Pit bull | Description, Temperament, Breeds, & Facts

Top Questions

What is a pit bull?

A pit bull is a fighting dog developed in 19th-century England, Scotland, and Ireland from bulldog and terrier ancestry for hunting. It is also called an American Pit Bull Terrier. The American Kennel Club does not recognize pit bulls as a distinct breed, but other organizations do.

What are pit bulls bred for?

The pit bull was originally bred and trained to be a tenacious fighter and to display aggression only against other dogs. Some breeders, however, trained and mistreated their pit bulls in such a way as to induce a vicious temperament and aggression toward humans, which generated the dog’s negative reputation.

Do pit bull terriers shed?

Pit bulls do shed. However, they are single-coated dogs and therefore do not shed as much as double-coated dogs, such as the golden retriever. Single-coated dogs tend to have shorter, finer fur than double-coated dogs. Pit bulls shed all year but especially in spring and fall.

Care and upkeep

American Pit Bull Terrier

The breed is not well suited for dog parks. Although an individual pit bull may have a history of getting along with other dogs, that can change when it reaches maturity (about 18 months of age) or if challenged by another dog. In fact, pit bull experts advise that multi-dog families have a breaking stick to pry open dogs’ jaws in case fights ensue. Pit bulls need a fenced yard in which to exercise. Because of the breed’s athletic and tenacious nature, extra care should be taken to ensure that the fence is secure, with strong and tall sides that cannot be tunneled under. Time in the yard should be supplemented with leash walks, and a pit bull should wear a harness that limits the dog’s ability to pull the handler. Other recommended activities include games; agility, obedience, and scent work; coursing; flyball; and anything that engages both its mind and body. The breed excels at the sport of weight pulling. Pit bulls may or may not like swimming.

Coat care is minimal, consisting of occasional bathing and weekly brushing. Pit bulls do not like extreme cold nor heat.

The breed is susceptible to various bone diseases, notably canine hip dysplasia. Treatments include surgery and physical therapy. Other issues include thyroid and heart conditions.

Temperament

American Pit Bull Terrier

Pit bulls are controversial when it comes to temperament, in part because they can be dogs of extremes. For many, they are ideal companions: playful, willing to please, and moderately active. It is a fun, generally obedient type of dog that loves to play games, especially those that are challenging and physical. Pit bulls are also generally quiet in the house and not prolific barkers. It is a fair watchdog and protector. Although stubborn at times, the pit bull is a fast learner, capable of advanced obedience.

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The majority of pit bulls lead peaceful lives. However, the pit bull was bred to be a tenacious fighter. According to some, this can lead to interactions and altercations with other dogs and sometimes people. Pit bulls and pit bull mixes are responsible for more human and canine fatalities and severe trauma than all other breeds and mixes combined. Many fatal attacks are carried out by household pets that for unknown reasons attack their owners or other pets. Although the pit bull appears no more likely (probably even less so) than many other breeds to bite, it is more likely to continue an attack. This, combined with its jaw and body strength, can result in disfigurement, dismemberment, or death to its victim. Proponents of pit bulls believe their behaviour depends on how they are raised. They note that pit bulls’ scores on temperament tests are similar to dog breeds considered friendly, such as golden retrievers. Although pit bulls that attack people are in the minority, their fatality record indicates that it is still a breed that should be handled with an understanding of potential aggression.

It should be noted that these claims are a traditional and widely accepted generalization about the breed, and the behaviour of individual pit bulls may differ.