Pitbulls are medium-sized but muscular and powerful dog breeds.
Are they inherently dangerous and is it safe for children to be around them? To put their reputation to the test, I spent a lot of time researching the traits, characteristics and tendencies of the breed.
So, are Pitbulls good with children? Pitbulls are great with children, if trained and socialised appropriately from a young age; just as they are with any breed.
Pitbulls are generally very affectionate, obedient and loyal to their owners.
They love to play and cuddle, which makes them perfect companions for children.
Unfortunately, some owners have trained their Pitbulls to be aggressive, which has caused their unfair reputation and led to cases of this breed.
But in reality, there is no reason why a family should not have a Pitbull simply because they have children.
In fact, this breed was once known as the original ‘nanny’ dog.
Pitbulls have long been entrusted with their protective role; even to their youngest humans.
They love nothing more than to play and cuddle, traits that are ideal if you have children.
No one loves giving kisses more than a Pitbull and children are the perfect receptacles for these slobbery gifts.
With their love for children one of their most important traits, being on the receiving end of a Pitbull’s ‘smile’ is bound to make anyone’s day!
Are Pitbulls dangerous?
Pitbulls are no more dangerous than any other breed of dog.
Any dog will bite if it is provoked enough, and dangerous dogs come from all kinds of breeds, in different shapes and sizes.
It was not so long ago that people would cross the road if you were out and about with your German Shepherd, Doberman or Rottweiler.
Every time the media hype about a certain breed was ignited, fear levels rose. Now Pitbulls are the current target.
To fully understand, it is important that you know what a Pitbull is.
In fact, the Pitbull is not a breed of dog at all, but rather a type of dog, much like the term ‘hunting dog’ is used.
There are four main pedigree breeds: the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Bully.
Depending on the field you are in, there are also several others considered part of the Pitbull clan, including the Bull Terrier and the American Bull Dog.
It is no secret that Pitbulls have been trained to be aggressive in order to fight other animals.
However, they have NEVER been trained to be aggressive with humans.
Unfortunately, the Pitbulls’ need to please their humans has made them easy targets for those who trained them to be vicious.
It is a common misconception that Pitbulls are dangerous because their jaws lock when they bite. This is absolutely false.
They, or any other breed, do not have a mechanism in their mouths that allows this to happen.
They are simply stubborn – think of most dogs when they are playing tug-of-war.
When it comes right down to it, smaller dogs can be much more ferocious when they bite.
Some poodles and chihuahuas can be absolutely ferocious, whether provoked or not.
Another falsehood is that Pitbulls have the strongest bites.
In fact, while Pitbulls bite with the force of 235 PSI, a Rottweiler bites with 328 PSI, and a Great Dane is off the charts with 669 PSI.
Things to consider when owning a Pitbull and having children
There are a couple of things to consider when owning a Pitbull and having children.
Depending on the age of your children, you may not have the time to devote properly to a Pitbull, especially a puppy.
They are not high maintenance, but they do need a lot of attention, affection and exercise.
If your children are not babies, they will be able to help with your new Pitbull and none of these things should be a problem.
Fortunately, Pitbulls play so much that they require plenty of restful sleep – 18 to 20 hours a day as a puppy, and between 12 and 14 hours as an adult, so you’ll be able to get some time to yourself!
You will definitely need to train your dog. It’s up to you whether you do it yourself or have a professional do it, but it has to be one or the other.
It is vital that you prioritise training your Pitbull, both for him and for you. He needs to know that he takes direction not only from you, but also from your children.
Make sure you have your pet spayed or neutered. Spayed dogs are much calmer and less aggressive than unspayed dogs.
Having your Pitbull fixed can also help prevent some health problems, such as breast cancer in females.
Let the relationship between your child and your Pitbull develop naturally.
As they get to know each other, the bond they form will last forever and you want it to be as strong as possible.
