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The pitbull dogs today have received plenty of unfavorable press, and as a result, have garnered an unfavorable reputation to match. In fact, pitbull dogs are illegal in some parts of the country, because they are labeled vicious animals that are dangerous to those around them. This could not be further from the truth. The pitbull may have originally been bred as a fighting dog, but today is used as a successful working dog as well as a loveable family pet. In fact, there is a specific pitbull dog that currently owns more working titles than any other breed today. These dogs excel at just about any canine task, including herding, cart-pulling and policing.

Types of Pitbulls

The breed that can truly be called a pitbull dog is the American pit bull terrier. However, this does not stop many from referring to other dog breeds as pitbull dogs, including the bulldog, the Staffordshire bull terrier and the bull terrier. While none of these breeds is a true pitbull, the Staffordshire bull terrier is the closest relation by far. In fact, many clubs do not recognize a difference between the American pit bull terrier and the Staffordshire bull terrier, allowing owners to register their dogs under either breed. The real pitbull is the American pit bull terrier, which can range in color from blue, to red and cream, with any color of eyes. This dog is a powerful, muscular animal with a short, sleek coat and generally cropped ears.

The Temperament with the Family

These dogs may look powerful and potentially aggressive, but the nature of the pitbull is actually quite friendly and playful. Pitbull dogs are intelligent, courageous and eager to please, making them quite trainable as long as you can get past the stubborn streak that many of them possess. This dog is highly loyal to his family, and can be quite protective of his people and his environment, making him an excellent guard dog. However, pitbull dogs are also affectionate and loving towards family members, and get along well with young and old alike.

Because pitbull dogs are a dominant breed, they require a firm hand and strong leadership to train them well. This is not the best choice in dogs for a first-time dog owner, since experienced trainers will be much better equipped to stand up to the strong personalities of pitbull dogs while encouraging good socialization and an affectionate temperament. If you are considering a pitbull dog for your family, it is best to talk to people who own these dogs, breeders and even your veterinarian to determine whether this dog is right for you. It is also a good idea to make sure that it is legal to keep pitbull dogs where you live before you invest in one.

For whatever reason, pitbulls have been the center of much controversy over the years. Most of us have seen the stories on the news concerning pitbull attacks. The media tends to report the attacks without considering what circumstances may have led up to it. Unfortunately, this has led to many people disregarding pitbulls as an option for a family pet. This article will try to dispel some of the more common myths about this dog.

Aggression

They first thing that comes to many people’s minds when they think of this type of dog is that they are aggressive and dangerous. This, again, is due to the reports they have seen about pitbull attacks on the news. Studies have been conducted on this very subject, and have shown that these dogs have no natural aggression toward humans. There are circumstances that can lead the dog to become aggressive toward people. If a pitbull, or any other breed, is not raised and trained properly, it is possible for them to show aggression. Many of the dogs that have been featured in these reports have been abused and poorly treated. It should also be noted that, although they are not aggressive toward humans, they can show a tendency to be aggressive toward other dogs.

Many people are under the assumption that these dogs will turn on you at a moment’s notice. Again, there has been no proof of this. There is no breed of dog that is naturally inclined to turn on it’s owner. In any breed of dog, there are individuals that are more prone to aggression than others. The pitbull is no more likely to give you problems than any other dog.

Locking Jaw

Many people also believe that pitbulls have a mechanism that allows them to lock their jaws closed. Studies have proven this to be a myth as well. There is no proof of any kind to support this claim. The makeup of a pitbull’s mouth and jaw are no different from any other breed of dog. The reason for this misconception is the fact that these dogs do have extremely powerful jaws. There is no breed of dog that is able to lock it’s jaws shut.

In general, pitbulls are very intelligent and trainable, as well as being affectionate and loyal. They can make an excellent family pet, even if you have small children. If they are raised and trained properly, and socialized with children and other animals at an early age, you should have no problems at all.

Things You Should Know Before Getting A Pit Bull Terrier

You should never just run out and get a dog without doing some research first, no matter what breed it is. This is especially true of the pit bull terrier. There are definitely some considerations that are unique to this breed. Below we will look at some things you should be aware of before you decide on this type of dog.

Characteristics

The first thing to think about when considering a pit bull terrier is the type of lifestyle that you lead. These dogs have an abundance of energy and require plenty of exercise. If you do not have the time, or the desire to make sure your dog gets enough activity, you should look elsewhere. If you are already an active person who loves to get out and exercise, this may not be a good fit for you. There are other things to think about as well.

Another thing that makes pit bull terriers stand out is their ability to escape and run away. This breed is very well known for being able to get out of spaces that were supposedly secure. You’ll want to have at least a 6 foot security fence around the dog’s area. It should also be hot wired at the top and bottom. Even then, they will probably find a way to get out. The best thing to do is not leave your pit bull terrier outside unsupervised.

Another thing you should be aware of is the way your friends and neighbors will react when you bring home one of these dogs. The media has painted a picture of this breed that isn’t very pretty and many people are afraid of them. This is another reason to watch your dog at all times when it is outside.

Training

The training of pit bull terriers is another thing to consider before you purchase one. To properly train your pit bull terrier, you need to be willing to spend some time every day teaching and socializing your dog. Most people think of training as something you do for a period of time and then stop. Real training is constant, and lasts forever.

Finally, make sure you are getting the dog for the right reasons. Don’t just get a pit bull terrier because you think it’s cool or because you want to impress people. Get a dog because you love them and truly want a loving companion, not just a conversation piece.