Pit Bull Forums FAQ

American Pit Bull Terriers are a dime a dozen today, and most of them are bred and offered for sale by people who don't have the slightest idea of how to breed good-tempered dogs who can function in our society. Obedience instructors and behavioral consultants see LOTS of Pit Bulls with flat-out dangerous temperaments. It is difficult to find a responsible breeder when one has to sort through all the hype from macho breeders who boast about their dogs' "power" and "invincibility."

Most American Pit Bull Terriers are friendly, but some have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they could become suspicious of everyone, which could lead to aggression toward people.

Most Pit Bull Terriers are aggressive toward other dogs. Many have strong instincts to chase and seize fleeing creatures, including cats, deer, and livestock. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.

American Pit Bull Terriers are powerful dogs who MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing. Bored Pit Bulls are famous for chewing through drywall, ripping the stuffing out of sofas, and turning your yard into a moonscape of giant craters.

American Pit Bull Terriers are not Golden Retrievers. The best Pit Bulls are versatile working dogs, capable of learning a great deal, but they have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. They can be manipulative, and many are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.

Young Pit Bull Terriers (up to about two years old) and some adults can be bulls in a china shop. When they romp and jump, they do so with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people.

American Pit Bull Terriers are already targeted for "banning" in certain areas. Homeowners' insurance policies may be refused or revoked if you are discovered to own a Pit Bull Terrier. Your friends and neighbors may be very uncomfortable around this breed. In this day and age, the legal liabilities of owning any breed that looks intimidating and has a fighting heritage should be seriously considered. People are quicker to sue if such a dog does anything even remotely questionable.