Pitbulls are often misunderstood, but they're actually one of the sweetest breeds out there.
They're known for their gentle nature, which makes them a great fit for families with kids. In fact, pitbulls are often referred to as "nanny dogs" because of their patient and nurturing personalities.
Their calm demeanor is partly due to their history as working dogs, bred to be gentle and even-tempered. This temperament has been passed down through generations, making pitbulls a popular choice for families and first-time dog owners.
Pitbulls are also highly intelligent, which means they're relatively easy to train and can learn quickly.
Consider reading: How Often Should I Bathe My Pitbull Dog
Pit Bull Basics
Pit bulls are a breed with a rich history, dating back to the late 19th century.
Their origins are closely tied to the development of the bulldog and the terrier.
Pit bulls are known for their muscular build and athletic ability.
They come in a variety of coat types and colors, including fawn, brindle, and blue.
Pit bulls are often misunderstood and stereotyped due to their reputation, but in reality, they are a loving and loyal breed.
Care and Upkeep
Pitbulls need a securely fenced yard to exercise, with strong and tall sides that can't be tunneled under. They require daily leash walks and a harness that limits their ability to pull the handler.
Time in the yard should be supplemented with games, agility, obedience, and scent work to engage their mind and body. Pitbulls excel at weight pulling and may or may not like swimming.
Coat care is minimal, with occasional bathing and weekly brushing needed. They don't like extreme cold or heat, so their routine should be adjusted accordingly.
A daily routine of short brushing sessions using a comb or rubber curry brush is recommended to maintain a shiny coat. A short daily routine will also stimulate the oils in their skin, keeping it healthy.
Pitbulls can be bathed as often as once a month if they need it, but every couple of months is usually enough. Be aware of their response to cold or heat and adjust their routine accordingly.
A daily walk, maybe even twice a day, is essential for a Pitbull to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. At least 30-45 minutes of medium to high level physical activity will result in a happy Pitbull.
Dog Health
Pitbulls are generally very healthy animals, living up to 13-14 years on average with few serious issues.
You'll be happy to know that with proper care and attention, your Pitbull can live a long and healthy life. To start, it's essential to be aware of some common health issues that can affect the breed.
Hip dysplasia is a known issue in Pitbulls, where the hip joints don't form properly, leading to painful arthritis. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent or manage this condition.
As a Pitbull owner, you should also be aware of skin allergies, which can cause intense itching and irritation. Ichthyosis, a congenital skin condition, can also cause dry, scaly skin.
Providing shade and plenty of water during hot summer months can help prevent heat sensitivity in your Pitbull. This is especially important for short-haired dogs like Pitbulls.
A well-balanced diet and regular exercise can also help prevent weight issues in Pitbulls, which can lead to obesity-related conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
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Training Your
Training your Pitbull is a great way to channel their energy and intelligence into positive habits. They make great agility dogs due to their brightness and eagerness to please.
It's essential to start their training early to contain their strength and exuberance. A consistent and assertive owner is key to setting the ground rules and getting them used to new situations.
Positive reinforcement is a must when working with a Pitbull puppy. Use firm and consistent reinforcement to help them navigate new sounds, people, and animals.
A well-socialized Pitbull is a happy and comfortable companion. They should be able to behave on the leash, accept other canines, and respond to your command.
With patience and practice, you can get your Pitbull to be a well-behaved and loving member of the family.
Additional reading: Pitbull Dog Training
Pit Bull Community
Pit bull-type dogs make up over a quarter of the total dogs cared for by the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, with 747 pit bull-type dogs being cared for in 2022 alone.
A different take: What Dogs Get along with Pitbulls?
You can directly impact the lives of pit bull-type dogs by adopting, fostering, or volunteering at the shelter. Your love, care, and companionship make a world of difference for these dogs.
Educating yourself is a great place to start. Best Friends Animal Society and the ASPCA offer robust resources from reputable studies and outlets with everything you need to know about pit bull-type dogs.
The City of Tacoma passed new rental housing legislation in July 2023, prohibiting landlords from enforcing breed restrictions. This is a step in the right direction, but other jurisdictions still enforce ineffective breed-specific legislation.
Intriguing read: Tri Color American Pitbull Terrier
Pit Bull Myths and History
Pit bulls have a reputation for having locking jaws, but that's just a myth. There's nothing anatomically different about a pit bull's jaw - they can't lock.
Pit bulls are also often seen as unpredictable, but that's not entirely true. The popular notion is that pit bulls can be fine their entire lives and suddenly snap, but that's no more likely to happen with pit bulls than it is with any other breed.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is technically the only true pit bull, and it's a breed with a rich history. Originally used for bull- and bear-baiting, pit bulls were later bred to fight dogs in an arena.
A unique perspective: American Pit Bull Terrier Colors Brindle
Pit Bull History
The American Pit Bull Terrier is technically the only true pit bull, although the American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are often referred to as pit bulls.
Pit bulls were originally used for bull- and bear-baiting, and later were bred to fight dogs in an arena.
They had a fabulous reputation early on and were considered the ideal family pet because they were so good with people.
Petey from The Little Rascals was a pit bull.
Helen Keller, President Theodore Roosevelt, and Fred Astaire all had the breed as family pets.
The tide turned in the late 1990s, when pit bulls became popular among people who weren't focused on the positive attributes of the breed.
A fresh viewpoint: Pitbull Dog Family Tree
Pit Bull Myths
Pit bulls don't have locking jaws - there's nothing anatomically different about their jaw structure.
Like other terriers, pit bulls are more likely to grab a hold of something and shake it, which can be a challenge for owners to break up a fight.
Pit bulls aren't inherently unpredictable - the idea that they can be fine their entire lives and suddenly snap is no more likely to happen with pit bulls than with any other breed.
Pit Bull Ownership
Pit Bull Ownership is all about understanding the needs and characteristics of these amazing dogs. Pitbulls are loving, loyal, bright, fun, and energetic dogs that respond well to their training, a firm owner, a calm, loving home, and positive reinforcement.
To be the best human for your Pitbull, you'll need to regularly exercise them to keep them happy and healthy. Regular exercise is a must for Pitbulls.
A firm owner and calm, loving home are essential for a Pitbull's happiness and quality of life. With a little time and effort, you'll have a happy, loyal, and confident family dog.
Setting boundaries and teaching obedience are crucial for Pitbulls, as they respond well to positive reinforcement and consistent training.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls good with kids?
Pit bulls are known for their gentle and patient nature, making them a great match for families with children. They are excellent companions for kids of all ages, providing affection and protection.
Are pit bulls loving dogs?
Yes, Pit Bulls are known for their loving and loyal nature, making them excellent companions. They are often too people-oriented to be effective guard dogs.
What type of pitbull is the friendliest?
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is known for being a friendly and gentle breed, making them a great choice for families with children. They thrive on companionship and are often described as "nanny dogs" due to their patient nature.
Sources
- A-Z Animals - American Pit Bull Terrier (a-z-animals.com)
- United Kennel Club - American Pit Bull Terrier (ukcdogs.com)
- petMD - American Pit Bull Terrier (petmd.com)
- European Bully Kennel Club - American Pit Bull Terrier (ebkc.org)
- Needs of the Pitbull-Type Dog (rescueapittie.org)
- American Temperament Test Society (atts.org)
- American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org)
- study by the AVMA (avma.org)
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA (aspcapro.org)
- Best Friends Animal Society (bestfriends.org)
- Grit City pitties merch (hstpc-store.myshopify.com)
- “Pit Bull: The Battle Over an American Icon,” (amazon.com)
- Bad Rap’s (badrap.org)
- here (whatapittie.org)
- The Pit Bull Friend and Killer (si.com)
- Vicktory Dogs (barkpost.com)
- Bad Rap (badrap.org)
- Best Friends Animal Society (bestfriends.org)
- Pit Bulls: What's Hype, What's Not (webmd.com)
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