Pit bulls - facts and fiction

There is a CLEARLY friendly, affectionate red female small bit bull at Miami Animal Services. Her name is Sara and she is still wearing her pink collar. She was confiscated form her owner b/c pitbulls are illegal in Miami! She should NOT be destroyed just because she is a pit bull! She clearly has a sweet, loving personality.

Ariane

My husband and I adopted our Pit Bull Noel two months ago from the Humane Society. The very first night she was home with us, she climbed up on our laps and licked our faces. She is the most amazing dog in the world. When we take her into PetSmart, people flock around her because it is evident that she does not have an aggressive bone in her body - and she's adorable. I have seen fear dissipate from people as a result of just being around her. She has lots of doggie friends and has never even so much as growled at them.

Michael Vick should be locked in a cage, starved and forced to fight for his survival.
Then we can all talk about legislation against football players.... see? Makes no sense.

I told everyone my dog was an AmStaf and I have to laugh sometimes at how their attitude would change. Wally was an absolute treasure and LOVED doggie school. Whenever we would 'train', he got SO excited! It was his favorite thing. He was very devoted to us and we felt lucky to have him.

The only reason people thought he was a pit bull was because his ears were cropped. I see pits all the time without their ears cropped (which I prefer but didn't have the option with Wally) and people don't realize they are pits. Fat lot they know.

I have met quite a few pit bulls and have to say I really love this breed. They are smart, loving and would do ANYTHING for their human. People who abuse this and propagate the 'bad' reputation by training their dogs to attack or fight should serve JAIL TIME.

I have a three year old pitbull mix with german shepherd and we rescued her. her name is Diamond. She is the sweetest thing she thinks that she is a chihuahua! Everybody that i know thinks that pitbulls and pitbull mixes are bad but they arn't. It is how they are raised. And i heard that pitbuls are one of the most easiest dogs to train. All pitbulls and pitbull mixes want to do is to be loved. Most pitbulls think that they are lap dogs! My dog Diamond thinks that she is a lap dog. When a chihuahua in our neighborhood attacted my dog and ever since she has been afraid of chihuahua's. Then after that she got attact by this cat and now she is afraid of cats. And they are right about outlawing pitbulls. If they outlaw pitbulls they are going to fight rotts then after rotts they are going to use german shepherd it is like a endless cicle of dog fighting. Until they outlaw cock and dog fighting more and more people ae doing to fight dogs. I think that all people that get cuaght doh fighting they should get hung that day like in the old west when somebody stoll a horse they got hung and after alot of people of hung nobody stall a horse. Now if they hang dog fighters nobody will fight dogs any more. The fact is that pitbulls are probaly one of the best family dogs that you can have!
I can't believe that people think that pitbulls are harsh and mean. Pitbulls will do what they were trained to do and told to do. Pitbulls are just obeying their comands to be loyal.Pitbulls are my fav. breed of dog. i start crying when i hear about something like the michale Vick case. I was crying so hard that i couldn't see the tv to see what was going on.
the bottom line is that pitbulls are not mean unless they are brought up to be mean.
so all of you pitbull haters think about all of the facts about pitbulls how loyal they are and how many retired pitbulls from fighting become thearapy dogs. so just think for a minute.

I HAVE ALMOST 3YR OLD MALE PITBULL NAMED BUDDAH HE IS MY LIFE. HE IS MY 2ND PITBULL AND THE MOST AMAZING DOG I HAVE EVER HAD. HE IS THE BIGGEST SWEETEST DOG. WE HAVE HAD DOGS ALL BREEDS FOR THE PAST 30 YRS & MY PITBULLS HAVE BEEN THE BEST. IF IT WERE POSSIBLE I WOULD HAVE 10 OF THEM. MORE PEOPLE NEED TO BE EDUCATED ON WHAT GREAT DOGS THEY REALLY ARE & IT IS THE BAD OWNERS NOT THE DOGS.

I have a male, Wyatt and a female Diamond, both rescue Pits and their daughter, Pearl. My two parent pits live with my 90-yr old mom as she loves them so much she won't let me take them to my house on the same property. I fixed Pearl a great crate,(never have the door closed) with a good dogbed but she has snuck into my bed again. Dogs are great on a winter night-I'll wait until spring to coax her back in her crate in the living room. I love my dogs and they are my life-humans have a responsibility for life to lives they commit to, children and helpless animals. Pits are the greatest and most loyal dogs, but some are animal-aggressive, (has nothing to do with people aggressive-two different things) so owners have to be responsible and vigilant. Free-roaming dogs unsupervised in a pack is asking for trouble and irresponsible anytime. People who own pits need to realize the public misperceptions abt pits and protect their dogs by proper training, socializing, supervision and exercise. These are high energy, strong dogs (pits are lb for lb the stronest dos) who will take over the house if you let them. BE THE PACK LEADER bea good owner and keep your dogs safe.

I have nothing new to say about pit bulls that hasn't already been said in this forum. I've been around dogs all my life, can't ever remember not having atleast one in the house and a few outside. I grew up knowing how wonderful dogs can be and thought I had nothing left to learn about these great animals. Then, I was give n a beautiful red pit bull puppy. She drove me crazy with her stubborness for the first six months of her life and at one point I would have said the breed is not for me. Now she's two years old and I love her with all my heart and soul. I'd do anything within my power to defend her, keep her healthy and make her as happy as she makes me. I never knew how much a dog could make me feel loved. My girl does it for me and any other person she comes in contact with. She's never been mistreated so she knows nothing but love for people. I wish everyone could experience the bond we have and know the love of a pit bull.

I wonder what would happen if a city tried to ban chihuahuas? They bite more people than pitt bulls every year, so should they not be considered a vicious breed?

People out there have to become educated about pit bulls. I have owned two pit bulls they were big babies, i gave them affection, love hugs and kisses. these two dogs were so gentle and loveable. no dog is born vicious. michael vicks pit bulls were the victims, how i cried when dog town aired. all of those poor dogs how they were treated and abused, someone should pull out his teeth.
as far as i'm concerned vick got a smack on his hands, he should have gotten the death penalty.

First of all I just wanted to say that what Best Friends is doing for the Vicktory dogs is fantastic. My aunt and her family have a brindle pit bull named Buddy. He is one of the sweetest dogs I have ever met and boy does he love children. My aunt has 3 little girls and Buddy loves them all. For anyone who is thinking about getting a dog I highly recommend the pit bull. I think they are one of the most loyal and loving breeds out there. I blame the media for the vicious portrayals these dogs are given and think that if more positive coverage was given pit bulls would definately have it better in life. I simply cannot imagine life without loving Buddy. He is truly a great dog. The pit bull truly is an amazing and loving breed. We all need LOVE and NOT DISCRIMINATION.

My pit Sonny is 10yo. I rescued him at 2 weeks old and tube fed him after his mother who was a fighter killed half the litter and almost killed my Sonny. Sonny is like my child. I also have 2 children under age 4 who can literally take a steak out of Sonnys mouth. He is so sweet loving and kind. He has never hurt another animal or person, nor would he ever. He was raised with love and that is all he knows. The problem with Pits is that they are such strong amazing willfull animals who aim to please their owners. In the right hands they are wonderful dogs. I would honestly never own any other breed. With the right upbringing they are truely loyal loving dogs. I can not imagine my life without Sonny. He is my best friend. Please do not discriminate against this amazing breed. They are truely loving animals.

I have two 16 month old pit bulls, brothers. My son brought them home after 2 years of begging to get one. I had originally bought into the stereotype, but the minute I met these two babies and started researching the breed, I realized what a wonderful, loving, smart, enthusiastic breed they really are. I would die if anything happened to my babies. It breaks my heart when I hear what people say and do to these majestic creatures of God. I have become a loyal activist for their cause and will fight for their rights, and more importantly their LIVES, until the day I take my last breath! I LOVE MY BULLYS!!!!!

I OWN 3 PIT BULLS AND THEY ARE MY LIFE. EVERYONE THAT MEETS MY GIRLS, CAN NOT BELIEVE THEY ARE PITS. THEY SAY THEY ARE LOVING AND KIND

I have a female pitbull, the most loving angel than any person I know..My so called "friends" won't come to visit me because of her..they say her breed is evil and they are scared..well.. I got rid of those " friends" and kept my baby instead..and don't regret it..She gives me more love than all those people together..She is a blessing to my life.
Those who are fighting in banning their breed..should fight more for stopping sick individuals that abuse them, misstreat them..and kill them..I am so sick of hearing bad things about the pitts..

It is amazing to see others love this breed ( and any other breed for that matter) and understand so much as I do. Pits are like any other well raised dog, Ceasar Milan knows dogs and he is bringing the "problem" with all breeds out. Thank You for trying to raise awareness to "equality" in the dog world. I have 3 dogs, 2 pits rescues and my recent one was given to me as "she is mean and can't be around other dogs".....well she is amazingly happy and loves my dogs and given a chance in this world. She is very social and loves people. Let's not segregate breeds like we have come so far and segregate different cultures. PEACE!

Thank you for your continued articles on Pit Bulls. My parents had a Pit Bull when I was born and many people believed they should "get rid of that dog. He would hurt the baby". Butch was the sweetest, kindest dog. He was by best friend and I was fortunate enough to have him in my life until I was twelve. He was just the first of several I have had the good fortune of sharing my life with.

Thank you for your continued articles on Pit Bulls. My parents had a Pit Bull when I was born and many people believed they should "get rid of that dog. He would hurt the baby". Butch was the sweetest, kindest dog. He was by best friend and I was fortunate enough to have him in my life until I was twelve. He was just the first of several I have had the good fortune of sharing my life with.

luv pitbulls,have 3 bully breeds and 2 black labs,my bully breeds are great with other animals, humans ,and yes cats also but my 3 yr old lab is agressive towards some animals that are nervous or agressive . That does go to show ,it is not the breed, labs are supposed to be great family dogs .I really hate doing some activites without her but we will keep her safe here at home because we sure do love her !!!!

to the "it could of been a child walking past" comment posted below by the member who I happen to observe has no other info in their profile strangely enough...
regardless of the "murder" that happened from "family dogs" that we don't know all the facts about. or have the full history on. I think most of us know that animal aggression does not = people aggression, in fact it is a totally different issue. That is a fact. Hypothetical switching a child in the dogs place is a unfair scare tactic. Not to mention all the thousands of other dogs attacked by various breeds that I'm sure you aren't keeping your ears open about so you can hurry and report that. I can give you my own first person account of two smaller dogs busting out of their owners screen door and attacking my pit bull on a lead who was minding his own business. Anyone reporting that story? Its not the same outrage felt for those little dogs aggression. but why not? Those double standards are frustrating.
lastly, dog aggression is 99% of the time predictable, wither the owners missed all the signs leading up to it or not.
and yes beth420, valid point people forget..responsible dog ownership is more then just hugs and treats.... a pit, and any dog, is potentially being set up for disaster if the exercise and discipline is lacking. The dog and the breed name is done a great disservice, and the actions are just as negligent as leaving out belly rubs, head kisses, and ear scratches.

While Bully breeds, and all dogs alike, need lots of love, lets not forget what Ceasar Milan would say "exercise, discipline, affection". Love alone is not enough for these wonderful dogs without the 2 other key ingredients to a well rounded canine companion. Though love is very important, if it's the only thing the dog receives that, too, can be recipe for bad behavior in any breed. I, too, am a pittie lover with a 4 mth old AmStaff, but remember the equal importance of proper training.
Thanks to all those who stand up for the breed. They really are great dogs in the right hands, and they need our help to proove this to the world.

I am a proud owner of a female Am Staff that is my sweet angel. I have had her since she was 9 weeks old-she is now 6-and I have never met a more loving dog. Her sole purpose in life is to be loved. I also have an 11 month old son who crawls all over her and she doesn't flinch. It breaks my heart when other's ignorance groups a whole breed together as dangerous when most have never truly known one themselves.

My son has 2 pit bulls aka Staffordshire Terriers, he lives with us and his two puppies. The male is a year and 1/2 the female is 10 months old. I absolutely love these dogs, I would be sick if something happened to them. They are the sweetest and most lovable dogs. They are people dogs all the way, they love to cuddle and have separation anxiety if they are not with people. They sleep in my sons bed with him and with me when he is not home. I wish people would stop giving them a bad name, its the people who abuse them that should have the bad name.

To ucmmsoya: As for kittychimp saying you are the person that had those poor animals in Pahrump, NV SHAME ON YOU!!! & then to put this comment on re the pit bull attack it's probably a lie... & if it's a true story the dogs were obviously not treated with love & respect thus making them into what they became....I belong to a rescue group in Buffalo NY with the cat dept., but intend to work with the dog dept. more closely re educating people about the so called "bully breeds"...keep up the articles on this cause Best Friends...Thank You!!!

I have two rednose pitts. venus an sasha,i also have a 9 year old; that they love and play with everyday. venus even wakes him up for school. I don't think it's the breed but the owners an how they treat there dogs. most people want the breed for profit and don't show there dogs any love. i love my pitts.

fyi: readers - ucmmsoya is really Sheri Allen/FLOCK - a truly "dangerous breed" of human being in the case of the hundreds of cats & other animals rescued from her in Pahrump, NV.

To ucmmsoya, my heart goes out to your friend. Losing a beloved animal is traumatic, to lose one to violence is devastating.

But I say to you there are exceptions to every rule, dog breeds being no different. There are agressive individuals in every breed, and in almost every case, their owner is responsible.

I have a 2-inch scar on my chin, and several smaller ones on the side of my face. The breed responsible? An Irish setter. Do I believe all setters are dangerous? No. His owner was responsible for his training, and ultimately, his behavior.

Have you ever noticed it's only bad behavior that makes the news? A family pet that saves someone's life might get a small paragraph, buried deep inside the newspaper, but a dog that attacks is not only a quarter-page article near the front, but usually gets at least a sound-bite on the 10 o'clock news as well.

To address the person who knew a dog that was killed by pitbulls- pitbulls have been used traditionally as fighting dogs and as dogs that guard bulls and large animals. Pitbulls are not traditionally people agressive. The fighting dogs are handled by people and often times the handlers are in the ring during fights. It would be stupid to step in the ring with a dog that would attack people unprovoked.

I have two pit mixes and the are sweet dogs. They have both been to a "group" dog care area and have been given the thumbs up for temperament. The girl dog has been attacked twice by other dogs (one an Akita and one a white fluffy medium sized mixed breed) and she now does get very upset when a white fluffy dog comes around.

Similar to racism, breedism is bad. You cant classify an animal based upon its DNA alone. Each animal has a distinct personality which is developed in part by the treatment of the animal when it is young.

I own two pits and they are just like big babies. They are sisters and they sleep with me everyday since I work night shift.
There are no bad dogs just bad people!

Thank you to everyone here who has posted who saves or owns these sweet dogs. We need more people like you in this world.

Hooray for Pit bulls!! The most misunderstood breed of all. I have the most precious pit bull named Samson. He is the happiest, most friendly, loving and loyal dog I have ever owned. Everyone who meets him wants to take him home and he has won over the most skeptical of all people. Please don't judge these animals unfairly, it truly is human fault for their bad name. These animals need a loving home and will prove they are not monsters!

That attack may well be fact but another FACT is that there is ALWAYS an irresponsible owner somewhere behind an attack. Lets see, the first thing that comes to mind for me is why were the dogs not trained to not lunge and fight at the fence? Why were the dogs not contained with a fence they couldn't break through?
I own a pit bull and I know he's the sweetest guy in the world but I also never take that for granted. The things I do to protect him may seem like overkill to others but I'm not about to take any chances. Its not only for protecting others but to protect him from idiot people too.
I agree completely with Best Friends stand on Pit Bulls and every time I get into a conversation either in person or online I recommend they come here to Best Friends and read about pit bulls.
Thank you Best Friends for the work you do with the pitties!

FACT: Last weekend Marla and Jim's 2 year old lab was attacked and killed by the neighbors 2 pit bulls. And these pits were family pets, never taught to fight and kill. They were raised with love, but they had to be euthanized. It could have been a child walking past their house. Oh, these dogs broke through a fence to get the lab. Jim saw it happen, but there was nothing he could do to stop the murder.

Thanks, Faith, for your comments - what you said is truth!! We have taken close to 200 dogs from Denver because of the ban and ALL have been just wonderful!!! Yes, some came with issues, like the Vicktory dogs ... but with time, love, patience and our other dog teachers, they have over come!! I look for the same outcome for Vick's victims. Thanks for helping them!!! May this precendent spread and offset the 'expected end' of killing them, as the national groups have stated ... All the best for the dogs!! ~ Toni

It makes me very angry the way people portray Pit Bull - I do not "owned " but I do have a Pit Bull and he is the most gentle dog that I ever had. Pit Bulls are not the problem, people are the problem and they are the one that should to be punish not the dogs.

I agree with this article. I too deal with people wondering why I have a rescued pit mix in my house and My answer to them is Why not? Why not rescue a dog like people rescue children. Why not give them the chance that another individual was not willing to give them. Why not show love to a dog that needs it just like any other dog. I have always rescued pits because of their beauty and their personalities which are strong and proud when given the right love and attention. He gets along well with my Choc. Lab and so has the previous ones we have had but had to put down. Anyway, if you treat your animal with love and training you can accomplish anything with this breed positive or negative

People ask me if I'm afraid of my Pit Bulls? Don't their jaws lock?? I answer " I hope not, because they didn't come with a key".

I rescued my girl 1 1/2 yrs ago. She is a pure breed American Pit Bull Terrier and she is truely my special angel. We train in agility and I hope to have her titled. When we go to agility trials we are either the only pit there or the second one there. People do not realize what this breed can do, for the good. She loves agility and the people! I never thought I would ever have a partner pet in a pit, she showed me otherwise. She is attentive, loving, caring and just wants to make everyone around her happy. When she makes everyone else happy she has the biggest smile on her!

Hi Faith, thank you all for taking care of these dogs. I rescued my girl Cici last year from a bad situation, she is part pit bull and part Dalmatian... she is the sweetest, gentlest, most loving dog I have ever known... and the lickiest... she's my Pup-Lick Relations assistant and Social Butterfly :-) she gives so much love to people... one time she sat on the lap of a man in a wheelchair and kissed his face, he was thrilled. She is such a blessing... Thank you again...

I lost my best friend Oct.29th/07.He was a Red nose and pure,papered am staff.He had a few probs over the years.restung a ligiment on a rea leg,had back operation when two vertabra poked into the spinal cord,and was on chemo for two years before we kicked the cancer.He was with me 24/7,no mater where we went and changed a lot of peoples minds about the breed. I was blessed with him for 13 years before the cancer came back and just overwelmed him.At his peak he was 89# and looking real good. He is missed greatly every day in our home .I have been watching the rescue sites and waiting for that special feeling that happens when you find a friend again.

I have been blessed to provide a "forever home" for a Pit/AmStaf/Beagle/Lab mix who is now approximately two and a half years of age.

Life has been anything but kind to Bonnie: Dropped at a south central Los Angeles shelter by an abuser (arrested on the spot, and incarcerated for his crime) who had shattered her left foreleg so severely that it necessitated surgical removal, she recovered as best she could - alone in the stark confines of a concrete run, where - disfigured and adjudged "unadoptable" primarily because of her breed - she approached imminent euthanization... saved in the proverbial "eleventh hour" by a wonderful local area rescue.

Flew her here to the North Shore of Lake Superior (MN), where she's joined our other four "rescues" (each having suffered varying degrees of physical and emotional abuse, or abandonment).

She is the most precious, loving, appreciative and loyal animal imaginable - quick to learn and eager to please... the ideal "lap dog"!

Her only residual evidence of what some inappropriately label "breed-stereotypical behavior" is an infrequent over-protective display of the fierce loyalty she's developed for her loving family... certainly understandable and easily forgiven, considering the history of abuse she's suffered!

Thank you so very, very much for helping to educate the uninformed as to the misguided efforts toward Breed-Specific Legislation: We're confronting this issue in Minnesota at this time, too - the result of an over-zealous (albeit misguided) local legislator in St. Paul.

Our prayers are that - supplied with balanced, thoughtful, substantive material that clearly demonstrates BSL's inevitable ineffectiveness (from sources like BFN!) - those in a position to influence such legislative outcomes will ultimately come down on the side of common sense and defeat such misguided efforts.

Thank you for the incredible effort you extend toward the protection and salvation of our dearest "kindred spirits" - those beloved companion animals that we were given "dominion" (the responsibility to care for) over!

When my daughter brought home this free puppy to our home I knew immediately she was at least part pit bull. I have to admit I was nervous at first, but she is the best dog we have. She is loving and well behaved and I wouldn't trade her for anything. I think these dogs get a bad rap.

I am a proud owner of the breed. I have always been questioned by different people, how can you have those types of dogs around your children? I proceed to tell them, that I bought a pitbull 4 months after my second child was born and never had a problem with my pal. In fact, good bless his dog soul, he was 14 years old when I had to put him to sleep because he was suffering from cancer . Its been over two years since that day and I still shed tears. I now have a 4 year old male (Chevy) and a 3 month old female (Sahara). I still get questioned about how I can have such a dog. The funniest thing is when I take my pups to Petsmart, everyone steps away and pulls their chidren away. I smile and inform them that my dogs are not mean and after that most of them let their children pet the pups. Most of the time the parents will ask more about them and after I tell them my story, I see the change in their eyes. I always tell people if you would only read and understand this breed you would see that they are loving, caring, devoted, unique dogs. If you treat them with love that is what they will show, even those who have been rescued at the hands of idiotic people. My dogs, the late Lonestar Lobo (May 11, 1992-November 17, 2006), Chevy and Sahara have given more to me and my family by being there when we needed comfort or just a friend to talk to and snuggle with. Thanks BF in helping others to understand this breed.

I found a pit mix puppy on the street last summer - she was very thin and in poor condition. I took her home and started caring for her, and before long I had decided to keep her, and she was looking great. However, rescuing a starving stray puppy on the spur of the moment does not always go perfectly. There were some minor mishaps along the way. When I took her out walking and showed her off to a neighbor, he said, "Wow - look at those scars on her face, she has already been a fighting dog!" He is a nice guy, but automatically jumped to that conclusion. Actually the scratches and healing gouges on her face were from an unsupervised encounter with one of my cats - Kitty won, and still always has the upper hand, with Ms Rain, the pit mix.

Pit Bull's are the most loyal and obedient breed of dog which is unfortunately thier downfall because idiotic people (Michael Vick) take advantage of that. It is completely up to the owner to make the right decisions for these dogs. Being a proud owner of a Pit Bull I feel so lucky to have such a dog and I love what BF is doing to help restore this breed's reputation.

I agree with the article - it is the owners that make the dog BUT some dogs are more prone to be aggressive and others more passive. So what do you do about irresponsible stupid owners of aggressive breeds? My solution is that NO ONE can own an aggressive breed unless THEY have been educated, and then certified as knowing how to own such a dog. In other words license the owner not the dog. Make the penalties harsh for infractions. I've found most casual animal lovers aren't so loving when the animal costs them time and money so make them expend the time and the money BEFORE they get the animal it'll make them think twice and hopefully back out if they see it as to big a "hassle".

Its simple, I love you! Dogs are what their owners teach, show them! If you love them, thats what you get in return, nothing less! Dogs are the ultimate friend(s). You treat them right, they willl never, ever let you down! I love them all!