Customer Reviews: Read 8 more reviews...
 "dogman's" point of view August 18, 2008
book is rather outdated and mainly deals with his "sport" and that's dog fighting. he's basically a cheerleader for the apbt and some of his info borders on nonsense regarding historic "matches" etc. 137 lb chindo dogs?? korean jindos weigh 45-50 lbs. rolling with decripid, old tosas like that proves something. heck, go to europe and asia and roll with fight tested tosas, bully kuttas, kangals, alabais, gull dongs, caucasian ovtcharkas if you're into that crap. heck didn't one of colby's dogs QUIT against a backyard mix? he's alot like semencic but worse with his crazy bias towards pits and his second hand info and conveniently leaving out information. anyone who thinks the gamest of pits could defeat a HEALTHY WILD grizzly bear, african lion, tiger, jaguar, etc is nuts. anyone who buys a pit because they believe this ridiculous propaganda is buying one for the wrong reasons or because they believe they have a dog who can whip any other dog, outswim a lab, outrun a greyhound, outsniff a hound, etc is delusional. they are not superdogs, they should be a SMALL (60 lbs and under)loyal, tenacious, dog who loves to work and is good around children. sadly you don't see that much today because of everyone wanting to put a logging chain on one an claim nothing can hold 'em, deadgame, jeep, rednose, rap videos, beat up 10 chows at once, blah blah blah. there's more to pits than fighting and he only seems to be concerned with that part of their history. he's a dinosaur and sadly, gets people interested in pit bulls for only one reason and that's the power ranger crowd who enjoys his comic book style of writing. He is helping create the problem by getting people involved with pitbulls and breeding who shouldn;t be, due to his very own writing. the point is they don;t have locking jaws and they aren't some mythical warrior, or super dog. why do people like him and others have to run down other fine breeds in the process? there are many great breeds of dogs out there with long storied history and accomplishments. quit blowing pitsout've proportion and just let them be dogs. basically who gives a s*&t about owning the "supposed" toughest dog? If that's all you care about while owning a pit or you get your panties in a wad when you hear the nighbor's airedale/saint bernard mix or whatever beat the crap out've your buddy's pit in a backyard scuffle you got issues. you know the image of dogfightin and you know what kind of people, drugs, etc you'll probably find there. sadly pits are used because they're realtively cheap, easy to keep, small, easy to find (and hide) easy to find matches for, many like to fight and don;t mind the "rules and environment." sadly they can be throwaway dogs, instead of good old pets or farm dogs.
 Classic read January 8, 2008
This book is a classic among pit bull enthusiast. Stratton's story book style writing is very entertaining and informative. This book is full of stories of famous pit bulls, and not so famous dogs. He talks about some of dogs of the past that are still prominent in todays dogs pedigrees.
There are a lot of great pictures of dogs and some of the famous dog men from the past. If you own a pit bull this in a must own book for any fancier of the breed. Well worth the money spent.
Vino March 27, 2006
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
Thank God for people like Richard Stratton who defend this noble breed during the media frenzy of today.
It was about 1974 when Richard contacted me to reproduce my story of a heroic American Pit Bull Terrier that I owned as a child, named Vino. She was given to me by an Air Force Colonel right after WWII in San Antonio.
I have owned Pit Bulls all of my life. They have more personality and sense than any two other dogs put together. My children were raised with them. We also used them in ranch work to catch and hold bulls so we could vaccinate/doctor them. They will do anything you ask.
There will always be bad dogs in ANY BREED, depending on what you ask them to do.
If you want to see the real side of an American Pit Bull Terrier, read Richard's book and my story on Vino.
I would not be sitting here today typing this, if not for her, she saved my life.
Cheyrl
A MUST FOR THE DIE HARD AMERICAN PIT BULL FANCIER February 23, 2005
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
I do not know why alot of people bash Richard Stratton. I find all his books to be very informative. He writes about the PROS AND CONS of an APBT. I do NOT gametest or Roll my dogs and I'm completely against dog fighting. But, you need to have an open mind. Pit Bulls were bred for generation to be fighters and YOU CANNOT DENY THEIR HISTORY. That is like denying a shark from biting and a Lion from hunting and devouring his prey. I know to some people that do not have an open mind about APBT's will NEVER understand what the book is talking about, all they see is fighting this and that and death. I know its sick but for as much as I hate to say it, FIGHTING is one thing the American Pit Bull Terrier loves, and it is the reason for their existence. But, for you to understand the breed you also need to understand this. Now, the book got 5 stars because it is very informative, bloodlines, well reknowned breeders etc are on the book. The pictures are very old, but the text is excellent. KUDOS to Richard F. Stratton for shedding some light on the American Pit Bull Terrier instead of just the pros that most authors writes about. PIT BULLS AREN'T FOR EVERYONE!!! SPECIAL/RESPONSIBLE OWNERS REQUIRED!!! REAPEAT THAT LINE 10X'S BEFORE YOU GO OUT AND PURCHASE AN APBT. Read, Read, Read and research about the breed before you get one as there are too many unwanted APBT on deathrow at local shelters because of ireesposible owners. Knowledge is power! So, I highly recommend you buying ALL of Richard Stratton's books, THE COMPLETE GAMEDOG (THIS IS THE APBT BIBLE) and subscribe to the ADBA's "Gazette" magazine. I hope this review helped some people, if not then at least it helped me understand the breed 100% after reading all the Stratton books. KUDOS!! Mr. Stratton.
Pitbullsonly4us
www.freewebs.com/massmonsterpits
 Pit Bulls are not for everyone! March 15, 2004
7 out of 11 found this review helpful
I am writing this review in regards to a review posted by Cory Smith of Calgary.
I want to stress to everyone that it doesn't matter if your a "dogman" or not, dog fighting is cruel in all shapes and forms. The dogs always get hurt, so how is that not cruel? I think what people forget like Cory, is that these dogs are (possibly) game and therefore they keep going even if they hurt in a fight,but trust me they do get hurt and they do die! I do agree with Cory that dog-fighting is not how "Hollywood" portrays it, however having said that, have you ever seen a dog match? It is not hugs and kisses!!!
I have owned a pit bull and he was a great companion. ALthough, they are not for everyone!! They are not lapdogs and some are not even people dogs!! If they are a "Real" one they need to be in the hands of an experienced owner, not a novice. The problem is people like Stratton glorify dog fighting to the point where some macho dead-head thinks, "cool." NO, not cool, dangerous, and should be dealt with utmost care!! These men handling these dogs 30 years ago sometimes had to "apprentice" before they could even get a dog.
If you're going to get a "show" type pit bull, just be careful and read ALL opinions, talk to as many owners as you can before you jump in, and most importantly see as many pits as you can and the potential parents of your pup! It makes a big difference when it comes to Pits. But please leave the "pit" (game) dogs to people that can handle them and will be responsible by not letting them get loose etc,. The novice is the biggest problem in Pit's today.
Pit Bulls will do whatever you want, and unless you realize that and positively use that to try and ensure a stable dog you will be in for a long and difficult time with your pit.Please be aware!!! and Don't believe any ONE opinion...mine included!
BE RESPONSIBLE with your pit so no one gets hurt!!! GO ahead and read stratton's books, I do, but be aware that he is trying to sell you the dogs in order to sell his books. $$$ If you want a guard or people aggressive dog get another breed..please! Making or promoting a human aggressive pit bull is the detriment to all bull bred dogs, innocent or not. Just please be aware.
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