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Pit Bull Informational Pages
by Diane Jessup

About Pit Bulls

Every time a breed becomes a "fad",
common sense information gets lost in spin, myth and just plain lies.

This misinformation comes from those who are prejudiced against a breed but also from well meaning people who just don't know any better.

After a quarter of a century with the American pit bull I know one thing:

The TRUTH is the only thing that serves our breed well.

Truth # 1

Like any species, not all members of a dog breed act alike. There is no "one way" an American pit bull "acts". The members of any dog breed are neither all "nice" or "mean". The behavior of any domestic dog is a complex mixture of hard-wired genetics, environmental influence and human management.

Almost all dog breeds have been selected for the purposes of hunting, guarding or protecting/working livestock. Before they worked for us, the dog's ancestors were wild animals. They retain the behaviors which make survival as a wild, pack living animal possible.

Members of specific dog breeds tend to display specific behaviors selected for by man for thousands of years. Terriers dig to kill rodents, sled dogs run, greyhounds chase small animals with intent to kill, border collies chase, bark and nip and bulldogs grip firmly what they are encouraged to grip.

Truth # 2

The American pit bull (called "pit bull" for short and "American pit bull terrier" by dog breed registries) is a pure breed of dog. In fact, they are one of the purest and oldest of dog breeds.

Many people think of "show" breeds as some of the oldest and purest, when in fact, the opposite is often true. Golden retrievers, borzoi, Irish wolfhounds, Dobermans, German shepherds, Saint Bernards and most terrier breeds are of modern origin and often the result of deliberate cross breeding.

The average American pit bull can trace its lineage further back than a dog that wins the Westminster dog show!

Truth # 3

Some working breeds of dogs are divided into two "types"; a "show" type and a "working" type. You can see this in the difference between "working" English setters and those which win in the show. They are both called "English setters" but to the fanciers of that breed they are two very different "types", in fact some consider them two separate breeds.

This is the case with the American pit bull as well. In 1936, fanciers of the American pit bull (which was already a registered purebred with the ADBA and the UKC at that time) wanted the breed to be accepted by the American Kennel Club. The American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted the pit bull, but changed the name to "Staffordshire terrier" which they then later changed to "American Staffordshire terrier" when they recognized the "Staffordshire bull terrier" in the 1970s.

The American pit bull is the "working" type and the AKC registered "American Staffordshire" has developed into the "show" version of the pit bull.

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The correct pit bulldog - like the majority of purpose bred breeds - is not the best choice if your goal is a casual pet for romps at the local dog park. They are a working breed and demand much more time, energy, commitment and respect from their owners than a "generic" dog with no purpose or drives.

Having said that, there have always been "generic" pit bulls, lazy, couch potato sorts who act more like a retriever or beagle than a "real" pit bull. A good rescue can match you with the pit bull that best fits the amount of commitment you wish to give to your pet.

Remember though, pit bulls are tough and intelligent animals, historically bred for a willingness to test their mettle against larger and stronger animals and against each other. It is not uncommon for an adult pit bull to be very quarrelsome toward other dogs while being very friendly to humans, and to expect him to be otherwise is unfair to the dog, to yourself and to the community in which you live.

Barley, a Texas hillcountry pit bull. Rescued by Sydney Ostrom. A very "typical" pit bull.
Read her story in Fully Bully Magazine, Issue #6

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K9 Moto was adopted from an Oregon shelter after he was abandoned by his owner. He found his way into the LAWDOGS program and was donated to the Washington State Patrol. He is now one of four pit bulls working as bomb and drug detection dogs for the WSP. Pit bulls make exceptional detection dogs, but are too friendly for patrol work. Owning a pit bull opens up a wide range of sports and activities which you and your dog can play at. Even though the pit bull was bred with baiting and fighting in mind, bulldogs have traditionally been utilitarian working dogs useful around farms and homes. The bulldog's athletic body, keen intelligence and legendary tenacity make him capable of amazing feats of strength and endurance. Its important to find a sport or activity which both you and the dog enjoy. Some dogs are naturally better at some activities than others. For instance, some dogs are extremely avid on the springpole while others refuse to mouth it. Some enjoy weight pulling while other dogs dislike it intensely. The challenge is to expose your dog to all the activities available in your area and see which appeals to you both - after all, you are partners!

Boldog Grip, SchH I, WDS and "Sister" the orphan baby harbor seal. Grip is teaching Sis how to catch live trout. Grip is a pit bull which displays a typical amount of dog to dog aggression for a pit bull, and has "fighting dogs" in her recent ancestry.

"It's all how you raise them!" - NOT!

Some people assume - incorrectly - that a dog's temperament is primarily shaped by how it is raised. You have heard these people say "It's all how you raise them!"

This statement is not only inaccurate, it is unfair to the animal, which, in reality, is influenced primarily by its genetics. You cannot raise a border collie to be a champion fighting dog, and you cannot raise a cocker spaniel to work rough stock. A retriever won't win at the dog track, and a greyhound won't lead the blind. Environment can and does influence a dog's behavior in so much as certain traits can be encouraged or discouraged, but a genetically shy or aggressively unsound dog cannot be "fixed" no matter how much that high priced "behaviorist" tries to convince you that it can.

It is also incorrect to assume that because a dog can be quarrelsome with other dogs that he is "vicious" and will attack children. Many working breeds have antipathy towards other animals - coonhounds go mad at the sight of a raccoon, foxhounds will not hesitate to tear a dog-like fox to shreds, greyhounds and other sight hounds live to chase and maul rabbits and will eagerly kill cats. They are still used today to chase down and slaughter coyotes. Even the ever-friendly beagle will "murder" a rabbit, given the chance. And yet the greyhound, coon and foxhound and beagle are among the friendliest of breeds towards humans. And it is the same with the well bred pit bulldog.

Aggression toward other canines does not equate to aggression toward humans. These hounds and a Labrador retriever attack and maul to death this coyote. Yet hounds and Labs are among the most people loving of dogs.

A confident, happy breed.

The pit bull's work has always been control and mastery of other animals - not humans. A correct pit bull is more often than not submissive toward all humans, and adores children. A pit bull that snarls, lunges or growls at a non-threatening human is NOT typical of the breed, and to keep such a dog alive endangers people, pets and the image of the breed we love. Nothing could be more incorrect than for these people-loving dogs to be considered a vicious breed. A correct pit bull is NOT a good choice as a guard dog - only an unstable pit bull will react with aggression towards a non threatening stranger. A normal pit bull looks upon all people as friends unless their actions prove otherwise. This happy-go-lucky attitude is a result of their confidence.

Two K9 Explosive Detection Dogs, same training class graduation. (L) is a Belgian Malinois who needed to be muzzled to keep him from attacking people or other dogs. (R) Is K9 Neville, a pit bull from Ontario, Canada where pit bulls (but not Malinois) are banned as being "dangerous". K9 Neville greets all with a wagging tail and loving nature.

What is a correct pit bull like? Happy, confident, devil-may-care, always ready for a romp, humble, cuddly, never dominant with those he loves, gentle with children, ever ready to test his mettle with other dogs, silly, playful and incredible rough and tumble when need be. When called upon, he has the ability to show a grit, resolve and courageous ferocity unmatched in any other animal. And that is why we love him.

The pit bull - valued family pet for centuries. A boy and his pup, circa 1920's. Friendly then, friendly now - when bred correctly.

Temperament

Bandog Pride, now owned by Heather Ringwood, is titled in agility. She doesn't mind other dogs, loves people, and hates squirrels. Pretty typical!

From his history as a hunter's gripping dog, butcher's bull-baiter and gambler's dog fighter, the pit bull has inherited a strong desire to test his mettle against other animals. Many pit bulls are friendly with other dogs, and many live with cats and livestock, but it is not unusual for some pit bulls to be intolerant of other dogs and animals. Despite the good intentioned advice of dog trainers who have little experience with bulldogs, or who fail to understand the dynamic nature of the breed, training and early socialization has only a minor effect on how dog aggressive a specific pit bull will become once it matures. Genetics play a much larger role. I recently had the opportunity to raise an entire litter of eight pit bull pups from birth to their present age of eight years. These dogs were raised in the same environment, exposed to the same experiences and heavily socialized. The scale of dog aggression within this litter runs from a completely passive dog which will not show aggression to any animal even when attacked, to a dog which will grab any strange animal on sight - and everything in between. This is genetic expression at work - not the effects of socialization. It is important, therefore, that a person wishing to purchase a pit bull have a good understanding of the genetic background of the dogs from which their puppy will be bred. Understand also, that with a "scatterbred" dog, that is a dog which blends different bloodlines in its pedigree, you will be unable to guess which genetic expression will come to the forefront.

Bottom line - if you chose to own a fighting dog breed, don't foolishly be surprised if the animal expresses aggression toward other dogs. Respect the animal's genetic history and treat it accordingly. You woulnd't be surprised if you bought a German shepherd and it was aggressive toward strangers, would you?

Confidence is the key word to bulldog temperament. A swaggering, happy-goo-lucky Irish type of confidence which makes him meet every person as friend unless proven otherwise. Not for him is the wary suspicion of the guardian breeds who view strangers as potential threats to their safety. The only thing "fierce" about his greeting of friend or stranger alike is the wagging of his tail. Will he guard his car or property? Sometimes, but best not to count on it. He sees the world as his friend. Will he protect his owner if that person is actually assaulted? The pit bull of sound temperament who does not rally under this circumstance is rare indeed. He loves children most of all - and a pleased, relaxed look crosses his face when they approach. He can be rough and tumble in his play, but if the kids are old enough to handle it, no better companion can be found.

Contrary to popular opinion the pit bull is not "hardheaded". He is sometimes made dull and unresponsive by means of a dull and unresponsive owner and life style, but even then he remains an extremely sensitive dog.

Bulldogs have a fierce desire to please those he respects. Generally those who consider this dog "hardheaded" either know very little about the breed. They try to train pit bulls with force, and then are surprised when the animals shut down.

The bulldog is never a "dominant" dog needing to be shown 'who is boss'. Pit bulls have earned every advanced training title available, often with top honors.

What Can You Expect from a Pit Bull?

You can expect a medium sized, active, intelligent and faithful dog. You can expect a dog who will need hard daily exercise, EVERY DAY (rain or shine). You can expect a dog which will probably not get along well with other dogs, especially of the same sex. Do not buy a pit bull "to keep my other dog company". Many foolish people have come home to dead or injured dogs when they have left two pit bulls, or a pit bull and another breed together unattended. DO NOT leave dogs of any breed together unattended, no matter how well they seem to get along. A friend of mine has come home twice to dead dogs, killed by her dachshunds...

You can expect a well bred, stable and sound pit bull to not be much of an area guard dog. While some dogs may protect you if the need arises, it is NOT a breed trait to be defensive of your car or home. They love people, and are glad to see them. Most pit bulls greet strangers like long lost friends. If you want a snapping, snarling guard dog, don't get a pit bull. I suggest a German shepherd, malinois, cane corso or fila instead; they will snap and snarl and do a much better job of guarding your property.

Pit bulls are healthy dogs. They can easily live ten to fifteen years. Make sure you are ready for that kind of a commitment before you get one. The average age of a pit bull being "given away" is between 9 months and 18 months.

What can you expect from a pit bull? The best friend you ever had and a dog which stands far above other dogs - IF you are willing to understand what your dog needs and give it to him or her.

Click Here to learn more about the history of the Pit Bull.