Pit Bulls are awesome, we all know this. They’re loyal and fun, and make loving family pets. However, like with most breeds, there are certain characteristics of Pit Bulls that require special attention and commitment from their humans. Depending on the human’s lifestyle, these characteristics may be seen as pros or cons for pit bull ownership.
Pit Bulls make loyal companions
Pit Bulls are loyal; when you bring a Pit Bull into your home, you can be assured that you have a friend for life. The problem with such a level of loyalty, though, is that you’ll have to spend a lot of time with your dog, every day. They’re protective and social, and need to be able to keep an eye on their family in order to be happy. Leaving your Pit Bull outside in the yard most of the time is not a great idea, in other words, and if owning a pit bull you need to spend at least a few hours with them every day.
With loyalty comes a certain strength and bullheadedness. This means that they require a firm hand to keep them in line, and make it clear which rules apply, what goes and what doesn’t. A Pit Bull without this kind of guidance and routine may become unruly and restless, which in turn makes them ― and everyone else ― rather unhappy. If you’re up for the time, energy, and knowledge required to raise a happy Pit Bull, however, you’ll be greatly rewarded.
Energetic and agile
Pit Bulls are very athletic and active, some breeds more so than others. They’re all muscle, and are as a result generally healthy dogs. That said, you need to make sure that your dog gets proper exercise every day, more than just a short walk or two. Playing, running, training, trotting through the woods ― all great activities for you and your Pit Bull. Without enough exercise, your dog might end up depressed, destructive, and prone to illness.
If you have a secured yard for your Pit Bull to run around in, that’s great! Remember that Pit Bulls are known escape artists, so you need to really take the “secured” part to heart. An escaped dog, and especially a Pit Bull, can cause all kinds of trouble. If not on their own, then through the reactions it might cause in others who are fearful of such dogs.
Family dogs
Pit Bulls ― except one or two certain breeds ― are social, to say the least. They love going to new places and meeting new people, and that’s why it’s important to make sure you take your Pit Bull for walks from a young age. Helping your dog socialize is very important, and a huge part of being a responsible Pit Bull owner.
If your Pit Bull has been well-treated, well-trained, and responsibly raised, they will make a great family dog. Even Pit Bulls with a past of abuse can become loving companions. They have great temperaments, and therefore are great with kids. In fact, the American Canine Temperament Test Society has listed Pit Bulls as equal to Golden Retrievers in terms of temperament. Which is saying a lot, seeing as how the Golden Retriever is the quintessential family dog. As with any dog, however, never leave your kids alone with them. Even the friendliest, most patient dog can accidentally hurt a child if the child startles them or plays too rough.
A friend for life
If you choose to bring a Pit Bull into your life, there are pros and cons to consider. They can be headstrong, demand discipline and attention, and need to be socialized properly and contained within the yard. Their energy levels vary, but they’re overall strong, athletic dogs, and need a lot of exercise. But with all their needs fulfilled, Pit Bulls make loyal, family-friendly dogs, with a love for children and social situations. If you’re willing to put in the work, you’ll have a friend for life.
