The American pit bull terrier is by far the most misunderstood dog breed. This is due to negative media hype about the breed, stereotypes about the Pitbull breeds, and misinformation that is commonly spread by ignorance of the breed. Here are some commonly asked questions about pit bulls and answers from an experienced pit bull breeder, owner, and trainer that has been hand raising
Pit bull Facts & Answers
Here are some questions about pit bulls and answers from experienced pit bull breeders, pit bull owners, pit bull trainers, and experienced judges.
Is Pit bull a dog breed? Is a Staffordshire bull terrier a pit bull?
There are three dog breeds which look quite similar and often referred to as a Pit Bull. The American Staffordshire Terrier is the largest, American Pitbull Terrier is medium in size and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the smallest. A mix breed amongst these often look quite similar with little variations and can be generally referred to as Pit Bull mixes.
Are Pit bulls Dangerous Dogs? Are Pit bulls naturally aggressive?
Yes and No. Are pit bulls naturally mean, dangerous, or vicious? No, they must be raised this way intentionally by their owner. Can they be mean, dangerous, or vicious? Yes, if these dogs are in the wrong hands, are not socialized properly, or are intentionally made to be this way by the owner, they can be dangerous. While it is highly illegal to raise these dog to fight other dogs, or guard drug houses, or attack people, it is still being done. Fortunately, it is only done by a very small percentage
While it is highly illegal in many places to raise pit bulls to fight other dogs, or guard drug houses, or attack humans, it is still being done. Fortunately, it is only done by a very small percentage of dog owners. The majority of pit bulls are not mean, dangerous, or vicious: When socialized with other dogs and people when they are puppies, they are an extremely lovable dog breed that can be trusted around other people and dogs of all ages.
Are Pit bulls smart?
Yes, pit bulls are a highly intelligent dog breed.
Are Pit bulls trainable?
They are highly trainable, have the ability to learn complicated tasks, and perform excellently as search and rescue dogs.
Can Pit bulls be kept with other dogs?
It will depend on how the pit bulls and other dogs in the pack are raised. This is true for every dog breed. Either the pit bulls or the other dogs can be the source of the two not getting along. However, if both dogs fight, it often results in the pit bull hurting other dogs and is blamed for starting the fight.
If Pit bulls are socialized properly when they were young, they will get along fine with other dogs of all sizes. If you are interested in getting a pit bull and already have other dogs, it would be best to buy a puppy and socialize them daily.
Why do pit bulls attack?
Over aggressive Pit bulls are raised, trained, and socialized improperly. Properly socializing your dog includes taking your Pit Bull puppies to the dog park, participating in training classes, and making sure your dogs are around people and dogs of all ages when they are young.
Can a Pit bull attack its owner?
No, pit bulls are a highly loyal breed. If this ever occurs it is due to poorly raising and socializing the dog and would be a very rare instance.
Another reason can be if the owner is interacting with a sexually charged up dog or a dog who does not consider the handler as a superior. Many Pitbull breeders invite Pitbull males into their kennel for mating. These males are in a new place and handled by new dog handlers. Instances of attacks on humans are possible in such a scenario. If you have brought a male Pitbull for breeding, be aware that you are not the master in the dog’s eyes.
Do Pit bulls kill people?
This is a myth. Even when raised improperly, pit bulls will not kill a person. When they attack, it is due to them being raised and socialized improperly by the owner. The reason that they can hurt people more than most other dog breeds is the fact that they have strong jaws and have a bad reputation due to which victims are in shock.
Why are Pit Bulls infamous?
Pit bulls have a bad rap due to negative media hype, stereotypes, and a small portion of bad Pitbull owners. Media usual portrays this breed as monsters because it makes a good story. These stories are usually exaggerated, and in some cases the dog in story isn’t even a pit bull or is a pit bull mix. For the majority of the breed, they are lovable and trustworthy dogs.
Do Pit Bulls have locking jaws?
No, they do not have locking jaws.
Are Pit Bulls banned in USA?
No states have enacted breed-specific laws, or BSLs, banning pit bulls. However, there are over 700 U.S. cities in 40 states that have enacted these bans. Additionally, appellate courts in 12 states have upheld the constitutionality of breed-specific pit bull laws, including Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, New Mexico, Ohio, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.
Both large urban centers and smaller, more rural communities, cities and municipalities across the United States have enacted pit bull bans. These cities include Denver, Colo., Miami, Fla., Cincinnati, Ohio, Yakima, Wash., Kansas City, Kan., Independence, Miss., Council Bluffs, Iowa and Jacksonville, Fla.
In some places, entire counties have enacted bans, including Prince George’s County, Md., and Bracken County, Ky., San Francisco enacted a pit bull sterilization law and several other California municipalities have enacted a similar spay-and-neuter laws.
While breed-specific laws were invented to regulate pit bulls, several U.S. cities have expanded these laws to incorporate other supposedly aggressive dog breeds. Pit bulls, however, continue to be the focal point of BSL laws because they are the most common and are widely believed to have a negative impact on communities.
Are Pit Bulls banned in UK and Europe?
The Pit Bull is banned in UK. and most of Europe.
Where are Pit Bulls banned internationally?
The following countries either ban pit bulls completely or place strict conditions on Pit bull ownership, rescue and importation: Argentina, Parts of Australia, Parts of Austria, Bavaria, Belarus, Parts of Belgium, Bermuda, Parts of Brazil, Parts of China, Parts of Canada, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Guyana, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Parts of Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Venezuela.
Please Note: Though Pit Bulls are banned in several places, they are great dogs and amazing companions. There are many good things (even plants!) banned in several places due to the bad press associated with it.
Are Pit Bulls safe to keep with kids?
Generally, Pit Bulls are safe to keep with kids they have been raised with. It is important that the kids does not disturb a sleeping dog, does not snatch the dog’s food, do not poke fingers in the dog’s eyes, etc. It is best to judge their relationship slowly. Every dog is unique, as is every kid.
Are Pit Bulls unpredictable dogs?
It’s the owner not the breed. This is 100% true. The Pit Bull is a very dependable and predictable dog breed. A Pit Bull will be as good or as bad as his owner. If you know your dog, you can predict how he will react in almost all situations. This will prevent any untoward incident.
What should I feed my Pit Bull?
Feeding your Pit Bull puppy: Although it is obvious, it is very important to feed good quality balanced diet. Do not feed excess protein rich food or extra calcium. Do not supplement with anything that will accelerate growth at an early stage. Accelerated growth leads to weak bone structure which becomes a problem in the adult dogs. Feed puppy food till the age of about 8 months. After that feed Junior food up to 2 years. The Pit Bull will be an adult at 2 years. Feeding an adult Pit Bull: You should decide the diet of your Pit Bull depending on his activity level. Generally, feeding less is often always healthier than feeding more. A thin Pit Bull will live longer than a fat one.
Which Pit Bull colors are rare?
White Pit bull is rare.
What is a red nose Pit Bull?
Red Nose Pit Bull or Old Family Reds are from Ireland. A true Red Nose Pitbull will have a red coat, nose, lips, toenails, and red eyes.
What is a blue nose Pit Bull?
Blue nose Pit Bull is generally blue all over (pic above), may or may not have a blue nose. The Blue color is quite rare amongst dogs.
Is there a miniature Pit Bull?
Staffordshire Bull Terriers look like mini Pit Bull Terriers! They are liked by dog loving families as they are good with kids in the family.
Is there a giant Pit Bull?
American Staffordshire Terriers are generally larger and more muscular than the American Pitbull Terriers. Pitbulls mixes with Amstaffs combined with selective breeding for size produces larger looking dogs called giant Pitbulls.
Do Pit Bulls shed?
Pit bulls only shed a very small amount of hair. Generally shedding is not a problem with Pit Bulls. If you are worried about having hair all over your clothes and home, you don’t need to worry. If you have a blue nose pit bull or dark haired dog, it will even be less noticeable. With regular brushing once a month, you will never notice any shedding. American Staffordshire Terrier and the smaller Staffordshire Bull Terrier shed less compared to the American Pit bull Terrier.
At what age is a Pitbull fully grown?
Pit bulls stop growing at around 2 years of age. However, they tend to thicken up until they are around 3 years old.
When does a pit bull mature?
Pit Bulls reach sexual maturity at around 18 months and can start breeding after this age. Pit bulls usually go into their first heat around 9 months. After that, they will go into heat about every 6 months. If you are breeding your pit bull, it’s not recommended to breed them under the age of 18 months old. Many responsible Pit Bull breeders start breeding after 2 years after the dog’s growth is completed.
When do Pit bulls lose their teeth?
They start losing teeth at various ages. Playing rough and chewing bones can cause them to come out prematurely. However, most start to lose their teeth in the 3-4 month range and are done teething by 6-8 months. The molars are usually some of the last to come out. Most of the other teeth are usually already their adult teeth.
Do you have to cut a Pit bull’s tail?
No. Having the tail for balance is a must. A pit bull puppy can have it’s ears cut anywhere from 9-13 weeks of age. The time frame varies according to the vet that you are using but this is the optimal timeframe. This in no way is done for fighting purposes.
How long does a Pit bull live?
An American Pit Bull Terrier can live anywhere from 8 to 15 years.
I adopted a pit bull named Millie. She is about 3 yrs old. Lately she has been getting a little aggressive towards our cats. We think she is getting possessive of myself that she is scaring the cats and attacking our other dog. Is there a way to stop this ? we love her but this has to stop
Start training your dog, consider if something new or out of the ordinary happened that caused your dog stress.
Pitbulls are fun, affectionate dog breed with a long, impressive and sometimes misunderstood and misrepresented history. They’re intelligent, active, funny, and all-around adorable. They’re also frequently cursed in the media due to harmful and pervasive myths, and no matter how great your dog is, chances are you’ll encounter somebody who thinks poorly of him just cuz he is a pitbull! You can help change public opinion about pitties by learning all about them and helping show off their true, wonderful natures to the world.
A true story.. It all happened pretty fast.. the neighbor’s pitbull came out of the open front door growling, my two leashed pitts started to bark and lunge, and I tripped on the curb as I backed onto the opposite sidewalk, falling down and accidentally dropping the leashes.
Suddenly my dog Radar, a fearful little rescue with scars on his face, was bolting across the street towards another tough-looking dog, and there was nothing I could do to stop him. My good dog Ralph retreated to the sidewalk and lay down, as if to say, I can’t watch this. Radar chased the neighbor dog inside the house, and I prepared myself for the worst. Although Radar has never been in a fight, I didn’t know the neighbor dog, and they were both so worked up, it seemed something terrible was about to happen.
Thankfully, once they found themselves in the living room, they seemed too stunned to do anything else. My boyfriend grabbed Radar and carried him outside just as the neighbor finally came around the side of the house with her baby on her hip, having missed the entire ordeal.
In the end, nobody was hurt. My neighbor and I apologized for our respective dogs’ behavior, and I made a mental note to finally enroll in that dog training class I’d been considering for months. I need to make sure something like this never happens again.
All dog lovers owe it to their pets to be responsible, attentive guardians, but pit bull parents have an even more important role: to be a breed ambassador for these marvelous, misunderstood dogs.
Being a pit bull guardian can be challenging, but the rewards are endless, and you’re guaranteed a lifetime of love.
As a former pit owner, I like to say that raising a pit bull is like raising a child. Each dog is different as is each child. If you bring up a poorly disaplined, rude, willfully destructive, child, don’t be surprised when he bites someone. If you love your pitbull, the easiest way to get him hurt or killed is to encourage him to be aggressive. Above all, you MUST be the one in charge, ALWAYS. But remember, some dogs do tend to be quicker on the temper than others. And then consider gender. Male dogs that I have seen have tended to be more focused. While females , though generally smarter overall, tend to have a mind of their own. Again, children and dogs. Lol.
My bro has 2 male Pitts,here lately they are killing thing possum,raccoons,they have attacked other dogs and tore each other up,my bro has livestock they chase,he has raised them as babies they sleep with him,but the fight at the drop of a hat,in order effort him to srparate them he has to beat them to get them to let go,isn’t this the wrong thing todo,I’m afraid they will turn on him while fighting they have bit other people who try to separate them both dogs jumped a blu healer that has a bad leg,they would have killed it had we not jumped in, what should be done with them,,I’m scared to take children there,if they were to bit a kid they would be dead,
Hello Deb,
We assume that your bro’s pitbulls are not neutered (fixed). Please receive the following details.
For most people, pitbulls are a breed of dogs that are very aggressive in nature. At any moment, they will be going to attack people without signs or warnings. However, this perception remains a myth. In fact, compare to other breeds, pitbulls are actually less aggressive to people. This reduction in their aggressiveness is usually one of the benefits of neutering a pitbull which we can elaborate more as we go on.
Pitbull dog breed aggressiveness should not merely be based on its breed. Factors that usually affects the dogs’ behavior are tailored by the following:
Reproductive status
Sex
Early experience
Socialization/ training
Studies show that unneutered male dogs are generally involved in more than 70 percent of all dog bite cases.
Compared to neutered dog, an unneutered male dog is 2.6 times more likely to bite.
97 percent of dogs involved in fatal attacks on people were not sprayed or neutered.
Based on the facts stated above, neutering a dog is a good help that affects their behavior. Aside from that, reducing the risk of your dogs’ potential testosterone-related issues is also one of the benefits of neutering a pitbull. Having to know these facts, may be one of the questions that keep running in your brother’s mind would be “Should I neuter my pitbulls?”
As a pet owner, it should be your sole decision and answer your own question of “Should I neuter my pitbull?” It is also part of your responsibility to keep your pitbull healthy. To help you decide and get more information about the benefits of neutering a pitbull, let us dig deeper and keep on reading further…
WHAT IS NEUTERING?
Neutering is generally a term that describes a surgical procedure involving the removal of testes, testicular blood vessels, and the spermatic ducts. In short, neutering is a procedure of removal of the reproductive organ of male dogs including the pitbulls. Another term for neutering is also known as castration.
Neutering is carried under general anesthesia. Since it is a surgical procedure, it also entails some risk. But worry less because there are modern techniques that are very safe. They may also be some discomforts for your pitbull. However, specific drugs can be given to control those discomforts.
After given an anesthesia, the scrotum of your pet is incised. Through that incision, the testicles are removed. Then the stalks connected to the testicles are cut. Most of the times, incisions need some stitches to close and easily heal.
Neutering male pitbulls is usually done between 5 to 9 months of age. Remarkable benefits of neutering a pitbull at this age are increasing the safety of anesthesia concerns and surgery recovery time. A procedure like this done at this age reduces the testosterone before the onset of any bad behaviors.
Male pitbulls recover more quickly after neutering. And neutered male pitbulls are considered sterile after around an average of two to four weeks. At this point, it is important to separate a neutered male pitbull from any female counterparts in heat. Through this, you may ensure that pregnancy will not occur.
Still unable to answer your own question of “Should I neuter my pitbull?“, well, let us move on to the next topic and see what are the benefits of neutering a pitbull.
BENEFITS OF NEUTERING YOUR PITBULLS
Neutering your pitbulls provide many good reasons. However, neutering makes your dog unable to reproduce and any behavior related to the breeding process. Below are the most commonly noticeable benefits of neutering your best bud.
1. REDUCES THE POPULATION OF HOMELESS PETS
There was once a time when numbers of unwanted and stray animals are growing. Even local shelters are not enough to cater all those stray animals. Neutering your pitbulls may help to reduce the population as also increasing the available shelter for animals.
2. REDUCES SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
Unneutered male pitbulls have the tendency to jump into other dogs. Although this behavior also comes out from neutered pitbulls, it shows that the reason behind this behavior just roots from over-excitement or lack of exercise. Also, the dog may not be trained properly that this is an unacceptable behavior. Aside from training, neutering may also help to reduce it.
3. REDUCES THE PREVALENCE OF CANCER
If you are still asking yourself if “Should I neuter my pitbull“, well, listen to this! Neutering your pitbull reduces the chance of developing testicular cancer. A study shows that about 7% of unneutered male dog develop a testicular tumor.
4. REDUCES OTHER HEALTH ISSUES
Aside from preventing cancer, there are also other beneficial health effects noticed in neutered dogs. This includes the decrease in the risk for diabetes, reduces prostate disorder, and also a reduction in perineal fistulas.
5. IMPROVEMENT IN OVERALL BEHAVIOR
One of the remarkable difference between neutered and unneutered pitbulls is the need to “roam“. Signs of this behavior is tunneling under fences and leaping over gates. Aggression is also reduced when your pitbull undergo neutering as this may also reduce dog bite incidents.
6. ELIMINATES THE “MESS FACTOR“
Mating in a furry world is a messy thing. Aside from the release of male as it ejaculates, the female also experiences menstruation. As neutering reduces the testosterone level or reproductive hormones in pitbull’s system, the likelihood of mating may also be reduced.
7. REDUCES THE “MARKING TERRITORY“
Have you noticed, not only for pitbulls but all male dogs in general, that when they pee, they usually lift their leg? This gesture of male pitbulls is commonly known as the “marking territory” which is driven by the testosterone. Pitbulls, includes all dogs in general, have this perception of the higher they spray their urine, the more impressive they are to other dogs. Since, neutering reduces, but not totally eliminates, the amount of testosterone in the pitbulls body, leg-lifting is also reduced and become less noticeable.
8. RE-FOCUS YOUR DOG’S ATTENTION
Unneutered male pitbulls and other dog breeds are always on the lookout for potential mates and rivals. This is the reason why most of the unneutered male dogs pay too much attention to other dogs. Through the process of neutering, it helps to break your dog’s over attention on other dogs. Thus, teach them to re-focus their attention on us as their pet owners.
9. REDUCE SEXUAL FRUSTRATIONS
There are studies that show that unneutered pitbulls have a higher tendency to be sexually frustrated. Neutered pitbulls do not when their pet owners do not allow them to mate. Since their testosterone level are reduced by neutering, their hormonal driven urges are not present. That’s why pitbulls tend to focus their attention on their human family aside from that reproduction stuff.
10. SAVES MONEY
Neutering procedure lets you spend money for the surgery itself. However, letting your male pitbull unneutered have the tendency to result in pregnancy during his encounter with a female counterpart. Pregnancy cost and taking care of those little puppies are more expensive compared to letting your pitbull undergo neutering.
THE RISK OF NEUTERING
Now, we already have an idea about the good things that neutering can offer to our buddy. It is time for us to know the risk that it can bring to our doggy. As responsible pet owners, we need to know all this before coming up with a decision if “Should I neuter my pitbull?”.
1. TRIPLES THE RISK OF OBESITY
Neutered pitbulls have the higher chance to become overweight. This happens even if they are given the same amount of food as before undergoing this procedure. Scientific reason behind this is the changes in hormonal set-up. Your pitbull doesn’t require as much food after neutering because hormonal changes also affect the metabolism.
But, remember, your pitbull’s obesity does not merely because of neutering. Pitbulls who are lazy has a higher tendency to gain fats easily. Better engaged your pitbull in light to moderate exercise.
2. TRIPLES THE RISK OF HYPOTHYROIDISM
Reproductive hormones such as the testosterone play a role in the endocrine system. Reducing the testosterone level may result in low thyroid level. This causes weight gain that’s why it is also associated with obesity. Luckily, thyroid supplements can treat this.
3. INCREASE THE RISK OF HIP DYSPLASIA, TORN LIGAMENTS, AND BONE CANCER
Again, testosterone of your pitbull also helps in the proper development of their bones and joints. Their leg bones have a higher tendency to grow uneven due to the decreased level of reproductive hormone. Due to this low level of testosterone, your pitbull has a 4 times risk of developing bone cancer.
4. INCREASE THE RISK OF GERIATRIC COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Just like the other risk of neutering that is caused by the reduction of testosterone, it is said that the reproductive hormone also plays a role in protecting the brain. Decrease level of testosterone can contribute to the development of dementia as your pitbull grows old.
5. IT REQUIRES GENERAL ANESTHESIA
About 20% of neuter procedures develop at least one of the following complications. This includes a bad reaction to anesthesia, infection, or abscess. Luckily, less than 5% of this are serious ones. And the death rate is only less than 1%.
Cheers Deb, we sincerely hope this helps.
I have a med pit bull, raised her from a pup. I fell into severe depression after the death of my son, became withdrawn. I felt my dog was not happy so I gave her to a family with others, this is now 2 years. Lately, I decided I need her back in my life. My question is, will my dog remember me? Would it be an injustice act of me to remove her from the home she now knows? I am a loner, will she become miserable? Please reply to my concerns, I have no one for guidance on this matter. Thank you.
Though I wasn’t away from my Pitt for 2 years, I was away for almost 2 months. He definitely remembered me. He also definitely internalized my absence, probably thinking he did something wrong. Within hours he was happy, excited, playful. He got his mama back and I had my baby back. When I’m depressed, withdrawn, anxious, sad, crying or any other feeling of despair he literally hugs me. He sits beside me and leans his head on my chest as if to say “I got you, mama. I feel your pain, mama. Please let me help”. He is absolutely my soul mate. Said to be 100% pitbull but I swear he’s 50% angel. I swore I’d never form a bond with another dog after my first, Rocky, died in ’93 and then Brandi died in ’05. I was 2 states away from home when my baby boy found me. And saved me. If the current humans of your dog are willing to give him/her back to you, then do it. But do it slowly. Let your baby adjust. That may be a lot to take in. Love him/her when you’re feeling unloved. That’s what dogs are for. Companionship. Good luck, friend. To both of you.