Pit Bulls: The Face Of An Aggressive Dog

When you mention the words Pit Bull, many times people immediately begin talking about the statistics of them attacking other people as well as other dogs. A survey was conducted in 2009 of attack percentages of Pit Bulls compared to other breeds such as Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Chows. Among this survey, the Pit Bull breed scored the lowest with a 0.00125 and the highest being the Rottweiler with a score of 0.00433 (https://defendpitbulls.com/pit-bull-attack-statistics/). On the website Dogsbite.org, it states that Pit-Bulls are the leading culprit in dog attacks, this is just a broad statistic which does not adequately explain whether these attacks were of

Pit bulls have been given a bad reputation over the years as untrustworthy, ill-tempered dogs, whose behavior may transform at an indiscriminate moment. While the slowly expanding owners of this breed continuously fight that reputation with cute posts, blogs, videos, etc. of their beloved furry baby just being your everyday companion. My Pit bull however, is not doing much for the cause. Her name is Lexi, she is a ten year old black and bronze brindle that has grown into a jealous, stubborn dog that has become disobedient in her old age. My dog, Lexi is on the fence for a bad reputation.

When speaking of “Pit Bulls” it relates to usually three breeds of dogs: American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and American Pit Bull Terriers.("Breed History") These three breed of “Pit Bulls” are all organized into a group of vicious animals because of the history attached to them. The American Pit bull terriers are being wrongfully mistaken for the “American Bully” breeds. These dogs are ones that are specifically bred for the purpose of protection and fighting. The “American Bully” breed is a cross of the American Pit Bull terriers with other bully breeds or dogs that are also bully breeds that will increase the dog's abilities. This association causes anyone who sees a “Pit Bull” at a dog park, or being walked down the street to walk around them in fear. The similar characteristics that the “American Bully” and American Pit bull terrier have makes both breeds look appeasing to those wishing to use them for violence. This is also the case with other dogs that hold strong characteristics that could be used for violence such as Rottweilers and their mixed breeds. According to dogbitelaw.com, “Banning one so-called dangerous breed will merely hasten the upswing in popularity of some other breed that will be used for vicious

The main reason pit bulls attack is because they are mentally unstable, a mixed breed and show overbearing traits, or because they are mistreated by their owners. The public must understand that the three “pit bull breeds were bred for dog fighting and bear and bull-baiting” (PBRC). On the other hand, they were also kept as “nanny dogs” and used for herding cattle. “Pit bulls are ideal for therapy work because of their pleasant nature” (PBRC). These are three of the most stable breeds known to man. They have a very high temperament test score, 86% as of 2010, a lot higher than most breeds. “The American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the top 5 most stable breeds in the country” (PBRC). Anyone can see that this is an excellent breed of dog. There are a few things that people should know though. “Pit bulls have a lower Tolerance to dogs, but with any breed, a dog’s tolerance changes as they mature” (PBRC). “Maturity can come late with pit bull breeds” (Villalobos Rescue Center). The reason for this low tolerance is because of their history of dog fighting. It has been bred into them to have the will to fight. Pit bulls usually do not start a fight most of the time, but they will not back down or give up. Due to this, owners must be cautious and attentive.

MAIN IDEA #2: One of the biggest preconceived notions about the pit bull is that they are the most dangerous dogs in the world that run around wild-eyed and blood thirsty. They have been improperly labeled as vicious creatures that are incapable of love and

“An unneutered male pit bull is 2.6 times more likely to bite then a neutered male. In addition, male pit bulls are 6.2 times more likely to bite then female pit bills.” In a study evaluating canine temperament, 82% of dogs received a passing score, 86.8% of those dogs where American pit bull terrier (1800PetMeds.com Feb. 2012). There are ways to avoid incidents when in contact with these animals. When approached by a pit bull always remain calm, approach the dog slowly from the side not from the back. Do not provoke the dog - always ask the owners to pet the dog first. If an aggressive dog approaches you do not panic, give the dog firm commands like sit, stay, and easy, then back away slowly. When owning a pit bull socialize the dog with people and other animals, get them familiar with animals and people including children. Isolated dogs can become vicious and dangerous so be cautious when in contact with a not so friendly dog. (Skloot, R Aug 2007 Prevention Vol.59, Issue 8 Pgs. 196-198)

The breed known as “Pit Bulls” consists of many breeds in the Bull Terrier group. Today these dogs are known for their fighting, biting, and their aggressive behavior. Some of the many stereotypes of these dogs are: “Pit bulls are inherently vicious” (17 Things...). No dog is inherently

Some of the common myths about pit bulls are that their jaws locks and bite stronger than any other breeds. If they show any aggression towards other dogs, then most likely they are mean to people also. No matter how individuals who want to ban pit bull see it, the truth is, that people do get bitten by pit bulls, just as how they get bitten by other breeds of dogs. With such bias against the pit bull breed, perhaps those who agree to ban pit bulls should look further and do more research about these animals. Avoid behaviors that are known to lead to aggressive tendencies such as leaving the pit bull tethered and unattended, or training with dynamic correction. Don’t allow your dog to roam the neighborhood or escape because he/she is bored in your

ii. According to the Pit Bull Rescue Central web site, pit bulls have never been bred for human aggression. In fact, Pit Bulls were bred to be loyal, tolerant, and loving toward people, especially children.(Pit Bull Rescue Central website, accessed April 4, 2012)

Although pit bulls are known to be dangerous, all dogs can act up at times. Pit bulls are popular dogs, heroes, and can show American pride.

If you take the time to love and train a Pit then it is going to be very friendly, caring, and smart. They will always have the heart of a puppy, and if you take the time to take care of them, they always love you and listen to you, just like any other breed would. Although pit bulls may seem intimidating, they will most likely love a stranger rather that attack them as long as that is what they are taught. Even though they are intimidating, a pit bull is never going to hurt you as long as that is what they are taught. They are extremely friendly, loving and happy

All dogs can be bred or trained to possess dog or person aggression, not only pit bulls. In fact, according to the dog bite law center only, “32% of dog related killings are caused by pit

Additionally, Pit bulls are/ were created to protect, bull baiting, or to cage fighting. Pit bulls are just used to being aggressive and/ or being provoked. It might not be the dog but the owner. A dog that is chained up, not fed, or doesn’t

There are many different qualities to consider when choosing a dog. Pit Bulls have all the qualities needed to become a great companion. Although, if you treat them wrong when they're growing up there is a good chance they will get out of control. If you raise them right you will have one of the best dogs ever. For example my friend had a Pit Bull that he would hit for no reason and one-day the dog attacked him and hurt him pretty bad. This is a good example of why you should treat your dog right. From my experience raising a Pit Bull I have come to believe they are the best bread of dog. As with any dog you need to raise and treat them right. Naturally they are loyal, smart,

Owning a pit bull in today’s day and age has one of two reactions: Either the person loves them or is terrified of them. There are so many myths about Pit Bulls and they are just that. Myths. Some of the myths that surround pit bulls are that they have “lock jaw” and they have a killer instinct that does not stop at just killing other animals. Pit bull advocates, such as myself, know that Pit Bulls have always been known as the “nanny dog” throughout history because of how much they love children and their loyalty to their families. Mean or vicious dogs come from ignorant, irresponsible owners. The bottom line is that not all pit bulls are bad.