The Psychology of Pitbull Owners

For hundreds of years, pit bulls were bred to have powerful strength and aggressive, even vicious behavior, for the purposes of blood sport. The pit bull has been identified by the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics as one of the top dog breeds at "high risk for destructive behavior." (See References 2) Are some people drawn to this breed of dog due to their own aggressive, high-risk behavior? Research differs in its findings on the personalities of pit bull lovers. (See References 1)

  1. HIgh Risk Dog Lovers: Some Statistics

    • In 2006, a Cincinnati research team studied the behaviors of guardians of high-risk dog breeds, using criminal conviction data at the Hamilton, Ohio County Clerk of Courts.They found that in comparison to the guardians of low-risk dog breeds, the high-risk dog lovers were 6.8 times more likely to be convicted of an aggressive crime. They were also 2.4 times more likely to have behaved illegally toward children or to have been violent at home. (See References 1)

    Criminal Behavior and Personality

    • Criminal behaviors are often associated with certain personality patterns. In 2009 psychologist Laurie Ragatz published the data of a West Virginia University research team that surveyed nearly 900 college students. Each participant was asked to provide his or her criminal background and preferred breed of dog, and had his or her personality evaluted. The study found that guardians of high-risk dogs were found far more likely to "admit to violent criminal behavior" than those who had no dog or a low-risk breed. (See References 1)

    Risky Behaviors

    • Compared to others evaluated in this study, the guardians of high-risk dogs also reported breaking the law in more ways, including engaging in violent crimes and drug crimes. They were also far more likely to take part in "risky behaviors" and to be more egotistical and scheming toward others. The high-risk dog guardians surveyed also reported being far more tolerant of abuse or poor treatment of animals. (See References 1)

    Pit Bull Guardian Defenses

    • Some behavioral psychologists note that some pit bull guardians defend their dogs quite loyally. To stop people from being afraid of the dog, a pit bull lover might claim that the animal is of another breed. He or she may believe that despite certain aggressive fighter traits, pit bulls can be gentle if trained to be that way. The pit bull guardian may also use humor to diffuse an awkward situation, and comment on the dog's warm and easygoing personality. (See References 2)

    Being Aware of Stereotypes

    • Other psychologists feel that pit bull guardians vary widely in character and personality and in their dog-training abilities and motivations. One case study demonstrated that many pit bull guardians do love and care well for their dogs. Another study found that among 33 different dog breeds, pit bulls are no more or less antagonistic toward strangers than most other dog breeds. These psychologists prefer to avoid categorizing pit bull guardians into one narrow, high-risk personality type. (See References 2)