Pitbulls are one of the most misunderstood dog breeds in America. They’re mistakenly believed to be aggressive, destructive, and evil dogs. But is this true? In this Pitbull guide, we’ll explore the history, personality, and characteristics of this popular breed and hopefully dispel some of the myths about them so that you can better understand these dogs.
What is a Pitbull?
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about pit bulls. So what is a pit bull? Pit bulls are a type of American Staffordshire terrier and one of the most misunderstood dog breeds. Contrary to popular belief, pit bulls aren’t inherently aggressive or dangerous. They make great family dogs and are often called “the perfect dog.”
Pit Bulls were originally bred in America as working dogs. They were used for carting goods, pulling carts, fighting bears, and protecting farms from thieves. Today, pit bulls are used mainly for pet ownership. While they may still be used in some professional settings, pit bulls are more commonly seen as companion animals.
Pit bulls come in all shapes and sizes and have varying degrees of craziness (length, thickness, and hair types). Most have dark brown or black fur with a distinctive band around their eyes, known as the “smile.” Some pit bulls also have patches on their cheeks called “colors.”
Origins of the Pitbull Breed
Pitbulls are among the most popular dog breeds in the world, but their popularity has not always been welcomed with open arms. Their origins date back to Spain and Mexico, where they were used as fighting dogs.
However, over time pit bulls have come to be seen as a loving and friendly breed and are now widely regarded as some of the best family dogs around.
There are several different types of Pitbulls, each with unique personality traits. The American Pit Bull Terrier is the most common type of Pitbull in the United States and is known for its powerful physique and aggressive temperament.
The British Bulldog is another popular type of Pitbull, characterized by its stocky build, short fur coat, and hearty nature.
While all Pitbulls can be loving and loyal companions, several variants are particularly suited for specific needs or lifestyles. For example, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is known for its strong protective instincts, while the Brazilian Mastiff is renowned for its tremendous strength and endurance.
Characteristics of a Pitbull Dog
Pitbulls are known for their intense, fearless personalities, which can make them great family dogs if raised correctly. Pit bulls typically have medium to large frames, usually black or brown.
They have short hair that may be curly or wavy and come in many different shapes and sizes. Pit bulls are known for their powerful jaws, fast reflexes, and tenacious personality. Although they can be kindhearted and loyal companions, pit bulls can also be aggressive with other animals, especially if mistreated or provoked.
Pit bulls were originally bred in England as fighting dogs and have been used by the police and military worldwide since their creation. Today, they’re popular as pets due to their friendly nature, strong jaw muscles, and protective instincts. While some consider pit bulls dangerous dogs, they’re among the most commonly adopted dog breeds in the U.S.
Pitbulls in the News
Pitbulls are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States, but false beliefs and myths have tarnished their reputation. Here are five of the most common Pitbull misconceptions:
1. Pitbulls are aggressive
This is the biggest misconception about pit bulls. A study by The Huffington Post found that only 3 percent of pit bull owners reported their dogs as being aggressive.
And while some dogs may display aggression under specific circumstances (like when they’re being mistreated or protecting their family), this is not always the case. Many Pitbulls are very gentle dogs who enjoy being around people and other animals.
2. Pit bulls are always dangerous
This misconception may stem from the fact that pit bulls have been involved in many fatal attacks. However, this isn’t always the case.
According to The Huffington Post study, almost half of all deadly attacks involving pit bulls happen when the dog is not known to be associated with any fighting behavior.
Many pit bulls become victims of violence because they’re mistaken for other types of dogs – like Rottweilers or Dobermans – which can lead to severe confrontations.
3. Pit Bulls ONLY attack humans
While this is a myth, there have been cases where pit bulls have attacked other animals, including cats and small dogs. However, these incidents are relatively rare and usually occur when the pit bull is provoked or when they’re defending their family members.
4. Pit Bulls always need to be trained
This is another common misconception about pit bulls. While pit bulls may need some basic training – like learning to sit, stay and stay away – they’re easy to handle.
Many pit bull owners report that their dogs are straightforward to train and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques.
5. Pit Bulls are only good for fighting
This misconception may stem from the fact that many pit bulls have been used in the illegal fight industry. However, while pit bulls may be good at fighting, they can sometimes win.
In fact, according to The Huffington Post study, only about 25 percent of pit bull owners reported their dogs as having won a fight in the past year.
Conclusion
There is no denying that the Pitbull is one of the most misunderstood dog breeds on the planet. This powerful and loyal breed has been unfairly maligned for years, thanks partly to Hollywood’s portrayals of them as attack dogs.
But if you get to know a Pitbull, you’ll quickly realize this is not the case. Pitbulls make great family pets and can be very affectionate companions. So next time you hear someone mention the Pitbull, don’t just dismiss them – learn more about this beloved canine!
