet: The American Pit Bull Terrier" or "The Essntial Pit Bull" because you will find that you are only purchasing another edition (with a little bit more information added) of a book you already own. I opened up this book once in Barnes and Noble and was quite supprised to find that I was really reading another book I had sitting at home on my bookshelf!!

However, if you do not own the two books I mentioned go ahead and buy this book. While it is not the best book written on Pit Bulls it is worth a read if you are not too interested in really diving into a deep understanding of the breed. This book is geared toward the pet owner who is more interested in learning how to take care of their dog.

If you really want to bite into an education on American Pit Bull Terriers then read these books: "The Working Pit Bull" by Diane Jessup, "The Truth About The American Pit Bull Terrier" by Richard F. Straton, "The World of the American Pit Bull Terrier" by Richard F. Stratton, "The Book of the American Pit Bull Terrier" by Richard F. Stratton, "This is the American Pit Bull Terrier" by Richard F. Stratton, "Colby's Book of the American Pit Bull Terrier" by Louis B. Colby and Diane Jessup, "The American Pit Bull Terrier Handbook" by Joe Stahlkuppe, "Gladiator Dogs" by Dr. Carl Semencic, and "Fighting Dog Breeds" by Dr. Dieter Fleig

I love the way she divided things up so nicely and the good pictures. She did a very nice job of explaining the care for and socialization of the pit bull. This book made me want to own one. The history was the best written I've ever read. The drawing were exceptional. Her book was informative, educational, and above all a great teaching tool.

this is a good book for people who want an Amstaff but it really isn't an accurate representation of the American Pit Bull terrier. Most of the pictures are of AKC registered Amstaffs rather than pit bulls with some exceptions to a few from "wildside kennels" and "southern pride kennels".

I found the History of the breed section rather interesting even though I believed less than half of it. The worst part of the book concerns criteria for breeding. The best part of the book is the information on how to bring up a healthy, happy puppy to adulthood. Including some good training info even though she does leave some vital information out such as a good method for correction. I would recommend this book to those that are wanting to own a "pretty showdog". Keep in mind that if this is your first real American Pit Bull Terrier puppy you may be in for a rude awakening if the only knowlege you have on the breed is what comes out of this book.

The book does a pretty good job describing the temperment of the breed w/o portraying the dog as an angel, which many of the other books I've seen seem to do. Has some breed-specific training advice as well, not just basic training for someone who's never owned a dog before.

I was doing research about pit bull books and I came up with this one. I found it very useful. Very good info about the origins of the breed, tips on obedience training...and good photos. It has worked a lot for me since I'am a recently pit bull owner. This book was just what I was looking for. I recommend it.

Ms. O'Neil gives information about the Pit Bull that only a person with intimate knowledge of the breed can give. Includes everything from house training and basic obedience to choosing a trainer. She gives the prospective puppy owner insight into grooming and veterinary care and gives pointers in selecting food and toys for the new puppy. Ms. O'Neil discusses and dispells many of the modern myths that abound about this much maligned and misunderstood breed while giving a candid and honest discussion of the breed's virtues and faults. However, Ms. O'Neil could have given more information on how to choose a quality pup and explained the difference between an American Pit Bull Terrier and an American Staffordshire Terrier. Overall The Ultimate Pit Bull Terrier is a must for any prospective Pit Bull owner and contains great photographs and stories of some modern day Pit Bull Heroes

Unlike some reviews I have read. I am not going to criticize this author for what I think she doesn't know or what I think she should have wrote, or how she should have done this or that, or said this or that. To these people I say, when you write a book on the subject and have it published then you can run your mouth.

This book is a must read. People need to know where these dogs come from and what they where bred to do. To fully understand this gladiator among dogs. I believe that to truly have a healthy respect and admiration for this breed you need to read a book like this and others like it, that go more into depth of the history, and such. This book is for light reading, in my opinion a brief introduction into the breed. As well as being filled with advice on training this breed, heath and nutritional needs of dogs in general. I recommend it for people who want to bring a Pit into their life and their home. As with every dog you should research before you get an animal of and type. These are not dogs for everyone. If you can't be a strong leader in the eyes of a lesser dog. Do not bother with a Pit.

This book gives a good idea of what you will be dealing with. Simply put. A very strong, Terrier, which means he'd rather train you. After reading this book I looked at my bully much different and saw him in a new light. Never have I been afraid of him, but never have I had more admiration and respect for him. These dogs are not like the standard poodle next door that retrieved fowl from the water. Their job was to fight for their lives. One which they have excelled at. Every thing about them reflects this. They posses qualities no other dog can touch. No wonder they were chosen as mascot for the U.S. Marines.

I know we can't all agree about whether or not detailed material on "blood sports" bull, bear baiting, and dog fighting should be included in books. Though the presence of this topic does not make the writer Pro- dog fighting. But the fact is, that is what these animals where bred for, it WAS there sole purpose. Dog fighting today is, YES, cruel and inhumane. It NO longer has its place in society. But it hasn't always been that way. It states in this book that in the 1500's Queen Elizabeth herself entertained guests at her court with bull and bear baiting. This is also something many people out there need to come to terms with. In order to have a firm grip on the nature, the personality, and the characteristics of this breed. I feel that this is all information that should be read. By people who are blessed with a bully and those who seek to be blessed, even people who think this breed is a monster. They all need to read these books. Simply by reading this material you can understand what is not an acceptable behavior for this breed. For example...Pit Bulls should not be people aggressive. If the breeders of fighting dogs wouldn't have one on their property that would show aggression toward a person, then why is that what people now expect from these animals. Simple. Stupid people are in possession of dogs with poor, unstable temperaments not necessarily with the intention of ever entering a dogfight are breeding them with dogs of the same quality. Thus producing dogs that shouldn't have been born in the first place. Crating these so-called media monsters.

In conclusion this book brings a wealth of knowledge to the table of anyone willing to be enlightened on this famed, feared and dreadfully misunderstood canine survivor. I urge everyone to read books like this before you bring a Pit into your life. I also hope that instead of supporting the get rich breeders from our local newspapers, who are hurting this breed, consider rescuing one of these wonderful animals. For every 600 Pit Bulls in shelters every day only 1 will find a home. Please help heal the wounds humanity has inflicted on these canine saints.

Forget the B/W pictures! This is the real ultimate APBT book! if you have any questions about owning a pitbull, this book can answer them all. It also has brief history of pitbulls, not much but if you want a deep history, it won't be fit in just a chapter.
A very useful book, you will open it again... and again... and again!

Should be a required book to read for pit bull owners.

I could not find a way to contact Jacqueline O'Neil, but I really need to know the name of the dog that was on the cover. If anybody knows for sure please e-mail me.