Do Pit Bulls Make Good House Pets? Everything To Know About Their Temperament

While pit bulls are making headlines lately, they are largely misunderstood. Most people consider them mean, aggressive, and anti-social dogs. Like humans, dogs reciprocate the kind of energy they receive.

Due to the stigma surrounding these dogs, this article contains information that you may find interesting about pit bulls. Additionally, it explains whether or not pit bulls make good house pets.

Are Pit Bulls Great House Pets?

Pit bulls, like other dogs, should be judged as individuals and not as a breed. A blanket statement about a particular dog breed does not paint their character. Pit bulls make great house pets. Providing these dogs with the appropriate care, supervision, and training ensures a safe environment for your family and your dog. Treating your pit bull right keeps away behavioral problems like aggression.

If trained and treated right, pit bulls make great family dogs. Any dog can be a menace if not raised appropriately, and so do pit bulls. Proper training and socialization eradicate avoidable behavioral problems like aggression.

Unlike what most people think, Pit bulls are loving and loyal. These dogs are not more prone to biting compared to other dogs. Any dog can bite when agitated. The shortcoming is that pit bulls can inflict more damage when they attack because they are more powerful dogs.

These dogs are devoted and loyal to their owners as they can form strong bonds with people who spend quality time with them.

Most dog enthusiasts and experts state that pit bulls get a bad rap. They further state that these dogs are not inherently aggressive. They suffer from irresponsible owners who encourage irrational behavioral problems.

What is the Pit Bull’s Temperament

Pit bulls are controversial dogs when it comes to temperament. For most owners, they are ideal canine companions who are playful, active, and willing to please. They are obedient dogs that enjoy playing physical and challenging games.

While some dogs are prolific barkers, pit bulls are the opposite of that, as they remain quiet most of the time. However, they are fair protectors and watchdogs.

The majority of pit bulls live peacefully with their owners as they are fast learners who adapt as fast. Their ability to learn is linked to their capability of advanced obedience.

The other side you should familiarize yourself with before purchasing or breeding pit bulls revolves around traditional claims. Since they were bred to be tenacious fighters, they can sometimes be aggressive.

When aggressive pit bull mixes are responsible for more canine and human fatalities than all other dog breeds and mixes. These dogs result in fatal attacks because their jaw and body strength combined can cause dismemberment. In some cases, the victims die.

Although these claims about pit bulls are widely accepted, it is a generalization of the breed and not the behavior of individuals. The temperament of your dog will solely depend on how you raise it.

If your pit bull is prone to aggression, you should handle them with an understanding of unforeseen aggression.

Are They Good with Kids and Strangers?

Before seeking a canine companion, the first thing to consider is how they will relate to kids and strangers. Pit bulls are tenacious dogs that many babysitters find companionship in. They do not evoke aggression towards children and strangers unless provoked.

Pit bulls have the most stable temperaments of any purebred mix. A responsibly-owned and well-managed pit bull can make a good companion for kids. The kids, too, should know how to treat the dog with love and respect.

Since they are a large breed, pit bulls require a lot of space for exercise. They are playful, too, and you should supervise them when they are around kids to prevent the dogs from knocking down the kids as they play.

Kids can participate in taking the pit bulls for walks and runs and have quality time with them. Their love for children earned them a great reputation as amazing companions.

Why are Pit Bulls Misunderstood?

The history of pit bulls is traced back to the 1800s, and they gained popularity over the years as they were bred for a cruel sport known as “bull baiting.” This cruel game was outlawed with time, and Americans continued breeding them for other purposes, like being watchdogs.

Their fearless and strong appearance makes people view them as symbols of violence. In today’s world, pit bulls are misunderstood because of the traditional claims, sensational stories from the past, and the proliferation of myths.

All this stigma surrounding this dog has led to many pit bulls being euthanized in most states. Other states have strict regulations against owning pit bulls.

Below are some of the myths that result in a lot of people misunderstanding pit bulls:

• They have locking jaws– Like other terriers, there is nothing anatomically different with pit bulls. Pit bulls do not have locking jaws.
• They are pain tolerant– These dogs cannot tolerate huge amounts of pain.
• They are unpredictable– They are loyal and obedient companions. Therefore, they are predictable.

What Characteristics Make Them Ideal House Pets?

Below are some of the characteristics that make pit bulls ideal family pets:

They are Low-Maintenance Dogs

These dogs have short coats that require less grooming. Their fur is naturally odiferous, making them ideal for families. All they need is a regular bath and occasional brushing.

Additionally, they are relatively healthy. They are not susceptible to genetic issues.

They are People Pleasers

Pit bulls are eager to please people. These dogs crave human approval and attention. This makes them devoted to their owners.

They are Athletic

An athletic dog will motivate you to get daily exercise. They excel at dog sports and simple exercises too.

How Big Do Pit Bulls Get?

Pit bulls are medium to large-sized dogs. Their size mostly ranges from 30-40 pounds. The huge size is due to their muscular and solid builds. Their heads are large and broad, hence contributing to the size.

The average life expectancy is 12-14 years. They can live longer with proper care and a well-balanced diet. Due to their huge size, they require a large space.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Diego Thomazini/Shutterstock.com