| American Pit Bull Terriers: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about American Pit Bull Terrier personality and behavior. |
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My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the American Pit Bull Terrier, including these excerpts:
"It often surprises people to learn that this extremely muscular dog with the impressive, confident presence is so easygoing.
A well-bred American Pit Bull Terrier is a dependable, good-natured, loyal companion.
Athletic and agile, with finely tuned reflexes, he must have moderate daily exercise to maintain his splendid muscle tone.
Companionship is even more important, and extensive ongoing socialization is paramount. His attitude toward strangers varies from exuberant face kissing to polite reserve, and guarding instincts vary from high to nil, with some lines being much stronger tempered than others.
His attitude toward other canines, however, is another story. His ancestry dictates a strong-willed, no-nonsense kind of dog who does not take kindly to being challenged by other assertive dogs. If confronted, he will readily engage.
Though some individuals live peacefully in a house full of pets, there is always the risk that dormant animal prey instincts may suddenly flare into deadly combat.
Pit Bulls can be stubborn, yet they respond well to confident owners who know how to establish and enforce rules of expected behavior.
Because of public/media prejudice, he should be trained through at least basic obedience and always leashed outside of his yard. Every well-behaved Pit Bull seen on the street can help counteract anti-breed sentiment."
History
The American Pit Bull Terrier was developed from tough working terriers and old-style bulldogs, and used for dogfighting.
Size
18-22 inches and 40-80 lbs |
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American Pit Bull Terriers
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
- Is medium to large, muscular and powerful
- Looks imposing, so makes an effective deterrent, but is usually non-aggressive with people
- Thrives on vigorous athletic activities
- Has a sleek, easy-groom coat that comes in many colors
An American Pit Bull Terrier may be right for you.
| If you don't want to deal with... |
- Legal liabilities (public perception, future breed bans, insurance problems, increased chance of lawsuits)
- An extremely careful search to avoid all the nasty, neurotic Pit Bulls
- Providing extra amounts of socialization and training to make sure your dog turns out well and counteracts the bad press
- Aggression toward other animals
- Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
- Destructiveness when bored
- Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
- Shedding
An American Pit Bull Terrier may not be right for you.
| If I were considering an American Pit Bull Terrier... |
My major concerns would be:
- Unstable temperaments. American Pit Bull Terriers are a dime a dozen today, and most of them are bred and offered for sale by people who don't have the slightest idea of how to breed good-tempered dogs who can function in our society. Obedience instructors and behavioral consultants see LOTS of Pit Bulls with flat-out dangerous temperaments. It is difficult to find a responsible breeder when one has to sort through all the hype from macho breeders who boast about their dogs' "power" and "invincibility."
- Extreme animal aggression. Most Pit Bull Terriers are aggressive toward other dogs. Many have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures, including deer and livestock. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.
| To keep your Pit Bull in, and to keep other animals out, fences should be high, with wire sunk into the ground along the fence line to thwart digging. Gates should have the highest quality locks. |
- Providing enough socialization. Most American Pit Bull Terriers are friendly, but some have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they could become suspicious of everyone, which could lead to aggression toward people.
- Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. American Pit Bull Terriers are powerful dogs who MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing. Bored Pit Bulls are famous for chewing through drywall, ripping the stuffing out of sofas, and turning your yard into a moonscape of giant craters.
| If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in weight-pulling, or agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or schutzhund (protection), or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed. |
- The strong temperament. American Pit Bull Terriers are not Golden Retrievers. The best Pit Bulls are versatile working dogs, capable of learning a great deal, but they have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. They can be manipulative, and many are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
- Bounciness Young Pit Bull Terriers (up to about two years old) can be bulls in a china shop. When they romp and jump, they do so with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people.
| If you have small children, or if you or anyone who lives with you is elderly or infirm, I do not recommend Pit Bull Terrier puppies. The temptation to play roughly is too strong in many young Pit Bulls. |
- Legal liabilities. American Pit Bull Terriers are already targeted for "banning" in certain areas. Homeowners' insurance policies may be refused or revoked if you are discovered to own a Pit Bull Terrier. Your friends and neighbors may be very uncomfortable around this breed. In this day and age, the legal liabilities of owning any breed that looks intimidating and has a fighting heritage should be seriously considered. People are quicker to sue if such a dog does anything even remotely questionable.
| Frankly, most American Pit Bull Terriers are "too much dog" for the average household. Very few people really have the knowledge or skills necessary to manage this breed, or to provide the type of activities that keep him satisfied. |
| Not all Pit Bulls are alike! |
- There are energetic Pit Bulls, and placid Pit Bulls.
- Hard-headed Pit Bulls, and sweet-natured Pit Bulls.
- Serious Pit Bulls, and good-natured goofballs.
- Introverted Pit Bulls, and Pit Bulls who love everyone.
| If you acquire an American Pit Bull Terrier puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." |
| If you're considering an adult Pit Bull... |
There are plenty of adult American Pit Bull Terriers who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
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