Pitbulls are often misunderstood, but their loyal temperament is one of their best qualities.
Their history as nanny dogs is well-documented, with many families relying on them to care for their children in the early 20th century.
Pitbulls are naturally gentle and patient, making them an excellent choice for families with small children.
Their calm demeanor helps to create a sense of security and comfort for kids, allowing them to feel safe and protected.
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Pitbull Nanny Dog Pictures
Pit Bulls were increasingly bred as pets in the 19th century, particularly for working-class families.
They were recognized for their "nanny dog" qualities, making them ideal in homes with children.
Famous figures like Theodore Roosevelt, Helen Keller, Thomas Edison, and Fred Astaire were Pit Bull owners and supporters during this time.
Pit Bulls were even featured in media, including in the "Our Gang/Little Rascals" films and the Buster Brown comic strips.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club described the breed's love of children, referring to them as "nursemaid dogs" in the 70s.
Pit Bulls were used in advertisements as patriotic symbols during WWI and WWII.
Temperament & Intelligence
American Pit Bull Terriers are complex dogs with varying temperaments, which have led to many misunderstandings over the years. Genes affect how a dog acts, but how the dog is raised also matters. They can be naturally aloof or aggressive toward other canines, making them not a great choice for multi-dog households.
Pit Bulls are affectionate and friendly, loving people and making great family dogs for those with older kids. They can be a bit goofy too! They require consistent training and socialization from an early age.
Pit Bulls are intelligent, eager to please, and love to make their humans happy. This makes them easier to train. However, consistency is vital.
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) tested pit bulls and found that 87.4% of pitties passed the test, scoring higher than golden retrievers! Here's a comparison of the results:
Pit bulls are energetic, athletic dogs that require a lot of activity and playtime. They're ideal for active people who love to exercise and do sports.
Grooming and Care
Grooming your pitbull regularly is essential to keep their fur and skin healthy. Brushing them at least once a week or daily if they're shedding profusely will help remove dust and dirt.
A grooming glove is often the best choice for de-shedding, but a soft bristle brush is fine if they're not shedding much. They may need a bath every 2-4 months, depending on how dirty they get outside. Brushing your dog regularly spreads their natural oils.
Pitbulls are strong and can be stubborn if left to their own devices, so regular exercise is a must. Expect to spend about an hour a day walking, playing with, or exercising your pitbull. Regular exercise will help keep them happy and healthy.
Here are some key grooming tasks to remember:
- Brush your pitbull's teeth regularly, ideally a few times a week.
- Trim their nails regularly to prevent overgrowth and pain.
- Check their ears and eyes regularly for signs of infection or irritation.
Grooming
Grooming is an essential part of caring for your American Pit Bull Terrier. Regular grooming helps keep their fur and skin healthy, and it's a great way to bond with your dog.
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Their short fur sheds, but it's so short that they don't produce much fur. Brushing them at least once a week or daily if they're shedding profusely is a good rule of thumb.
Use a grooming glove for de-shedding, or a soft bristle brush if they're not shedding much. Regular brushing sessions can remove dust and dirt that might have accumulated over the week.
Their coats are pretty good at staying clean, but they may need a bath every 2–4 months, depending on how dirty they get outside. Don't bathe them more than once a week, or you can strip away their natural oils.
Trim their nails regularly, as overgrown nails can be very painful and even splinter. Brush their teeth regularly, too – a few times a week is best, but more is even better.
Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste, as human toothpaste contains harmful ingredients. Start grooming early, even if your dog doesn't need much as a puppy, to help desensitize them to grooming.
Here's a quick grooming checklist:
- Brush at least once a week
- Trim nails regularly
- Brush teeth a few times a week
- Bathe every 2–4 months
- Clean ears with a cotton ball and gentle ear cleaner
Care
American Pit Bull Terriers need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Expect to spend about an hour a day walking, playing with, or otherwise exercising this dog.
They're strong for their size, but can be stubborn if left to their own devices. Begin obedience training early and continue it throughout the dog's life.
American Pit Bull Terriers don't tolerate cold well, so they're best suited as house dogs. Even in warmer climates, they'll do best indoors.
They form strong attachments to their families and will suffer if left alone for long periods.
A fresh viewpoint: Pitbull Strong Dog
Interesting Facts
Pitbull nanny dogs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They make great companions for families with children.
Pitbulls are naturally protective of their families, but they are not typically aggressive unless provoked. Their calm demeanor makes them an excellent choice for households with kids.
One of the most interesting facts about pitbull nanny dogs is that they are often described as " Velcro dogs" due to their tendency to stick close to their owners.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Pit Bulls Nanny Dogs Myth
Three Little-Known Facts
Here are three little-known facts that might surprise you.
Did you know that the shortest war in history was between Britain and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896, and lasted only 38 minutes? It's a fascinating piece of history that's often overlooked.
In the article, we discussed how the ancient Egyptians used a 365-day calendar that was remarkably close to the actual solar year. What's even more impressive is that they were able to achieve this accuracy without the benefit of modern technology.
The longest word in the English language, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling very fine particles of silica. It's a mouthful, isn't it?
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Quick Facts
The Pit Bull is a medium-sized breed, with males standing 18-19 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 35-60 pounds, while females stand 17-18 inches tall and weigh 30-50 pounds.
These dogs are known for their short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, white, brindle, and red.
The Pit Bull is a relatively long-lived breed, with an average lifespan of 12-14 years.
Here are some key statistics about Pit Bulls at a glance:
Pit Bulls are also known for their affectionate, loyal, playful, and intelligent temperament, making them great companions for many families.
Myths and Adoption
Pit Bulls are often misunderstood, and one of the most common myths is that they're not good with children. However, this couldn't be further from the truth.
The fact is, Pit Bulls are naturally gentle and patient, making them an excellent choice for families. In fact, 86.8% of American Pit Bull Terriers passed tests that measured their stability, aggressiveness, friendliness, and protectiveness.
Many people believe that Pit Bulls are naturally aggressive, but the reality is that they're just as likely to be friendly as any other breed. For example, 85.2% of Golden Retrievers and 80.1% of Collies passed the same tests, yet they're not often associated with aggression.
It's ironic that one of the most tolerant breeds is now portrayed as the most dangerous, leading to the euthanization of an estimated one million Pit Bulls each year.
What Are the Myths?
Pit Bulls are often misunderstood, with many myths surrounding their behavior and temperament.
They are frequently portrayed as aggressive and dangerous, but the truth is that Pit Bull attacks on humans are rare, accounting for only a small percentage of the approximately 4.5 million dog bites that occur in the United States each year.
One of the most persistent myths is that Pit Bulls have locking jaws, but this is simply not true. Their jaws do not lock, and they do not even have the most powerful bite among dogs, that distinction belongs to German Shepherds.
Many people believe that Pit Bulls are naturally aggressive, but in reality, 86.8% of American Pit Bull Terriers passed tests that measured their stability, aggressiveness, friendliness, and protectiveness, which is comparable to breeds like Golden Retrievers and Collies.
Pit Bulls are often euthanized because of these misconceptions, with an estimated one million Pit Bulls being euthanized each year, accounting for 40 percent of all dogs euthanized by shelters annually.
It's ironic that one of the most tolerant, patient, and gentle kinds of dog is now portrayed as the most dangerous.
Where to Adopt Out a Pet
If you're considering adopting a pet, there are many wonderful shelters and organizations to explore. The Humane Society is one such option, with over 600 local shelters and wildlife rehabilitation centers across the US.
Adopting from a shelter can be a cost-effective way to bring a new pet into your life, with many shelters offering low-cost or even free adoption fees.
Some shelters, like the ASPCA, have a wide range of animals available for adoption, including dogs, cats, and even horses.
You can also consider adopting from a rescue group, which often specialize in specific breeds or types of animals, like the Labrador Retriever Rescue.
Shelters like the Best Friends Animal Society also have a strong focus on community engagement and education, making them a great resource for learning about pet care and adoption.
What Does 'Actually' Mean?
I've seen many people get confused about what "actually" means in a sentence. "Actually" is often used to clarify or specify the meaning of a word, like in the case of the term "Pit Bull", which is not a distinct breed but rather an umbrella term that refers to several different breeds.
The term "Pit Bull" is often misunderstood, but it's essential to understand what it actually means to make informed decisions. A "Pit Bull" is not a specific breed, but rather a group of breeds that include the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Bully Dog, among others.
Being clear about the meaning of words is crucial, especially when it comes to adoption. Misunderstandings about a breed can lead to misconceptions about a dog's temperament or needs.
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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 an excellent choice for families with children. They are naturally protective, yet affectionate, making them ideal friends for kids of all ages.
Sources
- https://www.ukcdogs.com/american-pit-bull-terrier (ukcdogs.com)
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/american-pit-bull-terrier (petmd.com)
- https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/americanpitbullterriers.html (yourpurebredpuppy.com)
- Animal Farm Foundation (animalfarmfoundation.org)
- Pit Bull Project (pitbullproject.ca)
- Pit Bull Rescue Central (pbrc.net)
- Why Are Pit Bulls Called Nanny Dogs? (adoptapet.com)
- Old photos of the “Nanny Dog” – Staffordshire Bull Terrier (wordpress.com)
- Share on Pinterest Pinterest (pinterest.com)
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