Facts About Pitbulls
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Introduction
As an animal lover, this was not an easy subject for me to research, however I felt it was necessary to tackle this issue. There are many myths about these lovable dogs and unfortunately, they are also the most commonly abused.
Because of prejudice against pit bulls, they are frequently unwanted, euthanized and denied by shelters. They are the dogs preferred by people who breed dog fighters, which reinforce stereotypes against these dogs. I would like to share with you the truth about pit bulls, why these animals deserve better treatment from humans and why you should consider adopting a pit bull.
Are Pit Bulls Dangerous?
Do you know that saying about there being no such thing as bad children, just bad parents? The same could be said about people who own pit bulls. Pit bulls are not dangerous dogs. There is no proof to back up that they are dangerous.
The American Pit Bull Terrier (more commonly known as the pit bull) is one of the dogs studied by The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS). In 2004, pit bulls received a passing score of 83.4%. The average score was 81% and the pit bull's rate was higher than the average. Pit bulls were rated highest on temperament compared to popular breeds such as the laborador retriever, collie and cocker spaniel.
Pit bulls are strong, muscular dogs with a high tolerance for pain (this does not mean that pit bulls do not feel pain). Because of these reasons, there are idiots out there who train these dogs to be vicious and aggressive. People who use pit bulls in dogfights use them because of these traits and because a pit bull's nature is to please. If a pit bull's owner wants him or her to fight, the pit bull will fight. They will do almost anything to please their master.
Bottom line is that there is no such thing as a dangerous breed. Behavioral problems and violent tendencies have to do with the way an animal is raised and not due to breed.
Adorable Pit Bull Puppies
The History of Pit Bulls
Pit bulls were originally bred as hunting dogs. They were bred to be strong and hunted big animals such as bear, boar and bull. The Irish immigrants brought their pit bulls with them to America. In the early 20th century, pit bulls were very popular dogs and many American families had a pit bull as a pet.
During World War I, the pit bull was used to represent America. The pit bull was the official mascot for Buster Brown Shoes and RCA. Petey from Our Gang (The Little Rascals) was a pit bull. America truly loved the pit bull.
Pit bulls started getting a bad rap because of people. Some people want a pit bull because they appear as strong and tough dogs. These people train their pit bulls to be aggressive at an early age. Pit bulls are not the first dogs to get a bad reputation. Rottweilers, german shephards and doberman pinschers are just a few other dogs that are - or have been - labeled as dangerous and aggressive.
Breed Characteristics
Pit bulls are medium sized dogs that are about 18 to 22 inches long and weigh about 30 to 85 pounds. They are short haired and coat color varies. Pit bulls are athleltic with a solid and muscular build. Pit bulls have square heads and strong jaws.
Pit bulls are very energetic and need a lot of exercise. Due to all the energy a pit bull has, they may not be a good breed for certain people. A bored pit bull may tear your house apart. It's important that your pit bull has a yard and a lot of activity.
They are loyal companions, intelligent, social and love being around people. Pit bulls must be trained as early as possible. Since pit bulls are such powerful dogs, they must learn as puppies that you are the boss. An adult pit bull that is untrained will be impossible to control.
Famous People Who Love Pit Bulls
Helen Keller owned a pit bull. So did pioneer girl Laura Ingalls Wilder. Her pit bull's name was Jack and he is frequently mentioned in her books.
Here are some other famous people who own or have owned pit bulls:
Brad Pitt
Alicia Silverstone
Fred Astaire
Rachel Ray
Madonna
Theodore Roosevelt
Thomas Edison
Jon Stewart
Barbara Eden
Bernadette Peters
Usher
Sir Walter Scott
Judd Nelson
David Spade
Jessica Beil
Woodrow Wilson
Michael J. Fox
Mel Brooks
Rescuing, Adopting and Helping Pit Bulls
A great place to start is the Humane Society. You can learn more about pit bulls, volunteer and / or donate money to help save these amazing dogs from further abuse.
If you know of dog fighting going on somewhere, please contact the Humane Society at 1-877-TIP-HSUS. The Humane Society offers rewards to people who report dog fighting.
If you would like to adopt a pit bull, please check out a shelter and not a breeder. There are many homeless pit bulls you can save from a shelter. The American Pit Bull Advocacy Site can help to get you in touch with shelters in your area.
Check them out at http://www.bull911.com/.
Love dogs? Check out my hub on uncommon dog breeds:
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Hi SKCandles, thanks for commenting. I agree with you. Strong dogs like pit bulls need to be trained very young. As long as they are trained properly and in a loving environment, there is no harm in having a pit bull as a family pet.
My friend has a rottie, and he is a great dog. But she took him to obedience since he was little, which was a condition of the adoption.
As a dog groomer, I agree - we even own a pit-boxer mix. I know pomeranians and chihuahuas which are incredibly mean and aggressive (bad parenting) and yet all of the pits we know were raised around kids and are incredible sweet and smart. Breeds get a bad rap because of a few unfortunate press reviews. It would be a shame indeed if these dogs were outlawed.
Anyone who suggest that a pit bull is somehow more dangerous than Labrador is the same type of person that would think that blacks are not the equal of "whites." It's disgusting.
Hi Sarahredhead, thank you for commenting. Yes, it would be a shame if pit bulls were outlawed. I live in Chicago and they have been talking about doing it for some time now. The media has also been misleading people. It's all just so sad.
Wesman Todd: I could not agree more and I am just as disgusted! Thanks for commenting!
I had a pitbull and she was the best decision I have ever made. She was a great family dog.
Thank you for commenting Jillianvue. I'm sure she was a great dog!
Great hub! Up & awesome. :)
Thanks Mr. Grimwig!
i just want to pop in and say amazing article; i am glad to see not only my self thinks the owner that determines the dog. read my article on why terriers make good pets here http://nspeel.hubpages.com/hub/Terriers-make-great
Thanks for reading Nspeel :) I'm off to read yours. I like terriers a lot!
i have had pitbulls and all were loving and sweet the owners need to train them up that whats important
Good information. Thanks for educating people about pit bull terriers!
Your welcome. I feel like this is a topic that needs to be addressed. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Hi amymarie, great hub about these very beautiful dogs, it is such a shame that they have to pay for stupid greedy people who made these dogs vicious and aggressive and now made all Pit Bull dogs bad dogs,i think it is so unfair to label all Pit Bulls as bad dogs,it's the bad people that made them that way.
Vote up and more!!!
Hi Kashmir56,
Pit bulls are beautiful and wonderful dogs to have. They've always been among my favorites. It's time that people realize that the reason pit bulls have such a bad reputation is due to people. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts. I appreciate it tremendously!
at this present moment i own a pitbull and she is awesome .im training her to obey which isn't hard to do since they are loving dogs so whoever doesn't own one i got something to say "GET ONE NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Thank Lovelace. I agree. Pitbulls are the best!!
Very nice, well written hub! Voted up! I am sharing on my Canine Connection page on Facebook.
Hi Dubuquedogtrainer,
Thank you for reading and sharing. I appreciate it greatly and will be checking out your fb page.
I got a bunch of good information from this thanks
I have a pit bull he's nice most of the time
SKCandles Level 2 Commenter 13 months ago
I fully agree that it is the owners that cause the problems, not the dog. That said, I think people who get these dogs should have to take them to obedience class to learn how to communicate with them properly.