6 Reasons Pit Bulls Make Great Pets
You are considering adopting or buying a dog, and one breed you are considering is a Pit Bull Terrier, or one of several breeds that are closely related to this breed. It is important that before you take any steps towards becoming an owner that you thoroughly research the breed so that you understand the challenges of owning this loyal, yet controversial breed.
99% of issues that arise with pit bulls have to do with owners who are idiots. The truth is that this breed has many good traits. A super-dog, if you will. And although the media focuses on the negative aspects, in reality they can be awesome pets for the smart owner. Here are six reasons why:
1. Pit Bulls are Affectionate Companions
Pitbulls are wiggly, cuddly, affectionate dogs. If you don’t like dog kisses then consider another breed, because most pitbulls love licking. The same goes if you have children and you don’t want them to be a regular target for face washes.
Pitbulls are not aloof – they like to remind you regularly of how they feel about you, and in general this means a lot of tail wagging and kissing.
2. Generally Healthy and Easy to Care For
Yes, pit bulls require a reasonable amount of attention. They do not, however, need a lot of care. They have short coats and are normal shedders, and only need to be brushed semi-regularly.
They don't tend toward genetic disorders like some other breeds, although they should be inspected at puppyhood for signs of hip dysplasia, but this is a good idea for most medium to large breeds anyway. Most pit bulls do not get larger than 50 to 60 pounds, although there are some larger sub-breeds.
And as long as you exercise the dog regularly, a pitbull can be very comfortable in a small dwelling.
3. People-Orientated, When Socialized Properly
Pitbulls love people. Although this breed frequently gets a bad rap in the media, if you have ever met a pitbull that was raised by a loving, conscientious family then you will understand how much they like to be with people.
The downside of this personality trait is that they can get overexcited when they meet new people, which is something that needs to be addressed through training and positive reinforcement.
4. Pit Bulls are Loyal to their Owners
Your pit bull will be you and your family’s best friend from the day you take them home to the day they pass away. While they will be naturally protective of their family and their property, because pitbulls are so people-orientated they do not make good guard dogs.
Unless you just want them to smother intruders with hugs and kisses.
5. Eager to Please
A pitbull will always do it’s best to make you happy, as long as you are clear about what you expect from them. Many people will mention the fact that this breed is notoriously stubborn, but once they realize that you are the boss, they will work hard to ensure that you were happy with them.
This breed can be challenging, and is not recommended for first time dog owners as you need to be comfortable and confident that you can handle the breed, otherwise they will pick upon the fact that you are less than sure of yourself.
6. High Tolerance for Pain
Sometimes presented as a negative trait, the fact that pitbulls have a high pain tolerance makes them exceptional family dogs. They easily (and happily) put up with the rough play of children without reacting. At the same time, pitbull owners may have to invest in prong collars, as the shoulder and neck strength of the pitbull means that sometimes an average collar will not do.
It is important that when considering a pitbull as a pet that you carefully screen all puppies and adult dogs to ensure that they respond positively. Dogs of any breed that show fearfulness or aggression towards people or other dogs should be avoided, particularly as a family pet, unless you are willing to put in a lot of extra time and money into behavioural training.
To be a successful and responsible pitbull owner you need to at all times have your pet under control. Dogs should never be left unsupervised with other dogs or children, and should never be allowed to roam off leash except in controlled dog-friendly spaces. Remember that as a pitbull owner you are charged with showing the positive side of this breed, so make sure that you always have a friendly and well behaved pet.
Thu, 04/29/2010 - 12:46pm
My oldest pit is 5. We put her thru basic training class....sad to say but actually kind of funny, she actually failed. Only because all she wanted to do was play, she kept wandering over to the other dogs in class and instigating them to play! She didnt listen, she apparently thought it was doggie day care!. She was 2 at the time, so just to prove that not all these dogs are fighters, and they do get along very well with other dogs, and the ones who are were taught to fight...this is brought on by the idiot owner\owners who hasn't a brain cell in their head!
Tue, 05/11/2010 - 1:43am
Oh this is so true about the licking part. I have never had a dog that licks me so much and LOVES me so much like my Tyson does. A very good friend of mine came in the house one day and Tyson pinned him down to the couch and licked him for about 15 minutes without stopping. I moved to another state and 6 months later came back....he came in the house and the same thing again, licked him for like 20 minutes straight this time. He had a good face washing.
Wed, 05/12/2010 - 11:52am
When we have people come over honda doesn't even think about it..she has to give them all kisses for like a half hour. and i look at her like umm not one bark no protectiveness??? i would like her to be somewhat of an alarm dog and a protector but if someone were to break in she would be holding the flash light for them. she is soo loveable. bad stupid people made pittbulls reputation the way it is today. and that's sad. she wouldnt even hurt a fly she'd lick it lol.
Fri, 05/14/2010 - 6:44pm
LOL MY DOG DOJIA IS THE SAME WAY!!! SHE LOVES TO LICK AND SOMETIMES IT DRIVES ME CRAZY LOL I ALWAYS SAME IF SOMEONE WAS TO BREAK IN SHE WOULD LIKE THEM TO DEATH AND THAT WOULD BE ABOUT IT... SHE COULD DEF LICK THE PAINT OFF THE WALL IF YOU LET HER (NOT JOKING)LOL BUT SHE IS MY BABY AND I COULDN'T OF ASKED TO A BETTER DOG THEN HER..
Tue, 05/18/2010 - 1:29pm
I'm ashamed to say I sort of bought into the "vicious breed" idea until our son brought home Gauge as a puppy. I love this dog! He sleeps snugged up against me every night and thinks he's a lap dog. When he was 4 mos old, he had a serious accident that required surgery and rehab, yet even when he was in pain, he had the sweetest disposition and his doctors and nurses loved him. He's SO great with people, other dogs, and even our cats. I'll never have a different breed. Pitbulls are definitely THE BEST.
Fri, 05/28/2010 - 6:47pm
Paisley is our seventh Pitbull and we have never had a problem with any of them. This includes a rescue that was a fighting dog. It took a while to get him socialized again but later was a wonderful pet. he unfortunatly was poisoned. These are wonderful loving pets. Loyal to the end.
Fri, 06/04/2010 - 4:56pm
I received my Zoe from a friend at a young age. I was actually at school, he had to move and couldn't take her so I told my parents my friend was dropping Zoe off for the weekend. They were uneasy about having a Pit with the other dogs. Little did they know my friend was never coming back for her!!! Two days later I get a call from my mom saying, "Ken is going to have a hard time getting this sweetheart back". Everyone in my family loves her and no one regrets letting me keep her, my buddy has since moved back up and he now has an ABT and a blue nose, we babysit them on the regular. Both just as sweet as Zoe! I LOVE PITS AND FROM THIS POINT ON WILL ALWAYS OWN AT LEAST ONE!
Fri, 06/18/2010 - 1:21pm
My LL is a 4 year old female, and has been socialized out the wazoo. I've had her since she was 7 weeks old and she was the best ambassador for her breed for the first 2 years. Now she is still a wonderful dog, gets along with every living thing, but unfortunately has always a little bit shy (hence all the socialization!!) and when her adult personality set in her shyness escalated to real fear of certain strangers and children. It's unfortunate but as the point above said, as long as you're willing to take the extra time and do the extra training you can help a fearful dog. But- she's a total sweetheart and totally worth all the work. She's the most popular dog I know and I've had many threats to steal her from friends and family.
To reiterate, LL never had a traumatic event, she was always closely supervised, always actively socialized in controlled situations, has met many children and strangers that she *does* like and was never scared by, she is just a slightly fearful dog and that's a hard thing to overcome. 97% of the time she experiences no fear at all and is a tail-wagging face-licking fool.
Thu, 07/01/2010 - 6:55pm
My Zilla is still a little bit confused he isn't a guard dog he barks like a mad man when someone new comes around! but the second they get introduced the licking starts. not so sure if he will ever out grow this hibit seeing he is a avid talker :) and by far my best friend with the biggest hugs.
Wed, 07/07/2010 - 12:37pm
Mon, 08/02/2010 - 1:41pm
My Dulce LOVES bubbles too! All you have to say is "bubbles" and he perks up! He loves to run all over the yard chasing them...he comes in after and flops down. He's got this whine that is hilarious and if we don't get those bubbles going fast enough he gets going with it. I love my silly boy!
Mon, 07/12/2010 - 7:17pm
i have a 9mnth old pit/rot and she is the most loveable lapdog i have ever had....boyfriend and i named her ms kitty....she licks us like she will never lick us ever again....she is chewing on everything anybody have suggestions on what would last more than a day to 2 days...
Thu, 07/22/2010 - 9:53pm
It wasn't to long ago that I seen a story on the news here in South Bend, IN about a pit bull that was actualy a good story. The owners house cought on fire and the pit saved there lives!!! Thay had a newborn baby in a basanet that the pit took to the front door trying to get the baby outside. When it couldn't get out it went and woke up it's parents to get them all out safely. That is the best story ever!!! I don't like the bad rap the pit bulls get. I got two of my own and thay are great!!! One male Dozer and a female Callie.
Sat, 07/24/2010 - 12:49pm
I have had Pittys for 25 years, they are the loves of my life and I will always have one. My daughter and her boyfriend bought a house and the first thing they did was get 2 pitty's. It is our fate to be loved and owned by this magnificent breed of dog, the naysayers will never know how wonderful it is, to come home to that smiling face and be LOVED to death just for who you are........
Thu, 07/29/2010 - 7:29pm
After the death of my last pitbull, it took me forever before I got another Companion for my great dane.I found me an awsome pitbull puppy, he is 5 mos old and quiet a character.He loves his family to death and is very protective and sooo smart.He just is so shy and nervous outside the yard.I try to walk him but after one block he gets scared and we have to turn around and go home.In the yard or house he nipps people.He is very hard to socialize.Any ideas for me? I dont want hime to turn into a biter
Tue, 08/10/2010 - 12:22pm
yOU REALLY HAVE TO WORK AT STOPPING THIS NOW OR IT WILLESCALATE INTO ACTUAL BITING. vISIT THE dOG WHISPERER; cEASAR MILANS WEBSITE. There are some fantastic tips on there and his training book is the best. follow his advice and youll have a great dog but get started right away. I have a six pack of pits all live together and are very well behaved.
Sun, 08/15/2010 - 9:40pm
My pit is a female that i took from a family friend who could no longer take care of her. She is affectionate and friendly however she does not care for my father who is a animal lover. He is always brining her home treats, toys and always put her food down. She is constantly nipping at the back of his ankles, furiously barking and growling at him. What can we do as a family to fix this problem?? please help!!
Fri, 09/03/2010 - 2:31pm
I just don't know how I could manage without my Arturo (means bear in italian). He is a blue Pitt, and we absolutely love this animal as a family member. He, as most pitts, is very mischevious, but to bite someone, NOT A CHANCE, to love and kiss someone, IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN. We love him so very much!!!
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