The best destroyers of media myths are the Pit Bulls themselves. This is Buddie (pic care of Donna Dailey of Faith's Pit Bull Rescue), with a more accurate portrayal of Pit Bull temperament.

As our "ideal temperament manual" states above, the Pit Bull is generally a very friendly, stable, safe breed. Although in recent years some individuals have misused the breed and the media have misrepresented it, aggression towards humans never was and still isn't what the Pit Bull is about. Human-aggression is a serious matter, and not something that should be taken lightly. Human aggressive dogs (i.e. dogs that bite/attempt to bite humans) are an aberration. Growling (i.e. over toys, food, when moved off the sofa, bed, etc.) should be considered a warning, and possibly a precursor to biting behavior. It is imperative that owners seek professional help if their dog is exhibiting any of these behaviors.

Because the Pit Bull is generally such a people-friendly breed, they often make poor guards of property. Many specimens of the breed will allow strangers to enter the home or yard without a fuss, whether the owner is present or not. As a guardian of his human, however, the Pit Bull is quite willing and able to intercept an attack. The breed is credited with having exceptional judgment and will react only to real threats. Because of the Pit Bull's generally poor guarding instincts and natural inclination to protect his owner if need be, it is best to stay away from any sort of guard or protection dog training. A good dog can be ruined quite easily when this sort of training is undertaken improperly, making for a wary, untrusting animal that may become a danger to humans. Do not try to make the Pit Bull into something he is not. If a serious guard or attack dog is what you desire, it is best to look to one of the breeds that have been specifically created for that type of work.

This breed is known to keep its owners laughing. They are silly, almost to the point of being ridiculous. Flailing around upside down on their backs, laying with their heads draped off the side of the couch, engaging in rambunctious sprints around the living room (known to Pit Bull folk as "pit fits"), these dogs are always clowning around. They are active and energetic, and too much dog for some to handle, just the right amount for others.

Pit Bulls are known to show a tendency towards dog-aggression, although the degree of manifested dog-aggression will vary from dog to dog. It is therefore necessary for the Pit Bull owner to take certain precautions in the housing, training, and socialization of the breed. Pit Bulls also tend to have a very strong prey drive. Small animals such as birds, squirrels and cats are often viewed as "hunting" targets. Let’s not forget that Pit Bulls are bred down from dogs that were used to bait large animals such as bulls and bears – Pit Bulls can therefore show a strong desire to chase/hold down horses and other farmyard animals. This is a tendency of which owners MUST be aware.

The young Pit Bull should be socialized from early on with many types of animals and other dogs. Basic early manners training is a must. However, you cannot socialize or train away genetics. Since most Pit Bulls are pre-disposed to an inclination towards developing dog-aggression, socialization and training combined with management are must-do’s that won’t eliminate this tendency but will help you control or circumvent it.

Dog aggression as it relates to the Pit Bull is a tricky thing. Even dogs that have never manifested the trait may, at some point, fire up and engage in a fight with another dog or suddenly begin to take a strong interest in chasing/catching other animals. Also, many specimens of the breed will never start a fight, yet will not back down if challenged.

Because Pit Bulls have a strong developmental tendency or even a compulsive instinct to fight, they are not necessarily looking to show dominance or obtain rank by aggressing. Even fairly submissive individuals cannot be trusted to remain out of trouble at all times. Allowing a Pit Bull to "work out rank" with other dogs is dangerous and may very well result in injuries. Although neutering can definitely help in some cases (particularly with young males), do not count on the operation eliminating the aggression completely. Same-sex aggression is a problem, and many a bitch-owner has stated that female fights are far worse than male-on-male bouts. Regardless of the sexes involved, it is generally felt that same-sex households are not a good idea, particularly for the novice owner.

Pit Bulls are slow to mature. A dog may not show his true temperament until he is 2 or 3 or even 4 years old. Just because your puppy has reached a year of age without having shown dog-aggression does not mean he will never “fire up”, or decide your house cat is something to chase and catch.

Pit Bulls can and do interact peacefully with other dogs and animals. Individual dog temperament, early training and socializing, and good management skills on the part of the guardian all play an important role in whether or not a Pit Bull is capable of getting along with other animals. Many people successfully keep multiple Pit Bulls and other pets in the same household. Success is based on careful supervision, proper management and training, and the individual animals involved.

Please see the Aggression, Care & Management, & Training pages for more info on breed temperament, handling and training.