by Dawn Capp, M.S., J.D., President of Chako Pit Bull Rescue
Adopting a Pit Bull in need is not only a good deed, but many people realize that, once you own a “bully” breed, your perspective on dogs may change forever. The bull-and-terrier breeds, such as Pit Bulls, are notorious for mischief and fun! They are usually active dogs with charming, albeit somewhat stubborn personalities. You’ll need to give them a suitable outlet for their energy, so get out there and walk, hike, bike, or play fetch. Pit Bulls are usually not appropriate for couch potatoes!
That being said, every dog is an individual, so of course judge each dog by its own personality (which means that you may find a more sedentary Pit Bull that fits your modestly active lifestyle). However, when thinking about adopting a Pit Bull, there are several issues you should carefully consider. Thinking about the following issues before leaping can help you and your dog have the best future together.
Pit Bulls are terriers
The proper names for the Pit Bull are the American Pit Bull Terrier (United Kennel Club) or the American Staffordshire Terrier (American Kennel Club). As the names suggest, Pit Bulls have terrier in their lineage. Terrier owners jokingly call their dogs “terrors.†With the terrier breed comes crazy energy, high prey drive, and a tendency to be reactive toward other dogs (or, sometimes, just dog selective). This means that many (though not all) Pit Bulls aren’t great with other dogs, and they may want to go after smaller animals like cats and squirrels. Of course, all dogs, of any breed, may show aggression toward other dogs or want to chase small animals (dogs are dogs, after all!), but with terriers, this trait is more prevalent.
Terriers were bred as working dogs to hunt small animals and keep pests like foxes and rats away from the homestead. However, Pit Bulls are only half terrier. Their other half is bulldog, which tempers some of that terrier drive and spunk to produce a more mellow–but powerful–dog. So, Pit Bulls are a blend of the powerful, mellower bulldog and the agile but driven and spunky terrier.
An individual Pit Bull may fall more into the “bulldog” type or the “terrier” type. Some are straight down the middle. So consider this terrier heritage when adopting a Pit Bull, and recognize that because of this diverse heritage, Pit Bulls are diverse in both appearance and personality. That means you should spend time finding the right Pit Bull for you.
Some insurance companies blacklist Pit Bulls
If you rent, finding a place to rent that will accept Pit Bulls can be difficult. If you own, you’ll be limited in what home insurance companies will issue you a policy. In California, State Farm and Farmers generally offer coverage to dog owners, and they don’t care what breed of dog you own. Other insurance companies will refuse to write a policy for people that own certain breeds such as Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.
Think very hard about this issue. One of the top reasons people give when surrendering a Pit Bull to a shelter is that they are moving and cannot find a place to rent that will accept a Pit Bull. Pit Bulls do not do well in shelters because they are often overlooked by potential adopters and will quickly suffer “kennel stress” from being cooped up with no outlet for their energy. They are the most euthanized dogs in shelters. Please do not adopt a Pit Bull unless you are willing to commit to the dog for life, even if that means finding a new insurance company or living in a less desirable place simply to be able to keep your dog (and realize it may take you a long time to find a place to rent that will accept your Pit Bull).
You may not be able to relocate to certain areas
Some cities in the United States have bans against Pit Bulls. Denver, Colorado, for example, has a law that bans Pit Bulls, which means you, as a Pit Bull owner, cannot move to Denver and take your Pit Bull with you. Ohio has a state law, currently under review, that declares all Pit Bulls dangerous and puts heavy restrictions on Pit Bull owners (and some cities in Ohio may have outright bans on the breed). If you currently live in a city that has a Pit Bull law, you may not be able to adopt a Pit Bull at all. Make sure you look into this issue carefully before deciding to adopt a Pit Bull.
Pit Bulls love people – don’t get them to be guard dogs
Pit Bulls are notorious people-loving dogs. They are called “wiggle butts” because their entire rear end stends to wag back and forth with their tails whenever a new person approaches. Aggression toward people, except when a member of the family is being directly threatened, is not appropriate for this breed. Do not tolerate aggression toward people in your Pit Bull, and do not get a Pit Bull if you want a dog to protect your property.
Because Pit Bulls are people dogs, they need to be part of your family. Don’t keep them in the back yard. Bring them into your home, as part of your household, and take them with you on your family adventures, whenever possible. Pit Bulls left alone for long periods of time in a backyard will often get into trouble, chewing or digging things and sometimes escaping their yards by digging under, jumping over, or even pushing through fences.
A Pit Bull is yours for life
Do not adopt a Pit Bull if you cannot commit to giving him or her a forever home. Pit Bulls do not do well in shelters, and most rescues run full. That means giving up your Pit Bull may very well mean a death sentence for your dog. Your Pit Bull is your family member, love him or her in good times and bad times, through thick and thin, just as your Pit Bull will love you.
by Dawn Capp, M.S., J.D., President of Chako Pit Bull Rescue
Visit Chako Pit Bull Rescue for more great information!
Related posts:
- So You’re Thinking About Adopting a Pit Bull
- What to Consider When Thinking About Adopting a Boston Terrier
- What to Consider When Thinking About Adopting a Boxer
- So You’re Thinking About Adopting a Great Pyrenees?
- What to Consider When Thinking About Adopting a Great Dane
