Things to Know About Pit Bulls

The pit bull may be the most tragically misunderstood of all the dog breeds. Concerned observers think this dog is bred to attack humans, which is not true -- the pit bull is actually predisposed to aggression toward other dogs and animals. But if the pit bull is properly socialized, it won̵7;t even show aggression in this way. Despite its bad reputation, according to the American Kennel Club, the majority of pits are loyal, kind, and family-loving dogs.

  1. Members of the Terrier Family

    • Perhaps surprisingly to some, the pit bull and ̶0;Toto̶1; from the Wizard of Oz are from the same family. The dog̵7;s full, official name is the American Pit Bull Terrier. Pit bulls are prime examples of the terriers̵7; tendency to demonstrate intelligence and spiritedness. They are also highly protective of their owners. However, a meek owner would not do well with a pit bull -- these dogs require a firm hand, and a willingness to show the dog that you are indeed the "alpha" member of the pack.

    Most Are not Aggressive

    • Pit bulls, unfortunately, have received more than their share of negative publicity. Undeniably, some of it is deserved; but a few bad apples have cast a pall over the entire breed. There is actually no evidence that the pit bull overall is guilty of excessive aggression. In fact, the American Temperament Test Association has shown that pit bulls passed unprovoked aggression tests 83 percent of the time, which is above the national average.

    Some Communities Legislate Against Them

    • The high-profile and tragic shows of aggression by pit bulls have won them negative publicity. Perhaps unsurprisingly, community leaders have made an effort to restrict ownership of pit bulls or place limitations specific to the breed. Some towns ban pit bulls entirely, while some require owners to purchase a special license to own a pit bull.

    Terrible Twos

    • There̵7;s a myth that pit bulls begin behaving badly at age 2. So the theory goes that even if you̵7;ve found a seemingly sweet pit puppy, there̵7;s a chance that he will inexplicably turn vicious when he reaches the Terrible Twos. There is some truth to this myth -- not just pit bulls, but all dog breeds experience an onset of assertive behavior when they reach this age. It̵7;s a good idea to reinforce your position as the "alpha" when your pit turns 2 years old with a refresher course in training.