“The essential characteristics of the Pitbull Terrier are strength, confidence, and zest for life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. Pitbull make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children. This breed does very well in performance events because of its high level of intelligence and its willingness to work.” -United Kennel Club (UKC)
According to the American Temperament Testing Society (ATTS), the pitbull is no more vicious than the golden retriever or the beagle. The ATTS test puts various breeds through a series of tests dealing with unexpected situations and strangers. Dogs that possess any signs of unprovoked fear or aggression automatically fail the test. The pit bull passed with a high 83.9%, compared to the average 77% scored by other breed.
The Pitbull is, contrary to popular belief, very human-friendly and will not naturally be aggressive towards humans. Like any other dog, a pit bull that is properly raised and socialized in a loving environment will remain friendly and faithful. Unfortunately, as the pit bull still remains one of the most highly abused and exploited breeds in the world, there also remain sad examples of poorly bred and mistreated pit bulls that are the byproduct of irresponsible breeders and dogfighters.
Pitbulls are known for their ability to handle a lot of rough and tumble play that children can dish out. They make wonderful companions for kids, and are great family pets when properly trained and socialized. However, children should be taught how to properly interact with dogs and when to respect quiet time. Children and dogs (no matter what breed), should never be left alone without adult supervision.
Many people equate or confuse aggressiveness towards other dogs with aggressiveness towards humans. There are many dogs that do not like other dogs but they love people. Some pits love other dogs, some do not... just like all breeds.
Just a few famous pitbull owners mentioned such as Fred Astaire, President Theodore Roosevelt, President Woodrow Wilson, General George Patton, Thomas Edison, Michael J. Fox, Rachel Ray, Ashley Olsen, Pink, Jessica Alba, Jesse James, Madonna, Michael J Fox, Brad Pitt, Bernadette Peters, Sinbad, Alicia Silverstone, Linda Blair, Humphrey Bogart, Usher, Mel Brooks, Ann Bancroft, John Stuart, Jan Michael Vincent, Pink, Kelli Williams, Ken Howard, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Stephan Jenkins, Rosie Perez, Amanda Lewis, Amy Jo Johnson, Mary Tyler Moore, Steve and Terrie Erwin, Jack Johnson, Bill Berloni (Broadway show dog trainer who has said that the Pit is the breed of choice for training), Anthony Robbins and Molly Price. During the 1930's and 40's, every kid who watched the Lil' Rascals wanted a dog just like “Pete the pup” who was an Pitbull.
