By Courtney Elliott
Rushay / Shutterstock
Regardless of their wiggly tails, cuddly nature, and irresistible pet eyes, Pit Bulls have been traditionally labeled as harmful canine. However guess what? That stereotype doesn’t maintain water. Research have truly confirmed that these pups ace temperament checks extra typically than the common for all canine breeds. Fairly spectacular, proper?
In fact, that’s to not say that issues like correct coaching, socialization, supervision, and all the opposite bits that associate with accountable pet parenting aren’t very important in making certain your pittie is protected to be round different people and animals. However that goes for all canine, not simply Pit Bulls.
Let’s unpack the historical past behind this stereotype and study extra in regards to the true nature of those valuable pups. In the event you’re prepared to open your eyes and coronary heart, you’ll have the glory of discovering the pure pleasure that’s having a pittie in your loved ones.
What are the kinds of Pit Bull breeds?
Apparently sufficient, a Pit Bull isn’t truly a breed. Typically, 5 totally different breeds get bunched into the Pit Bull class. These embody:
- American Pit Bull Terrier: These fun-loving canine are all about attraction and power. They normally tip the scales at round 30 to 65 kilos, making them a vigorous addition to any family. Their love for human affection is matched solely by their boundless zest for play.
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy): These people-pleasing, personality-packed companions weigh in at about 24 to 38 kilos. They love affection from their people however might want to be the one pup in the home.
- American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff): In the event you’re into canine that carry each energy and a coronary heart of gold to the desk, AmStaffs are the best way to go. Sometimes weighing between 40 and 70 kilos, they adore being round folks and thrive on social interplay.
- American Bully: With a sturdy physique and a coronary heart as massive as their head, American Bullies are outgoing, pleased, and assured. These pups can vary from 65 to 85 kilos, and so they’re all in regards to the snuggles, making them excellent sofa companions.
- American Bulldog: American Bulldogs are just like the light giants of the doggy world. These athletic, warm-hearted friends tip the scales between 60 to 120 kilos. With their stocky construct, they’ve obtained a captivating, rugged look. Recognized for his or her loyalty and protecting nature, American Bulldogs make devoted members of the family.
Along with these breeds, folks have a tendency to make use of Pit Bull as a catch-all time period for mutts who’ve any of those breeds of their make-up — or any Pit Bull-like options, for that matter. However whereas they could all be categorized as a “Pit Bull,” they every include their very own distinctive quirks, personalities, and care necessities.
Why do some folks assume Pit Bulls are harmful?
Pit Bull mother and father know that these big-hearted bundles of pleasure are simply pleased to like on their people, so why did they get labeled as being harmful? To know the stereotype, it’s essential to know the historical past of Pit Bulls.
Pit Bulls’ historical past
Pit Bulls had been initially bred for bull baiting, a apply the place canine had been set to assault and harass bulls and different giant animals. When that was finally outlawed within the mid-1800s, folks started to pit their canine in opposition to one another. Massive bull-baiting canine had been bred with smaller terriers to create a extra agile, athletic breed that will excel in canine preventing. And though canine preventing is prohibited, it sadly nonetheless happens immediately. The aggressive and combative traits that had been as soon as inspired in these canine for preventing functions ended up fueling the concept that they’re harmful.
Deceptive chew statistics
Another excuse Pit Bulls have been stereotyped as harmful is due to beforehand revealed stories about chew statistics by canine breed. A number of research have urged that the chew charge for Pit Bull breeds is way larger than for different breeds, however a number of biases in these research make these conclusions unreliable. For one, there may be possible huge overreporting of bites attributed to the breed as a result of any canine with Pit Bull-like options is so typically grouped into the identical class or due to the harmful label that’s been unfairly hooked up to the breed. Two, there could also be vital underreporting relating to bites from different breeds. And three, folks are inclined to affiliate Pit Bulls with irresponsible pet mother and father due to highly-publicized chew circumstances.
Breed-Particular Laws
These stereotypes have all led to Breed-Particular Laws (BSL) that targets Pit Bulls and different so-called “harmful” breeds, in the end discriminating in opposition to Pit Bull mother and father and their pups. Unsurprisingly, research by the Facilities for Illness Management (CDC) and the American Veterinary Medical Affiliation (AVMA) doc that BSL has had no influence on lowering the variety of canine bites amongst communities, and that animal temperament is principally influenced by age, intercourse, coaching, early socialization, early diet, well being, and genetics. BSL solely takes certainly one of these elements into consideration and alienates complete breeds of canine.
Different dangerous Pit Bull stereotypes
Along with being harmful, different Pit Bull stereotypes nonetheless linger immediately. For one, some folks assume that Pit Bulls can’t peacefully coexist with different pets, like cats and smaller canine. However the reality is that many Pit Bulls, like all canine, make unbelievable companions for animals each massive and small once they’ve been correctly socialized and launched. The identical goes for coaching. Pit Bulls have gotten a rap for being troublesome to coach and having a predisposition for disobedience, however with their eager-to-please nature, pitties are fairly trainable when correct constructive reinforcement strategies are used constantly.
Lastly, Pit Bulls are generally related to legal exercise or used as standing symbols in criminality. This additional stigmatizes the breed and unfairly hyperlinks these canine to legal conduct. And it doesn’t assist that sensationalized media protection proliferates these inequitable stereotypes with well-publicized circumstances of mistreatment and aggression. Whereas any canine can doubtlessly pose a menace when not correctly cared for or educated, focusing solely on Pit Bull-related incidents perpetuates concern and misunderstanding.
Lowering Pit Bulls to stereotypes doesn’t do justice to the numerous loving and delicate pittie friends who’re cherished members of the family immediately. Accountable Pit Bull breeders carry out their candy nature and reduce the aggressive traits, specializing in that pleasant, lovable temperament all of us admire a lot. And there are a lot of candy natured pitties within the shelters that simply want a loving pet dad or mum to assist information them. With correct coaching, socialization, and accountable pet parenting, Pit Bulls could be simply as affectionate and dependable as some other breed.
Are Pit Bulls naturally aggressive?
Whereas it’s true that Pit Bulls had been initially bred for preventing, they don’t seem to be inherently aggressive canine. In the event that they’re correctly socialized, educated, and cared for, they’ve the identical probability of being aggressive as some other canine. Whereas our pittie associates have a muscular, sturdy construct that folks generally affiliate with hazard and aggression, they’re truly extraordinarily candy and loving companions with a superb temperament.
In actual fact, Pit Bulls are generally even referred to as “nanny canine” due to their fantastic temperament round youngsters. And within the outcomes of the most important and outlined uniform temperament check carried out on canine, the Pit Bull group was the second highest performing group subsequent to the sporting group. The Facilities for Illness Management (CDC) even signifies that main accountability for a canine’s conduct needs to be positioned on the pet dad or mum, not on the breed.
Learn how to prepare a Pit Bull
Coaching a Pit Bull breed is much like coaching some other canine. The key sauce? Optimistic reinforcement. Bathe your Pit Bull with reward, treats, and stomach rubs once they nail a command – it’s like a high-five for them. And keep in mind, apply makes excellent, so hold the coaching classes constant and frequent and begin as younger as attainable. It’s additionally by no means a foul thought to name within the execs. A licensed canine coach or veterinary behaviorist can work wonders relating to correctly coaching our canines.
Generally Requested Questions
Can Pit Bulls be good household pets?
Sure, Pit Bulls could make nice household pets. These pups are all about love and loyalty. After they obtain the proper care, coaching, and socialization, Pit Bulls could be the proper playmates for different animals and children alike. Their massive hearts and affectionate nature make them fantastic companions to share your house and your coronary heart with.
What ought to I take into account earlier than adopting a Pit Bull?
In the event you’re adopting a Pit Bull, you’ll first wish to make sure you’ve obtained the time and sources to decide to coaching, socializing, common vet visits, and offering them with top-notch diet. In the event you’re adopting, chat with the rescue to get the lowdown on their historical past so you’ve got context for any character traits or potential behavioral points. On the finish of the day, you’re welcoming a brand new member of the family into your house, so that you wish to be set as much as give them the love and care they deserve.
References:
Evaluation of Canine Temperament in Relation to Breed Teams
Are “Pit Bulls” Totally different? An Evaluation of the Pit Bull Terrier Controversy
