A game pit bull is courageous and determined, not vicious.
The word "game" is often used to describe pit bulls or pit bull temperament. People sometimes mistake this term to mean the dog is aggressive or violent, but that is incorrect -- although a game dog may make an excellent candidate for the illegal dog fighting pits. Entire lines, or families, of pit bulls are said to be game, or game-bred, and often pit bulls that are shown in conformation, such as American Staffordshire terriers, are thought to lack gameness.
Gameness
The term gameness possibly developed in the old-time sport of dog fighting, as a dog's willingness to keep to the task until it is accomplished; in those days, the task was the fight. The way it was determined whether a dog was game was by fighting it. Today, the term refers to the same drive, heart and courageous tenacity, even when speaking of dogs that are not headed to a fight ring. A game pit bull is determined to complete whatever it starts, regardless of the hardships and pain it may encounter on the way.
Reason for Game Pit Bulls
Game-bred pit bulls should be close to the genuine breed standard, which includes extreme gentleness toward humans. There are people who claim to be breeders, who select dogs for aggression and calling it gameness. A knowledgeable breeder of game-bred dogs is intent on improving and continuing the breed's magnificent record as a "can-do" dog, which is loving and gentle to people, especially children, obedient and always giving its best, whether pulling a 1000-pound-load or excelling in some other canine sport. Give a game pit bull a job, and it will work with its whole heart until it gets the job done.
Testing for Gameness
The ultimate test of a pit bull's gameness is the battle, whether a fighting pit or hunting large, aggressive game -- both activities for which it was originally bred. However; most pet owners have no need for a dog with such drive. You can get a glimpse of your pit bull's gameness by noting the way it never gives up when trying to solve a problem. The best way to see your pit bull's gameness is to note its complete devotion to you. The way a pit bull loves you is the best display of its gameness.
Considerations for Pets
A game pit bull may not be the best choice for an inexperienced person or a homebody; the dog needs an outlet for its energy and drive. But it is a wonderful companion for an experienced and active dog owner who is committed to providing proper direction for the dog's drive. Sometimes, this gameness shows itself in less desirable ways, such as the lonely and bored pit bull that continuously finds ways to escape its fenced yard. Combine a determined, energetic working dog and an irresponsible owner, and you have a recipe for disaster, especially if the dog is aggressive to other animals, as many pit bulls are.
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