Last updated on June 11th, 2023 at 04:38 am
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Despite their reputation as aggressive and dangerous dogs, pit bulls are actually good with kids and make great family pets as long as they are properly trained and socialized. Pit bulls are highly trainable and can be taught to be gentle and well-behaved around children.
Are Pit Bulls Good with Kids?
We, dog lovers, get asked this question a lot. ARE PIT BULLS GOOD WITH KIDS? And the answer is more complicated than anyone would like to admit.
However, one thing that is universally true is that Pitbulls have been the subject of mass hysteria and myths for years. Much of this is due to their reputation for being “fighter dogs”, which honestly says more about the deplorable people who raise them that way than the breed itself.
So, are pit bulls good with kids? Today, we’ll cover some common misconceptions and hard truths about Pitbulls, to help you decide if they’re the right breed to keep under the same roof as your little ones.
First, Some Level-Setting…
The first thing most dog owners ask themselves before adopting, rescuing, or purchasing a new four-legged companion is: Which breed is best for me?
And while basing your choices strictly on the breed can leave you sorely disappointed (more on that in a future post!), there are some good rules of thumb that can be helpful in determining if a dog is a good fit for your home, especially if that home contains children.
What is a Pit Bull?
Let’s start off by defining the Pitbull breed. Strictly speaking, a pitbull is not your typical AKC-listed breed. It is a general category for many bully breeds. According to the LifeLine Animal Project, modern American Pitbulls are likely the descendants of English bully breeds, first brought over with immigrating families in the 19th Century.
Pitbulls are tough, loyal, hardworking animals that are eager to please their families. That said, they are also strong-willed and capable, so early socialization and proper training are vital.
What are Some of the Pitbull’s Traits?
Bear with us – we’ll help you decide if Pitbulls are okay to be around your children soon enough. But before we do, it’s important for you to have some additional context.
Pitbull characteristics are the same as many other adored breeds in the States, and in many cases, those loving qualities are undersold by shelters and breeders.
Pitbulls are fiercely loyal to their “pack” (read: family), love to cuddle up with the munchkins and fully grown humans alike, and if you’ve never experienced a pitbull kiss firsthand, just know it’s quite a slobbery-yet-heart-warming experience.
Pitbulls also have a lesser-known history as the OG nanny dog, which further underscores their commitment to their families.
Now, with the good also comes the frustrating. First, Pitbulls are high-energy. Super high-energy. Some people joke they have two speeds: Go and sleep.
They can also be stubborn, and while that might not ever be an issue for members of the pack, it can be a problem if a headstrong canine adversary decides to pick a fight with your bully.
Now for Some Myth-Busting…
Alright, time for the juicy stuff. Everyone loves to caution prospective forever families about the dangers of the pitbull. After all, if they bite down, they can lock their jaw and do serious damage, right? WRONG!!
This is a myth. Pitbulls cannot lock their jaws. In fact, their jaw structure is nearly identical to most other, standard canine skull structures. As for their bite, studies have shown that the pitbull bite is nearly 30% lower than the average dog’s.
Okay, but they’re naturally aggressive, right? Again, NOT QUITE!.
The Center for Disease Control assessed dog bite-related fatalities over a span of 20 years. Within this sample, 72% of all bite-related deaths were from dogs other than pit bulls.
Our Thoughts
So, let’s get down to brass tacks. With all the fluff out of the way, are Pit Bulls good with children? Overall, we think yes.
But it’s important to remember that we’re not adopting a dog. You are!
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to make an informed decision that you and your family can be comfortable with.
Pit Bull Positives!
That said, pitbulls have plenty going for them.
Good With Kids
First, Pitbulls are good with kids because they are extremely tolerant. Seriously. Pulling, slapping, drooling, being rolled over onto – they put up with it all.
Temperament Testing
Pitbulls also have one of the highest tolerance for temperament, according to the American Temperance Testing Society.
Amond the dogs that Pit Bulls were less likely to show aggression include Beagles, Bull Dogs, Basset Hounds, Bichon Frise, Corgis, Chihuahuas, German Shepherds, Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, and many many more.
The ATTS Temperament Test focuses on and measures different aspects of temperament such as stability, shyness, aggressiveness, and friendliness as well as the dog’s instinct for protectiveness towards its handler and/or self-preservation in the face of a threat.
The test simulates a casual walk through a park or neighborhood where everyday life situations are encountered. During this walk, the dog experiences visual, auditory and tactile stimuli. Neutral, friendly and threatening situations are encountered, calling into play the dog’s ability to distinguish between non-threatening situations and those calling for watchful and protective reactions. – American Temperament Test Society, Inc.
So, yeah. They take a lot of crap and still love their families, regardless. Not to mention, their high-energy demeanor can keep both your kid and your pup burnt out by day’s end.
Why are Pit Bulls Good with Kids?
Pitbulls have a lot going for them when it comes to whether they’re a quality dog for young human companions. They are playful, loving, and generous with their time and attention.
The average, well-raised pitbull around children will be nothing more than an affable, huggable snuggle bug with tons of love to give.
As mentioned earlier, the American pitbull was the original nanny dog of the nuclear U.S. household, mainly due to their unflinching loyalty, diligence, and when necessary, protective nature.
Why Aren’t Pit Bulls Good with Kids?
No breed is perfect, and that includes bully breeds. The average pitbull around kids is going to be just fine. But on occasion, accidents do happen.
Due to their strength and high energy, they might inadvertently harm a child during play, whether by nipping, scratching, or other means.
Disadvantages
Sadly, one of the other reasons Pitbulls might not be good with kids has to do with the sacrifices your child will likely need to make to have one.
Many families have preconceived notions about Pitbulls due to an unwarranted social stigma. This could mean certain parents disallow their children to play with yours.
Similarly, many rental establishments do not permit the breed, based on the same incorrect assumptions. That means finding a living situation could get dicey if you aren’t a homeowner.
Let’s Talk Over Some Tips…
If you’re on the fence about whether to bring a pitbull pup or rescue into your home, you might find comfort in knowing there are plenty of resources out there to help you successfully integrate a bully breed into a family with children.
Here are just a few of our favorite tips to make your human and canine pups hit it off on the right paw:
Never Leave Young Children Unsupervised Around ANY Dog
Even the most well-mannered trustworthy doggos still have their off days. In fact, no matter which breed you choose, this first tip still applies.
Socialize Your Pit Bull Around Children Early and Often
The sooner your pitbull learns to love and accept the mini-you in the household, the sooner it will view your child as just another part of the pack.
Teach Children Not to Tease Dogs.
Again, this one applies to any breed. Educating your child on how to care for and handle a pitbull will save you a lot of trouble down the road. And until you know for sure that your dog is not resource protective, never allow a child to taunt Fido with food.
Train your Dog.
Once more, this is for all you dog owners out there – not just pitbull proponents.
If you don’t train your dog, the risk of harm to it or your family is exponentially greater. Show your furry forever friend the ropes, let them know you’re in charge, reward them when they get it right, and you’ll have a loyal, loving, dedicated doggo by your side for years.
What’s the Verdict?
The verdict is…
It’s up to you!
We’ve told you about the breed, laid out the facts, busted the myths, and given you both pros and cons. Now it’s your turn to consider the information provided and act accordingly. We personally cannot recommend Pitbulls enough.
But at the end of the day, a dog is your commitment and a member of your family. You must be ready to love the good and the bad for it to work.
