The Truth About American Pit Bull Terriers- Myths about Pit Bulls
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Pit Bulls in Today's Society
I find it rather interesting that Horatio Nelson Jackson took his Bulldog-type dog, Bud, cross country as a part of the first transcontinental car trip. If he had decided to try this in 2003 versus 1903, he'd have to map out his trip avoiding hundreds of towns and cities that ban these dogs. He probably wouldn't have made it all the way across without some complication or another. I mean now days, breed bans are everywhere, most of which are based on myths and opinions of political officials that don't want to do the proper research to determine that the sci-fi dog they've created just doesn't exist.
It an unfortunate the opinions and thoughts that have change about the dog breed throughout the years. The American PIt Bull Terrier was once seen as loyal, trusting, loving, and gentle. Now, the dog breed is seen as aggressive, feared, hated, and malicious.
The bad reputation that surrounds the Pit Bull has also created some very interesting myths about the breed. If these myths were true, the breed would be some super-human dog. The people that actually believe these myths (no offense to anyone) must really believe that the Pit Bull and all its similar counterparts are some creation of a science fiction novel.
One dog breed in hundreds that varies in anatomy, to include bone structure and nervous system, and even mentality just sounds ridiculous, since it's a known fact that all dog breeds originated from the wolf. Unless there's a special wolf species that contributed to this super dog breed, I'd like to see the reports and studies. Heck, I'd like to see the wolf.
But, anyway, here are the more common Pit Bull myths.
Pit Bull Myths
Pit Bulls are prone to attack humans because they were bred for protection and guard. Incorrect. These dogs were bred for dog fighting, and dog fighting alone. Many modern breeders of the bully breeds such as the APBT and AmStaff have to have guard dogs such as Dobermans, Rotts, and German Shepherds to protect their breeders, as they are gentle enough to allow themselves to be stolen. This is included for dogs bred for gameness.
Pit Bulls don't feel pain. Untrue. As an animal, they feel pain, just like your average Collie. The difference is that Pit Bulls have a higher pain tolerance than other dog breeds, so they can withstand higher pressure and pain. What is true, is that Pit Bulls have a unique traits that allow them to exhibit tenacity and perseverance in maintaining their grip on an object.
They clamp on with their front teeth and chew with their back teeth. There is no dog breed that has the jaw structure that would allow them to use their front teeth to grip onto an object while their back teeth chew at the same time. If this myth were possible true, the Pit Bull would have to have moveable jaw parts, but both the upper and lower jaw bones are fixed, meaning they can't move in any direction but up and down.
Pit Bulls have a higher bite force in psi's (pounds per square inch). There has been extensive research and tests performed in regards to a Pit Bulls bite force. Many media sources claim that they have a bite force of 1,200 psi, 1,800 psi, 2,000 psi, or even 2,600 psi. It's just not true or possible. The jaw and facial anatomy of the Pit Bull is not different than any other dog breed, except for extremely short muzzled dog breeds. On average dogs can reach a bite force of 320 pounds of pressure. Granted the German Shepherd, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Rottweiler, were all three tested using a bite sleeve, and the APBT registered with the least amount of pressure of the 3 dogs.
Bite force competition. Pitbull, Rottweiler, and Shepherd.
Pit Bulls are inherently dangerous. Nope. Sorry.... Pit Bulls are the nanny dogs of all dog breeds. The dogs of the breed that are inbred, over bred, and housed in unsanitary conditions, are those that are more likely to have behavioral concerns, aggression being a possible concern.
Pit Bull attacks are similar to that of shark attacks. Well, this is a sad one to debunk. The American Pit Bull is of the same descendant as the lab, poodle, terrier, husky, and any other dog breed you can image. They are all descendants of the gray wolf. It's feasibly impossible for any dog to attack like a shark, lion, tiger, or any other species other than a wolf or canine. Oh, an nor do they act, hunt, or have any other behavior as a shark, tiger, or lion. They act like dogs, descendants of wolves, who are predatory animals. Also, on the same note, dogs are mammals, sharks are fish; mammals have fixed jaw bones, sharks have 2 mobile and independent jaws.
Pit Bulls will attack even if they are not provoked. From what you hear in the media, it does seem like pit-bull type dogs attack out of nowhere. I mean loving family dogs attack the child or grandparent. Well, usually you don't hear all the acts before the attack, you tend to just hear dog attack. Plus, when you hear, "He never showed signs of aggression before. It was all out of the blue," you just assume the dog has been great all along, but no dog of any breed just attacks for no reason. There are always signs of even the slightest hints of aggression at some point in the dog's life. A little dominance here, a little snarl there- that's aggression. Most owners who don't understand or is unable to read dog behaviors, are those that claim, "he never showed signs of aggression." Plus, think about it, if you were mistreating your dog by leaving him chained on a logging chain for 5 years, fed when you thought about it, and he suffered all weather extremes in his small dog house, if he even had one, you're not going to admit any of that to the media when the dog attacks your child or someone else's.
Pit Bulls are ticking time bombs. Again, this myth is similar to, "Pit Bulls will attack even if they are not provoked." This is a lovely one-dimensional argument that has absolutely no proof or evidence to support. These dogs do not have chemical in-balances, and they're not just fly off the handle.
Pit Bulls attack unlike any other dog breed. Pit bulls are often claimed to be different that other dog breeds in their anatomy, temperament, manner of attack, and ferocity. It's just not true. They're built just like any other dog. But, with selective breeding, they are just more muscular. Just like the Saluki is thin and the Chihuahua is small.
Pit Bulls attack more than any other dog breed. Sorry no statistic can properly tell you this. There are so many people that can't ID a Pit Bull if their life depended on it, and many of these people are the ones that determine which dog breed caused the attack. Even the CDC has inaccurate information in their dog attack statistics, as it can be hard to identify a dog properly. See Severe Dog Attacks and Pit Bull- Type Dogs for more information about dog attacks and statistics.
All Pit Bulls are dominant dogs. Not true. Pit Bulls are dogs, and dogs are pack animals, which means some will be dominant and some will be passive.
Pit Bull Myths: Graphic Video
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Tribute to Petey
The Future of the Pit Bull
I am not advocating every single person who reads this to go out and adopt or purchase an American Pit Bull Terrier, but I do think that it's only fair to hear the truths about the breed that is most commonly defamed and spoken in a derogatory manner.
American Pit Bull Terriers are your average loving, people pleasing, friend to all dog. They're quick to pick up training commands, and they big cuddle bugs. The breed is a very hardy one with no common health disorders (of course they do suffer health concerns, but nothing common amongst the breed). Sounds great...
But, they're also, stubborn, hard- headed, and strong willed. These dogs need proper training and socialization from the start.
Yes, they can be great with children, but you, as the adult, have to train and socialize the dog. And, you, as the adult, have to make a conscious effort to never leave a dog, of any dog breed, alone with a small child, even if properly trained. You can't control a dog if he's in a different room.
I hope that those who have fear about the APBT, open their heart just a little and see what really lies underneath the muscles and strength. Think about Petey on the Little Rascals, or think about the dog from the first "Cheaper by the Dozen." Great dogs who were great with children. But that takes work. You can't expect to bring home a puppy, juvenile, or adult dog and assume that it will be everything that you wanted and more.
Just don't shut out any breed just because of what you hear in the media, as the media is not always accurate, and with dog attacks, the media is never 100% truthful.
I just hope that the APBT and other pit-bull type breeds while have their image reshaped as the German Shepherd, Great Dane, and other dog breeds of the past. It starts today. It starts with you...
Pit bull myths part 1
Pit bull myths part 2
Myths About Pit Bulls
- Understand A Bull
This is a great site that features the Pit Bull Game, dog attack statistics, BSL alerts, urban legends, and more. I would definitely recommend the urban legend section, as it goes into more detail about "pit bulls attack more than any other breed." - Articles and Information on Pit Bulls
Find tons of information such as pit bull breeds, breed specific legislations, dog fighting, owner responsilities, pit bull myths and facts, and other information about bully breed dogs. - Happy Pit Bull: Myths and Facts
More myths with their corrected facts about the Pit Bull. Remember that myths about pit bull type dogs can apply to any bully breed dog. - Pit Bull Terrier Myths and Facts
Every site as a few different myths added. This one has some of the more common, such as "Pit bulls are not good for anything except fighting and killing." Also, read about why the steorotyp exists, the meida, and consequences of the stereotype.
History of Fighting Dog Series
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Other Hubs About Pit Bulls
- American Pit Bull Terrier
Unbiased breed description about the American Pit Bull Terrier. Find information about the breed's history, appearance, temperament, health, as well as breed specific legislation basics, and famous Pit Bulls. - Dog Fighting
Find out the ugly truths about dog fighting. This is a tastefuly view on the care of the fighting dogs, written in hopes to shed light on some of the nasty perceptions. - Famous American Pit Bull Terriers
Whether your realize it or not, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a rather famous breed. They've starred in movies, advertisments, and find themselves in a number of Hollywood homes. - Pit Bull Rehabilitation
The all debated question: should you rehabilitate seized Pit Bulls and fighting dogs? Find out my opinion. - How to be a Responsible Parent to a Bully Breed Dog
Bully breed dogs already come with a bad reputaion, so what can you do as an owner of a bully breed dog to make your dog less likely to strike fear in others and less likely to be accused of attacking someone or something. - Severe Dog Attacks and Pit Bull- Type Dogs
Read a few truths about dog attacks, as the media is not always truthful in these cases; they tell you what you want to hear, not truths. There's a litle about dog agression in dog breeds throughout the past with pit bull type dogs in the media.
Please leave comments.
Make note that all comments will be approved before they appear.
I will approve all comments (including those against my statistics and opinions) unless they are derogatory to someone else or contain foul language.
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Whitney that is the most wonderful blog I've ever read about pitbulls. My adopted pitbulls are sweet loving girls. They adore children, cats, other dogs and especially people.
From what I've seen, the terrier part of this breed is just so darn smart, that most people don't pick up on important behavioral and health cues that pitbulls give.
i hate those people who use pitbulls for fight they are as similar as other dogs
A wonderful well thought out hub, and some excellent comments.
When I lived in the UK I had my first Bully breed Dog, Marley, now living with my mother since I left England to live in Thailand.
Marley is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a very high pedigree dog, now famously known as Old Marley Bourne in my Mothers local area.
Leaving my best friend in the UK was the saddest thing that I have ever done. He was/is the most intelligent, affectionate and loving dog I have ever known, and the only thing that made him happy was to please me, (Now my Mum).
Anyway, now I am in Thailand, in fact I have been here for nearly 2 years now. And to be completely honest the thing I miss most about Blighty is my Marley, he's 14 now.
Because of this big hole in my life I spent some time here in Thailand trying to source a Staffordshire bull Terrier, although to no avail because they are a rare breed here as they do not cope well with Hot weather, (which is Marley had to stay in the UK).
My interest then turned to a very close breed the APBT. And I am now very pleased to say that after investigating the breed thoroughly I am the proud owner of Smokey, still a Pup of 4 months old.
She is of course a Pit Bull Terrier and I have been so pleased to see the same qualities in her that I loved so much in Marley, she is a quick learner, loves everyone, (my son Otis adores her), and responds to commands well.
She is already as tall as Marley, so she still has some way to go. But every day she fills the gap a little more.
Whilst she is young we are being careful to socialise her with other dogs as well as children which is an important factor in the breed. And so far she is turning out great.
I have realised I’m rambling a bit so I had better conclude: All I can say is the pit-bull gets my vote, don't believe the hype, and lock up the bad owners, don't take it out on the breed.
Thanks for posting this article, sometimes i can't believe every single Pitbull is a horrible monster, heck i have owned three Pitbulls, The first one i've got it on 2005, his name was Pup AKA puppy... he was stolen when he turned 3 years old, i still miss him.
Pup sired puppies and my family kept one of the litter, we named this puppy, brownie cause he looked like one? he was stolen in 2007, they are sooo violent that the thieves couldn't steal them, right???
I also owned Keila, she was a noble blue Pitbull... she was absolutely gorgeous, she was stolen too and she was only 9 months old!!!
Damn those thieves.
I Hope my babies are alright u_u
I've got another Pitbull Puppy, her name is Kira... she's Keila's sister.
In short Pitbulls are a nice looking breed and they also are very athletic, playful and fun loving.
They can turn very aggresive if you raise them to be that way.
Mine were never agressive, in fact they were so nice they were stolen and no one turned out dead.
Thank you for the great information about APBT,very informative. Wish more people were like these dogs. We have three pits, a boxer and an all american red tick coon hound. Our pits know exactly who rules the house, just ask them when they get into the bed. We were led by the media to be in fear when an APBT was any where near until my daughter received a 5 week old puppy. After losing our hearts completely to the little fur ball,found out just how devious the media really is concerning what they decree is appropriate or not as per them. As earlier said, now have three of the best dogs that any "sane" person could wish for or want. They sleep in our beds with us and are with us constantly when we are not at work. I have not met a more loving, want to just cuddle, love you mostest, stubborn, bull headed, watch your back, family member than these three. My daughter is now 20, and her pit,DEEOGEE, sleeps with her every night because she feels safe with him at her side. Totally justified. I feel safe with her having him at her side. These are very misunderstood and much maligned animals who only truly want to please their people. Our other two sleep with myself and my wife. Very comforting to wake up nose to nose with 100lbs of pure love in your face, first thing upon opening your eyes you hear a large thumping of the tail then a happy face wash. What could be better. Dog slobber lubricates the world and makes it a better place for all to live in. In the words of Will Rogers "If there aren't dogs in heaven, then I'm going where they are" --paraphrased yet timeless and true. God bless you and yours. Keep the faith. :BAN THE DEED NOT THE BREED:
we own a pit sunie and she is great loves her family and her best friend is a 9 lbs yorkie. my 16 yr old daughter has sunie in the bed with her every night bcause she says she feels safe and she is!
HI Whitney and all. I helped my son's dog deliver 24 pups!!
2 in first one 11 then 11. Then we were done. We made sure they all were put in good homes. Loving homes. We kept one for ourselves. They are loving loyal and great with babies!!
I think pitbulls are the worlds sweetest dogs. my grandma said that that they used to be called nannny dogs because they can be trusted with kids.thats so cool.
Yipee some that feel the same sentiment towards PB... they are wonderfull dogs, and no one will ever change my mind...
The graphic video is what people need in order to see that not all pit bull type dogs are mean.
Hi:
I volunteer at a SPCA in a large Canadian City. The one thing I have noted is that the small breed dogs, Bichons, terriers and such are more likely to bite. But because their bite does not do as much damage as a large dog bite than most owners consider this nipping. A bite is a bite whether the dog is 5 lbs or 80 lbs. One bite just happens to do more damage than the other. My oldest daughter is absolutely terrified of little dogs because she was once bitten severly enough by a Bichon mix to leave bruises and puncture marks on her calf. Any dog can bite and it is up to the owners of that dog to recognize that and watch their animal carefully.
it makes me happy to know that there are people out there that feel the same way i do about the breed. I have had pit bulls my whole life and they are the most loving dogs i have ever met. Thank you for posting this...
i have a pit bull, Australian shepherd mix her name is kayla she is the most loving, cutest thing not being bias not of course everyone she meets says she is the cuticle thing.
she is my service she make me able to go out and live a normal life and almost everyone she meets say how cute she is and they ask what breed she is and i tell them and a lot of them take a step back and say no way what she isnt she mean and i get the chance to explin the truth about pit bulls a lil bit so she is helping to change the minds of people in oklahoma one person at a time
I am glad that someone stepped up to the plate. Because as the article or whatever you want to call it says that American "Pit Bull" Terriers, are not dangerous dogs they are just like any other dog loving. And with the proper training these dogs would never have another attack agian. This type of bred is just like us humans because, this type of bred will attack to defend itself and its family as well!!! They are loving creatures, they may look dangerous at times but some of them are not. You also have to look at the fact that some American "Pit Bull" Terriers have abusive owners, and may also have owners that are training them to fight, or just be plain mean. Just as you would train your child you should train the American "Pit Bull" Terriers the same. Because basically they are your children. And im only 12 years of age and making alot of snice right now. i would tell you more but i think you get the point!!! -My name is Faith Timmons and im the #1 American "Pit Bull" Terrier Lover!!!! So long!!!!
I would just like to say that I have a Staff and she is an amazing dog, raised properly they are man (and womans) best friend. PS I have been bit by a dog and it was a killer YORKIE, ahhhh now should we ban them??? Down w/BSL!
My pits are the best. They watch my kids and make sure they are ok. They let them hang and play all over them. I have 3 pits and they are the most loveablest dogs I have ever owned..
it's so sad to know that people are so scared of the pit bull and never wants them around it's because of what us people do to them that makes these loving dogs to be mean when there not and because of this no one wants them for who thay are thay can be the most loving best family dog ever you just got to treat them good and they'll treat you just like you treat them!!! it's not the dog it's their owner who makes them the way thay are!!!! i had 4pit bulls one time people where so scared of them it made me made because my pit bulls where so loveabule
I think its horrendous that pits have so many myths. I have had the pleasure of living with one, and I can tell you that they are very loving and playful dogs. People gave pits a bad name the breed in itself did not. I would have no problem adopting a pit. People who are ignorant should research and own a pit before they give any information on the breed.It is my beleif that the pit bull is the most abused dog on the planet and must be saved by loving homes.
Thank you for fighting so hard for these kind and loving companions. I do not own a pitbull myself but I still care for this misunderstood breed. I actually own a rottweiler so I have a little understanding of the misconception that others have about certain breeds. I really hope you keep on fighting for these great companions and know that there are people out there that support you 120%. Keep up the good work and thank you.
My boyfriend just got me a baby pitbull she is 6 weeks...and at first i was a little iffy about getting her cause i wasnt too sure cause i have a nephew in the house nad he can at times be a little rough and he is terrified of any dog..but then we brought her home i interoduced them and he loves her and she likes him too...he runs around the house laughing cause she is chasing him...its really cute and i think that if you raise the puppy right they will be fine and cuddly and loving because i know mine is,.
I own two pit bulls and I appreciate everything people like you do to promote the fact that these amazing dogs are not devil incarnate and indeed some of the most loving animals out there.
To this day I remind some of my friends that I've been bitten (albeit not badly) by everything from a chihuahua to a german shepherd and my two (humongous) pits treat me gentler than my own cats did.
It's fantastic seeing those pictures and reading your posts, please continue on and educate people on how to treat their pits right. After all they are working loving balls of fury, not kids, not cats and definitely not miniature poodles. They should be treated as hard working, loving animals.
You are a gift to pit bulls world wide :)
I adopted dotty from a local humane society. She was a stray and had no info about her. She dislikes dogs but loves everyone who enters our home! She's smart and loving and adores human affection. Please stop all this dog fighting!!!! What has happened to our society? Michael Vick should be used as an example for his inhumane dog fighting and never be allowed to play NFL. Save the pit bulls!!!
I'm sorry to hear that... I believe that statistically, more APBTs are bred as family pets than aggressive dogs. There would be more attacks otherwise. But, in general, if you look at the stats, dogs of all breeds attack and maul people and other animals, the other breeds just aren't publicized- just recorded.
Good hub! Unfortunately here in the south (and elsewhere) pit bulls are raised by the wrong people for the wrong reasons, without regard for the dog or the safety of others. My son's life long best friend's little boy was mauled by a pit bull just this week that neighbors deliberately raised to be aggressive. He survived but faces years of reconstructive surgery and the dogs were put down. Sad for everyone.
It is a sad video. that's for sure.... I'm really hoping one day, the breed's reputation will be flopped to the good side. It's been done many times before, and one day I really believe the APBT will have its day too... I mean, heck at one time it was one of the most popular and loved dog breeds...
that first video was sooo sad but then i got happy at the end when i seen the children and even babys with them
great hub
Thank you Whitney, so VERY much, for your wonderful page and information debunking myths for these wonderful, beautiful dogs. Your dog is beautiful, and I adore the photo of your brother with the puppy. It is so wonderful to see positive press for these dogs, and I applaud your efforts in effectively providing information on these dogs, and in debunking myths. I have sent a link to your website to many of my friends in rescue, and will continue to do so to help educate the masses.Bless you and your family.
Much love,
Patti, Mikey and our pitbull Woody
I would just make sure to carefully watch their play and at the moment things get too rough, set a time out place for the pup to chill out. This is a great time to start basic obedience lessons and training.
Awesome website, I have done a tonne of research before getting a pit. We used to have Rotties and found them to be big teddy bears, just too large to keep in the house. We currently have a two year old Boston Terrier and a Five year old Chihuahua(with a bad attitude). On the weekend we picked up Jake a nine week old Pitbull. He seems very smart and loves my boys but the other dogs arent warming up to him. He plays a little rough and they dont like that much. Any suggestions on how to make this transition a little easier would be much appreciated.
Only if they were legal in the uk :(
I only wish everyone read this article..........
We have a pitbull, a lab, and 2 cats. Our pitbull "princess", like my husband calls her, loves cats so much - they eat together, they sleep together, and we couldn't wish for a more loving, caring dog..............
Too bad our neighbors are like the rest of the world. Always complain about us having a pitbull, but never say anything about a lab. This proves once again how peaple see pitbulls. And come to think about it - they've never even encountered or met this dog for that matter. By the way, both of our dogs are inside dogs and stay inside all day - thanks to our neighbors! They both have been trained to behave so well - you'll be lucky if you hear a bark during the day.................
So yeah, we love our pitbull, because we actually raised one and not listening to what TV or papers are saying contrary to the facts stated in this article.
I am a pit bull owner she is now & years old and named princess and stays true to her name!! I think she thinks she truly is a princess i think if she were to be human she would be a sassy little girlwith pig tails by the way she flips her ears at us !!! She has tried to mother our labs puppies and also cleaned and cared for our cats new litter of kitten's !! all of our animals(we have quit a group) all seem to get along fine and act like a family..its great actually! I do agree that this breed is very misunderstood and labeled improperly for sure!!! we actually moved to anew city due to the fact that the old city we lived in wanted us to have our dog caged outside and told us that if she was ever to be found outside of our property would be shot due to her breed... nad upon moving to our new residence we have found alot of pitbulls live here and the attitude about them is wiut different and refreshing!! She is sooo sweet .... bull headed and sassy but harmless and friendly but i agree just like with any animal you have to take caution with children because in all actuality i think alot of kids arent educated enough by parents on how to and how not to treat animals.......... tHANKS FOR THE CHANCE TO COMMENT!!
Excellent hub. More people need to know the truth.
wow i really like thiz one
It's hard to say risk because all dogs are a risk, but I do understand what you're talking about. Iill say that I'm more scared and iffy about small dog breeds than large dog breeds, and small dogs were mostly bred to either 1) sit with royalty, 2) flush out rodents, or 3) some other non-violent task, yet they seem to be the most nippy and most likely to snap at you. At least that's the case with all the small dogs I've met and talked to their owners about. Big dogs just produce a harder, larger bite.
I, too found that myth the most ridiculous of them all. Next to they have a PSI ranging from 1,200 to 2,600 PSI's, when they can't even bite harder than a Rott.
I know what you mean, but I still think breeds bred for gentler purposes are likely pose less risk, but any dog can be dangerous, and I think its a shame this breed has been demonised.
I found the "chew with their back teeth" a really bizarre statement... utterly ridiculous.
I do agree with you that powerful breeds, such as the APBT do attract the wrong kind of owner, but of course that istn't the case always. When working for AFLAC, I constantly checked the classifieds on the in-house server. There were nearly always APBT puppies available, and mind you AFLAC is a big business filled with white-collar business people. Not saying that white-collar business people don't fight dogs, but it's just funny that that was nearly the dog of choice. Other dogs for sale were small dog breeds and oops litters of free pups.
I again agree that banning is not the answer, as the wrong owner will just move to a place that doesn't ban the breed or they will change breeds. There are so many powerful bullly breeds that can be used to fight.
As for you first question, I find that animal aggression and human aggression completely different subjects. Way back in the beginning of dog fighting, before a fight the owners would switch dogs and wash the other person's dog. 1) to remobe any repellants that would prevent a bite 2) to test for human aggression. Those dogs that even snarled at the opposing owner durng the bath were not allowed to fight that day and were culled from furture breeding. I've met a number of dogs of varying breeds who ranged from slightly to extremely dog aggressive, but were cuddle bugs to humans and never once even snarled at a human, whether child or adult.
These dogs are illegal in the UK too.
Whitney, you make some good points about the breeding out of human aggression, but surely "breeding in" aggression towards other animals whilst "breeing out" aggression towards humans is kind of like walking a tightroap?
I think these dogs are potentially more dangerous than other breeds due in part to their breeding, but also their power.
I accept all you say on responsible ownership, and the one sided press this breed has received.
Personally I think the real problem for APBT's is the fact that they often attract the "wrong kind of owner".
Banning or villifiying particular breeds is not the anwer.
Firstly the irresponsible owners causing the problem take little notice of the law anyway. In the UK a while back a child was killed by an illegally kept, and badly looked after APBT.
Secondly irresponsible owners who want an aggressive dog now find other breeds to torment, which are every bit as dangerous as an APBT.
Banning the breed did not solve the problem irresponsible ownership, in fact its has got a lot worse.
Good hub, unfortunetaly, they are illegal here in Ontario and Manitoba.
Bonnie, I have not seen it, but I will go check it out.
Harry, Thank you for your comment; they truly are good dogs if raised properly. My APBT is great with other animals. She loves dogs and my pet rats. The only thing she doesn't like are my reptiles (she tries to eat them).
Brian, Some dogs ARE prone to aggression, but throughout history these dogs were never bred for human aggression, and the individuals that DID show signs of human aggression where culled from the breeding projects (meaning they were either put down or altered and never allowed to breed). Human aggression has been frowned upon since the height and beginning of dog fighting. What they do have is dominance issues, but that is easily treated with proper training and socialization. It really is all in how you raise them.
I think you have some great work here. Although I do feel that some dogs are prone to be more aggressive it really comes down to how you raise them. Your attitude is going to reflect in your pet, although they won't exactly act as you do, they pay close attention to your mannerisms. As for pit bulls, I don't think I would own one just because there is something about husky's that draws me to them (I would feel as though I am cheating on my dog). But if I did have a Pit Bull, like the cool one you have in your pictures, I would treat them like kin (never thought I'd say that word) You have well thought out hub that describes a dog many people do fear and hold a negative connotation of. Spread the word, love the work!
My wife used to have an unatural fear to most any assertive looking or acting dogs, but still we now own and love our young pit named Gunner. She cannot believe how loving he is and nurturing towards our other animals. (we have 7 rescued guinea pigs and a rabbit) His personality is incredible and we're so happy to have had the chance to rescue him as a pup and give him the home he so deserves. I like your hub
Great hub, Whitney! I love my 2 grand-dogs, too! Both Pits, they are now living with Grammy for a while. It is sad that people would rather condemn these loving animals from fear rather than take the time to find out the facts instead of the "media" version of the facts.
LOL Did you see my daughter's hub on Pits where she put the picture of Bo in his heart-shaped glasses? Hilarious! I'd say he really looks like a monster there! LOL.
Bonnie
Nice blog about porcupine quills and pit bulls
Thank you Froggy. I love my American Pit Bull, as well.
Great hub Whitney--I love my pitbull!
Dorsi Level 5 Commenter 4 months ago
Wonderful hub Whitney with lots of great information about american bull terriers.
After having had experience with this dog breed the last couple years (my sons dogs) I have a much different opinion of pit bulls now (I too used to be afraid of them because of all the bad press about them)
Yes they can be stubborn and hard-headed, so they need a firm but loving hand training them, but they are awesome pets when trained and loved properly, like any dog. The only problem I have had in my home is food aggression when my older alpha border collie dog (he is 11) feels threatened by one of the pits that wants to eat his food. So I make sure they eat apart. My older dog has his own space and does not like it when his area is breached. I would say this is pretty typical behavior for any dog though.