It's Not As Simple As This, So I'm Going To Break It Down More.

It's not as simple as this, so I'm going to break it down more.

The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), the only true "pit bull," is described as being confident, eager to please, and extremely friendly, according to the UKC breed standard. They have been noted to love people, especially children. Aggressive behavior towards humans is highly undesirable. However, dog aggression (DA) and small animal aggression (SAA) are common and within standard. This means that it's normal and acceptable for APBTs to exhibit aggressive behavior towards dogs, cats, squirrels, rabbits, etc. So aggression is part of their breed standard.

The term "pit bull" has been watered down over the years. It has come to reference a dog type rather than a breed, which should not be the case. Backyard breeders (bybs) have diluted the breed and have allowed dogs to be born and bred that do not fit the standard. These undesirable dogs continue to be bred, some exhibiting uncharacteristic behavior for their standard, and this is where human aggression (HA) has become a bigger issue. Pair this with people who do not socialize and train their dogs properly (ex. no emphasis on neutrality, punishing a growl, etc), and who do not know dog behavior (ex. whale eye, lip licking, different tail wags, etc), and this is a recipe for disaster.

There are no bad dogs in the sense of right and wrong. Dogs don't have a moral compass like humans do. But there are aggressive dogs out there. There are different types of aggression that dogs display. And that is okay! Dogs are individuals and have the right to exhibit their feelings. Aggressive dogs can be highly trained, aggressive dogs can be in public (as long as they are well managed), aggressive dogs can live long, amazing lives.

To deny the existence of aggressive dogs is doing them a disservice. Aggressive dogs need an owner willing and able to fulfill their needs and to advocate for them. Most people do not want to deal with that or are not equipped to deal with that, which is fine. But denying aggression can lead to someone getting a dog that is not a good fit for them, and that is, again, where problems occur and bites happen.

Being open and honest about dogs and their personalities, preferences, characteristics, etc is what will help them live a good and safe life.

admins' comment: we normally never ever add our own opinions onto polls submitted to us (keeping our personal thoughts out of polls is our number one rule), but we believe this is an important matter that needs to be talked about more; pit bulls are NOT an aggressive dog breed in any way. we have our own experiences with pit bulls, and we can personally guarantee that all of them are the most gentle, loving souls we've ever had an honor of spending our time with.

most pit bull attacks — just like any other animal attack casts — happen because the pit bull was 1.) abused, 2.) threatened, 3.) provoked, 4.) trained to be aggressive (aka abused) and so they believed they had to defend themself. unfortunately, due to their strength, their attack may be fatal, which leads to this harmful, out-of-reality stereotype that pit bulls are an aggressive dog breed, which then also leads to so many tragic casts of them being wrongfully and unfairly put down. it is heartbreaking and frustrating because most of pit bull attacks are human's fault, not the dog's; you (general you) abused a dog, you made them believe you were a threat and therefore you made them defend themself.

there is no bad, aggressive dogs. but there are bad and abusive people out there.

last but not least, pit bulls are one of the sweetest, most gentle dog breeds that are so gravely misunderstood. please, don't let the stereotype cloud your judgment. respect animals, and they will respect you.

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