Pit bulls have something of a bad reputation, but they’re a sweet breed that doesn’t deserve the amount of scrutiny they sometimes receive. Initially bred as nanny dogs with the skills necessary to properly protect human infants, pit bulls have since been used by many as illicit fighting dogs.
But that doesn’t do justice to the bright and vibrant personalities of pitbulls. Whether you’re an individual or a family, there are a lot of things to love about this sweet but rambunctious breed. Here are the basics so you can decide whether or not a pit bull is the right pet for your home.
Don’t Expect a Guard Dog
The reputation that pit bulls have of being vicious dogs means that many people adopt them in the hope that they’ll be good guard dogs. The fact of the matter is that they’re simply too nice for the job of guard dog. If someone was to break into your home, the typical pit bull will simply greet them with joy and excitement.
But Do Expect to Battle Misconceptions
Prejudice against pit bulls and other bully breeds are very real. Many houses and apartment complexes throughout the United States have bans on pit bulls and similar breeds — and it’s not unusual to face ugly comments out and about. A pit bull raised well is one of the most loyal dogs you can ever have, but public misconceptions do make life a little more difficult for pit bulls and their parents.
And Enjoy Unconditional Love
People may be prone to judgement against the breed, but pit bulls love practically unconditionally. This is one of the most affectionate breeds on the habit, and they can be a great choice for families just as long as both they and the children are raised in a way that’s respectful of one another.
That’s Sometimes a Little Rough
Most pit bulls would never hurt a human being, but they sometimes don’t know their own strength. These are big dogs, and while the risk of an accident is low, it is important to teach them good habits early on.
Perhaps most importantly, this means helping them learn their own strengths. If you adopt a pit bull as a puppy, you’ll want to make sure that they learn how to use their jaw. Pit bulls can lock on to prey and never let go, but that’s generally a habit that you’ll want to dissuade them from.
And Need a Great Deal of Attention
Pit bulls are very big dogs. As a result, they have a whole lot of energy to run off. Whether you adopt a pit bull as a puppy or a full-grown dog, make sure that you have a yard or at least easy access for somewhere to walk. A pit bull needs robust and daily exercise. But they’re also incredibly affectionate and very clever, so mental and emotional stimulation also needs to be a part of their regular diet.
Just be sure to not overdo things with the exercise. While pit bull puppies are hyper-active, those energy levels will fluctuate and eventually recede over time. A pit bull will need activity for the rest of their life, but you need to carefully monitor their behavior to avoid wearing them out.
A pit bull can be one of the best pets you can ever have, but this is a relationship where you need to give to get in return. Pit bulls’ infectious enthusiasm can be overwhelming, but by setting good boundaries and thinking through the process, you can find your best friend.