What Is It Like Having A Pit Bull?

Having a pit bull is owning a dog that is good with children, a loyal, people-oriented breed comfortable with families.

Unfortunately, many believe they should be trained to be “guard dogs,” which is unnecessary.

Although pit bulls are not good guard dogs, they love people so much THAT they can intervene if someone threatens “their” people.

So does every other medium-to-large terrier. They are generally good family dogs; very few are the “aggressive fighters” they are often portrayed as.

They are not the best for those of us who like to compete in obedience competitions, as they are terriers and want to do a little of their own thing. Like most dogs, they are guard dogs and deter those who wish to harm a family.

Pit Bull As A Breed

1. They are adorable, but they are a lot of work.
2. They are an intelligent breed with colossal curiosity and athletic. Therefore, they need lots of daily exercises and mental stimulation, or they will try to keep themselves busy, usually at the expense of your furniture or by running out and finding their fun.
3. They are not afraid of anything.
4. They are hardy, they have a strong prey drive, and when they see a cat.
5. They do well with small dogs, though. But not so much with big dogs. They need aloha and will fight for it if they have to.
6. And because they are so athletic, they are prone to ACL injuries that require expensive surgery, and that means torn ligaments around their knees. But as far as people go, these dogs love their humans and most others.
7. They make excellent pets, just like other dog breeds.
8. They are great for families and get along well with other dogs and even cats if they have grown up with them and have been raised to be part of the family.
9. They are very affectionate with both adults and children.

The advantages and disadvantages of owning a Pit Bull.

Pit Bulls Form A Very Close Bond With Their Owners

You will have a loyal friend for life, but this friendship comes at a price. You must honor your dog’s loyalty and devotion and be willing to devote much time to your pet for life (at least 2 hours a day).

If you banish your dog from the yard or leave him alone for extended periods of weeks at a time, he can become depressed and destructive.

The more time you spend with your Pit Bull, the more you will enjoy him.

Pit Bulls Are Agile, Athletic, And Fun To Be Around

Pit Bulls can be true escape artists! Many can climb high fences, dig under them, or Houdini their way out of the safest yards.

Many are lost forever or stolen once outside. A free-roaming pit bull will likely get into the kind of trouble that gives this breed a bad reputation. Owners should provide a very safe environment, supervise all outdoor play by the dog, and keep him indoors when no one is home.

If indoor housing is impossible, we recommend an outdoor kennel run with a good lock or a well-designed cable tether. Always wear a collar and tag in case your dog gets lost.

Also, have your pet microchipped! On behalf of all lost pit bulls who can’t make it home safely, LCAS asks that you PLEASE be extra careful with your dog! Shelters are full of Pit Bulls and Pit Mixes, even though they make up less than a third of the dogs seized.

Few are returned to their owners, and placing them in good homes is much more difficult.

Pit bulls have impressive athletic talents! You can have a lot of fun with your pup showing off their excellent agility work, playing flyball, and other exciting dog sports.

Pit Bulls Love To Swim, Run, Play Frisbee, And Romp In The Great Outdoors

Finding places for your dog to run off-leash can be difficult, if not impossible! If your dog fights with another dog, things can quickly go wrong.

You could get in trouble, and your dog could be seized, even if he wasn’t the one who started the fight. There is still some prejudice against pit bulls because your pit bull can cause significant harm to another dog.

Avoiding poorly behaved, free-roaming, aggressive dogs in dog parks is impossible. The same goes for YOUR dog if you don’t have his aggression potential under control.

So play it safe and avoid these places in favor of safer options.

Many Pit Bulls Feel More Comfortable Around Dogs They Know

Finding or starting “playgroups” where your dog can meet with other dogs regularly is a fun way to keep them occupied.

Both you and your dog will benefit from the extra socialization.

Pit Bulls are very active dogs that need lots of exercise but are generally incompatible with off-leash dog parks.

Don’t get a young Pit Bull if you live in the crawlspace.

Pit Bulls Are Social Butterflies

Your dog will love to go with you to see the sights and talk to your friends, family, and strangers on the street. Over the past 20 years, the pit bull has fallen victim to the careless acts of unethical breeders and irresponsible and shady owners.

This miserable combination and the work of sensationalist media have cast our beloved breed in a bad light. The result is myths, misdeeds, misunderstandings, and hysteria galore! When you walk your Pit Bull, you will undoubtedly encounter people who are afraid or give you trouble for having a Pit Bull.

Pit Bulls Love Children

It is widely known that well-behaved, responsibly kept Pit Bulls make some of the best family dogs.

The American Canine Temperament Test Society certifies this breed as having one of the most stable temperaments among purebred dogs, on par with Golden Retrievers.