Fact: Before the wrong type of owners gave them a bad reputation, pit bulls were renowned as “nanny dogs” for their gentleness toward children. Even pit bulls rescued from fight busts or other abusive situations have been successfully adopted to families with children. Their naturally people-friendly, playful, patient nature makes them a perfect match for lively kids. If this weren’t the case, then Olive and Lizzie would certainly have some explaining to do!

Fact:

Not every pit bull will get along with other dogs (face it – do you get along with every other human?). This is an easily manageable trait; since pit bulls are so eager to please, even a highly reactive dog can easily be trained to ignore other dogs when they pass by on a walk.

Most pit bulls are “dog-selective,” meaning that they like some dogs but clash with others. For this reason, dog parks aren’t right for most pit bulls. Instead, smart pit bull owners can keep their dogs happy by arranging one-on-one play sessions with a few select playmates. Most are perfectly content without other dogs to play with; since pit bulls are so people-oriented, they don’t need the company of other dogs to be happy.

If you already have a dog and are considering adopting a pit bull, be sure to set up a “dog meet” beforehand to make sure they get along. Many pits, like Emma and Dylan, live happily with their canine siblings.

More information:

Details on dog parks

Socializing your pit bull (pdf)

Introducing a new dog into your home (pdf)

Fact: Countless pit bulls live in harmony with family cats. However, it’s not uncommon for pit bulls – like any terriers – to exhibit an impulse to chase small animals like pigeons, squirrels, and sometimes cats. Many pit bulls, though, are so mild-mannered that the family cat ends up in charge. PAWS pit Darla is so friendly with her feline housemates that they use her as a pillow at night. Reggie, meanwhile, is so intimidated by tiny kittens that he will run away, with his tail between his legs, if they even look him in the eye!

Fact: This is just another urban myth promoted by irresponsible breeders trying to sell puppies to people looking for a tough dog. No dog has a locking jaw – not even Molly when she’s playing with her green ball!

Fact: Pit bulls were intentionally bred to be “people-soft,” having a natural bite inhibition toward their human handlers. 

Sadly, pit bulls often end up in abusive situations. Because of their intimidating, muscular appearance, they are an easy target for owners who want a “bad” dog instead of a friendly companion. Abuse like hitting, starving, and chaining are common in these situations, and will cause a dog to become mentally unstable and more likely to bite. This is true for any dog, from poodles to pit bulls. This abuse is the reason pit bulls end up in the news for incidents of aggression.

According to studies by the CDC, a person is more likely to be killed…

- by a family member
- by a falling coconut
- in a bedroom slipper-related accident
- choking on a marble
- drowning in a 5-gallon bucket
- getting struck by lightning

…than by a pit bull.