7 actual truths about pit bulls
Pit bulls are one of the most popular and most hated dog breeds in America simultaneously. While they have starred in movies like the Little Rascal’s, their attributes covered extensively in shows like Pit bulls and Paroles and even The Dog Whisperer, they are banned as pets in most regions of the country, and the entire breed subject to Breed-Specific Legislation. The reasons for the mixed feelings towards pit bulls exist primarily because of the false information about them. As such, in an attempt to debunk many of the far-reaching stereotypes about pit bulls, I provide a list of accurate information about pit bulls.
Pit bull is not a breed but is an umbrella term used to classify several dog breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and even the American Bull Dog. In future posts, I’ll do a deeper dive into each one of the pit bull breeds.
Most pit bulls originated from a cross between the Olde English Bull Dog and various terriers. Breeders sought out the Bull Dog for its muscular physique and terriers for their quick speed as pit bulls were originally used for hunting.
Their actual characteristics include being highly intelligent, energetic, affectionate, loving of people, even strangers, and thriving on attention and affection. The best place to find accurate information about pit bulls is through the American Kennel Club and The United Kennel Club. They provide accurate information based on years of research.
Pit bulls were prized as wonderful family dogs and were previously called “nanny dog” because of their wonderful demeanor with children. While this may be true, all dogs should be extensively trained and socialized to interact with children properly. All interactions between young children and dogs should be supervised.
There is a tendency for the media to over-identify troublesome dogs as pit bulls which has contributed to their negative reputation as inherently aggressive. Pit bulls are not inherently aggressive or dangerous but a dog of any breed that was purposefully bred from a line of aggressive dogs could be. Any dog that is left outside and never socialized around humans or other animals is more likely to be aggressive due to under-socialization.
Due to their size, strength, and tendency to be dog aggressive, proper training is a must for any pit bull owner or owner of any bully breed!
Pit bulls aren’t ideal for novice owners because of their strength and dominance. However, if that novice owner has strong training skills and abilities and is willing to commit to training their dog for the lifespan of the dog and is willing to educate themselves, a pit bull may be a fine fit for them.
TLDR: Most of the information about pit bulls is a result of identifying 5+ breeds under one term, attributing characteristics of pit bull mixes to purebred pit bull type dogs, overidentification of troublesome dogs as pit bulls, and various misconceptions. The miseducation about pit bulls overshadows their genuine characteristics as good-natured, confident, and smart family dogs. With proper genetics, training, and socialization, pit bulls make wonderful family dogs for those whom they are a good fit.
Want to continue learning accurate information about pit bulls? Contact us at atlpitbulltraining.com.
