Why do people like pit bulls?

Question

Is it for self defense, intimidation, or just general insecurity about themselves?

Answer 1

All of the above! It really depends on what type of person owns them. Some guys do it to look tough, some think they are good guard dogs, and some really appreciate the strenght of the breed. What some people dont undersatnd is that they can be so dangerous. It seems like every story you hear is bad, and the dog that attacked had never shown that side. They can be a mean agressive dog, but I am sure there are still some sweet tempered dogs out there. The basic rule should be that they need to be kept away from little ones, or kept under close supervision. Our town actually has an ordinance that the owner must pay a $500 registration fee, and keep 1 million of liability insurance....that says a lot about how people feel about the breed.

Answer 2

Known for their intelligence and loyalty American Pit Bull Terriers make excellent, loving and protective companions despite the unfair press they receive. A common question regarding the APBT is, "How is this breed different from the American Staffordshire Terrier?". In the eyes of the United Kennel Club, they are the same breed, but many disagree. Some AKC-registered American Staffordshire Terriers are dual-registered as American Pit Bull Terriers with the UKC; however, this draws criticism from many who point out that the bloodlines have been separate for too long for these to be considered the same breed. The AKC, on the other hand, does not allow a UKC-registered American Pit Bull Terrier to be registered as an American Staffordshire Terrier. To be dual-registered, the dog must first be an AKC-registered American Staffordshire Terrier and then it can be registered with the UKC as an APBT -- but not vice verse... Choose from a responsible breeder and make sure the puppy is properly socialized and handled. Solid training will produce a tranquil, good, obedient, companion dog.
Stop reading or listing to the media and do some work so you can see that these are great dogs. You now may take your foot out of your mouth and go to these web sites and do some reading. These are just a few of the web sites out there that can show you how great the breed is.
By the way pits really do not make good guard dogs get a doddie or a German shep. for that

Answer 3

Many of my friends have taken in pit bulls. It is true, as most people have stated here, they are very loving dogs and good companions. I have never seen or heard of any complaints about this dog breed. I know a close friend of mine loves wideness of there faces. Others get them for security, even thought the dogs are usually not aggressive there reputation alone prevents people from breaking in. Many have the misconception that they are mean and cannot be trusted but like most dogs as well as many different kinds of pets, the owners determine the personalities more than anything. If they treat the animal bad they will come out mean. I think the largest reason people fear pit bulls is because of there power and strength they contain in their jaws. Once these dogs lock their jaws it is almost imposable to break there grip. This is what I would say is largest reason for these dogs being segregated out of the reset for dog fight and guard dogs.

Answer 4

Don't lump all Pit Bull owners together. I think you are referring to the 'thug' type of owners, who only account for the most media-recognized population, unfortunately. The majority of Pit Bulls that are properly raised are living peaceful lives with their families in unrecognized bliss. They fetch balls in their backyards with the family kids, go for a morning jog with dad, do the same things everyone else's dogs do everyday. Some are even pet therapy dogs that visit sick & elderly people in hospitals and nursing homes. I mean really, do you think that the "Little Rascals" kids were in any danger working for years with Petey ( who was a Pit Bull)? He showed how smart, loving, and trainable the breed can be.

Every time the bad media coverage causes too much heat for the thug owners & city councils ban a specific breed, the thugs move on to the next breed (from Dobermans, to Pit Bulls, to Rottweilers, to Cane Corsos, to ???) and the good dogs & their families suffer the consequences. This must stop. Please don't perpetuate this wrong way of thinking - BREEDS are not dangerous, it is the thugs that make them that way. Breed bans do not work (they only penalize the good with the bad), and there should only be non-breed specific dangerous dog laws. If ANY breed or mix is a problem, it should be dealt with as an individual - and the bad OWNER should be BANNED from owning dogs.

Besides, how would you feel if your breed of choice was targeted? Think it is only tough-looking breeds that get banned? The Labrador Retriever and English Springer Spaniel have actually been banned in some US cities.

Answer 5

It depends on the character of the owner.

I personally like dogs that can both be excellent family pet and a good guardian of the home. I think there are numerous dogs that fit this desire and the pit bull is one of them.

The pit bull is very loyal to it's family and owners. They are loving dogs that want to please. The problem with pit bulls is there aggression to other dogs. Ofcourse some owners will use the pit bull image to intimidate other dog owners, I have had this happen to me. Again though, you cannot blame the breed for this.

Answer 6

All three reasons you mentioned and then some. In america the Pitbull is an image of intimadation and power. Way too many owners use this image to promote violence and negativity. Any REAL owner of a bully breed can tell you that these dogs are loving, caring friendly animals. When will vicous people stop attacking pitbulls and when will ignorant idiots stop using pitbulls for their own insecurities? Punish the deed not the breed and for sure punish the person!

Answer 7

Not everyone that owns a pit bull is doing it because they think they need a tough dog. Pit bulls can be wonderful family pets (and they should be family pets) and companions. It is all in the training-if you train your dog (any breed) to attack and be overly protective, perhaps then you have some insecurities about yourself, but saying that only that type of person buys a pit bull is a stereotype and a stupid one at that. Pit bulls are wonderful dogs (and NO, I don't own one, so I'm not biased).

Answer 8

Pit Bulls are great looking dogs, and can be as loving as any other. Why do people hate Pits so much is the real question. Too many people have heard bad things, Pits just get picked on.

Answer 9

read the magazine from your pet store on 'Bully Breeds" they can be quite wonderful dogs.
I have every reason to have mixed emotions about these dogs - my registered dachshund was killed by a pit bull last summer - that was rescued from the fight ring.
But my son has a beautiful pit (aka: American Staffordshire Terrier) named Emma, she is a very mild, loving dog. She is not intimidating, and for self defense, she would probably lick you to death.
You have to ask yourself the same question about any breed of dog - why would anyone want a St. Bernard? Why would anyone want a chihuahua?

Answer 10

Pitt Bulls have gotten a bad reputation because thier natural attributes have been exploited. Pitt Bulls have extremely strong jaws and are naturaly inclined to fight other dogs, dog fighters use Pitt Bulls for this reason. Because Pitt Bulls are used as fighting dogs everyone gets the wrong idea about the wonderfull Pitt Bull breed. Pits are notorious clowns, and will Always make you laugh, even in spite of yourself. They are intelligent, and will often "invent" games to keep themselves amused. They seem to subsist on love and attention, and will do almost anything for a little special "loves n hugs" time. They tolerate the rough play of children, loving every minute of it, and, although poor "guard dogs" for property, they will willingly give their lives to save the people they love.