No dont change the name we dont need that, last time they did that they came out with the Amstaff, now there is the american bully its just gotten overwhelming.

There's no bull in American Terrier and that means that the name fails to reflect the history and character of the breed. Pit isn't too significant, but since Bull Terrier and American Bulldog are already taken, there's not much we can do.

Besides, the AKC calls their dogs American Staffordshire Terriers and they're still getting banned in lots of places.

If I was going to be for a name change... I'd take it and change it to "The American GameDog." But for the most part I'd leave it alone.... but if the bully owners and the mommys continue to get their way and continue to change the breed.. in my opinion for the worse... I'd say take the gamebred dogs and game dogs and call them The American GameDog...

I have heard all the arguements from both sides on this issue and I have tried to form an opinion either way and I understand both sides of the arguement.
The thing is though I really couldn't care less what people decide to call these dog's it's not gonna change how I feel about the breed in the least.

Ferk, I'm really starting to like you. http://www.pitbull-chat.com/images/smilies/lol.gif

Call them whatever you like. I call my APBT, Rosie and my American Bulldog, Nick.
When people ask me what they are, I tell them "spoiled rotten" http://www.pitbull-chat.com/images/smilies/wink.png

Leave it as it is, APBT, that is what I own and love, I no longer give a shit what people think when Im out, they ask what I have, I tell them, they dont like it, cross the road, or leave the park, you want to stick around and perhaps learn something, your welcome to stay and chat.

I got tired of lying about their breed, making them out to be something else to put at ease on coming dog walkers, the looks and stares said it all anyway.

Changing the name will do nothing, people will make their own mind up when looking at my dogs big head or build, we can change the name to Sweety Pie Terrier and they will still see my dogs as the "dangerous lock jaw vicious thingi's"

Good one!http://www.pitbull-chat.com/images/smilies/biggrin.png

I love it you are too funny

i like the name american pit bull terrier, and im proud of my dog, she sets a good example. i love telling people that shes an american pit bull terrier, they're always surprised because she's so loving and friendly.

I find this all extremely humorous since NCPG was right - their original name was NOT American Pit Bull Terrier. C. Bennett originally registered them as American BULL Terriers. No PIT anywhere. The pit was only added later as a concession to a few simple minded individuals & when it was added, the word "pit" was originally in parentheses. As years wore on, the parentheses were removed. As a side note, the APBT is still registered as the American Bull Terrier (proper & original name) by an older registry.

Yep. If you look at a lot of the older literature, including UKC Bloodlines magazines from the 60s and earlier, they are almost exclusively referred to as "American Bull Terriers".

I actually think this IS the best name for the breed. Inherent in the bull and terrier dogs is their past as fighting dogs; and the name American Bull Terrier also relates to the many other functions bull and terrier dogs are famous for -- rough stock handling, varmint dogs, farm dogs, etc.

That IS what they are -- the bull terrier as developed in AMERICA; as opposed to the bull terrier developed in England --the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Am Stafs tried to get the name "American Bull Terrier" when the Pit Bull was recognized by AKC, but the powerful Bull Terrier Club of America (the egg-shaped head dogs) put a stop to that.

Carla

The American Terrier..A Breed name change...
 

So, What does everyone think of changing the name of the American Pit Bull Terrier to the "American Terrier"? The name change was supposedly done to get "away" from the breed's past and to be more media friendly. It is all well umm....insane IMO. I understand their umm...intentions I think but I personally feel that we should stand and fight for these dogs under the name that they've had for years and years. Not change the name to be more media and people friendly. The dogs are still going to look the same and be the same, so what good does a name change really bring when ultimately the dogs are the same?

Thoughts, opinions, etc....

Courtney

This subject has been discussed before on here somewhere... If you change the name, you change the breed.

Actually, I am very proud to own an American Pit Bull Terrier, and show the public that they aren't as they have been portrayed by the media, that they are great dogs, love kids, and aren't baby eaters. I also like to preach that it's the owner behind the dog that should be punished for not being a responsible owner... http://www.pitbull-chat.com/images/smilies/smile.png

I feel the same way. There is a registry that recently changed the breed name to better help the BSL fight and the media image. I feel that they are letting their dogs down. Tremendously.

Courtney

I don't think changing the name will affect anything... there's still going to be BSL, they are still "terriers" and they will just generalize the terminology to say "any terrier breeds". I think most owners of APBT's don't want a name change for our breed. But that's just my opinion. http://www.pitbull-chat.com/images/smilies/smile.png

Absolutely not.

I think it should remain as it is.... I know there is going to be someone that shouts that Pit wasn't in the original name.... But its the best name... it encompasses what this breed is and where it comes from

I am a proud owner of an American Pit Bull Terrier, not an American Terrier... nough said!

I think back in the old days they were often reffered to as American terriers or yankee terriers.I dont really see the point in changing the name though.To hell with people if they dont like them.