If you’re not a Pitbull owner, you may have some preconceived thoughts about the dog breed. You may have been told, ‘they’re too aggressive to have as a pet’ or ‘they aren’t good around children.’ In reality, most of these things you hear about Pitbulls are just rumors. Like all dogs, they are well-natured, loving, and great companions to have.
Just like every other pup out there, Pitbulls want an owner to show them affection and give them a safe and comfortable place to live. For this to happen, prospective dog parents may need to know a few things about the breed that could sway their minds on adopting one of these beautiful pups. We’re here to discuss a few of the myths out there and let you know what the real truth is behind them.
Myth #1: Pitbulls are dangerous
The most common misconception out there is that Pitbulls are dangerous. This rumor has derived from the fact that this breed was raised to be fighting dogs in the past. However, this is no longer allowed and all pups born are now in need of love. In fact, studies have found that aggressive incidents related to dogs were unrelated to the breed. The American Temperament Test also found that Pitbulls scored above average every single year. Pitbulls aren’t born aggressive; in fact, any dog will fight if they are trained to—regardless of its breed. We cannot let incidents of the past sway our opinions today.
Myth #2: Pitbulls aren’t affectionate
The idea that Pitbulls aren’t affectionate goes hand in hand with the rumor that they’re aggressive. Many believe that if a dog is prone to violence, it simply cannot be capable of love. However, this misconception couldn’t be any more wrong. Not only are they super cute, but they love to have fun and show affection to their owners. They’re incredibly intelligent and easy to train as well. You can easily have one as a family pet, as they’re known for being gentle, especially around children, and they’re extremely loyal. If you’re looking for a new best friend that will never let you down, then having a Pitbull as your pet is a great option.
Myth #3: Pitbulls from shelters are more aggressive
Adopting a dog is one of the most selfless things you can do. After spending months or even years in a small shelter, all these dogs want is a comfortable home where they can receive unconditional love. However, many new owners are hesitant to adopt a Pitbull because they believe they’ll be more work and aggressive towards them. In reality, all rescue dogs will need some time to warm up because you may not know their background. Pitbulls don’t differ from any other dog, you just need to be patient, and you’ll see they’re more lovable than what they get credit for. If you’re still worried, it may be helpful to know that most rescues won’t put a dog up for adoption if they are inherently aggressive. Therefore, give a thought about saving one of these beautiful pups.
Myth #4: Pitbulls can lock their jaws
Many are afraid of Pitbulls because of the myth that they have the strongest bites out of any dog because they can lock their jaws. The truth is that no dog breed actually has the ability to do this. Similarly, a Pitbulls bite isn't stronger than other dogs. If you were to look at how strong a bite is logically, it would depend on the breed's size. Pitbulls are only around medium-sized, so their bites wouldn't be as strong as a Rottweiler or a Doberman. However, just because a dog's bite may be stronger, it doesn't mean that they actually will bite you or that they're dangerous.
Myth #5: Pitbulls are more violent towards other dogs
Some dogs can get a little bit anxious in the presence of other dogs, and this may take the form of aggression. A common rumor is that Pitbulls are inclined to behave this way, no matter how they are raised. This is incredibly incorrect and can be damaging to their breed. Studies have found that aggression didn't differ between Pitbulls compared to a control group of Golden Retrievers. In fact, there is no scientific evidence to prove that one breed of dog is more aggressive than others.
As you can see, all these things you've been told about Pitbulls are actually not true at all. Unfortunately, with the introduction of breed-discriminating laws, these myths have been even more reinforced. The real truth is that Pitbulls are just like any other dog; fun, loving, and always wanting to play. We need to show compassion for this breed and spread the word about how affectionate they really are. If we do, all these beautiful Pitbulls will be able to live the happy lives they deserve.