Pitbulls are a unique breed of dog that have been surrounded by controversy and confusion for decades. Some people believe that pitbulls are inherently aggressive and dangerous to keep as pets, while others advocate that they are loving and loyal pets.

Those who know pitbulls well would attest to their friendly and lovable nature, but their reputation precedes them.

In this article, we aim to get to the bottom of the age-old question- are pitbulls friendly or fierce? Let’s dive in and find out!.

Are Pitbulls Dangerous?

The answer to this question is simple- NO.

Yes, pitbulls have been involved in the majority of dog attacks and fatalities over the years. However, this is not because pitbulls are inherently aggressive or dangerous. The problem lies in how they have been raised, trained, and socialized.

Just like any other dog breed, pitbulls can be friendly, loyal, and loving pets when brought up properly. However, the breed has been used and abused by humans for a long time, causing them to have a bad reputation.

The Pitbull’s History

Pitbulls originated from the United Kingdom during the early 19th century. They were bred for bull baiting, a cruel sport where dogs would be pitted against bulls to inflict as much damage as possible.

As bull baiting was banned in the UK, pitbulls were bred for dogfighting- another illegal and inhumane activity.

Pitbulls were considered the perfect breed for dogfighting because of their muscular build and agility. They were also known for their high tolerance for pain, which made them capable of withstanding a lot of damage in the ring.

However, despite their bloody past, pitbulls were favored as pets by families in the UK and America due to their affectionate and friendly nature. Unfortunately, this did not last long when some people started using them for nefarious activities.

The Pitbull’s Bad Reputation

The pitbull’s bad reputation began in the 1980s when they were used by drug dealers and gang members as status symbols, and as a means of protection against rival gangs.

With their strength and powerful jaws, pitbulls were seen as the perfect protection dogs.

As a result, many pitbulls were trained to be aggressive and trained to attack on command, making them very dangerous to be around.

These same people would neglect, abuse or abandon dogs they no longer needed, leaving them to become strays and only added to the problem of aggressive dogs on the streets.

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The media portrayed pitbulls as vicious attack dogs, which only made the public fear them more. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth, as seen by the thousands of pitbulls who are friendly and loving family pets today.

The truth about Pitbulls

As previously mentioned, pitbulls are not naturally dangerous or aggressive. They are, in fact, friendly, loyal, and loving dogs that can be trained to be gentle and well-behaved.

It is usually the fault of humans who have mistreated and abused them that pitbulls become aggressive or dangerous.

Pitbulls are highly intelligent and easy to train, making them perfect for families who want to adopt them. They are affectionate and loving dogs and can be great with children if brought up correctly.

Raising a Pitbull Puppy

If you plan on adopting a pitbull puppy, it’s essential to socialize them from a young age. Start by introducing them to other pets, people, and children in a safe and supervised environment.

Encourage positive behaviors and discourage negative ones.

Pitbull puppies are incredibly energetic, so it’s important to keep them active and stimulated. They need plenty of exercise and playtime to avoid boredom, which can cause destructive behavior or aggression.

Teach your pitbull puppy basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down.

Positive reinforcement is crucial to this process, and it’s essential to reward your puppy with treats, toys, or affection, rather than punishment, when they get it right.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pitbulls are not naturally dangerous or aggressive dogs. They have been unfortunately conditioned to be this way due to their past and human intervention.

With proper socialization, training, care, and affection, they can make loyal, loving, and faithful companions.

To neutralize the negative perception of pitbulls, it’s important to understand the breed and spread positive awareness. Pitbulls shouldn’t be banned from communities or stigmatized further. They need humanity and compassion.

Maybe, then, they will show their true nature- they are friendly, caring, and loving dogs, who deserve to be looked after and loved.