Pit Bull Opinions

[Zaroth]

I was came across an article today about Pit Bull myths and after reading the comments section, found out that there are some pretty extreme opinions on both sides of the fence.

So, I started wondering, what kind of opinions/experiences 3s owners have with them.


Personally, I am an avid animal lover(4 cats,4 dogs including a Pit Bull, 1 ferret, 2 birds and 2 fish tanks).

I have owned 4 pit bulls and have experiences on both sides of the fence as far as aggressiveness to overwhelming kindness.


Anybody have any experiences or opinions on this breed?

[j2k4]

Pits (in my experience) are not much different from any other dogs as pets, but while I have a penchant for rescues, I don't think I could ever, in good conscience, own a pit that I didn't raise myself, or that I wasn't very familiar with.

Dobes and Weimaraners, same thing.

Some abused dogs can be worked with, but there's to much risk with grandkids, etc.

[onebadmollafolla]

He's an OK hip hop artist. Does a lot of work with other musicians as well.

[dbest671]

I have seen both sides of the fence, and when I see one my skin will tingle. You just never know anymore, people are to careless when they own a Pit Bull. Was at PetSmart a couple of weeks ago, and two guys had a pit bull. They were not even paying attention and this dog was right at my calve, I will admit my butt puckered a little because of his body stance. The dog could have easily taken a chunk out of my leg before the guys could pull it off.

However, my cousin has 125lb pit on steroids (allergies) and it is the nicest dog in the world.

My uncle that lived with us had a pit... she was nice to almost everybody (except people who wore hats and she was raciest for some reason).

Personally I wouldn't own one, too much liability. Most homeowner's insurance require additional coverage for having an "aggressive breed". They were bred to do one thing... and they can turn at any given time. Not saying they will, but if they do the damage can be catastrophic.

There are just too many other breeds that don't have notorious reputations for aggression. I would guess a majority of pit bull owners have them for a status symbol, either "look at my badass dog" or "they are just wonderful dogs and misunderstood". Pit Bull owners, don't take offense to that.

[FeaRpb]

They are amazing dogs.

I am fond of your pitbull.

[Zaroth]

Pits (in my experience) are not much different from any other dogs as pets, but while I have a penchant for rescues, I don't think I could ever, in good conscience, own a pit that I didn't raise myself, or that I wasn't very familiar with.

Dobes and Weimaraners, same thing.

Some abused dogs can be worked with, but there's to much risk with grandkids, etc.

I definitely agree with that. I think a lot of their attitude and temperament comes from how they are raised. I love pit bulls, but I have met pit bulls raised for hunting hogs or just not adapted to strangers that I wouldn't want to be around alone.

[vroom4]

Lived with two. I found them to be some the most well trainer, well behaved dogs I have ever been around. The people I lived with that had these two pits were also a foster home for rescued pit bulls, so I saw a lot of different ones come in and out, most were pretty skittish though so you could never really get a true sense of their personality.

[Zaroth]

There are just too many other breeds that don't have notorious reputations for aggression. I would guess a majority of pit bull owners have them for a status symbol, either "look at my badass dog" or "they are just wonderful dogs and misunderstood". Pit Bull owners, don't take offense to that.

You sort of have to take a more protective stance over your dog when you have a pit because there is the stigma with them being mean because a lot of people do use them as fighting dogs. When your an animal person your dogs are your children and when you see how sweet they can be, it makes you want to defend them against people who say otherwise.

When I take my pit for walks I always give everyone I pass the sidewalk and take the street. Most of the time other peoples dogs will bark or growl at my dog and she will just have a puzzled look on her face. My girlfriend of 4 years commented the other day that she hasn't ever heard my dog bark or even growl.


As far as the people that have them as a "badass dog" status symbol, there are definitely those people. My cousin(Marine) bought 2 of them for that exact reason. Him being the most irresponsible and immature person I have ever met in my entire life, still has 2 incredibly sweet pit bulls.

[UTRacerX9]

Personally I wouldn't own one, too much liability. Most homeowner's insurance require additional coverage for having an "aggressive breed". They were bred to do one thing... and they can turn at any given time. Not saying they will, but if they do the damage can be catastrophic.

This. Dogs have their own personalities and quirks, even among the same type/breed of dog. My family has had goldens and mutts my whole life. A golden is known for being a gentle dog, good with kids, and not aggressive unless threatened. We had our neighbors over for dinner a few weeks back and they brought their twin 3 yr olds over as well. They ran around playing with our golden Cody, but they can get a bit too aggressive. They pulled Cody's tail and he didn't like it, he just growled so we knew something was going on he didn't like, then he got up and retreated to another room. A pit bull on the other hand, instead of showing restraint, is far more likely to just bite when aggravated.

A neighbor of ours just down the street has a massive (190lbs) Great Dane mix. He goes to the same dog park we do, and even though Titan is huge, he is non aggressive. In fact, Cody stands up and puts his paws on his back every time they see each other, and Titan doesn't mind a bit. About 2 months ago now they went to the local dog park and two pit bulls were there and attacked him. The owner fled, and Titan nearly died. Cost our neighbor about 3k so far in surgery bills and such. Animal control was called and the pits were put down, the owner never came forward.

A pit bull can be a good dog... if it's never in a situation where it feels threatened or gets upset. But if they do happen to get into a situation like that, watch out.

[HilbillyHomeboy]

I'm a firm believer that no dog is born mean. I have two friends with pits, and they are both awesome. A girl I know, her pit is worthless, because she has it as the status symbol and doesn't treat it right.

In my job, I deal with dogs a lot. Never had a problem with a large breed. The only dog I ever have a problem with is friggin wiener dogs. Hate those little shits, lol.

I'm the guy that people tell not to pet their aggressive dogs, and they always love me(had a "mean" rotweiler piss on my leg one day...yeah, he sure hated me haha). Cats, too, even though I despise cats.

Jeremy