Top 10 Best Reasons to Have a Pit Bull As a Pet
This is not a list for people who want a pit bull because they are "bad ass". People who choose the dog for its unsavory image or people who see nothing wrong with keeping a dog chained up out in the yard without loving human interaction. And it is certainly not for the type of people who would unnecessarily mutilate a dog by cropping the ears or pinning the tail because it looks cool. Finally, and this should go without saying, it's not a list for people who involve their pit bull in illegal activity such as dog fighting. Basically, if you fall into any of these categories, you probably shouldn't own a dog at all, let alone a pit bull.No, this list is for people looking to bring a creature into their household that will be cherished as a member of the family. People who, on top of providing love and affection, are willing to take the time to learn about their pet and give it proper training, care, and socialization. People who have space in their home and their heart to devote to a furry friend.
It is for this second group of people that a pit bull can be the ideal because a well cared for pit bull is perhaps the best dog in the world. And that is not just hyperbole. In its history, the United Kennel Club has recognized 99 "Super Dogs" which are individual dogs who earn the title in each of 5 all-breed competitions that test traits like obedience, agility, and strength. Of those 99 dogs, almost half have been breeds commonly considered to be pit bulls, far more than any other group in the competition.
So, if you are looking to bring a dog into your life, and are the type of person who is willing to make the investment in your dog as they progress from puppyhood to old age, here are 10 reasons why you should consider choosing a pit bull.
Despite the negative image portrayed in the media, pit bulls are particularly friendly. In temperament tests, pit bulls scored well above average. Each of the breeds that constitute what we refer to as a "pit bull" scored at or above the typical level of friendliness associated with Golden Retrievers, a breed commonly considered among the friendliest a person can own.
Additionally, according to the United Kennel Club, the American Pit Bull Terrier "is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers."
Pit bulls are enthusiastic and capable learners. They can master cute tricks like "roll over" and "high five," but they are also capable of learning practical behaviors, such as not overwhelming guests at the front door, walking politely on a leash, or staying off the furniture.
I have a pit bull who knows the code to my safe!
I was suicidal before my pit bull. They can detect a change in you when you are depressed, feeling anxious, or experiencing other changes in your body and mind.
That's why they make the best service dogs.
The way I feel is that they don't care what happens to them. They care what happens to you.
I have a Staffordshire terrier (close to pit bulls), and he is just the most loving dog I've ever met.
The same "gameness" that makes pit bulls the dog of choice for dog fighters is what can make them an ideal pet. Gameness is simply a drive, tenacity, and willingness to do for their masters whatever is asked of them to the best of their ability. While this exceptional spirit can be used to perform great evil, it can also be used for good.
Most pit bull owners probably won't need to make full use of this potential. It will likely be limited to helping in the training process, as this eagerness to please makes the dog want to learn, or for some intense games of tug of war. That said, there are many examples of pit bulls performing heroic deeds for their families or even their country.
Where some breeds tend to remain outside the family circle or only form a solid attachment to one person, pit bulls ingrain themselves within the family.
It's no coincidence that pit bulls were once known as "nanny dogs."
My pit bull will literally do anything to protect me and my family. There was once a man trying to get into our house when we were not at home. She stopped him by scaring him off.
I will forever love pit bulls because of their loving and puppy-like behavior. I no longer have this particular dog, but my family now has another pit bull that would do the same thing if it came to it.
I have a pit bull, and I've had her for more than 17 years. Not once did she leave my side, even when I was bullied when I was younger.
It's true! My great-grandma has a pit bull/Labrador mix, and he protects and stays near her always.
Pit bulls are great dogs. They're just misunderstood and have a bad history from dog fights in England and America in the 1800s.
They are totally friendly dogs if you treat them correctly.
All dogs are friendly if raised right!
Because of their short coats, pit bulls require little grooming and do not shed as much as other breeds.
An occasional bath and light brushing is all that's required.
More so than other breeds, pit bulls continue to enjoy playing and roughhousing even as they progress through adulthood.
Definitely! My Staffordshire terrier (close to a pit bull) is almost 6, and he's still a definite puppy at heart.
The Newcomers
Some dogs are sharp-looking, stoic, or beautiful but always have the same look, no matter the circumstance. Pit bulls aren't among them.
While it may be an over-personalization, it seems like when you look into the face of a pit bull, you can see feelings ranging from joy to shame, to concern, to curiosity. And that's just in the eyebrows.
I saw one smile in a video once! Whoever wants to ban pit bulls is wrong.
While all breeds are prone to certain health conditions, pit bulls tend to be healthier and live longer. A healthy pit bull will typically live between 12 to 14 years, which is longer than what is typically seen in comparably sized breeds.
They will always be your best friend, protect you in a fight, and forgive you for almost anything.
You may know your pit bull is more likely to try to sit in a stranger's lap than hurt them, but when someone sees that big square head peering out through the window, they're sure to think twice about coming into your house uninvited. It's unlikely they'll look past all the misinformation they've heard about the dangers of pit bulls and see the wagging, come play with me tail.
Dude, everything on this list is true. No, they didn't kill millions of people. Yes, maybe hundreds, but millions? No way. They don't kill for fun. They're either abused or provoked.
Also, search for Kilo, Chief, Buddy, and Zoe, the heroic pit bulls, and you are sure to change your mind.
Unless you live in an area affected by breed-specific legislation, you should have little difficulty finding a pit bull to adopt.
As a result of irresponsible dog owners who purchase dogs for all the wrong reasons, a typical animal shelter in the U.S. contains a disproportionate number of pit bulls and chihuahuas (thanks to all you DMX and Paris Hilton wannabes). Depending on the size of your city, you should have little trouble finding pit bulls of various ages, sizes, and colors - whether they are girls or boys, old or young, big or small, red, blue, black, or brindle. Of course, for any animal lover, strolling past cage after cage of these beautiful creatures discarded by the owners they trusted is an awful experience, but at least you get the satisfaction of knowing you made a difference.
There are many cases where pit bulls have saved people's lives! For example, there was a pit bull mix that protected a little girl from a bear. There was also a case where a pit bull mix alerted a child's parents when she had seizures during the night. And there was that pit bull that protected a family from an armed intruder - the dog was unfortunately shot but thankfully survived.
They're amazing dogs, for sure!
Search for Kilo the pit bull or Zoey the pit bull mix, and you'll see what I mean. I've also heard of a pit bull saving a small dog from a coyote, and in another case, a cat from a coyote as well.
Yep, they have no regard for personal space. I've also heard of many cases where pit bulls saved people, from an oncoming train, an armed intruder, an alligator, a bear, a seizure, a snake, carbon monoxide, a cougar, a house fire, domestic violence, and more. I don't have one, but I still love them.
(By the way, sorry for annoying you if you're reading this. Annoyed or not, have a good day - unless you're one of those pit bull haters.)
If you've had a pit bull, then you know this is true. If you raise a pit bull from puppyhood, treat it well, and feed it properly, when it grows up, it won't want to leave your side. I've had more than five pit bulls, and every one of them has always stuck by my side.
One day, one of my pits was with me, and another dog ran up and tried to attack me. My pit protected me so that I wouldn't get hurt. If you still think pit bulls are mean dogs, then there's something wrong with you.
- James Reid
Just like people, all dogs are distinct individuals, but pit bulls are usually bursting with personality. They love to make us laugh by clowning around.
They are fun and playful, even as they get older.
They will do anything to get on your lap and get some belly rubs.
It is amazing to see the number of pit bulls that are rescued from abusive situations and still love humans.
After everything that someone has put them through, after all of that torture, they still find it in their hearts to love us.