The other side of Pit bulls

[JustAnotherNut]

Usually you only hear about pit bulls being aggressive attack dogs. It's really not in their nature, but are traits that have been encouraged by irresponsible trainers for the purpose of dog fighting and aggression. And irresponsible owners that mistreat them, or don't educate themselves about the breed(s) before getting one. They are not for everybody and not recommended for first time dog owners. They can be quite the handful.

Some things to know about them........

1. They are of the Terrier group, which includes Yorkshire, Jack or Parsons Russell, Airedale, etc. Common traits of Terriers is their tenacity, independent, stubborn, and possible high prey drive. This doesn't mean every terrier has these traits, or may have varying degrees, but they are common traits

2. As with ANY dog, they do need mental and physical stimulation.....whether that be daily walks or play time or even training for a 'job' that could be as a type of support or therapy dog, search and rescue, chicken or livestock herder, rat or other pest hunter/catcher/killer. They also need loving and gentle interactions with their human families as positive reinforcement.

3. Also as with any dog, they too are vocal and communicate. Whines, cries, barks and even growls are their language. Not all growls are the same and not all growls are menacing.

Anyway, this thread is for good and positive news stories, pics, videos, etc about Pit Bulls......just to show that most pit bulls are just like any other dog. And the media only focuses on the negative.



This story is about a 3yo Pittie named Bolo, that had been in a shelter for a couple of months and was the first shelter dog to visit the local police station that was starting a project with the shelter, to give the dogs a day out and better exposure in the hopes of someone adopting. It just so happened that the police dept ended up adopting Bolo and was even 'deputized'. Not to do police work as a K9, but just be his sweet loveable self.

Kentucky police department adopts dog who spent the day 'pawtrolling' with officers

A police department in Kentucky has welcomed a new member to the force.

fox17.com

 

[The Duke]

I like pitbulls. A lot. I am the pitbull whisperer. Had and seen some really great ones.

 

[luiza]

All those cuddles and kisses for 99 days are definitely worth your throat being ripped open on Day 100 .

Said the lunatics with children .

 

[JustAnotherNut]

Facts to be considered......



Dog bites and attacks are not breed specific. All breeds can and do bite or attack strangers, their owners or family members, other dogs, cats, and other small animals, for a variety of reasons. Causing injury and even death.

Dogs kept on chains, encourages aggression and are more likely to bite or attack vs one that is raised as part of the family, and creates positive emotional bonds.

Stray dogs also contribute to higher numbers of bites & attacks. Especially if multiple stray dogs have formed a pack.

Unaltered males account for 70% of dog bites, according to ASPCA

Postal workers are often victims

Bites and attacks from smaller breeds, often go unreported. Mostly due to not seeking medical treatment. In doing so, actual numbers of dog bites and attacks are actually higher than any statistics data. And to some degree skews the numbers based on breeds. IOW, larger dog breeds account for most bites & attacks, just because of size and potential severity of any injuries.

There is a rare neurological condition called Rage Syndrome that is similar to epilepsy and can be treated with anti seizure meds. The condition is most common in Springer and Cocker Spaniels and Belgian Malinois. And there may be other medical causes for aggressive behavior in dogs, as well


Here are some links about breed specific stats.....I encourage everyone to be willing to educate yourself by looking into them, and even doing your own research as well.

Dog Bite Statistics & Dog Attacks By Breed 2025

Discover the critical 2025 dog bite statistics by breed. Understand state-specific fatalities and risks to stay informed and safe around dogs.

worldanimalfoundation.org

23 Dog Attacks By Breed: Top States & Stats - Canine Journal

Dog attacks and bites can happen with any breed. Learn more about dog attack statistics by breed and what dogs bite the most in our overview.

www.caninejournal.com

And this link includes fatal dog attacks by other breeds between 2016 and 2024........Pit bulls are not included because they are highly reported in the media......whereas other breeds often are not. The 'link' to the right of the graphs, go to the local news story and source for the pages info.

⁴Incidents involving dogs in the pitbull-type category are not included, as these have already been widely covered by the media and by special interest, pro-BSL organizations. Furthermore, studies on canine DNA have determined that the majority of dogs labeled as 'pitbulls' are mixed-breed dogs, and 60% of dogs visually identified as 'pitbulls' (by shelters, owners, and the media) are misidentified and lack DNA from pitbull-type ancestry. Consequently, media reports (and unreliable statistics based on media reports) on dog bite incidents involving dogs identified as 'pitbulls' cannot be considered reliable or scientifically valid sources for breed information.

83+ Breeds Reported in Fatal Dog Attacks

Since only 2016, at least 83 different breeds and mixed breeds have been reported in fatal dog attacks in the U.S., including Akitas, Boxers, Dalmatians, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Huskies, Labrador Retrievers, Mastiffs, pit bull-type dogs, Rottweilers, and many others.

www.pitbullinfo.org

Surprising to me was the number of Labrador Retriever incidents., and how often fatal attacks were caused by multiple dogs vs single dog. Another shocker is in the graph for 2018 where a pack of 7 Dachshund mixes had fatally attacked the owner, and one had went after a cop that had been called to the scene, and the cop had to shoot it.

 

[JustAnotherNut]

Sallie​

Back in the days of the Civil War, there was a Pit Bull named Sallie. She was the mascot for the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Sallie traveled with these soldiers through many confrontations where she would stand guard over dead or injured soldiers until someone came to take care of them. Sallie stayed with them for two years and was their beloved companion and caretaker until she was killed by a bullet herself. Sallie is included in the monument erected for her infantry in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

 

[JustAnotherNut]

OOPS......the pic above is actually Sargent Stubby another famous war dog but of WW1, often referred to as a pit bull mix, but is more of a Boston terrier mix. While Sallie Ann Jarrett was a pit bull from the Civil War.

Another notable Civil War dog, also having been claimed as a pitbull but was actually a mastiff was Old Jack Brutus. As well as Harvey the Yankee War Dog who was a pitbull in the Civil War, from Ohio.


Other celebrity Pit Bulls......


Petey from Little Rascals

Tige from Buster Brown

Nipper from RCA mascot.........maybe. The dog was a mixed breed Terrier but many conflicting opinions to what type of terrier.

The only dog breed featured 3 times on the cover of Life Magazine.

And according to AI (search assistant)

Life magazine featured pit bulls in the context of their changing reputation and the issues surrounding dog fighting, particularly highlighting the breed's history and the impact of media portrayal on public perception. The magazine discussed how pit bulls, once celebrated as loyal companions, became associated with violence and aggression due to their exploitation in dog fighting and sensationalized media coverage. Wikipedia psmag.com

Link below is from AI source provided......

The Tragedy of America's Dog

The Tragedy of America's Dog
A brief history of the vilification of the Pit Bull
In decades past, the American pit bull was a canine icon. Nicknamed “America’s dog,” and favored for its remarkable loyalty and affability, images of the breed were everywhere. A pit bull named Sergeant Stubby won 13 decorations for his service in the trenches of the First World War. Nipper, the dog from the classic RCA Victor advertisements, was a pit bull. So was Pete the Pup, canine companion to The Little Rascals. Their affinity and gentleness toward children was so widely known and appreciated it inspired a second nickname: “the nanny dog.”

That perception profoundly changed in the 1980s. Dogfighting enjoyed a major resurgence in America in that decade, says John Goodwin, director of animal cruelty policy at the Humane Society of the United States. “In that time there were people who took an interest in romanticizing the horrors of dogfighting … living through the accomplishments of the dog.”

The pit bull’s trademark loyalty combined with its muscular physique made it a prime candidate for exploitation. The breed quickly came to represent aggression and a perverse idea of machismo, thus becoming the preferred guard dog cum status symbol for drug dealers and gangsters..................

 

[EvilCat Breath]

We have a pit bull in our household. She is afraid of thunder, afraid of the dark and has anxiety attacks when left alone. She found two kittens in an alley and brought them both home where she raised them into big cats who "protect" her since she is unable to protect herself. So, be nice to Coco or you will get the claws.

 

[JustAnotherNut]

We have a pit bull in our household. She is afraid of thunder, afraid of the dark and has anxiety attacks when left alone. She found two kittens in an alley and brought them both home where she raised them into big cats who "protect" her since she is unable to protect herself. So, be nice to Coco or you will get the claws.

We have 2, male & female litter mates and their fears are endless. Broom, vacuum, bubble wrap, plastic bags, rain/water/garden hose/spray bottle, front yard, car rides.....you name it, the list goes on. They run and hide from those things.

They are also afraid of delivery drivers, thunder & lightening, fireworks, etc but respond with alot of barking (also a fear response). Especially the delivery drivers and Amazon most of all. Most of the regulars that have been here before and got an earful, now try to sneak up to the front door to drop the package and get outta here before the dogs even know what happened.

Maybe I'm not sensitive enough since I find it all hilarious. They are like an old Laurel & Hardy comedy act and in constant need of comforting

 

[EvilCat Breath]

We have 2, male & female litter mates and their fears are endless. Broom, vacuum, bubble wrap, plastic bags, rain/water/garden hose/spray bottle, front yard, car rides.....you name it, the list goes on. They run and hide from those things.

They are also afraid of delivery drivers, thunder & lightening, fireworks, etc but respond with alot of barking (also a fear response). Especially the delivery drivers and Amazon most of all. Most of the regulars that have been here before and got an earful, now try to sneak up to the front door to drop the package and get outta here before the dogs even know what happened.

Maybe I'm not sensitive enough since I find it all hilarious. They are like an old Laurel & Hardy comedy act and in constant need of comforting

Our pit does not like noise including barking dogs. She doesn't bark. When someone comes to the door, you get ONE woof. If you don't pay attention or miss the woof, it's on you. She did all she can do. Needless to say when the neighbor dogs bark, they get some VERY disapproving looks.

I do find her laughable. She will not take a treat from your hand so she knows she has teeth. She opens wide, very wide, and you have to put that treat in her mouth. That way you get a look at teeth that can bite the legs off a piano, then rip your throat out.

 

[JustAnotherNut]

Our pit does not like noise including barking dogs. She doesn't bark. When someone comes to the door, you get ONE woof. If you don't pay attention or miss the woof, it's on you. She did all she can do. Needless to say when the neighbor dogs bark, they get some VERY disapproving looks.

I do find her laughable. She will not take a treat from your hand so she knows she has teeth. She opens wide, very wide, and you have to put that treat in her mouth. That way you get a look at teeth that can bite the legs off a piano, then rip your throat out.

Ours don't bark much at the neighbor dogs or even show any response to them........except there is a little Pekinese(?) yapper dog that can set them off sometimes. Any of the others are larger breeds, some more vocal than others and ours usually ignore them. They may perk up, but rarely bark back.

As for treats.......the female is careful when taking hers, but the male is a glutton and can take my fingers so I have to tell him to be easy, then and only then will he take it carefully. It's not that he's trying to hurt anyone, he just takes life at full throttle and I have to always remind him to put on the brakes......whether walking, playing and treats.

 

[JustAnotherNut]

Meet Mino, something of an internet sensation.

 

[The Duke]

Meet Mino, something of an internet sensation.

Looks a lot like the baby I play with, only she's female, and a notch bigger and not pure Blue.
She's mixed with Brindle. Real Blue males top out at 65 lbs and she's over 80.
All them goodies are gettin' her but she still has the fire!
She smashed my finger yesterday, with her teeth. Idk even what happened.
Somehow she smashed my fingertip in between her clenched teeth like straight on into my shin.
She didn't mean it. Had to blow it off. It hurts, though. We had a good time.

 

[petro]

We have a Pitsky, a Pit Husky mix and a German Shepherd in the house.

The horror!!!

They might actually lick you to death.

All my friends Pitbulls are gentle and frankly a little lazy.

 

[The Duke]

We have a Pitsky, a Pit Husky mix and a German Shepherd in the house.

The horror!!!

They might actually lick you to death.

All my friends Pitbulls are gentle and frankly a little lazy.

I lived with this family that had 2 little kids, they had a white pit that was the house police.
She ran a tight ship, too. They'd ride my dog. Dog thought that was great!
I come in and the little boy rides my dog up to me, they were so happy!
I let 'em do it for a little while. Month or two, then I had to make 'em stop.
It wouldn't be good if they tried to do it with a different dog.

 

[Orangecat]

 

[JustAnotherNut]

View attachment 1150656

Is he yours??? Beautiful brindle

 

[Orangecat]

Is he yours??? Beautiful brindle

Yep, I recently inherited him. Jax.

 

[JustAnotherNut]

Yep, I recently inherited him. Jax.
View attachment 1150789

He looks so happy to play

 

[Orangecat]

He looks so happy to play

He loves the beach.

 

[JustAnotherNut]