Marty
10-29-2005, 10:25 PM
If you want a dog who is small to medium, muscular and powerful, looks imposing, but is usually non-aggressive with people, thrives on vigorous athletic activities, and has a sleek, easy-groom coat that comes in many colors, then an American Pit Bull Terrier may be right for you.
But, if you don't want to deal with the legal liabilities (public perception, future breed bans, insurance problems, increased chance of lawsuits), an extremely careful search to avoid all the nasty and neurotic Pit Bulls, providing extra amounts of socialization and training to make sure your dog turns out well and counteracts the bad press, aggression toward other animals, rowdiness and exuberant jumping, destructiveness when bored, strong-willed mind of his own (requiring a confident owner who can take charge), and shedding, then an American Pit Bull Terrier may not be for you.
Do Pit Bulls have unstable temperaments?
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."
Are Pit Bulls extremely animal aggressive?
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.
Do Pit Bulls need exercise and mental stimulation?
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.
I am concerned about their strong temperament.
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.
I have heard that Pit Bulls "bounce" and jump a lot.
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.
Should I be concerned about the legal liabilities?
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.
But, if you don't want to deal with the legal liabilities (public perception, future breed bans, insurance problems, increased chance of lawsuits), an extremely careful search to avoid all the nasty and neurotic Pit Bulls, providing extra amounts of socialization and training to make sure your dog turns out well and counteracts the bad press, aggression toward other animals, rowdiness and exuberant jumping, destructiveness when bored, strong-willed mind of his own (requiring a confident owner who can take charge), and shedding, then an American Pit Bull Terrier may not be for you.
Do Pit Bulls have unstable temperaments?
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."
Are Pit Bulls extremely animal aggressive?
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.
Do Pit Bulls need exercise and mental stimulation?
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.
I am concerned about their strong temperament.
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.
I have heard that Pit Bulls "bounce" and jump a lot.
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.
Should I be concerned about the legal liabilities?
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.