The Ultimate American Pit Bull Terrier (Howell reference books) (Hardcover)

~ Jacqueline O'Neil (Author) "Archeologists agree that dogs were the first animals domesticated by humans..." (more)
Key Phrases: Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, United Kennel Club (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Congratulations! You own or are about to own one of the most distinguished breeds of the twentieth century, the American Pit Bull Terrier. Your dog is automatically feared and respected by other people, and it's up to you to be his caretaker and ambassador.

This book will help you do both-and more. In the caretaking department, The Ultimate American Pit Bull Terrier will tell you everything you need to know about feeding your dog from puppyhood to old age. It will explain grooming essentials, like trimming toenails, cleaning ears, checking teeth, brushing and bathing. It will describe basic health concerns, from vaccination schedules to flea control to what to do in an emergency.

As for being an ambassador for your breed, The Ultimate American Pit Bull Terrier will tell you all sorts of fun facts about the Pit Bull's history so you can boast about your dog and help people understand him for who he really is. Did you know The Little Rascals' devoted companion, Petey, was a Pit Bull? Or that the Pit Bull was the symbol of American strength and courage during World War I? It's true; the Pit Bull was once the all-American dog, a companion cherished for his excellent way with children, his playfulness and his doggy demeanor. In most homes, he still is. But it's also true that today Pit Bulls are associated more with crime than with companionship.

The Ultimate American Pit Bull Terrier celebrates the breed for the kind of dog it is with the right owners. A dog with physical and mental stature whose intelligence, charm and energy make him a superb friend, fellow athlete and playmate.
A Howell Dog Book of Distiction

About the Author

JACQUELINE O'NEIL's first dog was a Pit Bull, and she was instantly smitten. She went on to breed one of the top lines of American Staffordshire Terriers (the American Pit Bull Terrier's very close cousin), successfully competing with her dogs in shows and obedience trials.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 1 edition (December 15, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876052480
• ISBN-13: 978-0876052488
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #134,779 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written and fun to read with my dog., June 15, 1998

By A Customer

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.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Warning About This Book, January 1, 2004

By	E. Hughes "evenstar7139" (CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Amstaff book using the name Pit Bull to sell titles, January 18, 1998

By A Customer

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.