Are pitbulls really a bad dog to have?

Answer 1

Any pit owner will tell you they are the best!!!

Most loyal loving creature you could imagine and I am not a pit owner.

Answer 2

I didn't read all of the answers in the list, and I am sure I am repeating someone else's answer, but I felt I had to repeat it once more, just to get the point across to those who did answer "they are more agressive/stubborn than other dogs".

THIS IS NOT TRUE!

The media loves to put pitbulls in the spotlight only because of the recent history of lowlives who feel compelled to own them and use them for dogfighting dogs.

Pitbulls, on the contrary, are very lovable, kid friendly (yes, I said *kid friendly*) family dogs. The have a great ability to remain gentle despite their size and train reletively easily.

The fact that they train easily is more than likely why lowlives enjoy owning them, as you can train a dog to do anything you wish, either to be family friendly or vicious attack dogs.

Statistics are that small 'lap dogs' are the most apt to bite people, as owners commonly think since they are so little and cute, they would never become aggressive. In turn, these little dogs grow up completely untrained and turn out biting everyone they come in contact with. The term 'ankle biter' did not come from them being friendly, trained dogs!

You will never see 'Savage attack poodles on the rise yet again' in the news headlines only because it just doesn't have the audience attracting power as does the current ignorance of pit-bulls.

If you have children, want a family, have other dogs or simply want an easy to train, gentle dog, a pit bull will be a good choice.

If you want a second opinion, I suggest you call your local homeowners insurance agent and ask him about insurance claims on dog bites, you will see pit bulls well below many other 'cuter, more cuddly' dogs in the list.

Answer 3

Only if you are using the dog as a "status symbol" or for fighting.

A little history on the breed. It is the first breed to be 100% American. They were used in both World Wars as service dogs (soldiers) and saved numerous soldiers lives. Petey, from the Little Rascals, was a pit bull, as was Nipper the RCA dog. Early in the 20th century, they earned a nickname of babysitter dog, since they would watch young child, esp on farms.

The dogs were bred from older breed, such as the bull terrier. Dog aggression is in the genes, NOT human aggression. Here is why.... In a dog fight, you would wash your opponent's dog. This would confirm that no poisons or ill tasting substance was placed on the dog, causing an unfair advantage. If the dogs were human aggressive, this would not work, and the dogs were put down.

The pit bulls that are human aggressive now, are caused by bad breeding and inhumane treatment.

Their jaws DO NOT LOCK! That is a myth. They do, however have a very powerful bite & heavy facial muscular development, making it difficult to dislodge them.

They have a high pain tolerance, which benefitted them in fighting. That why you can see them horribly injured and they still keep going.

BSL does not work (Breed Specific Legislation). You know the 1# dog responsible for bites in the US? Poodles.. yup, poodles. 2nd is LABS... Pits are 8th. The reason you don't hear about the poodle bites in the news? They don't sell newspapers...

Almost 1/2 million (500,000) Americans die every year from cigarette related disease. Alcohol & alcohol related fatalies (DUI) cause almost another 100,000.. How many people in the US die every year from pit bull attacks??? Hold your breath folks...



ONE! Yes.. .one.. which would you ban!

Answer 4

I am not really sure...I think that most of it has something to do with the way you raise the dog and how you socialize it as a puppy..But they do have the tendency to turn on anyone, even you! If they come from a strong bloodline of "fighters", then be very prepared for the dog to act almost the same way..I know that in Louisiana we could not put insurance on our house as long as we had a pit living with us..So, needeless to say, we had to give her back to the people that we bought her from

ON THE OTHER HAND, I looked it up on a site and here is what I found:

That sly smile, those determined eyes, that unwaning pleasure to please... the mere quality and characteristics of the APBT have evoked more human emotional, rational, and irrational response than any other breed that exists today. By no means are these dogs people-haters or people-eaters. Their natural aggressive tendencies are toward other dogs and animals, not people. However if they are properly socialized they will not even be aggressive with them. These are truly quality companions for quality owners only! The American Pit Bull Terrier is a good-natured, amusing, extremely loyal and affectionate family pet, which is good with children and adults. Almost always obedient, it is always eager to please its master. It is an extremely courageous and intelligent guard dog that is very full of vitality. Highly protective of his owners and the owner's property, it will fight an enemy to the death. It is usually very friendly, but has an uncanny ability to know when it needs to protect and when everything is okay. The American Pit Bull Terrier can be willful and needs a firm hand. They are generally okay with other pets if they are raised with them from puppy hood. For the most part they are very friendly, but not recommended for most people. Excellent with children in the family, they have a high pain tolerance and will happily put up with rough child play. As with any breed, they should not be left alone with unfamiliar children. Originally used as fighting dogs, the powerful American Pit Bull may go for the throat of strange dogs. A minimum of training will produce a tranquil, obedient dog. Socialize very thoroughly when young to combat aggressive tendencies and be sure to keep the dog under control when other dogs are present. It has given outstanding results as a guardian of property, but is at the same time esteemed as a companion dog. When properly trained and socialized, this is a very good dog and a great family companion. Unfortunately, some choose to promote the fighting instinct in the breed, giving it a bad name.

Answer 5

That depends on a few things. Who owns the parents? What are the parents like? What are the owners like? Is the breeder registered with the AKC (if in the US) and most importantly what are you like? Do you want the dog so you can look tough in your neighbourhood? Or are you planning on showing the dog, maybe even professionally? How much research have you done about the breed? See? Lots of things to consider... I prefer to say that there are no bad dogs, just bad owners and that is why you are asking this question. The bad owners have given this breed it's bad name..

Answer 6

Pit Bulls (the American Pit Bull Terrier) are awesome dogs! They are usually super friendly and love people. Sometimes they can be a little wary of other dogs, but with proper socialization as puppies they can be wonderful with other dogs. They do have the potential to be very dangerous dogs when the people that own them neglect them, do not socialize them or purposely train them to be aggressive. If you are interested in owning a Pit Bull, look up a responsible Pit Bull rescue in your area that does behavior analysis before adopting out. There are so many of these dogs in the pounds, shelters and humane groups and they are wonderful, loving pets.

Answer 7

First and foremost, I love dogs, having had at least one, most of my life. And while we "lovers of dogs" sometimes give them human characteristics, they are still canines and will protect their territory and of course, no matter the breed, don't get between them and the dog dish.

If you were to compare a pit bull to a human, you might think of them as the roman gladiators of old. Perhaps not a perfect illustration, but I use it for this reason.

The gladiators were men, but unlike other men they were taught, (sometimes from birth) to be ruthless. The question is this, if these men had been raised to be docile, would that take, or was there the seed of the gladiator in all of them.

In my opinion, and that’s all this is, they had the seed within them; however it was enhanced (flourished) by training.

With Pit Bulls, I’ve met some that are very sweet, and I’ve walked by yards where… had the dog gotten out, I’m sure I’d not be sitting here writing this. So overall, I don’t think Pit Bulls are bad, but I do believe they have “the seed of the gladiator” within them. Knowing that seed is there, it falls on the owner as to what he/she teaches them

Answer 8

no they are not. almost all the various dog breeds are not bad. it just depends on how you treat them. pitbulls are said to be bad because it has become a stereotypical thing. they were used for fighting and some of their owners maltreat them just they will become vicious. in general pitbulls are really loving dogs and protective of their owners just like rottweilers. i have a rottweiler. people get scared when they see him till i ask them to come pet him and then they change their behavior all of a sudden and start talking about how they thought they mean and vicious dogs. in short you make your dog what you want it to become.

Answer 9

They are not really bad dogs. It's bad owners who use them for bad purposes. They are physically strong and can be stubborn and because originally they were bred to fight other dogs, some (but definitely not all) can be dominant or aggressive with other dogs. They need owners who are committed to training them, treating them well and loving them. Because they have such a bad rap, a pit bull really has to have good behavior and training to be accepted today's society - and that means a pit bull needs a committed and loving owner.

Answer 10

1. Depends on how you train it.
2. Depends on how much and how well you socialize it.
3. Depends on genetics.
4. Depends on what age the pup is taken from mom and litter.
5. Depends on if the dogs is spayed/neutered or not.

A lot of factors contribute to ANY dog's behavior, temperement, etc. This is not just limited to pit bulls.

http://www.libertydogtraining.com

Answer 11

I personally don't think they are bad dogs. Bad dogs arn't born they are raised. My neighbor has Pitbull. Biggest baby you've ever seen. I'd love to have one but they have now been banned in the city I live. Stupid if you ask me because now they will look for soemthing else to ban.