could anyone tell me the temprement of an american pitt bull terrier ( around children)?

Question

my daughter has a 16month baby, they have just bought an american pittbull, because of recent attacks on children im very concerned about the child,

the dog is only 8wks old, but my granddaughter is always grabbing it for a cuddle, the dog has nibbled at her fingers a couple of times, even though the teeth are like needles is it showing signs of aggresion of playfulness,

Answer 1

It depends on how the dog was trained.

Answer 2

No animal is ever 100% predictable. We are about to get a cocker spaniel, a breed that is supposed to be good with kids, but would still never leave it alone with a baby.

It is unwise to get a dog that was bred for fighting as a family dog. Although the way a dog is raised has a lot more to do with its temperment, the way a dog has been bred is important too. Pitbulls have been bred to fight and therefore have aggressiveness bred into their gene line. I could tell you about a gorgeous bull terrier I know that wouldn't hurt a fly, but another family friend had to rush her 18 month old to hospital because the dog attacked it. There is very little way of knowing with this type of breeds.

Children and animals can mix, but only when a great deal of thought has gone into it.

Answer 3

The whole "Pit bull will kill your children" is a myth. Pit bulls are very strong and protective dogs and if not properly trained and bred can cause problems. Pit bulls are actually wonderful dogs for kids. They are loyal, playful, and very loving and protective of their families. I have 6 pit bulls (I work for a pit bull rescue) and one of my dogs is a certified therapy dog for my towns childrens hospitol. He loves kids and definately has a way with making them happy. Now you do have to make sure that the dog is properly socialized with the child at a young age. Also get the dog trained in obedience by a professional trainer. These dogs that you hear about in the news and paper are usually the victims of abuse and improper training and major lack of care. Pit bulls that grow up in a home with love and proper care will turn out to be the greatest dogs. I hope that this little guy can help to make your views on his breed better and give your family the love and companionship that I know he is capable of doing.

Answer 4

Dogs need to be treated well, if the dog is mistreated it may attack you. Dogs have evolved as pack animals that like to roam and scavenge, this means if you lock it up all day or only take it out when you can be bothered, the dog will get frustrated and irritable. People are very cruel to dogs without realising it, they need lots of exercise, especially big dogs and pit bulls.

Pit bull terriers are no more vicious or no less affectionate than any other dog; but they are the kind of breed used for fighting. If you mistreat your dog or let it fight other dogs for sport then you will have an aggressive and dangerous animal and frankly you deserve to be attacked by it.

All happy dogs are great with humans.

Answer 5

Each animal is different regardless of breed, however, any dog can be untolerable of a child or baby. Most young children and especially babies are used to pulling up on things, chewing on them, and putting things in their mouths. I personally would not have a pitbull around a baby but I am not sure I would have any animal around a baby at such a small age. Allergies are also a factor sometimes...

Answer 6

I would not trust one at all. Even when they have been very well trained they can be very unpredictable. No childs life is worth putting at risk.

I hope they know should the dog attack the child they may well end up in prison. It would not be the first time. I was reading a few months ago about a pit that killed a little girl (5 years old I think) The grandmother whom the child lived with and her uncle who owned the dog who lived with them too are on manslaughter charges. I hope it would never come to this, but they should be prepared.

Answer 7

My sister has had 2. They were great with her kids. The breeder/ lines are important. Where they come from.
Although I could not walk right into my sisters house her dogs always were "very" sweet once inside. Her kids tumbled over, pulled the tail, ears, (when her son was 2 and 3), the dogs just kissed.
With "any" big dog / or any animal for this matter, should "never" be unsupervised with a young child.

Answer 8

It's 8 weeks old-far too young to be aggressive.All puppies are a bit mouthy.

Pit Bull's are as good around kids as Staffies and staffies are the best family dog around.

The main thing is to train and socialise it well as any puppy should be.

Answer 9

As a pitt bull owner, I can say that, if properly trained, they are great in family situations. However, pitt bulls are NOT for novice dog owners...they can be very stubborn and difficult to train. Your daughter will need to invest A LOT of time in this dog...Make sure she does some research on the breed to be sure she can handle the demands of owning a Pitt

Answer 10

According to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS), american pitt bull terriers are nice, polite and non-aggressive. They do not have aggression toward humans (actually, they are eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm) , and have always been noted for their love of children. However, possession of this breed is banned in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act in 1991.

Answer 11

How a dog is raised is what matters, not the breed. Take a look at these kids and their dogs, who happen to APBTs http://www.pitbulls.iwarp.com/photo.html

These dogs are not unpredictable killers, bigotry crosses species lines. These dogs were not bred to kill (contrary to the myth people keep perpetuating, I find these people usually dont have any personal experiences with pits whatsoever)

You should take care with any dog and a child that small, you will have to train you dog and child to be 'gentle' with each other.

***ETA
I am a nurse, and our very best therapy dog is an Am. Staff, she is a dream dog. I have had experiences with good and bad pits, as well as almost every other kind of dog. How a puppy is trained and raised determines what kind of dog he will be.