Pitties get an aggressive, dangerous reputation because of their history being bred for dog fights and other violent sports. (Importantly, they were never bred for aggression against humans!) This was a devastating practice, that was thankfully made illegal centuries ago! Dogs stopped being bred for fighting in the mid 1800’s. Since then, these pups have been bred for family love, loyalty, and thanks to their strong body, fieldwork!
To the general public, being a pittie is less about breed, and more about build. Certain features, like a boxy head, their trademark ears, and stockier body, are what identifies the typical “pittie” out in the wild!
Here are some breeds that typically get labeled under “Pitbull-type breeds”:
- American Pitbull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Bully
- American Bulldog
- …and more!
Out of our previous list, the breed that was mainly bred for dog fighting is the American Pitbull Terrier, and much earlier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier in the UK. The American breed of the Staffordshire Terrier, and the American Bulldog, were bred for farm work, due to their energy and strong bodies. The American Bully was bred for family loyalty and companionship!
Pitties get a bad reputation that has a lot of negative effects:
- Pitties (or “bully breeds”) are found, across many studies over time, to spend significantly more time in shelters, and be surrendered to shelters more than their counterparts.
- Progress for pitties is impeded by breed-specific legislation (BSL). In the U.S., 700 cities have bans or restrictions on “pit bull-type” dogs, which can include mandated muzzling, specialized insurance, and more. This legislation can further the public’s view of pitbulls as scary, intimidating dogs.
More recently, scientists and pet behavior specialists have begun to research how much breed actually impacts dog behavior. They found that breed makes up for only around 9% of behavior in dogs (as per a widely cited 2022 study). Most of these pups are actually quite sweet and loving, and their temperament is easily guided by some love, patience, and training, just like any other!
Any dog can be dangerous, and pitties are no exception. What is important is that we understand the risk of owning any dog, and treat each as individuals while considering what is right for us and our families. While a pitties reputation, size, and stories you may hear may cause some fear around the breed, we ask you to challenge your beliefs! Every single dog is different, and we invite you to spend some time with dogs of all different breeds and get to know their unique personalities, you may be surprised!
Pitties have nothing but love for anyone who can see past their “intimidating” exterior! They are lap dogs who weigh as much as a little kid, and are some of the most loyal pups we have ever had the pleasure of rescuing. If you see one on your walk, maybe consider saying “Hi!”, because these babies deserve love too!!