The Truth about Pit Bulls

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 - 4:00pm
Happy Pit Bull

“Pit Bull.” There is no other breed of dog—or arguably, any other animal at all—whose mere mention can elicit such strong opinions. Try a word-associate game with your friends: Ask them what they think of when you say “Pit Bull.” Chances are that by the numbers, their responses will be more negative than positive. And it’s no wonder: No other type of dog is as widely banned from housing, legislated against, or incorrectly vilified by the media.

How did we get here?
Pit Bulls were once widely considered ideal family pets—affectionate, loyal and gentle with children. But in recent years, these dogs have suffered tremendously from a combination of overbreeding, bad publicity and irresponsible owners. In reality, the overwhelming majority of Pits and Pit mixes are sweet goofballs who have gotten a very bad rap.

Learn the truth.
National Pit Bull Awareness Day, on October 27, is a day of appreciation and education designed to change perceptions and stereotypes about Pit Bulls and their responsible owners. Please take a moment to learn the truth about these wonderful dogs and consider rescuing one of them from a shelter.

Are you a proud Pit Bull parent? Please participate in National Pit Bull Awareness Day, and help us dispel the myths about these dogs by leaving a comment below about your wonderful pooch.

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Comments

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:06 — Kathleen (Visitor)
Hi there, I am not a proud owner of a Pittie but I am a proud sitter of one. A friend was in need of someone to watch over their pet DeBeau, well my daughter said she would, but I fell in love with him, he sleeps with me and all my other dogs and I am going to be very sad when he goes home next month, he is a fantastic guy, funny, loving, licks my face so much that I think my skin will licked away. He loves everybody, including my dogs, even when they don't want anything to do with him. He is so strong and doesn't realize that but we are working on the run and no stop before he knocks you down. He is great and the only reason I will be able to let him go is because I know he is going back home with his people who love him too.( and of course he isn't mine, but I would not mind if he was.)

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:07 — Kathy Bracewell (Visitor)
I never knew what a pit bull was having grown up in Wisconin; when I moved to Flordida years ago,, I wanted to have a dog, and I knew my husband's favorite dog was the pit bull, so my son and I went to our local Humane Society and adopted out "Bart" - - a black and white pit bull who was picked up on the streets of Daytona Beach! He turned out to be one of the best dogs I have ever had - a true part of the family and best buddies with my husband and son! Nothing pleased Bart more than to wear a bandana and ride up front in the work truck with my husband! he was loyal and affectionate. He passed away in our living room some years later, but his portrait still hangs in our home!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:08 — Monica (Visitor)
They are wonderful dogs - Two of my friends have one. Buster huge male pushing 100lbs, biggest head I have ever seen on a dog. But he is the biggest baby. He is afraid of baby birds LOL He lives with a cat that dominates him and a young child. He is so gentle with children. He stil thinks thta he is a lap dog. Love him so much!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:09 — autumn (Visitor)
I am a proud and responsible owner of two pits. They are the kindest most loving dogs ever. I would trust them around children and adults more than I would trust most people. I am thankful every day that I have them in my life. We need tougher laws for the owners that abuse these dogs giving them a bad rep., not tougher laws on the victims...who are the mistreated pits.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:09 — Ginny Ludwikowski (Visitor)
I have 10 berautiful grandbabies that 3 of them are bitbulls. one is Isabella (red nose), Big Jefferey (rose bud), Big Boy who is a mastive mix pit. My grandbabies are the world to me and I am a animal lover, so if I see or hear of any abuse or unleased animal any breed I call the police and our animals control. People think that the pitbull breed is here for the wrong reasons. it is the owner that shows the animals not the animal show the owner. everything bad person that has a pit and does not take care of it or mis treats their animal should be chained up and not fed and see how they like it. We has pet owners should be loyal to our animals theya re loyal to us. Have a great day everyone. PITBULLS ARE MUBER ONE. As TIA TORRES and her family fight for the PITBULL now in New Orleans, was in Los Angeles and the city pushed them out. We need people like her and her family. The breed needs her also. Everyone go to their website and purchase there clothing or decals to support the PITBULL Breed. Ginny a very proud GRANDMA.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:10 — Manda (Visitor)
I am a proud owner of 2 pit bulls. They are brother & sister their names are Tonka T. & Tiffany. They are 9 1/2 years old and are the best pets ever. They love our family, friends & kids. I feel sorry for this breed of dog because they do not get the credit they deserve. I have never had a problem with mine & actually when I take them to their doggy day care I always get told how good they are. I hope that some day Pit Bulls will have a more positive outlook to their breed because they really are a loving, caring, loyal breed of dog.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:10 — Jenn D (Visitor)
The pit bulls I have known in my life have been some of the sweetest, playful, and affectionate dogs I've ever dealt with. I don't have my own dogs but the pit bulls I do know are awesome! It makes me sad they get such a bad rap :(

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:12 — Rachel S (Visitor)
You would think a dog that was "inherently dangerous" wouldn't have the capacity to love, right? Wrong. Two years ago, we had to put our older pitbull to sleep. He had prostate cancer and there was no cure. His brother knew when we came home that something was wrong, and we cuddled him that night. The next morning, I let him out into the backyard, and, instead of bounding out, he sat on our hill and howled, softly. "Ohh, ohhh", he called. I don't know if it came from a place of immense sadness, if he was still hoping Shocka would come back if he could just talk to him, or if if he was calling out one last tribute to his brother, telling him it was OK, but those low bass notes, called out into the misty September morning, were the most beautiful, heart-wrenching eulogy I have ever heard. I stood in the house, listening, my head up against the door, crying, because he spoke for all of us. None of my other dogs have ever openly loved like that, and I feel so fortunate that I got to experience it from him, a dog who has been so misunderstood for so long for no reason.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:14 — Sarah (Visitor)
Here is a link to a slideshow I made with pictures loaned to me by pit bull owners Ive met on the web. It shows the facts about pits and that the media has been spouting old misinformation for too long. Please share it so more people can know the truth about Pit Bulls. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRj1HJEfU4o

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:14 — Lori Hanks (Visitor)
I adopted my lab/pitbull mix from the humane society ten years ago now, and it has proven to be the best decision I have ever made. For a decade now my precious rescue has been my best friend, companion and guardian, and I love him with all of my heart and more. While it's true he has some quirks from the abuse he suffered before finding his true family, he is such a wonderful dog that the extra time and training are well worth it. I will definitely be a loyal fan of the breed forever, and will always work to help improve their reputation.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:15 — Erika (Visitor)
Nena is a 4 year old Pit Bull mix. We rescued her from a local Humane Society when she was a few months old. She has grown up with my human daughter of the same age. She couldn't be a more integral part of our family. As for her disposition, she allows my preschooler (and when she was a toddler and an infant) to do anything she wants to her, not that I allow it. Since my daughter was a baby, Nena likes to share her pillow when they lay on the couch. Nena's got a heck of a bark on her, but that only works on strangers. Everyone who has met her knows what a sweetheart she is. And she'll stop right in the middle of that ferocious bark and give me a big kiss if I put my face near her's. We have an elderly neighbor who was definitely under the Pit-Bulls-are-villains spell until Nena. Now he finds it quite amusing to put a piece of cookie on his knee and tell Nena to 'leave it' repeatedly, until he's ready to tell her to 'take it.' Hey, it's a great command, and Nena's good at it. She's so eager to please, that trumps the temptation of the cookie. And believe me, she wants that cookie. She doesn't get junk food at home! Nena thrives on positive praise; her whole body wiggles with excitement and she goes in for lots of licky kisses whenever she's complimented. Nena's friendly with our 3 cats. One likes to rub against Nena like a cat does around a person's legs. Maybe she's claiming Nena as her territory? Nena loves bubbles and being splashed with water. She will get in the baby pool with my daughter and me and whine to be splashed. Nena likes the dog park, but if there's an altercation, you'll find her at the other end of the park. She wants no parts of dog fighting. She likes to play with all the neighborhood dogs. She can be a wuss, which means she likes to glue herself to my leg or bark if she's scared, but she's always been comfortable with children and other animals. Nena is a loving, patient, loyal, snuggly teddy bear. We love her with all our hearts. My only fear with Nena is what we will ever do without her!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:15 — Joe (Visitor)
About 15 years ago I found a pit wondering the streets of mid-town NYC. I called her over and she right away approached me and I knew she was mine. Well, I brought her home and had our vet look at get. She was in good health and my wife and I decided to name her Sheba. She was the most lovable dog I had ever seen. She would intimidate people, but once you got close, she would just luck you and roll on her back. Unfortunately, 3 years later we found a lump and it was cancer. We had to have her front right leg amputated. She was fine for about a year, but the cancer came back. It was aggressive and we had no choice but to put her to rest. At the vet, when they placed the IV needle all she did was lick the vets hand. Everyone lived her at the vet and there was not one dry eye. She left an impression wherever she went. Till this day I get sad thinking about it, but I always feel good knowing that I had the opportunity of having her in my life. Her picture is still up on the wall at the vet and continues to bring smiles on the faces of those who met her. Pits are great dogs and everyone should have at least owned one in their life.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:15 — Anna Gray (Visitor)
I have to affectionate pit bulls, My boy is 3 yrs and loves to give hugs and kisses. My 11 girl loves to get her butt scritched and rub herself up against you. They both love the walks and my boy like to go hiking up at Griffith Park and wallow in the water hole at the top of Griffith. Candy my girl is a Red Nose and Blu my boy is Brindle.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:15 — kathy randall (Visitor)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2Qw22uyhNdk

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:16 — Sandra Barron (Visitor)
I am the mother of 2 pitbulls and a pitbull mix. They are an male American Pitbull Terrier (Bruno), a female Red-nosed red (Little Red) and a pitbull/chow mix (WACy). All three were rescues. We do keep the pitbulls separate from the pitbull mix and our other 3 dogs when they are outside only because they are so high energy and much younger. When Bruno and Red are playing, it is incredible to watch. They fly through the air and bump chests. They wrestle on the deck. But even though he is larger than her by 20 pounds, he lets her win almost everytime. They are incredible with us. They do believe they are lap dogs. WACy is the alpha of our other pack. She was raised by two wolves and learned early that it was her place to help raise puppies. She was so gentle with any puppy she came in contact with, plus she was a good teacher and disciplinarian. She is now 11 years old and a bit slower, so we don't give her that job anymore. These girls and guy bring so much pleasure to us that it's like a party sometimes. That's why I use the screen name "PittieParty" on one of my sites.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:18 — Bill Blair (Visitor)
You are not helping the problem by writing a silly fluff article that does not deal with reality AT ALL . The pit bulls that people have as pets right now are from piles of puppies that end up in the shelter, bred in the ghettos by idiots who know NOTHING about breeding and often ARE breeding them for fighting, therefore choosing the most negative characteristics to breed for. These dogs are NOT being bred responsibly and haven't been for YEARS. You have also not mentioned the fact that they have the capability of doing way more damage than other breeds when they bite. When you misrepresent these dogs it doesn't help the problem. It's just lies upon lies.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:22 — Dean Boese (Visitor)
Have you ever owned a pit bull? Doubt it. do a little research, ass hat. My pit was the greatest most loyal and loving dog I've ever had. They used to call them nanny dogs. I swear, everytime I see a post by some idiot like you speaking WITHOUT ANY KNOWLEDGE whatsoever, it makes me want to punch some one.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:56 — Megan (Visitor)
Point of fact, there are responsible breeders of pit bulls, I know some personally. And they aren't in the ghetto, they're in an upper-middle class suburb. I'm not saying bad breeding doesn't take place, but there is good breeding happening too. And these good breeders are breeding out dog aggressiveness. Also, the worst bad breeding by ignorant people is taking place far out in the country at Amish puppy mills. And, FYI, Mastiffs, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds all have been scientifically tested for bite strength, and ALL tested higher than your average pit bull. I think you should consider educating yourself, as you clearly have no idea what you're talking about.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:18 — Dean Boese (Visitor)
I had, up until recently, a great pit named Nina. She was loveable and dumb and enjoyed nothing more than to be curled up on a bed next to a human sleeping. She was lazy and loved everyone in my family especially the six year old, probably because the six year old was forever dropping food. She passed from cancer recently at the age of twelve (she was quite the old lady by pit standards) but I have never had a more loving or goofy animal and I miss her dearly.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:23 — Ashley (Visitor)
No worries, find peace in knowing that Nina is up among the clouds playing and chasing the wind! She is with my Duffy who also recently passed. The love they give will last forever. She is with you always! Thank you for being a pittie advocate! Namaste!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:18 — Thomas Severinghaus (Visitor)
My 17 year old Pit/Blue Healer Lane, is a JOY and loves kids. S a "rescue" dog (my daughter took her away from a "breeder" that used her as a "bait dog")that I got 15 years ago! She LOVES children and tolerates them extremely well. However and sadly, she's not a dog that you can put with other dogs, due to her life before we got her. I believe that, if you have a pit, you have a friend for LIFE! They're no different than any other canine with the sole exception of a bad raputation. She's protective of the house and God help anyone who tries to break in. Once she's introduced to someone like a pet sitter, she's loving and affectionate... she may just lick you to death though! LOL. I HOPE that people get over their unnecessary fear of these wonderful animals. When they're not taught to be an agressive fighter, they're sweet and calm disposition is second only to a mother to her children. After she passes, my wife and I will have nothing other than Pits. We're THAT sure of their nature as a protective, family dog.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:18 — Ashley Pollock (Visitor)
I have two wonderful pittie mixes! Penny Lane is a rescued beagle pit mix who is one heck of a hunter, keeping our garden free of all types of rodents! Ramzee is our recent rescue pup who is so willing to learn and to please, part pit and what we think is lab as he can not get enough frisbee time! Both came from rough starts, Penny being thrown from a car and Ramzee returned to the shelter for having "too much energy". Both of my babies are excellent alert dogs but will only end up showering the visitors with kisses! I usually have snuggle bookends when on the couch... Penny on one side and Ramzee on the other. They are so willing to please and to learn. They are both absolutely amazing around my sister's 3 young children. Some how instictively knowing they need to be even more gentle on leash or when taking treats. The major key to having such lova'bull' pitties is training and exercise! This breed is truly amazing! Full of love and respect and an ability to be such goofy goofy clowns I don't think I could ever have any other breed! These are not just dogs, these are loyal companions that will pick you up even on your worst days. Give them the training, love and respect they need and you will have a best friend for life! I feel so bad for the people with such closed minds that they aren't even willing to see the true light of the breed. Wake up people... your bias is aimed at the wrong end of leash! My dogs would change your mind..........

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:20 — Liz O. (Visitor)
I got my first Pit Bull at the American Family Pet Expo in Costa Mesa California from a Rescue organization (Orange Co. Friends of Homeless Pets...had to give them a plug)Lola (a red nose)was 10 weeks old. I knew nothing of Pits or big dogs in general. My last dog was a Scottie, 10yrs before that. Lola is as lovable as they come. Right away we went to training classes. I didn't want an unrully "big" dog. At 5 mos old she learned to "fetch" a ball...she is now tennis-ball obsessive. She has never has an assertive, much less agressive thought pass through her head. A year later I rescued Rocky, (a blue) who's much larger and has the typical pit bull blocky head. He's very impressive looking! He was only 8 weeks when I got him. He's very submissive and quiet and loves his treadmill. I refer to them as my 70 lb lap dog wannabes. I wouldn't have any other breed of dog. I do get some looks once in a while...a 61 yr old woman with two Pits! Wouldn't trade them for the world.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:21 — N (Visitor)
I think this conversation is much more complicated than the dichotomy of Pitt Bulls being "good" or "bad". The question for me, is if it is alright for people to have aggressive breeds in an urban/shared space environment. When I say aggressive, I do not mean running down the streets and attacking children (which we call all agree is not acceptable). I am referring to a dog, that when it gets into a shuffle with another dog at a park is easily capable of killing that dog and severely injuring anyone that tries to break up the fight. It is clearly the same mentality as racism to criticize a breed rather than an individual dog. However, I live in NYC, the dog fighting capital of the world. Many of the Pitts in the dog park are rescues (which is wonderful), however they are sometimes rescues from people that have bred them for dog aggression in dog fighting circles. Most "Pitts" I see are likely Pitt mixes and either way are wonderful dogs, but SOME/FEW are very dog aggressive, and when people try to break this up it can be a blood bath. There are no Beagle fighting rings, or Beagles being breed for aggression-hence not a big problem with violent Beagle attacks, or people walking across the street with their kids when they see a Beagle. I had a wonderful Pitt name Charger ten years ago. A cuddly black dog who was a giant 90lbs, tall and muscular. Charger came from a line off fighting dogs and had been rescued as an infant puppy. He was loving and well trained, as well as very affectionate. However, when another dog snapped at Charger, he went into a full out attack mode, like clicking into a kill mentality with the other dog. He saw a trainer often, but this problem only happened when another dog snapped at him, so he was an angel with the trainer and I. Charger once got into a fight with another Pitt Bull at a friends house, and when someone attempted to break up this awful bloody fight, charger tore off that persons jaw. Yeah, it sounds crazy, and it was. Seven days in the hospital and multiple surgeries for that friend and fellow Pitt owner. I don't think Charger even realized it was a person and not the other dog when this was happening. I have seen many dog fights being a dog owner who goes to the dog park twice a day, but only three stick in my mind, all involving Pitt Bulls. The other tiny scuffles never made an imprint because they were so minor and the dogs just "dropped it" after a tiny fight with no injuries. One, three months ago I watched a Pitt lock onto a Puggle who had just sniffed it as they crossed paths on a public sidewalk in San Francisco. The Pitt who belonged to a homeless person snapped and locked on the Puggle's face, and it was a bloody mess that took ten people, buckets of water and fifteen minutes to unhinge the Pitt Bull from the Puggle. I was shaking for a day after seeing this and the Puggle was severely disfigured, and rushed to the vet in a bloody mess, but lived. The second happened in a friends living room when another friends lovable rescue PItt decided it no longer liked her cat that it had spent years getting along with. It attacked the cat, then her dog stepped in and was severely injured, and then the owner was severely injured by her Pitt trying to break this up. Everyone survived, but the cat, dog and Pitt owner all required surgery from the severity of the bites. Yes, any breed of any dog is capable of attacking a person or dog, but not any breed is capable of doing so much damage (there is a short list). My main concern with Pitts is the dog aggression which has been breed into the fighting rescues (of course the fault of humans and not the dogs, but still a problem when you encounter this sub-category of Pitt), and how capable Pitts are of causing bodily harm in addition to this aggression is a dangerous combo. I now have a Shiba Inu/Shepard mutt rescue. She is wild at times, but even if she had her heart set on it (and she is NEVER dog aggressive-EVER even when they snap at her she just shows them a nasty face and walks away) could never tear of someones jaw the way my old Pitt Charger did. My dog goes to the Dog Park twice a day, and although I let her play with any dog, I am openly a little racist and stand very close when she plays with Pitts. Although the lab biting more than Pitt statistic may be true, what about the Death by Dog Attack statistic, Pitts are pretty high on that list, along with the other aggressive breeds http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fatal_dog_attacks_in_the_United_States That said, it is absolutely ignorant to think that all of any type of dog is violent. There are wonderful dogs of any breed. This is a very complicated conversation in many shades of grey.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:26 — n (Visitor)
Yeah, not sure why I just wrote Pitt Bull instead of Pit Bull in that entire paragraph, lets just pretend its an exotic spelling up there.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:35 — sylvia whittum (Visitor)
I have written earlier here today as have owned pitbulls for many years. I never believed in taking my pitbulls to dog parks. Remember pitbull terriers were bred to fight other dogs. I found that my pits would scrap with other pack members here. I often had 5 at one time. It is very difficult to break up a pitbull dog fight. They can be very tenacious in a fight. Unless a pit dog was happy, and very happy, i might add, i never left them alone together. Never trust your pittie not to fight. Still my favorite breed though!!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 12:13 — Megan (Visitor)
Did you really just use wikipedia as your factual information source? Seriously? Also, if you are going to use it as fact, go down to the chart that lists the dogs and victims, you'll notice that the majority of the pit bull references say things like 'pit bull type' or 'pit bull mix'. That means anything that remotely resembles a pit bull, and usually means the dog is either mixed or is actually a lesser known molosser-type dog. Here's another way you can tell you shouldn't rely on wiki... the top chart says 2003 had 8 fatalities - 4 by pit bulls... go down to the detailed chart for the same year and only 1 of the eight dogs listed is described as a pit mixed with lab.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:23 — RW Tripp (Visitor)
I found my pedigreed Staffordshire Terrier (Pit Bull) abused & abandoned as a puppy in a park garden, hence her name DAISY. I only recently lost her at age 12. She was always a very sweet affectionate & playful creature, only showing agression if it were shown towards her. I recently changed home owners insurance companies to AAA of S. Cal and found they would not insure if a Pit Bull was at the residence! Their stance appears to be nothing more than unresearched bias. Short of changing insurance providers again, is there anything ASPCA or it's members can do to address this anti Pit Bull bias?

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 16:47 — Megan (Visitor)
state farm

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:24 — Regina (Visitor)
I`ve been reading some of those beautiful stories and thought I need to ad mine, too. Through a horrible tragedy we lost 4 of our companions this year (our house burnt down). One of my surviving dogs, Harley, a pit/weimeraner mix, who always was my clown , managed to wake me . He is the sweetest dog and everybody who meets him, loves him, even though his energy level is always high..thankfully we live on 10 acres and he gets to run a lot. After a few months of broken hearts I felt Harley went into a depression, where actually he was reflecting me. We decided to go to APA (Austin pets alive) here in Austin and find a new girlfriend for Harley. We needed a dog, that got along with cats, dogs...chicken :-). We decided to adopt Zena, a pit/staff mix lady, about 6 years old. Zena has managed to help heal my broken heart and got Harley up and running again. She is the sweetest lady and the cats just love her. Every day she is so excited to bounce in the thicket , trying to find critters, we will love and cherish her as long as she lives and I am really glad we got her and Harley is , too :-)

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:24 — Louise Cook (Visitor)
I have owned 5 pitties and they were all the sweetest, most goofy, loveable animals alive. A couple lived to ripe old ages but a couple had cancer. I miss all of them. Right now I'm not able to have a large dog but when I lived in Huntington Beach there were many,many pitbulls in the area and I got my full of petting and loving on my goofy loves. One, a really big boy, lived a couple of buildings up from my apartment and when his owner, a tiny little woman, would clean she would park him outside on the sidewalk until she was done vacuuming. And without any leash or chain, there he would sit waiting to be let back into the house. It was the funniest sight; this huge dog just sitting there and not moving a muscle except his tail. And my next neighbor had Charlie, a 7-year-old female, who went nuts with wagging her tail, if anyone would pet her. I oculd go on but unless you have experienced the love of a pitty you cannot understand how loyal to the breed people are that have either known a pittie or been owned by one. They are beyond loving, smart, and loyal. Laws against pitbull fighting have got to be enforced, and make the penalties fit the crime. Actually that goes for all 'sports' that included injuring an animal, i.e., cockfighting, bull fighting, dog fighting.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:25 — sylvia whittum (Visitor)
Pitbull terrers are so endearing with the most expressive faces! We have adopted, bought only one, and fostered several over the years. We have had other breeds but none compare to the pitbull terrier. They are good guards but most are accepting of and like people and children. They need socialization to different situations and obedience. They are very active but do calm down. They are also highly intelligent!!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:25 — Kristen V Havelka (Visitor)
Though he isn't really my dog he is my ex-boyfriends. His name is Herc and he is probably the biggest Pit Bull I have ever seen and I will admit he looks a little intimidating but he is the sweetest dog I know. Herc is also the biggest baby I know he is scared of everything it seems and thinks he is the size of a kitten. When my ex's friend came over who Herc had never met before Herc ran on to the couch plopped his body in my lap and hid his head. Now don't get me wrong he is a great protector to he loves the neighbor kids, seems like the only time he realizes he is big is when he plays with them, but last week when he and the kids were outside playing a man came walking up who no one had ever seen before started talking to the kids he apparently got a little to close for Herc's liking because the next thing we knew the kids mother was outside screaming and was calling the cops. The kids said the guy went to grab one of them and Herc jumped on him and knocked him down, he never bit the guy just made it so he wasn't getting up. When the police came they did take Herc and the man away and we later found out the man was an unregistard sexoffender who had moved without talking to his probation officer. We end up getting Herc back safely and we along with the childrens mother are so happy he was there to protect her little ones. Herc again is not my dog but my ex and I do share him. Herc mainly comes over at night when my ex goes to work and stays with me he is a great cuddle buddy and just an all time great dog!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:26 — Jewel (Visitor)
My little white pit bull Luckyy Pinkyy Starr is the sweetest dog I have ever known. She takes more "abuse" from my toddler than any dog should have to, and never even blinks an eye. I can't imagine my life without her!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:27 — Sharklady (Visitor)
Jazmine is a half-pit-bull, half-boxer, 3-year-old female that we adopted from our local shelter. She's loving, affectionate, and has a sense of humor. She's in love with my 10-year-old cat, Peanut, who claims "she's not my type." Seriously, though, I don't think I could have found a more wonderful dog. The joy she brings into our family is priceless. She was abused and it took a couple of months for her to get used to her new surroundings. I bought her the Rolls Royce of dog beds, give her plenty of love, affection and yes, food, and I think she loves us just as much as we love her.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:27 — Lillian Dobson (Visitor)
My children and I have owned pitbulls as pets since 1989 and none of them have been aggressive except one that was an abused dog when we got him. My son has two right now...males who get along great and him and his son wrestle around with them and they do not get aggressive. They sleep most of the time with my grandchildren. I have a pitbull here. He plays with the cat. He doesn't go after the chickens or anything. The kids can climb all over him and he does nothing but lick their faces. When I am upset, he knows it and he will try to cheer me up. All of our pitbulls have been loving companions and we have had quite a few over the years. They all lived about 13 to 15 years. To me, any dog will be as bad as it's owner. If the dog is taught love and the gentle then they will be but if you teach your dog to be aggressive, it will be and that goes for any breed of animal. I have had 2 pitbulls, my oldest son has had 3, my daughter has had 4 and my other son has had at least 6 and they have been friendly and not mean dogs. They are really good dogs.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:28 — Vicki (Visitor)
We adopted Zoey a year and a half ago after having to put our boxer Austin down after 12 years. I was skeptical of her since she is a pit bull mix but she was able to make my kids fall in love with her. I had no idea that day, that she would turn out to be the wonderful dog she is. My 11 year old son is her BFF, they are stuck together like glue, she can catch a ball like no dog I've ever seen, and loves to run laps (as fast as she can) around the house, she has an awesome "sniper" crawl, can speak AND whisper. She listens 100x's better than the kids & is the most LOVING dog I know. I can go on all day about her award winning personality and the silly things she does, but what I wanted to saying is I was wrong to be skeptical of her because of her breed. She is seriously the best dog (and that is saying a lot because she had big shoes to fill) We love our Zoey girl <3

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:28 — Barb (Visitor)
Anyone who believes pitbulls are vicious from birth are uneducated about them. Any viciousness comes from their owners and how they are treated..... Pits are such a dedicated breed they will do whatever is asked of them, good or unfortunately bad. We found our beautiful, gentle "Rio" along a river barely alive when she was about 5 weeks old. Our best guess was that she (and probably her siblings) were "discarded" in the river and somehow she made it to shore. Today, at 6, she is still quite afraid of the water. She came to us just weeks before my husbands life-altering car racing accident and she proved to be some of the best rehab he ever received. I swear she acts more human than many humans do! She understands peoples emotions and acts accordingly. She has helped us through some extremely tough emotional times with her unconditional love and commitment to us. It saddens me to think of the abuse such incredible creatures sometimes endure in our senseless care. Our Riogirl is simply the best addition to our family that we could have ever imagined.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:28 — Emily (Visitor)
When I was a child my stepfather's friend stopped by our house to see if we wanted a puppy. He only had one left and he had to give her away that day. You see, the momma dog was so under nourished, among other things, that see had started eating her puppies. I couldn't believe it. All I knew is she was mine and I had even seen her yet. I told my Momma that I wanted, that she was already mine. When the friend held her out to truck window to me, I fell in love. She was around three weeks old, little bitty black and white PitBull dog. I named her Jezz. We spent a lot of great years together. We had one of the big metal slide, like the parks used to have in our yard and she would climb up, by herself, and slide down with me. This is one of the many things that she would see me do and desire she could too. She was awesome and protective. We spent many summer days in her doghouse reading books and just hanging out together. We lived on a farm with lots of animals and she never once tried to hurt one. I hope that we can get their smeared name cleared. They are great dogs.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:30 — PEGGY (Visitor)
NOT ONLY ARE THEY WONDERFUL PETS AND VERY LOYAL AND PROTECTIVE OF THEIR FAMILY BUT ALSO VERY CUDDABLE & LOVABLE FAMILY MEMBERS. THE SHAME NEEDS TO BE PUT ON THOSE CRIMINALS THAT USE THEM FOR DOG FIGHTING AND ABUSING THEM OR ANY OTHER BREED ANY ANIMAL CAN BE FORCE TO BE AGGRESSIVE AND SHAME ON THOSE PEOPLE IF THAT WHAT YOU WANT TO CALL THEM. I HAVE A MUCH STONGER WORD FOR THEM BUT I CAN'T PUT THAT ON HERE. LETS JUST SAY THEY KNOW WHAT AND WHO THEY ARE AND THAT GOES FOR ANYONE PUTTING A ANIMAL OR ANY LIVING CREATURE OR PERSON IN THAT POSITION. KARMA HAS A WAY OF BITING THOSE TYPE OF PEOPLE AND IT WILL GET THEM SOMEDAY TILL THEN WE ARE THEIR VOICE. THIS WORLD IS OUR BUSINESS, SO QUIT USING THE EXCUSE TO MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:30 — Sheri (Visitor)
My little girl is an American Pit full bred and she's the sweetest girl ever. She weighs only 50 lbs. and she will bark at someone new with a toy in Her mouth while wagging her tail. She loves to play catch and sit in front With me to watch the passers by. She is 4 years old and so playful. She Loves to run around and bark when my son wears a costume, and even As much as a wig, she'll notice and want to play by barking at it. She is Without a doubt the most fun dog I have ever known. She's a lover dog.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:30 — PEGGY (Visitor)
NOT ONLY ARE THEY WONDERFUL PETS AND VERY LOYAL AND PROTECTIVE OF THEIR FAMILY BUT ALSO VERY CUDDABLE & LOVABLE FAMILY MEMBERS. THE SHAME NEEDS TO BE PUT ON THOSE CRIMINALS THAT USE THEM FOR DOG FIGHTING AND ABUSING THEM OR ANY OTHER BREED ANY ANIMAL CAN BE FORCE TO BE AGGRESSIVE AND SHAME ON THOSE PEOPLE IF THAT WHAT YOU WANT TO CALL THEM. I HAVE A MUCH STONGER WORD FOR THEM BUT I CAN'T PUT THAT ON HERE. LETS JUST SAY THEY KNOW WHAT AND WHO THEY ARE AND THAT GOES FOR ANYONE PUTTING A ANIMAL OR ANY LIVING CREATURE OR PERSON IN THAT POSITION. KARMA HAS A WAY OF BITING THOSE TYPE OF PEOPLE AND IT WILL GET THEM SOMEDAY TILL THEN WE ARE THEIR VOICE. THIS WORLD IS OUR BUSINESS, SO QUIT USING THE EXCUSE TO MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:31 — Judith Andersen (Visitor)
Lulu was 7 months old when I adopted her; I was a 70 years old 100 lb. woman. I have owned dogs of all kinds all my life, usually 2 or 3 at a time. Of the many dogs who have shared their life with me, 3 have been outstanding: a Dalmatian named Pinto, a gorgeous red setter mix named Rave On, and Lulu my American Staffordshire bull terrier. Lulu and I are devoted to each other. My grandchildren come over and roll around on the floor with her, playing their hearts out. My daughter's and neighbor's dogs are her best friends. She will play with any dog who will reciprocate, and will simply back off if the dog is hostile towards her. She is funny and sweet and loyal and smart and kind. I am totally sold on this daffy, gentle breed.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:31 — Misty Parsons (Visitor)
When I met my husband he owned a red nose pit. I had been raised to believe that pit bulls could " snap any minute" and would latch on with jaws that they couldn't even control themselves! I was called a fool for bringing my 10 mo old son into a home with this "monster". I obviously took precautions but after getting to know Red Dog, I knew this sweet gentle creature could never hurt anyone. We took preventative measures because she did not like other animals at all , but she ended up becoming more my dog than my husband's! In fact Red Dog knew I was pregnant with my daughter before I did! All of a sudden she became very protective if me and would bark if strangers would come near me- which she'd never done before. About a week later a pregnancy test revealed what it seems Red already knew... I was pregnant! We have six children and they were all raised with this wonderful gift from God. She was a wrestling partner , a guard against nighttime closet monsters, a snuggling buddy when we were sick in bed , someone to whisper a teenage girls secret crush to, and above all a family member! We had this wonderful creature in our lives for 13 years when cancer finally took her home to te great doggy park in the sky. It took awhile but we now have a beautiful blue pittie named colt and a chi weenie named Lexi. Colt is the submissive dog allowing our 13lb chihuahua/dachshund mix boss him around! He is the friendliest dog and loves meeting new friends at the park( we have a park in the area that has a place for children. to play and dogs too). I still get so upset when Colt- with his floppy ears(never got his ears clipped) and goofy grin with tongue hanging out the side while waggin his tail , goes trotting by( on a leash mind u) and people are afraid. The last time I had them there a 8 or 9 year old girl yelled " pit bull!" And the man and woman she was with reacted by grabbing her and all 3 jumping on the bench and saying" oh my God! Get up here before it attacks you!" Meanwhile my 5 yr old daughter is hugging colt around his neck saying" he won't bite! He's a nice doggy, see?!" It kills me to see so many pit bulls in shelters due to over breeding and also the laws some places have against these sweet creatures! Now I'm not saying all pits are sweet animals, just like any other breed there are mean ones but I've found those are the ones who have been raised to fight and not had the love and care that they deserve. Many of these animals just need to be slowly rehabilitated with love patience and understanding. Please don't judge a dog based on the breed, I'm sure you don't want to be judged in who you are by the color of your skin or your sex or even by your ethnicity as these dogs are

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:32 — Michele (Visitor)
I had a wonderful Pit Bull who I saw her owners kick her out of a car and just leave her on the streets. I watched her to make sure she didn't run out in the street and eventually she came over, sat down next to me, looked up and gave me that look like "I'm yours now!" I took her home, she was malnourished, flea ridden and had a scar on her neck that the Vet told me was probably from her previous owners trying to hang her. I had Leica (named because she had these beautiful hazel eyes)for 14 years. This little girlie always had to have the last word no matter what! If I told her she didn't get the last word, she would still make a grumbling noise proving the point that she always got the last word. She was obedient, protective, loved my nieces and my nephews, was goofy, dorky and even with all she want through with her previous owners, loveable and trusting. If I ever decided to get another dog, Pit Bull is still on the top of my list!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:32 — Tara (Visitor)
I have 2 pitts Dino 1 yr old and Buster 4 months and they get along very well. They also live with a 2yr old cat name Bam Bam. they all play well together. My dogs are big babies they love to run and play. They are easy to train and love treats.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:34 — dj (Visitor)
was just reading all the great stories about our beloved pits; then i came to the comments from the haters, omg !! we had 7 pits (4 rescues) an amstaff (rescue) a minpin, 12 fl cur/catahoulas,a shep/lab mix and a huskie/chow mix.....the latter is the only one who started fights with other dogs and still has to be separate at age 15! The big male pits are hog hunting catch dogs but thats their "job"; with people they are big baby lapdogs ! i am still in tears having lost my red nose girl a month ago age 13. she was the best dog ever ! so smart and sweet; everyone loved her. she used to "smile" (disconcerted some newcomers)and hug ppl she hadnt seen in a while. my sons friend hadnt been to visit in 5 yrs (iraq marine) and she was sooo happy to see him, she stood up and hugged him! she held "hands" with me at bedtime etc etc etc. i miss her. we are extremely careful with ALL the dogs around small children; they are all put up if kids visit bc none were raised with small kids around. with the 9 cats, the only ones who get hurt are the dogs so they steer clear. my vet was in practice for 50 yrs and the only dog bite he ever had was from a dalmatian ! we also had 2 dals but no biting and coexisted with 3 pits, the staffie , minpin, cats etc. all house pets. yes we do live on a farm; yes we do have kennels for the hunting dogs but when they retire, they come in too ! it has to be said that any ill bred dog or any animal (horses for instance) and/or ill raised/handled animal are most apt to be dangerous but so can the good ones. my friend's chihuahua bites everybody and mother's old blind poodle bit a chosen few ( old/blind startled). there are countless cases of other breeds biting and fighting but not widely reported in the news! have u ever seen a headline "chihuahua bites child, neighbor,husband and owner!"?? sorry going long here, but the hater comments made me sooo upset. RIP my babies: precious Molly pb13, Bugs 16 (minpin), Duke pb7 hunting accident, Sadie pb4 neighbor shot bc she was pb chasing his goats but didnt hurt them ,Chrystal 15 (dalmatian) and Shana 12(shep/lab) 2012,2011,2007,2003,2204,2005

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:37 — Alonda (Visitor)
I have totally disagree with "pits are sweet loving dogs". Three little girls have been mauled to death by the family pet- pit bulls. I had a horse have her hind leg tore up by a neigbors family pet -a pit bull. I had a 25 hour old foul killed by another neighbors family pet, a pit bull.All 5 pit bulls are now dead pits. People need to take responsibility for their animals, keep them penned, leashed or in the house.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:45 — Andi (Visitor)
While I'd like to argue you with you that frequently dogs portrayed as pitbulls in the media are actually labs, mastiffs, or danes, or others, I'll leave it at that. My point is this. Humans do lots of terrible things too. Worse usually. Rape, torture, murder. We tend to say that people who commit these crimes suffer from mental illness. Mental illness brought on by years of personal abuse, suffering, molestation usually at the hands of family members. The people on this page are working dilligently to show others that with love, a little hard work, supervision and a good family (just as any child) pits grow up to be loving and obedient dogs.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 12:16 — Susan (Visitor)
Can you read? It says to post about your Pitbull! Maybe you should go back to grade school!

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