Should I Get a Pittie?

Watcheke · 12-13-2012, 03:21 PM

Hey everybody. I've been looking for a dog for a couple months now and out of all the dogs I have seen in shelters and by breeders, I have to say, Pitbulls have been my favorite. I have been doin my research on the breed, and they seem like they can make very excellent companions, but only under specific circumstances. I'm not prejudice toward this breed, And I'm not afraid of dogs at all. But I have absolutely no experience with this breed. I have had several dogs in my life of all different breeds (springer spaniel, German shepherd, greyhound lab mix, even a pug), but never a pitbull. So my question is, are they THAT tricky? Is there one specific way I have to train him so he won't lunge at other dogs? Or are they basically the same as every other dog?

Thanks,
Emily

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**Odin`s_BlueDragon** · 12-13-2012, 03:36 PM

They are not the same as other dogs. For hundreds of years they have been bred for dog fighting and that DNA still runs in their blood. A true to form "pit bull" should never show any human aggression (HA) but dog aggression(DA) is something that is in their genes. DA can be managed but not ever "fixed".

Now as far as the name "pit bull" goes... there's only one type of "pit bull" and that is the american pit bull terrier (APBT). There are other breeds that get called "pit bulls" but they are different breeds altogether. American Bully (AmBully), American Staffordshire Terrier (AST), Staffordshire Bull Terrier (SBT) are the three main ones. Any dog, regardless of what the shelter labels it, is a mutt or mix if it is at the shelter. The ONLY way to tell if a dog is pure bred is by reading its pedigree. Last time I checked stray dogs don't carry papers.

And for training, there are all kinds of methods that work well. My boy is VERY food motivated, so I can get him to do pretty much anything for food. But I've noticed that these dogs in general tend to be quick learners.

But yes, when managed and traine correctly these dogs make the best companions or working dogs, depending on ur lifestyle. I for one will always have a bulldog of some sort in my house.

Watcheke · 12-13-2012, 04:36 PM

Thank you so much for the information, I appreciate it. Is it difficult to manage their aggression toward other dogs? Would you recommend me getting one, even with no experience with the breed? I'm willing to learn and spend time doing stuff with him, but if dog aggression is a very serious problem with the breed and difficult to manage, I'm reluctant to try.

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**angelbaby** · 12-13-2012, 04:47 PM

with any bully breed you are going to take a chance with having to deal with dog aggression. You see it in all she listed above and all the other ones like american bulldogs, even english bulldogs . So be prepared for dog aggression. There are many threads here you can search and read up on { use the search bar at the top}.
As far as should you get an APBT??? what are your wants for this dog? pet, show, working? How active are you and how much time will you have per day to work the dog out?? APBT's are a bit more high strung then the other bully breeds, they need to be worked out and kept active. A bored dog is a destructive dog so if you get a high energy dog and you dont give him means to express that energy he is going to have that pent up and may take it out on your furniture and other valuables lol.
For a 1st time owner I would suggest a am staff or even american bully {if you are still prepared to deal with dog aggression IF it comes up, if not then I think you are looking at the wrong breeds} or even looking at a shelter dog that maybe resembles a bully looking breed { with shelter dogs even if they label it as a certain breed you more often then not are getting a mix }.
Are you looking for a dog you can take to dog parks and play with other dogs?

Watcheke · 12-13-2012, 06:09 PM

I'm looking for a dog as a companion. Not shows or anything like that haha. I'm prepared to spend at least an hour outdoors with my dog, and I have had other dogs before, just not a pitbull. So I'll be home with the dog all day minus 2 to 3 hours in the morning. I really appreciate the feedback by the way, you guys are great.

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**redog** · 12-13-2012, 11:17 PM

DA is the easiest thing to avoid. Don't expose an apbt to other uncontrolled dogs!
In a single dog home there is no better breed of dog for companionship. WAy way better and more predictable than labradors lol

**angelbaby** · 12-13-2012, 11:38 PM

Ya I agree I hate labs been bit by so many lol. I think just comes down to your activity level , APBT I think are a higher energy dog if you want to go that route then just make sure you can work them out each day and give them an outlet to burn it off. I prefer bullys I find they are laid back but ready to go when I want, Mine are active and in shape but if im having a busy day or sick day and just cant get out they are more then happy to chill on the couch with me all day. If all you want is a companion dog have you thought of looking at rescues or breed specific shelters for a dog? They have lots of bully breeds there. If not an you are set on a registered dog just let us know what you want and we can maybe help locate a good breeder. Do you have a style of dog you are more drawn too? am staff , apbt or bullys?

**angelbaby** · 12-13-2012, 11:43 PM

Here is a good thread kind of shows the differences in a visual perspective
Visual Comparison of the top-winning UKC, AKC & ADBA dogs

Watcheke · 12-14-2012, 02:16 AM

You guys are so helpful!!!! I honestly have no specific style. I like the ones with stafford in them, just so they aren't too big. I have been to my shelter so many times and i just wasnt positive about pits because of the negative wrap they get for "extreme" dog aggression. I loved all the ones I met immediately, and I certainly see why people are so defensive of them. They deserve to be defended, from my limited experiences with them. As far as preference goes, No important details; just a good friend to do stuff with.

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Watcheke · 12-14-2012, 02:20 AM

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I guess if I had to pick, these are my favorites. Still, no important preference!! Thanks for the pics though, very interesting to see the differences.

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**Odin`s_BlueDragon** · 12-14-2012, 04:22 AM

I'm so glad we could help! i like the fact that u are willing to learn! keep doin what ur doin! ask all the questions u can think of and eventually u will find the dog for u! where abouts are u from?

Watcheke · 12-14-2012, 04:42 AM

I live in Pittsburgh, PA. And thank you, I was in between asking because I was afraid of the possible responses but I'm really determined so I'll probably be all over this forum. I love how much experience all of you have, it's really helpful. These dogs seem amazing, and I want to experience that, too.

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JoKealoha · 12-14-2012, 05:58 AM

it sounds like you have the right approach so far. i think you "get it" that bulldogs require specific behavior management, training, exercise, precautions. etc.
i would also like to add... responsible ownership goes beyond your relationship with the dog. there is a social component that can be unsettling for a first timer. you and your dog will become targets for the uninformed and misguided. this includes neighbors, family and friends, police, city officials, judges, the list goes on and on.
i'm not saying you are obligated to become an activist. but it helps to have a thick skin. be prepared for the dirty looks. underhanded comments.and loaded questions about your "dangerous breed". arm yourself with knowledge.

**bahamutt99** · 12-14-2012, 02:35 PM

There are a lot of breeds prone to dog-aggression. Plenty of big, tough working dogs have it to a degree. Terriers, too. I'd say with APBTs, its hit or miss, and it can be influenced by the pedigree and the dog's environment. I always end up with some kind of aggression because I like firey redheads. I let my dogs interact like "normal" dogs up to the point where they can't anymore. Then we do what we have to do to keep everybody safe. My dogs get the same training as any other dog. Problem-solving, IMHO, is the same no matter what breed you're dealing with.

Watcheke · 12-14-2012, 04:51 PM

What would you say the energy level of a pitbull puppy is? I know energy levels differ greatly in breeds, I've had quite a few completely different ones. Also, does gender make any difference? Are boys more likely to fight than girls because of dominance or is that just another random statement? I have been doing a lot of research and this forum has been most helpful; the rest of them are all over the place.

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