Pitbulls are often thought to be dangerous dog. But are they really more dangerous than any other dog breed?

Firstly, the Pitbull is not a breed but a group of breeds including the American Pitbull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier and and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Origins of the Pitbull

During the 19th century, breeders wanted to create fighting dogs that were very muscular, brave and willing to fight. In the middle of the 20th century, things started to change. Dog fights were less and less popular and finally became illegal. That when Pitbulls started to be seen differently, noticing for example how stable the Staffordshire Bull Terrier's temperament was.

Excessive breeding

During the WWII, Pitbulls were used as messenger dogs. However, after the war, Pitbulls were completely forgotten until the 80's. At that time, Pitbulls started to become trendy and breeders started to produce them excessively in order to make money, without caring for their wellbeing at all.

Some breeders even educate the dogs to be aggressive toward human beings. People who adopted those "educated" pit bulls used them as fighting dogs.

How to properly educate a Pitbull

Every time the media relate a tragic accident involving a Pitbull, hundreds of Pitbull owners testify to the kindness of their pets. The whole matter is about how you educate your Pitbull, like all dogs.

Because they are very muscular and energetic, you must be able to channel their energy. You must offer them exercise everyday and be firm with them even at young age. The key is to make them understand that they need to channel and control their strength. If you educate your Pitbull like a regular companion dog, there is absolutely no reason that he would become a dangerous dog.

Aggressiveness is not part of their genes but their education.

You must not adopt a pit bull if you live in an apartment and are not able to offer them daily exercise. Also, the Pitbull is not recommended as a first dog. It's better if you are already used to dog education. Do not hesitate to talk to dog specialists and breeders before you decide to adopt a pit bull.

To finish, our 3 favorite Pitbull stories :

  1. A pit bull saves a deaf boy from fire
  2. A little girl sharing her lunch with her bull terrier 
  3. A pit bull saves his chihuahua best buddy's life.

Photo credit : Yummypets

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