Pit bulls get a bad rap, for sure. The media tends to sensationalize attacks that occur, creating a reputation about the breed that is largely unwarranted and unjustified. In reality, these dogs are very friendly. Ultimately, dogs that attack people are trained or socialized to attack, and are often a reflection of the sort of environment that the dog was raised in. As is the case with any person, a dog’s upbringing has a lot to do with it. Sadly, if a dog’s upbringing is poor and traumatic, the psychological damage isn’t easy to undo. It’s possible, but it isn’t easy.

Baggage aside, however, pit bulls, or pet bulls as some affectionate owners tend to call them, are as loving as the next breed. The breed’s tendencies trend toward the extremely loyal and caring. Perhaps this is how this violent reputation might have developed. Pit bulls may grow to become protective of their masters. Again, if you’re good with dogs, and you can get a good understanding for the animal’s psychology, you’ll be able to sense this protectiveness growing within the animal, and you can easily take steps to not incite this into an over protectiveness, which can lead to antisocial behavior.

Contrary to popular belief, these dogs aren’t prone to wild violent outbursts. They don’t lock jaws onto people, and they don’t even make good guard dogs. What they do make are very good companions. They make great running partners. They make great cuddle partners. And they’re really good to keep around if you have a lot of people over to the house. If you’re social, your pit will be. Your pit will do as you do. They’re extremely loyal and sensitive animals. They really good to their masters, and if you’re lucky enough to get adopt one at a young enough age, you could raise the pup to espouse the same social tastes that you have.

Take the pit to picnics, to friends’ homes that also have dogs, and your pit will be just fine. He’ll likely get along well with other dogs. Pits are great because they’re one of the most trainable breeds there is. They’re relatively low maintenance, physically and psychologically. Keep their coats clean and you won’t have a hard time when they shed. Keep them stimulated and they won’t ask for very much more than your attention. And perhaps that’s their drawback. Like any other young person, they require a lot of attention.