You need to do more research and reading of these forums. It's a killer breed by instinct just like Jack Russels, Huskies, Retreivers etc....
Owners have great influence but the dog is a born killer plain and simple.[
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Myths and Stereotypes
Pit bulls are inheritantly dangerous and may attack at any time: According to the American Temperament Testing Society (ATTS), the pit bull is no more vicious than the golden retriever or the beagle. The ATTS test puts various breeds through a series of tests dealing with unexpected situations and strangers. Dogs that possess any signs of unprovoked fear or aggression automatically fail the test. The pit bull passed with a high 83.9%, compared to the average 77% scored by other breeds.
A pit bull that attacks other animals will go after people next: Animal aggression and human aggression are two completely different things. Pit bulls were once trained to fight and bring down large animals, hence the possession of animal aggression in some pit bulls in not unnatural, and definately NOT a reason to euthanize the dog. It deserves to be given a chance to live in a loving home just like any other dog. However, with that being said, while pit bulls were once bred to fight other animals, they were at the same time, bred never to possess any signs of human aggression. This is what enabled a "dogmen" to grab his dog by the collar, or even the scruff of the neck, and pull it out of a fight without ever getting bitten. Hence, any pit bull that shows signs of aggression towards people is not at all typical of the breed, and should therefore be evaluated by a professional animal behaviorist and a veterinarian (in case there are medical issues at hand), or be humanely euthanized. These dogs should NEVER be bred, as they possess an unfit temperament.
Adult pit bulls should not be adopted, because their background is unknown: This one really gets under my nails. I believe that every dog deserves a chance. Papers and certificates don't mean a heck of alot these days, considering the intolerable amount of backyard breeders that use them to blind their customers. Furthermore, when putting up dogs for adoption, responsible shelter and rescues always ensure that the dogs are properly temperament tested, and look at the animal's temperament as a way to judge whether the dog will be able to be adopted out into a new home.
Pit bulls and children do not belong together: Pit bulls are known for their ability to handle alot of rough and tumble play that children can dish out. They make wonderful companions for kids, and are great family pets when properly trained and socialized. However, children should be taught how to properly interact with dogs and when to respect quiet time. Children and dogs (no matter what breed), should never be left alone without adult supervision.
Pit bulls are great guard dogs: NO! Pit bulls make LOUSY guard dogs. They are inheretenly much too friendly. Any pit bull I know would much rather lick a robber to death than ever attack one. However, being a very loyal breed, the pit bull will protect its owner if it feels that there is a threat. Also, due to its strong will power and eagerness to please its owner, if a pit bull is taught to be aggressive towards people at a very early stage in its life, and if this behavior is reinforced, then the dog will most likely become aggressive towards people as an adult. This is why an emphasis must be placed on responsible ownership, and rather than punishing the breed, we should punish the deed.
Reprinted from The Pit Bull Project
