Now, when you see this image the first thing that pops in your mind is "that dog looks mean and aggressive. In reality that may not be the case at all. Sometimes just the mere appearance of some of the most loving animals can be intimidating to many people. The truth of the matter though is any dog can be taught to be mean.
American Pitt Bull Terrier, American Stafforshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, English Bulldogs and of course mixed breeds are all lumped together as the "Pit Bull".
The "Pit Bull" was never meant for dog fighting. Of course the cruel dog fighters will argue this point with you until they are blue in the face but if they were as half as intelligent as they like to think they are and half as devoted to their animals as they boast they are then they would do a little bit of reading and learn differently. The "Pit Bull" was originally a hunting dog in the early colonies. "Pit Bull" pedigrees date all the way back to the 1700s. The pit bull breed has been a registered breed longer than most AKC breeds we know today. Man bred this breed to be able to hunt and take down large aniamls such as bulls (a hint about the name of the dog) and boars and also became known as the Butcher's Dog.
As we no longer have to go out into the woods and hunt our dinner the Pit Bull has become more of a domesticated family pet now but even those dogs can be taught to be mean. Pit Bull Rescue Central says it best when they state, "There is NO justifiable reason to throw two dogs in a pit and watch them tear each other apart. "
The Pit bull is a wonderful, loyal, loving breed. Pit Bulls have qualities and characteristics that can make them the best companion ever but these same charancteristics can be manipulated to destroy a wonderful being. Pit Bulls are intelligent, very responsive to training, and, above all, eager to please. With this traits Pit Bulls should be enrolled in obedience training as soon as they are up to date on their vaccinations to begin learning the skills to be excellent companions. A well behaved PIt Bull is the BEST way to fight breed prejudices. Pit Bulls can live in a city or country environment as long as they have plenty of exercise to eliminate their energy. While many Pit Bulls can be laid back couch potatoes once they reach maturity they are also known for their rambunctious playful behaviors throughout their lives.
Pit bulls are energetic, agile, and strong. They are also very resourceful and driven. Determination is one of their most notable traits: They put their heart and soul into whatever they set out to do, whether it is escaping an inadequately fenced yard to explore the neighborhood, destroying your new couch if left home alone without a proper outlet to combat boredom, or climbing into your lap to shower you with kisses!
Pit Bulls tend to LOVE people. All people. Most Pit Bulls are too friendly to protect a house against strangers unless they have been taught to be people aggressive. Breeding of Pit Bulls with bad temperments is one of the largest problems facing the Pit Bull today. Pit Bulls tend to be very gentle with their family and desire only to please them. Pit Bulls are natural pack animals and with a strong PACK LEADER (this means you) will fall into the pecking order. Pit Bulls with proper temperment and training will inspire devotion from their pack leader who has properly trained and provided for their Pit Bull and you can often hear RESPONSIBLE Pit Bull owners say they will never own another breed.
Breed:
American Pit Bull Terrier/ American Staffordshire Terrier
Average Life Span:
12-14 years
Typical Health Problems:
Generally healthy, may be subject to Parvo, hip displaysia, hereditary cataracts and allergies.
Personality:
Pit bulls tend to be very dependent on their humans and crave love and attention.
On average, pit bulls tend to be very confident and outgoing dogs. However, their natural confidence can be eroded by severe abuse or long confinement with little human contact.
What are these dogs surrendered for typically?
Owner turn-ins of pit bulls are usually due to dog aggression (which is often mistaken for human aggression by inexperienced owners).
Other reasons include:
- Destructive chewing, which is usually out of frustration and lack of exercise
- Too much energy/lack of time for dog and breed specific legislation against pit bulls in the area/moving to an area with breed specific legislation.
- Pit bulls also often are brought in as strays or confiscated from abusive owners, dog fighters, or criminals.
Being an extremely people-oriented breed as well as one that tends to be dog aggressive, the typical pit bull is not happy in a kennel setting. This breed does, however, do well in a home fostering situation, as they tend to bond quickly with new people. How well they tolerate a rescue or shelter depends heavily on the amount of human attention, contact, and exercise they receive, as well as on the individual dog's temperament and past experiences.
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