The term pit bull is often used as a blanket term for dogs that resemble the American Pit Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Officially, there is no such thing as a pit bull, though it may be used informally as a nickname for the American Pit Bull Terrier. Sadly, the term pit bull has become associated with dog fighting and aggressive behavior throughout the years. Many times, this prejudice falls upon the entire category of dogs often referred to as bully breeds. The following dogs are considered bully breeds:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- American Bulldog
- Boston Terrier
- Boxer
- Bull Terrier
- Bullmastiff
- English Bulldog
- French Bulldog
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
All of the above breeds are distant relatives. Their ancestors are the Bulldogs of long, long ago which were used in dog fighting and bull baiting. Over time, each breed was developed differently. Unfortunately, some illegal dog fighting rings are still in operation. The dogs used to fight are often variations of the American Pit Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier. This is likely because they possess the strength and bravery of the old fighting bulldogs along with the tenacity and agility of terriers.
Are Pit Bulls Dangerous?
When asking if pit bull-type dogs are dangerous, one must first remember that any breed of dog can be dangerous. To understand what can make a dog aggressive, consider the following factors:
- A dog that was deliberately bred from a line of aggressive dogs is more likely to have natural aggressive tendencies.
- A dog that is never properly socialized is more likely to be aggressive.
- A dog allowed to roam free or left chained up and alone is also more likely to develop aggression.
- Intact male dogs are statistically more likely to show aggression towards other dogs.
Unfortunately, pit bull-type dogs are sometimes preferred by irresponsible people who wish to use them for profit (illegal fighting), as guard dogs, or even to toughen up their own images. Many were bred for aggression and will continue to be bred that way. Often, the dogs are not neutered/spayed and may be left chained up or allowed to roam free. It's the perfect storm for creating more aggressive dogs. Sadly, it's a cycle that is difficult to break.
Should Pit Bulls Be Banned?
Most supporters of Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) hope to see all pit bull-type breeds banned. They believe that all pit-bull dogs pose a risk.
Opponents of BSL feel that the banning of breeds will not correct the problem. Instead, the wrong people will still find a way to get the dogs or they will simply move on to a new breed/type of dog. They feel the solution lies in the prosecution of bad owners as well as educating the public.
It is important to know that most pit bull-type dogs with responsible owners are not dangerous dogs. In fact, many are affectionate companions and can even be good family dogs. However, if you choose to adopt a dog with an unknown history (whether it is a pit bull type or not), the dog should have temperament testing done first.
Dangerous dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and breeds. There are dangerous pit bull-type dogs, but there are also dangerous Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, etc. If you encounter an unknown dog, you should always exercise caution to prevent dog bites, regardless of breed.