Are pit bulls actually dangerous?

I find them to be the sweetest and most loving breed of all! They are capable of doing a lot of damage, just like any other large dog or bully breed, so when they have the wrong owner an individual dog is absolutely dangerous, just like any large dog or bully breed. With the right owner, even pit bulls that used to be fighters or were horribly abused can be turned back into gentle sweethearts. The insurance and restrictions are frustrating and is definitely something to consider when owning any "vicious" breed, even though there is no such thing as an inherently vicious dog breed. If you rent, it can be difficult to find a place to live in most cities. But more and more policy makers and companies are coming around and relaxing restrictions. I find that there are more "mean" little dogs than big dogs, but that is because people are a lot more lax with small dogs because owners feel like they can just pick them up to keep them from biting. People who own more powerful breeds have a tendency to take pet parenting more seriously. Any breed of dog can be dangerous, either from biting or picking a fight with another dog that may not even normally fight. I use my pit bull to help with small dogs that go after big dogs because of the danger that the little dogs can provoke. She has zero reaction to posturing or attacks from other dogs and is able to help them learn to not be afraid. But most of the time, it is the owner that is causing the behavior, regardless of breed or the initial cause of behavioral issues.

Pit bull advocates and some experts say the dogs get a bad rap. They say the dogs are not inherently aggressive, but in many cases suffer at the hands of irresponsible owners drawn to the dog's macho image who encourage aggression for fighting and protection. A well-socialized and well-trained pit bull is one of the most delightful, intelligent, and gentle dogs imaginable. However, owning a pit bull should not be taken lightly. Some cities and towns have banned the breed and many pet care providers won't accept them as a client. You also may face rising insurance rates or cancellation of your policy, difficulty renting, and the watchful eye of neighbors and passersby.

The other 3 answered perfectly, so this is less of an answer and more just my own 2 cents. Every dog has some capacity for aggression. Though some dogs, including Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, etc. were specifically bred to fight or guard. This means that they are more prone to violence if they have bad owners. I could argue that humans have an inherent capacity for violence, as well. If you are considering getting any large or extra-large breed there are things to consider, including all of the things that are mentioned in the other comments. But I've found that with the right environment and loving owners, pit bulls, American Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, Rottweilers, etc. can all be wonderful pets.

I've seen far more pits with the sweetest countenance of any dog, and I've also seen a few that scared the hell out of me. I've also been absolutely shocked by the level of aggression shown by breeds that never come up in this conversation, breeds that are usually seen as small cute little dogs. My neighbor's 9 pound terrier attacks everyone with a vicious rage, biting people and dogs alike. He's bit my other neighbor 3 separate times when he was out in his own yard, across the street.

My point is that a dog's aggression level isn't solely dependent on their breed. Although breed does come with inherent instinctual features, the other factors in play are far more influential in determining the level of aggression in any canine, such as their experience and exposure to aggression from other animals or humans. Essentially, you can raise a dog to be a total monster, or to be a sweet cuddle-pup.

I have fostered a rescued pittie and she was the most gentle and affectionate dog I have ever seen. There is not such a thing as a bad dog, they have or had bad, cruel human owners.

This is a myth. Norman Rockwell painted the pitbull, and the Little Rascals ran around with a pit constantly because he was the nanny dog. Pitbulls have a proclivity for children but it’s not in their DNA it’s just the way that they have been used and lived here in the US. They are in American bread. I just had pit DNA tested and she’s six kinds of dogs! I volunteer in shelters and we now test all the pitbull looking dogs because many of them are not even Pitbulls they are American bulldogs mixed with French bulldogs and boxers exactly the same as my Pitt looking dog.

Dogs become dangerous when they are neglected and mistreated by their owners. The number one cause of bites are actually small dogs because sometimes people neglect to train them because they’re so small.

It’s easy to research the DNA of dogs. There is no DNA that makes a more aggressive dog. There are brain malfunctions that make more aggressive humans in the prefrontal cortex but dogs do not have that. They don’t have the ability to plot against us. Look to the background to find out whether you might have to deal with aggression and make sure you keep yourself safe around any large dog. Pitbulls have no particular strength over other dogs. Some people purposefully make their Pitbulls dangerous because they think that will protect them. Those are the dogs who are likely a source of the attacks a very confused dog trying to please their abusive owner.

As with any other large breed the answer is that they can be. Pitties have a high prey drive. Most of the accidents with this breed AND OTHERS happen when that instinct is triggered. For example running by or running away can trigger this. Man handling can also be a trigger. As a pet sitter I can't think of a reason you should be worried, unless you decide to reach for the dog during a reaction. Treat your Pitt with care, leash him or her when in public, and teach your kiddies how to behave around large dogs. Doing those things will protect you and your Pitt.

Here's a website that can be used as a reference for the passing rate for various breeds. https://atts.org/breed-statistics/stati…

To help you understand, 85% is passing. While the American Pit Bull Terrier didn't get 100%, there are other breeds that have a MUCH lower passing rate and are considered "friendly" breeds.

Pit bulls do not have violence in their DNA, and they are not inherently dangerous. Depending on how an animal is treated often depends on how they will react to people. It's hard to say what common traits are between pit bulls because every dog is so different. My pit bull terror for instance is extremely smart, stubborn, loving, and sometimes annoying with how much energy he has. Since he is stubborn, he is also dominant. He loves playing with other animals but often becomes annoying because his energy has no limits. He understands how to play softly with cats and rough with huge dogs that are also dominant. He learned how to wrestle from other dogs at the dog park, and sees almost anything as a fun competition. If he doesn't get enough exercise, he will probably chew something up that I don't want him to chew (even if he has 25 toys). It's all about getting to know a dog in multiple situations to see what their personality is like. What I have heard just from being in the pit bull community is that almost all pit bulls like to chew, they absolutely love snuggling, they are balls of energy for most of their life, and they're extremely loyal to their owners. Every dog is different, but I encourage you to meet a pit bull to learn more about them. I haven't gotten side glances from neighbors, most people think he's dang cute and sweet. I hope this helps!