Are pits good with kids?

This is a common question I hear nearly every adoption event. It amuses me how little people know about these dogs, and how persuasive misinformed news stories can be.

I have done so much research about the breed and feel it necessary to prepare all volunteers and breed advocates for this very question. After all what is the most important thing in a parents life? The one thing they have to protect against the world and anything else out there that could hurt them- their kids! In this case we are not fighting fire with fire but WATER with fire. It’s our jobs to put this fire out!

So here are some very interesting tidbits to remember that you may not know:

•    Pit bulls are actually nicknamed “The Nanny Dog” due to their protective and nurturing nature toward children. – Animal Planet (either Dogs 101 or It’s Me Or The Dog, I can’t remember)
•    Petey from The Little Rascals was a Pit Bull
•    UKC registry- “American Pit Bull Terriers make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children.” They are only 1 of 3 breeds noted for their love of children.
•    UKC registry- “The American Pit Bull Terrier is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers.”
•    AKC registry- ” The American Staffordshire Terrier is a people-oriented dog that thrives when he is made part of the family and given a job to do. Although friendly, this breed is loyal to his family and will protect them from any threat.”
•    AKC registry- Staffordshire Bull Terrier “Today, he serves primarily as a family companion and is seen in the show, obedience and agility rings.”
•    AKC registry- Staffordshire Bull Terrier “This, coupled with its affection for its friends, and children in particular, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, makes it a foremost all-purpose dog.”
•    http://en.wikipedia.org- “In the mid 1800′s Pit Bull-type dogs became popular as family pets for citizens who were not involved in dog-fighting or farming.”

*As a dog enthusiast you should know what a UKC/AKC Registry is. If you don’t a breed registry is the standard for a breed. “Breed standards help define the ideal animal of a breed and provide goals for breeders in improving stock.” If you want to show your dog it must meet all the standards for that breed including temperment, gait (walk), characteristics, and appearance.

Scores from the American Temperment Test society:

• American Pit Bull Terrier  85.3%
• American Staffordshire Terrier  83.9%
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier 88%

Compared to:

• Chihuahua 71.1%
• Dachshund 72.7%
• Golden Retriever 84.6%
• German Shepard 83.7%

Great links to check out:

http://www.google.com/search?q=max+the+shelter+dog&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

http://www.strongerthanall.net/kidsnpits.html

http://www.badrap.org/rescue/owning.cfm

http://www.pitbulllovers.com/training-articles/can-pit-bulls-be-safe-with-kids.html

And just for fun, I know this is a Bull Terrier but I love this photo!