This information was fact checked, and adapted from information on VRC page of pit bull facts. You can read more, on their site, by clicking here.

Not really one breed...

“Pit Bull” is NOT a breed. It is a generic term often used to describe all dogs with similar traits and characteristics often known by the public as Pit Bulls. This page is addressed to owners of any “Pit Bull” type dog including American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and Pit mixes.

Remember, that little is known about the background of rescue dogs. Some may be game bred (from fighting lines), some may be registered show dogs, some may be Staffies, some may look like APBT’s, but might be mixed with other breeds, etc. Since there is no way to know for sure unless you have the pedigree of the dog in hand, the PBRC offers guidelines, for any type of “Pit Bull”.

Better than average.

The American Temperament Test Society provides testing around the country for dog breeds and provides a passing score for the entire breed, based on the percentage of passed over failed within total number of that particular breed tested. As of January 2023, the American Pit Bull Terrier has a current passing rate of 87.6% which makes them one of the most stable breed of dog in the country.

Human aggression and instability are not traits typically found and accepted in the Pit Bull breed.

Dunbar (1999) writes: “Today, a properly bred Pit Bull is so exuberantly happy upon meeting her owner’s friends (or even friendly strangers) that new owners sometimes worry that their dog is too sweet and fun-loving to protect their home and family. A multitalented companion, the well-trained Pit Bull is suited for a variety of exciting activities. He excels at obedience, agility and weight pulling competitions, events, which showcase intelligence, training ability and strength. In addition, the Pit Bull’s pleasant nature makes him an ideal candidate for therapy work with people.”

Like any other breed, Pit Bulls can develop behavior problems for a variety of reasons, such as being abused, unsocialized, etc. That could result in inappropriate aggression. Any large, strong and powerful dog that attacks, can do a lot of damage. Unlike the myth propagated by the media, human aggression is not a problem specific to the Pit Bull breed.

Pit Bulls make wonderful, loving and very loyal companions. It is important however, to understand the breed’s history, to provide the proper environment for them to thrive.

Bred to fight?

Humans have created very specialized dogs through emphasizing desired traits and eliminating unwanted ones. It is no different with the Pit Bull breed.

The American Pit Bull Terrier was selectively bred for years to fight other dogs. This is the unfortunate “work” these dogs were created for. In the same way that Basset Hounds were bred to hunt rabbits, APBTs were bred to face other dogs in combat. Even in dogs that are not recently bred from fighting lines, the urge to rumble can arise at any time. Not to strongly emphasize this fact is to be negligent. It would be equally negligent if a rescue was placing Beagles and failed to educate the adopter about why the specific traits that scent oriented dogs, hunting dogs, bred to work in packs, present certain challenges to those who wish to obedience train their hound.

We can’t blame specialized breeds for behaving like they were bred to do what they do. Certain specific traits were selectively bred into the dogs and are now a part of the breed’s character. It’s like the digging instinct of many Terriers, the herding behavior in Shelties, the compulsion to run in a Greyhound, etc. Your Pointer may have never spent a day on a real “hunt”, but he may still point at bird as his ancestors were bred to do so. We don’t have to condone or glorify it, but dog aggression is not uncommon with Pit Bull type dogs. Owners must recognize and accept this fact or they won’t be able to provide competent ownership and have fun with their dogs. It’s a mistake to think the fighting gene can be easily trained or loved out of a dog. Or that early socialization will guarantee your Pit Bull will always get along with other animals.

Even though we do not in anyway condone animal fighting, we do acknowledge the importance of understanding the special traits of this breed and advocate education about proper and responsible Pit Bull ownership. You can have all the dog experience in the world, but it’s also essential to understand the distinctive features of the type of dog you own or work with. In this case, a dog with an important family history of fighting, who requires extra vigilance and care around other pets.

Owning a pit bull.

There are several precautions to take when owning a Pit Bull, especially in a multiple-dog environment. Unfortunately these precautions are often viewed as an acceptance for the sport of dog fighting when nothing could be further from the truth. PBRC believes that knowing how to avoid a fight, as well as how to break up a fight, can be a matter of life or death for your dog and the “other” dog.

A dog fight can strike suddenly and for no apparent reason. Warning signs can be very subtle with Pit Bulls and even completely absent in certain cases. Two dogs may be best friends for years, sleep together, cuddle, play and even eat from the same bowl. Then one day something triggers one of them and a fight ensues. Often, the dogs go back to acting like best friends as soon as the fight is over. They might even lick each other’s wounds. Take this as a warning sign- that it will continue to happen, again and again, and they will improve their "fighting skills" over time.

Unlike most dogs who will growl, bark or scream, you will rarely ever hear a Pit Bull in “battle”, and the typical Pit Bull, is silent in their warfare.

It is not necessarily a hate of other dogs that will cause Pit Bulls to fight, but rather an “urge” to do so that has been bred into the breed for many generations. Pit Bulls may fight over hierarchic status, but external stimulus or excitement can also trigger a fight. Remember that any canine can fight, but Pit Bulls were bred specifically for it and will therefore do it with more drive and intensity than most other breeds.

Pit Bull owners must also be aware of the remarkable fighting abilities of this breed and always keep in mind that they have the potential to inflict serious injuries to other animals.

A Pit Bull may not even be the one starting the hostilities but chances are he will fight like a pro if he has to. Keep in mind that Pit Bulls will almost always be blamed, no matter who starts it and often end up paying the price at the hands of the authorities.

With all that said, some Pit Bulls get along great with other pets and may live happily with other dogs without any incidents. We just can’t assume that this is true for all of them or take it for granted. Pit Bull owners need to have common sense and don’t set their dogs up for failure.

Every negative incident involving a Pit Bull adds to the breed’s reputation and jeopardizes our right to own these great dogs. It’s up to you to – KEEP YOUR PIT BULL OUT OF TROUBLE.

Please remember that animal-aggression and people-aggression should never be confused with each other as they are two different traits. Unless they have been very poorly bred and/or specifically “trained” to attack humans (often through abusive methods by malicious individuals), Pit Bulls by nature are very good with people. They are in fact one of the most loving, loyal, friendly and dedicated companions one can have. Many Pit Bulls are indeed too people oriented to make good guard dogs.

This information was adapted from information on VRC page of pit bull facts. We also recommend reading information over at Pit Bull Rescue Central, an educational, funding and listing resource for owners and caretakers of American Pit Bull Terriers.