Pit Bull Pets

Written by Amy Romanofsky

I remember hearing about pit bulls for the first time in the 1980s, and wondering why anyone would want to own such a mean, dangerous dog. Although my taste in dogs has changed over the years, I never imagined that I would become a crusader for the pit bull cause. Then I adopted Brindle. At first, I walked right past his cage thinking, "Hmm, short hair, brindle coloring... must be a pit bull, and I'm here to adopt a cute, intelligent herding breed." But for some reason I was drawn back to his cage. He was bright-eyed, adorable and friendly. His cage card read "shepherd mix." "Okay," I thought, "he's a herding breed after all." We spent some time with him and were told that he would grow to be a large shepherd-type dog -- just what I wanted. He seemed perfect, so we decided to adopt him.

After several neighbors asked if he was a pit bull (which I vehemently denied at first), I decided to do some research on the breed. Although the reality of Brindle's genetic makeup is still anybody's guess (we think cattle dog/pit bull mix is a good guess), the knowledge I gained during my research made me begin to question everything I thought I knew about pit bulls. Among other things, I discovered that pit bulls had enjoyed a great reputation as faithful, intelligent family dogs up until they started appearing in news headlines in the 80s.

When I got involved in dog rescue and fostering, I got to meet dogs of many different breeds and mixes, including pit bulls. I also encountered pet pit bulls at the park and at various dog walks and other events. To this day I have only met one pit bull that scared me. She was a mother protecting her very young pups. All the other pit bulls and pit mixes I met were some of the friendliest, most affectionate dogs I had ever encountered. Why, then, were there so many headlines screaming VICIOUS PIT BULL ATTACK or PIT BULL MAULS CHILD? My experiences with the breed just didn't mesh with what the media was trying to tell me about these supposedly "vicious" dogs.

Obviously there have been incidents of pit bulls biting or attacking people. (There have also been incidents of nearly all other breeds biting or attacking people -- including a pomeranian that killed an infant.) So what could account for the differences between the pit bulls I read about in the headlines and the pit bulls I met in real life? And just what is the true nature of this breed?

No Bad Dogs

There is a well-known saying in the dog world: There are no bad dogs, just bad owners. The pit bull is unfortunate enough to be one of several breeds that have become popular with certain unsavory crowds because of their tough image. The next time you hear about a dog bite or attack, take a moment to look beyond the breed to see what you can learn about the dog's owner. Was the dog owned by someone who cared for her responsibly, raised her in the house as a family pet, socialized her, took her to obedience class, walked her on a leash, and made sure she was licensed and up to date on vaccinations and other medical care? Or was she owned by someone who chained her to a doghouse with a massive logging chain, sometimes forgot to feed her, never took her to a vet, and bred her repeatedly to make money by selling the puppies? This is an owner problem, not a breed problem.

Overwhelmingly, people who “know dogs” (including many trainers, vets, shelter volunteers, pet sitters, other dog professionals and hobbyists) tend to have a soft spot for pits. They know that there are countless numbers of sweet, obedient, intelligent pit bulls living as beloved family pets in homes throughout our region and around the world. They know that those headlines could be written about any large, powerful dog that is mistreated, neglected, unsocialized, fought for “sport,” trained to be aggressive, and allowed to roam the neighborhood. They know that a dog that is raised with lots of loving attention, socialized with people and other animals, obedience trained, well exercised, and properly confined will be an asset to any family and community -- regardless of breed.

Media Bias

It's interesting to notice how the media chooses to report on dog bite incidents. For example, if a pit bull is involved in an attack, headlines frequently use graphic terms like "mauled" or "ripped to shreds," and the story will get mass coverage. If another type of dog is involved in an attack, the story tends to get a lot less coverage, and often the breed isn't even mentioned in the headline. In some cases, the "pit bull" involved in an incident was later identified as another breed or mix. In one story with the headline Man Struggles to Recover from Pit Bull Attack, the victim was never actually bitten by a dog at all; his injuries were caused by a vehicle. But by the time corrections are issued, the damage has already been done to the pit bull's reputation. Click here for some examples of news headlines that got the facts wrong.

Breed Bans

It’s truly horrible that anyone, especially a child, should have to endure the physical and emotional pain of a dog attack. Unfortunately for the good dogs (meaning those with responsible owners), communities often attempt to counteract the so-called “pit bull problem” by creating new laws that outlaw or severely restrict ownership of the breed.

Right next door in Ohio, a 1987 law automatically declared all pit bulls to be vicious, regardless of their behavior. The statewide law applies to any dog that "[b]elongs to a breed that is commonly known as a pit bull dog." Final determination of breed is left up to the dog warden. Owners are required to secure $100,000 in liability insurance per dog and keep the dog in a locked fenced yard or locked kennel with an enclosed top. Some towns in Ohio decided to go a step further than the statewide restrictions and banned pit bulls entirely.

This type of law punishes only those who are already law-abiding citizens and responsible owners. The criminal element will either continue to keep pit bulls without regard to the new regulations, or will simply switch to another breed. Interestingly, dog bites in Ohio did not decrease significantly after the restrictions went into place. (Stats for 2001-2002.) In 2004 the Supreme Court of Ohio ruled that part of the law was unconstitutional since it didn't give owners a chance to appeal a dangerous dog determination.

The fact is, Pennsylvania already has good dangerous dog laws on the books. Furthermore, breed-specific legislation is not permitted in the state. Enforcing existing laws, and focusing on the issue of responsible dog ownership rather than breed, will go a long way toward eliminating dog bites in our communities.

So just what is a pit bull, and what are they really like under the guidance of a responsible owner? Here are some facts you may not know about the breed:

1) What is a "pit bull?"

The term pit bull usually refers to the American Pit Bull Terrier. However, many other breeds are often referred to as pit bulls, including the American Staffordshire Terrier, which is similar enough to the American Pit Bull Terrier that the same dog may be registered as both breeds in different registries. Other breeds that sometimes fall under the “pit bull” label include the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, various other bully types, and mixes of these breeds. For an informative look at this debate, check out WHAT IS A "REAL" PIT BULL? Understanding the difference between: American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire, Staffordshire Bull by Diane Jessup.

2) Can you tell it's a pit bull just by looking?

It is often difficult to correctly identify a pit bull due to the various definitions of the term, the number of “backyard bred” dogs that are not bred to any specific standard, and the proliferation of pit bull mixes. This is one reason that breed-specific laws just don’t make sense. Check these sites to see if you can spot the pit bulls. 1) Pet PitBull - Find the Pitbull. 2) Find the Pit Bull Game. 3) Working Pit Bull - Scroll down to TEST TIME.

3) Pit or Pitt?

The correct spelling is PIT BULL (only one T). These dogs are popular in Pittsburgh, but that doesn’t give us the right to change their name.

4) What about those locking jaws?

Pit bulls’ jaws do not lock. They do have very strong jaw muscles, but there is no such thing as a jaw locking mechanism.

5) Are they naturally aggressive towards people?

Properly bred and socialized pit bulls are NOT aggressive towards people. Some pit bull owners are surprised to find that their dogs don't make great watch dogs, and in fact have been known to let delivery people and repairmen into the house with nothing more than a friendly wag of their tails.

Click here for more info on socializing your pit bull so that he will grow up to be comfortable and safe around people.

6) Are they aggressive towards other animals?

Many pit bulls are naturally aggressive with other animals. They may be predatory towards small animals, including cats, and also have a tendency to fight with other dogs, particularly those of the same sex. Some pit bulls do get along well with other animals, especially if they are raised with them, but there is no guarantee. Regardless, it's important to understand that aggression towards other animals is NOT related to aggression towards humans.

Click here for more info on animal aggression.

7) Aren't they dangerous to have around kids?

As a rule, pit bulls generally adore children. Dogs that haven’t been socialized to children and trained to behave around them might fear children or play with them too roughly – but this is true of any breed. Socialize your pit bull with calm, well-behaved children from an early age and he will be comfortable and safe around them. As with any breed, you must teach appropriate, respectful behavior to both the children and the dog. Interactions between young kids and dogs (of any breed) should always be supervised.

Check out these great pictures of pit bulls and kids.

8) What activities can you do with your pit bull?

American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers rank above average on the national standardized temperament test administered by the American Temperament Test Society. Check the stats. Many pit bulls have Canine Good Citizen titles, obedience titles, agility titles, and therapy dog certifications. Some work in search and rescue. Name almost any dog sport or activity, and you can bet a pit bull has excelled at it. Follow the links to meet some titled pit bulls and heroic pit bulls. Check out workingpitbull.com to see this truly versatile breed in action.

9) Famous pit bulls?

Pete the Pup from the Little Rascals was a pit bull. Click here to see some more famous pit bulls and photos of pit bulls from the past.

10) Are they good yard dogs/guard dogs?

Pit bulls are very people oriented. Although they can get along fine without other canine companions (and may have to if they don’t get along with other dogs), they need to spend plenty of time with their human family. They enjoy physical contact with people. Many seem to think they are lap dogs. They do best indoors. Their short coats don't offer much protection from the cold, and fine-coated pit bulls can burn easily when exposed to the sun.

11) Do they need a lot of exercise?

Pit bulls need a moderate to substantial amount of exercise each day. They enjoy hiking, jogging, retrieving, and swimming. They tend to operate at one of two speeds: full speed ahead (play! play! play!) or fast asleep.

Considering a pet pit bull?

Under the care of a dedicated and responsible owner, the pit bull can become a loyal, versatile, and endlessly entertaining pet. The breed's gentle and affectionate nature makes it an excellent choice for families. If you are considering adding a pet pit bull to the family, be careful about where you acquire the dog. Use caution when considering puppies for sale in the newspaper, since responsible breeders typically don't advertise their dogs in that manner.

If you choose to get a pit bull puppy, remember that it will require a great deal of work and commitment (housetraining, socialization, exercise, obedience training, etc.) and you don't necessarily know what its temperament will be like as an adult. That cute puppy stage doesn't last very long, and that pup will soon be trying your patience as an adolescent. Many adolescent pit bulls are surrendered to shelters because they can be incredibly active, unruly, and destructive without proper training and exercise. The benefits of getting a fully grown adult pit bull include a slightly lower activity level, possibly less training needed (though this depends on the dog's history), and finding out ahead of time whether the dog is good with kids and other animals.

Check out pit bull rescue groups and animal shelters first. Find out if they perform temperament evaluations to weed out any truly aggressive animals before putting the dogs up for adoption. You can also go to dog shows and talk to breeders of AmStaffs (AKC) or APBTs (UKC). Responsible breeders and rescuers love their breed and are knowledgeable about its quirks, both good and bad. They are experienced matchmakers, with the best interests of both you and the dog at heart. They will take the time to ask you lots of questions to make sure that the dog you choose will be a good fit for your family. Since good breeders and rescuers want to ensure their dogs' well-being for the rest of their lives, they will also have you sign a contract stating that you will provide appropriate care for the dog (food/water/shelter/medical care/etc.), and that you will never allow the dog to be used for dog fighting or other illegal purposes. They will also agree to accept the dog back at any time (even many years later) if you can no longer care for it for any reason. Click to learn more about finding a reputable breeder.

Pit bulls are not the dog for everyone. They require a great deal of attention and interaction with people, lots of socialization (started early and continued throughout their lives), obedience training (they are strong and exhuberant dogs and must be taught self-control), and daily exercise. They might be aggressive with other animals and aren't the best choice if you like to visit dog parks. They don't make great watch dogs, and their short, stiff hairs tend to stick to clothing. Some insurance companies will deny homeowners coverage to people who own pit bulls. If you decide to bring a pit bull into your life, be prepared for some misinformed and sometimes rude comments from passersby.

Despite the hardships of owning such a controversial breed, most pet pit bull owners would agree that it's worth all the trouble for the chance to have these amazing animals in our lives. I believe that a pit bull's level of affection is unmatched in the dog world. As I write this, my one year old white pit bull, Finn, is licking my elbow, wiggling his entire body, and trying to crawl into my lap. He enjoys his daily walks, playing fetch in the pond, afternoon naps, agility training sessions, and nightly wrestling matches with my other dogs. He is much more powerful than any of my other animals, yet he submits to the other dogs in squabbles over toys, is gentle with kittens, afraid of ducklings, and loves to play Frisbee with the neighborhood kids. He's an obedient, responsive, agile dog with a true desire to please, which I thought was just another dog myth until he came into my life. His big brown eyes, spotty folded ears, and thumping tail could melt the hardest of hearts. I am blessed to have this loyal and adoring dog at my side.

Meet the Pits

Short stories and photos of beloved pet pit bulls in the Pittsburgh area.

Snowball | Trista | Oliver and Oscar | Ava

Share your stories and pictures of pet pit bulls and mixes in the Pittsburgh area. Email pghdogs-1@yahoo.com.

For more information

Hello Bully - Hello Bully is an advocacy and education group dedicated to repairing the reputation of the American Pitbull Terrier and other bully breeds. Our Pitbull 101 educational presentation is available at no cost for groups and organizations in the Pittsburgh area.

Pet PitBull - A web site devoted to adding balance to the negative media hype

Bad Rap - Don't miss their Monster Myths, Pros and Cons of Owning a Pit Bull, and Are You Responsible?

The Real Pit Bull - This site focuses on the breed's present and future as a companion and working dog partner. The goal here is to break misleading stereotypes, provide to the public sound information, and offer a new spin on the ownership, care, and training of this unique and wonderful breed.

Working Pit Bull - Very informative site which highlights the versatile nature of the pit bull. Don't miss the in-depth history of the breed in About The Pit Bull.

Amy Romanofsky is the webmaster of several dog-oriented sites, including PghDogs.com. Before moving to central Pennsylvania, she volunteered as a foster home for dogs from the Western PA Humane Society in Pittsburgh. She shares her home with two neurotic mixed-breed dogs, two tolerant indoor cats, five pet ducks, one very patient husband, … and one kitten-cuddling, duck-fearing, pond-loving, mud-rolling, Frisbee-playing, bed-hogging, butt-wiggling, spotted-eared, white pit bull named Finn. The pond and yard serve as a home or temporary feeding spot for a myriad of wild critters, including fish, Canada geese, hooded merganser ducks, kingfishers, herons, toads, crayfish, rabbits, muskrats, turtles, and mice.