APBT Breed Type and the ADBA’s Top Dog Athletic Event
I came across the following quote that seemed to make
some sense to me. “Pedigree indicates what the animal
should be. Conformation indicates what the animal appears
to be. But performance indicates what the animal actually is.”
Throughout our breeds history the American Pit Bull Terrier
has always been an active, athletic dog. Whether it was used
for its historical purpose as a combat dog, used as a stock dog
on the farm, hog hunting, or weight pulling competitions, the
APBT excelled in its athleticism. Putting a dog ‘to work’ had
its benefits on a dog’s mental attitude, as well as his physical
well being.
The ADBA’s new Top Dog Athletic Event will provide
additional athletic competitions (Wall Climb, Drag Sprint and
Treadmill Race) and the opportunity to earn an additional titles
of excellence, based on athleticism, that will be reflected on a
dog’s record with the American Dog Breeders Association.
The Salt Lake Terrier Association held the first Top Dog
Event in a sanctioned event over the 2014 Labor
Day weekend, with 8 entries. The first “Major”
Top Dog Event was held at the ADBA Nationals
in New Jersey, in September 2014, with 14
entries. (A “Major” is when there are over ten
dogs entered and is required in order for a dog to
earn a Top Do