The Truth About Pit Bull Terriers

A Truly Misunderstood Breed

Kate Schum
With all the stories about violent pit bulls, it's no wonder people don't like them very much. What people don't ask or see is why an animal is a danger to have around. Any animal that have irresponsible owners that teach them to fight will turn them into fighting machines. It's often a misconception that Pit Bulls are the most violent breed. This is hardly the case. Lovers of Pit Bulls describe this breed as friendly, silly, and intelligent. If brought up in a loving household that does not teach their animals to fight these dogs make great companions. They are great with children and absolutely trustworthy. I've even known Pit Bulls who are not aggressive at all. Despite that, there are many dogs that ARE animal-aggressive. It is said that they should NOT be human-aggressive and if they are it's a flaw.

There are some myths that I would like to make known. A lot of people have a bad habit of basing their opinions on what other people say. This is a gigantic reason why Pit Bulls have such a horrible reputation. It is rumored that they have the strongest jaw out of all the dog breeds and also that it locks. First, there are absolutely no studies proving that their jaws are the strongest of any breed. Each time a dog of any breed bites anything, it's a different level of strength. How hard they bite is all circumstantial. Also, it's been proven that these dogs jaws are no different than any other breeds jaws, thus making the rumor about them having locking jaws absolutely false.

In no way am I denying that Pit Bulls have been bred and used for fighting. I am however, fighting the unwarranted hatred and fear. It's true that in the old days, these dogs (among other dogs) were bred to fight in arenas. Back then, because they fought in pits, they were known as "Pit Dogs". It is in their blood to fight other dogs. It is in most animals blood to be able to defend themselves. I say this strongly, excessive violence towards animals and any types of aggressiveness towards humans is because of irresponsible owners!

Let's talk about having a pit bull in a home with other pets. The best way to decrease the chances of animal aggressiveness is having it grow up around your other pets. Having your pit bull puppy make friends with your other pets is very important. Please, for the sake of your other animals and your home-crate train your dog! In fact, it doesn't even matter if it's a pit bull or not! Dogs love crates! It's like their own special place! That and it can prevent messes and disputes amongst the animals if you're not around. Pit bulls have a lot of energy. They want to run around and play. Please be prepared for that. Be ready to take them on long and fun walks.

Another important thing to remember whether you have other animals or not, this breed needs to know who's boss. Let your new pet know that YOU are in control, not them. Being a responsible owner is the most important thing to remember. These animals are living, breathing animals with feelings. They feel pain, hunger, love, and other emotions just like we do. Apathy, neglect, and immature/irresponsible owners are what cause violent and scary dogs. If brought up in a loving home, the already predisposed animal will be a loving and loyal companion. Please keep these things in mind when considering adopting an animal. Also, take this article into consideration when judging the breed. Much like humans, these animals have their own individual characters. They are not clones of one very angry dog. They are capable of loving everyone in their lives. They only deserve the same in return.

Published by Kate Schum

Kate writes in her very limited free time for Associated Content. She is working towards her goals in writing starting here!  View profile

13 Comments

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  • shelby - pitbull lover12/8/2009

    i totally agree with you. i own 4 pitbulls and they are not agressive. and when the media says things about dog attacks, it is usually a mix or sometimes not even close to it.

  • Kyle Kelliher12/18/2007

    Pit bulls rock my socks

  • Wayne11/5/2007

    Pitbulls require a lot of love and common sense about their capabilities. You teach them who is boss and you don't allow little ones to irritate them. Pitbulls have a lot of 'alpha' in them and they won't tolerate other males around as they reach maturity. They want to be the Only male for the females. Period! This is a strong instinct in some of them, so if you have a male pitbull, and want him to have a companion, get him a female. They love females. They will hurt another male. He knows I'm the first alpha and he respects me and loves me. I respect him too, he's cool.

  • Arlene11/5/2007

    I have had my Pit for over ten years now. I had great respect for what he could do, because his mouth is wider than some dogs. When he got mad, at a little five year old boy who was trying to poke his eye out, I told the boy who was five, to knock it off in no uncertain terms. I explained that if he got bit, my dog would lose his life when animal control killed him, but that he might lose an arm or his mean little face. I raised my Grand daughters around him, but I taught them to respect him, never to get in his face, or bother his food. He loves for them to throw the ball for him. He has never bit anyone, and we all love him.

  • Timothy Frazier8/14/2007

    Chicken Pot Pie, do some research yourself. Exactly what scientific study do you base your comments on? It's the hieght of hypocrisy to tell someone they should research something and in the same posting spout a bunch of made up garbage. "Genetically dog aggressive"?! Exactly which gene is the "dog aggressive" gene? I'd like to know how they found it and who did the research...that guy could make a fortune by identifying the "cancer gene". Or maybe the "stupid gene". You should volunteer as a case study.

  • donna park7/16/2007

    I agree whole heartedly with your article. Pits are kind, loving and more loyal than any dog I have ever owned (which is plenty). Yes, they can be animal aggressive but this is not a reason for putting them down. If your pit has animal aggression, my advice to you is obedience training and maybe only having them as an only pet. I own a 5 yr. old male and our other dog who is now deceased (a chow) lived with him without a single incident for over four years. Thank you for what you are trying to do.!!!! I LOVE PIT BULLS TOO :)

  • suga and spike's mom6/26/2007

    i had a lab/husky mix female. great family dog but killed everything that crossed her path, possumms, racoons, cats, dogs, deer, and the last straw was 2 goats. i lived in the country on alot of land and she became a killer. she only liked me and children as i was a single mom. always felt safe and the kids and her played constantly. she never barked or even growled at them. my vet said huskies are less domesticated than other breeds and sometimes they love to kill. she always brought the animal to my door and would sit by it so proud. i did have her put down after the dog and goat incident i felt awful about her behavior as i love animals. so yes, other breeds can attack as well. and i never abused my Suga, quite the opposite, cooked her special food, walked daily, and socialized her. i miss her so and wish i had known The Dog Whisperer a few years ago maybe i could have prevented the sad ending.

  • Danelle6/20/2007

    I have owned my girl now for 6 years and also have kept one of her pups, this has to be the best choice I have ever made. I would be lost with out them. I LOVE PIT BULLS

  • Chocolate Capuccino4/15/2007

    Pit bulls should have the same rights as other dogs. They (pit bulls) are not the only dogs who CAN bite

  • April2/19/2007

    pit bulls are wonderful and i have one and she has never hurt anyone not saying that she wont she is a great do her name is sassy...she is great with kids and myself yeah some dog are mean because there family wants them to be mean it not the dogs i dont think...thanx for ur time.

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