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The Truth about Pit Bulls
Most Pit Bulls are excellent with children. They were bred to have a high tolerance for pain, so they can endure the antics of kids. They also have the capacity to play for hours.
Pit Bulls were originally bred to fight dogs, so you should be aware that dog aggression is common. But, human aggression is not common in Pit Bulls. In most cases of Pit Bulls attacking humans, the dog has either been trained to be aggressive towards people, was abused, or was deprived of socialization towards people as a puppy.
Pit Bulls are canines and have the same jaw structure as other dogs. They do not have locking jaws, special enzymes or other structure that allows them to lock their jaws.
A characteristic of Pit Bulls is their love of people. Unlike other breeds, they were not originally bred to protect homes or property. They may alert you to intruders, but as soon as the intruder smiles at them, most Pit Bulls think they have made a new best friend.
Spay/Neuter Resources: Project Pit Bull
Animal Friends’ Project Pit Bull spays and neuters Pit Bulls for just a $20 deposit!
Project Pit Bull was created to address the flood of pit bulls in Pittsburgh’s animal shelters, and in response to the fact that pit bulls are bred in disproportionate numbers for dogfighting purposes. Pit Bull litters can be very large, often producing 8-12 puppies or more. For every new puppy born, another waits—or worse—in a shelter.
Animal Friends can help Pit Bull owners who want to be responsible with the breed. Call 1.800.SPAY.PGH
to learn more, or write to spayneuter@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.
Pit Bulls and Pet-Assisted Therapy
Haley the Comet and Cayenne Pepper, above, are two Therapy Dog International certified American Pit Bull terriers who volunteer with Animal Friends' Pet-Assisted Therapy program.
Haley is 3 years old. She visits Vincentian Homes Assisted Living and volunteers as part of the monthly Cancer Caring Center program for kids and families that are coping with cancer. Haley just soaks up all the hugs she receives and pays them back with happy dog kisses.
Cayenne is 2 years old and started her career as a therapy dog at the SW Vets Center. She gets her ears rubbed and gives kisses in return. Cayenne also began making visits to a women’s shelter, where the kids climb all over her, pet her and hug her. During one visit, a child insisted on playing “dress up” with her, trying to put skirts and hats on her. Cayenne soaked up the attention!
Their guardian, Erica, reports that she is still amazed when so many people are surprised to find out that her dogs are Pit Bulls. Of course they're friendly and loving! Haley and Cayenne love bringing joy to people, and we’re proud to have them as volunteers for Animal Friends’ Pet-Assisted Therapy program.
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Responsible Pit Bull Ownership
To have a long, happy life with your Pit Bull companion, Animal Friends recommends the following.
Pit Bulls, especially young ones, need walks, games of fetch and enough physical exercise to help burn off energy. A tired Pit Bull is a well-behaved Pit Bull!
Pit bulls like to roughhouse. Do not let play escalate into a fight. Never leave a Pit Bull alone with another animal. Even if your Pit Bull gets along well with your other pets, they should never be together unsupervised. Even if they did not start the fight, Pit Bulls were bred to end the fight and if unsupervised, could seriously hurt or destroy another animal. Intervene early and often to thwart problems.
A Pit bull’s rough, rambunctious play style is not always compatible with other dogs. If a fight starts at a dog park, the Pit bull is often blamed, no matter who is at fault. Animal Friends' Play Yard Rental program is a great opportunity for safe, off-leash fun with your Pit Bull! Click here to learn more.
Pit bulls are known to be escape artists. Make sure you have the means to keep your dog in your yard. Six-foot privacy fences are the best, as many Pit Bulls can scale chain link fences. Always keep your Pit on a leash in public.
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