Pit Bulls are not the stereotypical devil dog put forth in media myths. They are companion animals who have enhanced the lives of many through their devoted people-loving natures, positively channeled physical prowess, bravery, and intelligence. Pit Bulls have served key roles in search-and-rescue efforts, excel in agility training, and work nationwide as therapy and service dogs. Famous Pit Bulls include Petey from “Our Gang/Little Rascals” film series and an American poster mascot during WWI.
Pit Bulls have great physical and mental characteristics that make them excellent partners for responsible, active, and caring owners. These same outstanding qualities can also make them a little difficult to handle for people who don’t have a lot of experience with dog ownership. Obedience Classes are strongly recommended for this breed. A well behaved and obedient Pit Bull will be a wonderful companion, and a great ambassador for an often misunderstood breed.
Pit Bulls are very adaptable and will even do well in urban living, provided they have enough exercise or other positive outlets for their energy. Pit Bulls are strong, energetic, agile, and powerful dogs. They are also very resourceful and driven. “Determination” is one of their most notable traits… Whether it is escaping an inadequately fenced yard to go explore the neighborhood, or destroying your new couch when left home alone, or climbing into your lap to shower you with kisses! They just don’t give up easily.
Pit Bulls are very good with children. However, any dog must be supervised around children initially until you see that the dog is very good with the children. This is just common sense. Like other active dogs, they need substantial daily exercise and depend on their owners to teach them good manners, such as not jumping or playing too rough.
Temperament
One very important characteristic of the Pit Bull breed is their amazing love of people. Human aggression, severe shyness, and instability are not traits typically found and accepted in the Pit Bull breed. Human aggression is not a trait associated with the Pit Bull breed. In fact, Pit Bulls tend to do better than average in temperament tests. Unlike the myth propagated by the media though, human aggression is not a problem specific to the Pit Bull breed. Did you know that Pit Bulls used to be referred to as Nanny Dogs for children? In fact Pit Bulls rank at the highest levels for being gentle and loyal to children and the elderly.
Dog Aggression
Unfortunately Pit Bulls were bred for many decades to fight other dogs. This trait is indeed troubling. However, this does not mean that all Pit Bulls are dog fighters. It is all in the way that you raise your Pit Bull. Any other breed of dog can become aggressive regardless of specific breed. Any animal that is powerful can be dangerous if raised to be that way, it’s as simple as that.
If you raise and treat your dog with love and respect, you will have a very loving and affectionate dog, but if you raise your dog with abuse and brutality, the dog will become fearful of all humans and believe all humans will try to harm them. Can we truly blame any animal who is afraid of humans after being abused by one?
Pit Bulls can and do interact peacefully with other dogs and animals. Individual dog temperament, early training and socializing, all play an important role in whether or not a Pit Bull is capable of getting along with other animals. It is very common to keep multiple Pit Bulls and other pets in the same household. Success is based on careful supervision, proper management and training, and the individual animals involved.
In closing, please remember that animal-aggression and people-aggression should NEVER be confused, as they are two different traits. Any dog can become aggressive, not just one specific breed as Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) would have you believe. Pit Bulls and the other breeds of dogs that BSL is targeting are not dangerous dogs. These dogs are very loving, friendly and affectionate if treated and raised right. Even if a dog is traumatized from past abuse, like a child, the dog can recover from the abuse with rehabilitation, love and patience. Please do not give up or turn your backs on these dogs.
Canine Justice Network would like to thank http://www.HelloBully.com for their contributions to our site and cause. As well as their dedication to advocating and rescuing the Pit Bull breed.
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