Want To Be a Pit Bull Owner? 10 Things To Know

Owning a pit bull comes with a certain stigma and, in some cases, judgment from neighbors, friends, and other pet owners. Owners are often found employing tactics to mitigate this stigma, such as denying that their dog is a pit bull, stating false facts to deny the breed's aggression, and becoming ambassadors for pit bulls.

Pit bulls are often bred for dog fighting, protection, intimidation, and other forms of violence. One study indicated that criminals are more likely to own vicious dog breeds, and in many cases, the dogs are forced into criminal activity. Unfortunately, these owners are also less responsible than other pet owners, which means the dogs often lack adequate training and care, and this just enhances their poor reputation.

In many cases, pit bull owners and organizations such as the American Kennel Club have renamed the pit bull breed to protect its reputation. In 1936, the American Kennel Club formally recognized the pit bull under the name Staffordshire terrier, which later became the American Staffordshire terrier. Later in 1994, the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals named the breed the St. Francis terrier.

Even if you own a pit bull that's shown love and affection toward you and your family members, you should always keep a watchful eye on them, especially around children and other animals. Pit bulls are unpredictable pets that can turn quickly, especially if they've been abused or trained to fight by a previous owner.

Pit bull owners have taken advantage of the American Disabilities Act in the past, claiming that their pit bulls are service dogs, so they can bring them aboard airplanes and to other public places (this is not limited to pit bulls, however). This has led to overstimulated pitties attacking airline passengers. As a result, some airlines have opted to ban the breed, even if it does have service or support dog status.

Many pit bull owners pride themselves on their ability to rescue and tame vicious pit bulls who've been treated poorly. Before attempting to rescue a dog with a negative history, remember that some dogs can't be retrained. Instances in which a pit bull rescuer has been attacked or even killed by their rescue dog aren't common, but they do exist.

Pit bulls are an active breed that requires strenuous exercise every day. Owners that don't keep their pit bulls engaged are more likely to be met with aggression and destructive behavior from their dog. It's best to take the dog for walks or runs at least two times daily.

While many pit bull owners may have you believe that the breed only has a bad reputation because of owners that mistreat the dogs, it's important to know that vicious and aggressive behavior is a genetic trait. While not every pit bull will turn on its owner or another human, bad behavior is engrained in their DNA and will always be a possibility.

Another common misconception that pit bull owners would have you believe is that they're loyal to their owners. While the pit bull can be a loyal, loving dog, the breed turning on its family members or fellow household pets isn't unheard of. The best way to prevent this is through frequent socialization.

Even a pit bull that's proven trustworthy and kind should always be leashed in public places. Although many pit bull owners have been known to blame environmental factors or other animals for their dog's attacks, the pit bull's aggressive nature is the likely cause for most of these incidents. By keeping the dog on a leash, most attacks and injuries can be prevented.