why does everyone hate pitbulls?

Question

the dog isnt the bad one here folks its the owner!
i love pitbulls, they are very smart, loyal and friendly!
i wish people would give them a chance....
repect to the rescue centers!

Answer 1

People hate what they can not understand. First of all, "pit bull "is not a specific breed of dog, but rather a term used to describe several breeds of dogs with similar physical characteristics. The American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier commonly fall under the category of "Pit Bull." There are several other breeds that can fall under the rubric of “pit bull,” including: the Argentine Dogo, the English Bull Terrier, the American Bulldog, Perro de Presa Canario and the Boxer. These breeds are usually not included by breed name in any Breed Specific Legislation, but are usually ensnared because of a broad definition, and confusion as to what a “pit bull” actually is.

I personally LOVE, ADORE, etc, "Pit Bulls"! Many people say that pit bulls can be aggressive. This is true, but there are many many aggressive dog breeds out there but yet its the Pit that gets the bad rep. These dogs have a controversial reputation due to commonly cited attack statistics and highly publicized incidents of aggression by dogs fitting the broad "pit bull" description. Verification of many attacks is difficult due to that wide variation in pit varieties, and the tendency to label all dangerous dogs as pit bulls. These attack statistics have led to a certain degree of reactionary fear, and many governments and community organizations have called for bans and restrictions on pit bulls.

Breed supporters point out that pit bulls make good family pets, showing loyalty, playfulness, and a desire to please people. They also claim that most pit bull animals are no more or less likely to be aggressive than any other large domesticated dog. In fact many dog fancying websites and humane societies recommend "pit bull" type dogs as family pets because of their stable temperament, high pain tolerance, and desire to please people. However, because of their physical attributes and the social stigmatization surrounding them, the pit bull seems to be a popular choice among unsavoury owners. Those who primarily want an animal to fight or to intimidate do not properly train or socialize their dogs and are partly responsible for the negative stereotype of the "pit bull" in today’s society.

followed by Rottweilers, responsible for 29 attacks (statistics from the CDC).

These statistics may be tainted by the fact that the breed recorded as responsible is taken from the reports of witnesses and is rarely confirmed by dog experts or registration papers. Because pit bull is an all-encompassing term used to describe several breeds of dogs, determining whether a dog is a "pit bull" is often particularly difficult. A study [2] for the United States Department of Health and Human Services discusses some reasons why fatalities might be overstated for "pit bulls," in large part because most people (including experienced dog owners) often can't distinguish an American pit bull Terrier from any other stocky, broad-faced, muscular dog. For additional discussions on this and dog-human aggression in general, see dog attacks.

According to The Age, American pit bull terriers have been responsible for four of the seven dog attacks in which Australians have died between 1991 and 2002. The Endangered Dog Breeds Association of Australia denies these figures, claiming that these dogs were mutts and that registered, purebred American pit bull terriers have caused no known fatalities in Australia. Most Australian state governments have introduced new legislation specific to pit bulls, requiring pit bull owners to muzzle and leash their dogs at all times when in public. Unlike American legislation, these breed specific laws do not include the American Staffordshire Terrier or Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Some people contend that "pit bulls" are especially likely to cause fatalities when they do attack, due to their strong jaws and their tendency to clamp on to their victim when attacking. However, although American pit bull terriers are indisputably powerful dogs, there is no scientific evidence showing them to have a stronger bite than other large dog breed. In fact, when Dr. Brady Barr of National Geographic (Dangerous Encounters: Bite Force, 8/18/2005) measured the bite forces of three dog breeds using a computerized bite sleeve, the American Pit Bull Terrier generated the least amount of pressure out of the 3 dogs tested, (the other two dogs were a German Shepherd Dog and a Rottweiler).[citation needed]

What is undisputed is that any untrained, unsocialised dog can be dangerous, particularly when the dog is as large and as powerful as the "pit bull." The "pit bull" is not a suitable dog for a novice dog owner. Although these dogs can be good pets and working dogs in the right hands, they can become dangerous when kept by negligent or ignorant owners.

As yet authorities continue to debate whether the pit bull is intrinsically more dangerous than other dogs, or whether it is no more dangerous than any other large and dominant dog breed - such as the Rotweiller, Mastiff, Dobermann, German Shepherd or Chow. There are many urban legends surrounding the "pit bull," mostly based on the idea that the dogs are somehow physiologically different from other breeds of dog.

Many sources propagate the myth that "pit bulls" have a "locking jaw" mechanism, and that the dog cannot let go once it has bitten. It is indisputable that pit bulls generally have strong jaws for their size. However, as stated by Dr. I. Brisbin (University of Georgia) "The few studies which have been conducted of the structure of the skulls, mandibles and teeth of pit bulls show that, in proportion to their size, their jaw structure and thus its inferred functional morphology, is no different from that of any breed of dog. There is absolutely no evidence for the existence of any kind of 'locking mechanism' unique to the structure of the jaw and/or teeth of the American Pit Bull Terrier." Furthermore, the "pit bulls" that compete successfully in protection sports such as Schutzhund obviously do not display an inability to release their grips after biting, as releasing the decoy's sleeve on command is an integral part of scoring the competition [3].

An interesting variant of the 'locking jaw' story is reportedly[4] told by Tom Skeldon, Lucas County (Ohio) dog warden, who said that an impounded "pit bull" that had been used in fighting started "going wild," biting at the walls of the kennel. He shot the dog with a tranquilizer, and then left it for five minutes to let it pass out. When he came back the dog had indeed passed out, but not before it had leaped up and clamped its jaws on a cable used to open the door of the kennel. "Everything else was relaxed, the dog was out cold, but its jaws wouldn't let go of that cable, and he was hanging in midair," said Skeldon. "Not even a jaguar will do that."

In addition to the "locking jaw" myth, it is widely believed that "pit bulls don't feel pain". However, pit bulls have the same nervous system of any other breed, and they can and do feel pain. Historically, those dogs that would tolerate or ignore discomfort and pain and finish the task they were required to perform were the dogs that were bred and the sort of dogs breeders strove to produce. This is the trait of “gameness” that so many breed fanciers speak of, which may be defined as, “The desire to continue on and/or complete a task despite pain and discomfort.” Therefore, the difficulty in deterring a pit bull from its task is in fact not an inability to feel pain but rather a desirable trait in any trained working dog.

Another urban myth surrounding this breed states that "pit bulls" are the only type of dog that are not affected by capsaicin-based dog-repellent sprays. In fact, many other dog breeds also display this resistance to pepper spray when they are attacking. Documented cases include Bull Mastiffs, Rotweillers and many German Shepherds (including Police K9s)[5]. In the words of two Police Officers, it is "not unusual for pepper spray not to work on dogs" [6] and "just as OC spray doesn't work on all humans, it won't work on all canines" [7].

It is also untrue that the "pit bull" is the only dog that will keep attacking after being sub-lethally shot. Rotweillers, Mastiffs and German Shepherds have all exhibited this capacity - as, of course, have many humans [8] [9].

One of the most popular and baseless urban myths about pit bulls is that "pit bulls" often ‘turn’ on their owners without provocation. However, no sane dog performs behaviors for no reason. When aggression becomes a problem the reasons can often be traced to such things as improper handling, lack of socialization or training, a misreading of dog behavior by the owner, lack of discipline, or even disease. When an owner is startled by a sudden, aggressive outburst, it is generally because they have been unaware of problems that were brewing.

Urban myths about pit bulls are well enough established to be spoofed, as in The Onion's mock caption 'Heroic Pit Bull Journeys 2,000 Miles to Attack Owner' (Apr 17, 2002) [10] and 'Department Of Homeland Security Deputizes Real Mean Dog', a Rottweiler-pit bull-Doberman mix introduced to the press corps approvingly by Tom Ridge (May 21, 2003)[11].
In the United States, "pit bulls" are the breed of choice for dog fights, due to their strength, courage and dog-aggressive tendencies. Although dog fighting is illegal in the United States, it is still practiced, and is usually accompanied by gambling. In the United States Commonwealth of Virginia, for example, it is a felony to organize, promote, be employed by, or wager on a dogfight, whether one is physically present at the fight or not. Laws vary in other states, but most states have some laws to address dogfighting.

The term "game-bred" may be used as a code for a fight dog, but sometimes merely refers to a dog that is very determined to complete a task - be it a race, weight pull, or unfortunately even a fight. "Pit bulls" are often brutalised and abused to make them "mean", and may be terribly maimed or killed during the fight [20]. A few centuries ago, it was common to pit these dogs against Pumas and wolves. Pitting them against boars is still carried out in some places.

Dog fighters are the minority among pit bull owners. Most people who own these breeds direct their dogs' plentiful energy toward nonviolent athletic tasks. Some people train their pit bulls for dog agility. Others involve their pit bulls in weight pulling competitions, obedience competitions or schutzhund. The pit bull often excels at these sports. Out of the 17 dogs who have earned UKC "superdog" status (by gaining championship titles in conformation, obedience, agility, and weightpull), nine have been "pit bulls." Unfortunately pit bulls are increasingly being prevented from participating in these events, due to the introduction of local legislation requiring the breed to be muzzled and on leash at all times when in public - with no exceptions for dog sports or obedience competitions.

Although negative information about "pit bulls" is widespread, there are also many positive stories. Some work in hospitals and care facilities as certified therapy dogs, many are well-loved family pets, and some have even saved people's lives. There are many incidences of "pit bulls" being productively employed by U.S. Customs [21], as police K9s [22] and as tracking K9s in various Search and Rescue organisations [23].

A rescued "pit bull" called Popsicle is a United States Customs dog, and is famous for sniffing out one of the biggest cocaine busts in FDA history. [24]

Another little known fact is that the dog who has obtained the most titles of any dog of any breed, ever, was an American Pit Bull Terrier. Bandog Dread (Ch Bandog Dread, SchH3, IPO3, WH, WDS, CD, TD, U-CDX, S.D.-ducks/sheep) owned by Dianne Jessup has obtained multiple titles in conformation, competition obedience, Schutzhund, weightpull and herding.

In February, 2006, New Yorker magazine writer Malcolm Gladwell published an article surveying the research on pit bulls which concluded that legal attempts to ban the breed were both crude and unnecessary.


I personally think that Pit bulls are one of the greatest dog breeds here today. I understand that some people dislike pitbulls, especially if they were "attacked" by one. I myself, had to have stiches after an incounter with a pit( hey i was 3, and it was my fault, i was feeding him and my hand strayed to his dog food.he was not my dog but my half sister's father's dog..) but i don't blame the dog, it was my fault not his. He actually toward the end of his long life, saved my life along with my mom's and my unborn sister's life. There are however many celebrities that like and have pit bulls. For example,
Jamie Fox has two
Did you know that Helen Keller's family pet was a pit bull?

Answer 2

The answer is in the name!

Simply put the dog was bred to fight in the pit. This makes for a savage dog given the right condition. Of course I agree with you the owners 90% of the time are to blame. They encourage the dog to be aggressive with obvious outcome. I guess people are afraid of the power and aggression of the dog. I would like to think that even a pit bull lover could understand this genuine fear. I have read many Internet sites and believe me not everyone does hate pit bulls. Any dog given the right circumstances can be scary. I have an Akita. I would not like to be attacked by an Akita either. They are big, powerful dogs. But hey I can see why people would be afraid of him and I MAKE THE EFFORT TO SOCIALIZE HIM WELL AND KEEP HIM ON A LEAD AROUND OTHER DOGS AND CHILDREN. It is my responsibility not the dogs to ensure safety. Maybe the question should be why do owners of possible attack dogs not understand the fear of everyday people. Both sides need an open mind but the person holding the pit bull has the biggest responsibility................I hope you agree, at least in part.

Answer 3

If you love them I'm sure there are others who do too. Several years ago, though they received a bad press due to thelarge number of pitbulls that had attacked people and left them permanently disfigured. Asyou say they can be ok but are less reliably so than many other breeds.

If you understand the danger you are in a good position to correctly train and control your Pitbull so that the public image of such breeds may improve.

Unfortunately some less worthy owners choose Pitbulls and similar breeds precisely because they can be used to intimidate people.

Answer 4

I totally agree with you, but I also agree with statements some of the others have made. Loyal, smart, friendly, but strong, and a long line of danger in their genes. Owners should be experienced handlers, and should not have children around them as sadly, it's the "friendly family pet' that generally turns bad. Not always, but that is what is shown through the media. People are scared of what they have been told is dangerous.
I own a bullmastiff, and her head resembles a pit; you wouldn't believe the number of people that shy away from her simply because they think she's a pit. When they find out otherwise, they are more than glad to pet her. It's sad. The dogs aren't to blame. They are what we have made them. My son is 7 and he absolutely loves them. To him, love is not breed specific, and it should be that way for all of us.

Answer 5

They've gotten a bad rap because they are very strong, have been bred to be aggressive and often have owners that either abuse them or can't handle them properly. I think pitbull owners should be required to undergo training for themselves and the dogs....and maintain a certain level of training. That goes for all "aggressive" breeds. Many people don't realize how much work it can take to keep these dogs wonderful family members.

Answer 6

I have a pit bull and think they are awesome dogs. My dog, Sadie, is very friendly and loving. I also have 2 smaller dogs and Sadie has never shown any aggression towards either of them. However, this breed is very high energy and sometimes displays aggression towards smaller animals.Therefore, I would not recommend this dog to just anyone. Pit bull owners must be willing to spend the time to properly train their dogs and be able to have them under control at all times.

Answer 7

The word "hate" should be replaced with another word. Words screw up our emotion senses. We always hear the bad about anyone or anything thing. We have the choice to believe what we hear or the choice to find out what happened. The breeders have a great deal to do with the behavior of pit bulls.
Look up Pit bulls on the web and the information will answer all questions. owners are responsible to research a pet before they get one. I love a pit bull.
Regardless how much you love them. Learn their behavior.

Answer 8

Not everyone is Ignorant. I breed pitbulls for tempermant and for all you idiots on here who have never owned a pit,never had a bad encounter with a pit or just too stupid to understand you have issues. Get to know a pit that someone hasnt neglected or trained wrongfully and I am sure you will get a different aspect. Dont go off someones word because you are too scared or ignorant to know any better. Punish the Deed not the BREED!

Answer 9

Because people are narrow-minded and think that a few bad dogs represent the whole breed. I have known poodles that were much more vicious than pit bulls that I have known!

I wish people would give them a chance too! They really are a great breed!

People just stereotype without knowing all of the facts or even taking a chance to see (or believe) that there are very sweet loving, loyal pit bulls out there that would never harm ANYONE!!!

Answer 10

Yes you are right the dog has a bad rep due to owners making them aggressive and now due to this a pittbull can not be adopted out in certain states they are put down and sad to say alot of rescue group even try to egnore them because of there history and all we here is oh he has pit in him I have had plenty of pitt mix that are wonderful loving animals that are now adopted and being loved

Answer 11

Because of ignorance and people just believing what they hear on the news. Its the same principle that not all people of certain race are bad just because a few that step out of line. The only sad thing is that it is people who make an aggressive dog, the dog only knows what he has been taught to do. My Pit Bull is the biggest baby who loves everything and everyone yet because of a stereotype people are terrified of him. It is a shame that we as the superior being can be so ignorant.