American Pit Bull Terrier In the last two decades of this century, no breed of dog has been more maligned and misunderstood than the American pit bull terrier (APBT). Just the name of the breed has been enough to send chills down the backs of some fairly knowledgeable dog owners, not to mention the fear that the name "pit bull" brings out in the average person. I chose this topic for my research paper because last year, in April, I adopted an APBT from one of my friends. I must say that it was without my parents permission. When I brought her home my parents had the same reaction as many people do when I told them that she was a APBT. They wanted me to give her back. I couldn