by Jennifer Stelter

Created on: January 10, 2011   Last Updated: March 12, 2011

Pit bulls are loved by their owners, and feared by society. I have devoted my life to rescuing and educating the public on this remarkable breed of dog. Because of the "hype" the media help create on pit bulls, it's hard for most people to know what's true and what's myth.

Temperament Facts

A well-bred American Pit Bull Terrier, is a loyal, confident and playful canine.They are active and friendly with humans, although with other animals can be a different story ( they were bred to fight ). Please don't be confused as I must stress animal and human aggression are not the same. A perfectly loving Pit bull with humans, may not be trustworthy around other animals. Pit bulls need early supervised socialization around many different types of animals big and small. They are active and energetic and require exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Pit bulls are actually great with kids contrary to popular belief. One reason is they have an unusually high threshold to pain, so typical rough child play does not hurt them as it does other breeds. They are extremely strong physically as well as mentally. They can be obstinate by nature, so an owner that is firm and consistent is necessary. Push over personalities need not apply. They have a sense of humor and love being the center of attention. If you have ever seen one run laps around your home with their trademark "butt scoot" motion, ( a.k.a. Pit Bull Willies ) you know what I mean.

American Pit Bull Terrier Facts

Pit bulls DO NOT have locking jaws. This is 100% fact! You would be surprised how many owners still believe their dogs have locking jaws. Certain virtues were bred into them which allows them to hold on and not let go, no matter what kind of pain or exhaustion they endure.

Pit Bulls are not born mean. Really this is common sense but there are still people who argue they are born this way. It's the age-old Nature vs. Nurture argument. How many evil 6 weeks old puppies have you met? Unless there is something genetically wrong, as with any dog, they are no different than any other breed. They learn the bad behavior through irresponsible humans that don't care about the well-being of the dog or breed.

A Pit bull will not turn on your child because it hurt another animal. There is no link between animal and human aggression what so ever.

Pits are slow to mature. Some are not fully matured until 2-3 years of age. This especially holds true with males.

Pit bulls are great escape artist. Make sure your dog's mind stays stimulated or they have been known to "Houdini" their way out of backyards and some kennels.

Pits are prone to skin problems. I can tell you first hand about 35% of mine have had some sort of skin dermatitis.

They were originally bred for bear or bull-baiting. This was a cruel sport that pitted multiple dogs against a bear or bull, while spectators watched.

Owners need to have thick skin to own one of these dogs. Wow, if that's not a fact I don't know what is! I have been yelled at, at the bark park for owning them with kids, called names, and argued 100 plus arguments because of the breed. Much like the breed I don't back down.

Pit bulls love kids. Watch this 45 second video that will melt your heart.

The dog " Pete" on The Little Rascals, was a Pit bull.

Treadmills are not just for fighting dogs. There is plenty of wonderful owners that use these for exercising their dogs.

1 in 600 Pit bulls will get adopted from a shelter.

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