Frequently Asked Questions About American Pit Bull Terriers

Frequently asked questions about American pit bull terriers

As an owner of a American pit bull terrier, it never seems to change how people act when they see or meet my dog.

"There are no bad dog s just bad owners." That is my favorite saying to someone who wants to rag on my dog for her breed and looks instead of her gentleness and eager to please personality.

There are two things that make me livid. One is where someone's ignorance lets them say not true stuff and the second is that since I have a pit bull I must fight my dog.

So in an effort to educate people on the American pit bull terrier I have put together a list of frequently asked questions.

Do pit bulls really have locking jaws?
No. Their jaws are no different than any other dogs jaw. They are very strong dogs and love to run and be muscular. Because of this all of the muscles they have are strong, which would make it hard for me or you to pry their mouths open if they wanted it shut.

Is it true that all pit bull are born mean and should not be trusted?
All I can do when I hear this is laugh. These dogs are not born mean or aggressive. Humans make them mean and aggressive. Think about it this way, you have a child that is in a home where the mother and father are racist. That child is told day in and day out racist comments; pretty soon that child is saying racist remarks. Does this mean that the child was born racist? No and the same goes for pit bull puppies or any type of puppy.

Is it true that pit bulls were used in the civil war?
Yes. This dog stood under fire with her regiment. She refused to leave the wounded in the three day stand-off in Gettysburg. She was killed when shot in the head. The men she stood with risked their lives to bury her while the battle was still going. There was another pit bull used in the civil war, he sought out the dead and wounded. He was severely wounded once and lived. He was also captured by the south twice. The last time he was caught they exchanged him for a confederate soldier.

They were even used in WW1. This dog was named Stubby. He was used as a mascot and member of the 102nd infantry. He fought with them in 17 battles in France. He saved hundreds of lives by sniffing out deadly gases before his unit would walk into it. He inspired many with his loyalty and courage. He was the most decorated war dog in the US history. Stubby died of old age in 1926.

What age should I clip my dogs ears and cut its tail?
NEVER! This doesn't need to be done ever. You can show your dog with out the ears being clipped. You should never dock your dog's tail. They need their tail for balance. I am in the mind frame that clipping your dogs ears are only helping fuel the fear of pit bulls because it makes them look mean when their not.

Will a pit bull get along with my other pets?
Yes. If you buy your pit as a puppy it should be fine. If you get an older dog I would kennel your dog
till you know how your pit will behave with your other pets. For the safety of your pit and for the safety of your other pets.

I have an older pit can I buy a puppy and them get along?
I myself was nervous about this, when we bought our eight week old boxer. She was wonderful with him. She took him as one of her pups. As with any dog you should watch how they act with each other and prevent an incident before it happens. I also got my female pit spayed before getting another dog.

Are pit bulls good with children?
Yes! They are wonderful with kids. My son was introduced to my pit bull the very moment we brought him home from the hospital. She has always been great with him. My son is now 20 months and my pit is almost three years old. They play together great. As with any dog you need to teach your child to respect and be kind to animals. Most will tell you never leave your child alone with a pit bull. I feel this should go for all dogs. Children pull ears, tail, and skin even the best children will try to get away with something when no one is looking. For this you should watch young children around any dog or pet.

Why do they say pit bulls are working dogs?
Thats because pit bulls are happy when they are working. This can be pulling, hunting, and even in the health care field as a therapy dog. Pit bulls can also make great dogs for police as a drug dog, search and rescue. Pit bulls love to please their owners.

Should I make my pit bull a guard dog?
NO! Doing this is making a death wish for your dog. If brought up in a home with love, care, respect and an over all good loving home. If someone was to break into your home and try to hurt you, your dog would try to protect you 'till their death. In my home our pit bull Zoie has this type of environment and I hope that never comes to this because of the bad view on pit bulls I'm not sure they wouldn't make me put her to sleep.

So as you can see not everyone thinks its great to fight their pit bulls. I'm so scared of having to put my dog to sleep I would rather someone hurt me than end up having to put my dog to sleep. There are people who do the right thing. I hope they stop the B.S.L.'s ( breed specific legislation) laws before they make this wonderful breed gone forever.

I hope that after reading this you will have a new view on the American pit bull terriers.