When someone refers to a “Pit Bull puppy,” you probably picture a certain kind of dog in your head. That said, you might be interested to know there actually is no such breed as a “Pit Bull.”

The term refers to a few different breeds, including the American Staffordshire Terrier, the American Bully, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. However, the breed people think of most when they are envisioning a Pit Bull is the American Pit Bull Terrier. Accordingly, that’s the breed we’re going to share cute puppy pictures and facts of below. It’s time to clear the air about these misunderstood dogs.

Do you think an American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is right for you? If you’re considering bringing one of these cuties home, here’s what you should know about Pit Bull puppies.

Pit Bull breeds make loving family dogs

There’s a reason Pit Bulls are referred to as “nanny dogs.” That’s because they are so loving and gentle around children. A Pit Bull puppy who’s well-socialized will absolutely love the whole family, including kids. They are devoted and loyal. While they’re usually trusting of strangers and make poor guard dogs, they will defend their families if they sense danger.

Be prepared to give your Pit Bull puppy lots of playtime and plenty of strong toys

Pit Bull puppies love to play. What’s more, they they love to chew. This breed is not for people who can’t spend a lot of time with their dogs, as these pups have an abundance of energy. Accordingly, they need supervision during puppyhood while they’re learning the appropriate environment for releasing that pent-up energy. Unfortunately, they can get destructive if they aren’t physically and mentally stimulated.

Chew toys are a must, and they should be strong chew toys. American Pit Bull Terrier puppies have strong jaws with a strong bite force to go with them. Be sure to find other durable toys that won’t fall apart and get swallowed. Especially be on the lookout for any squeakers that may come loose when your pup shreds their newest stuffy.

American Pit Bull Terrier puppies are not like the original bull-baiting dogs

Bull-baiting was a cruel sport that involved putting dogs in fighting rings with bulls. In fact, it was why the original Pit Bull was bred. Thankfully, the sport was outlawed in 1835.

The aggressive tendencies of the breed have since been almost completely bred out in modern times. Even the Pit Bulls of old were extremely reluctant to bite humans. Their owners wanted dogs who wouldn’t bite when they reached their hands into the ring to drag the dogs away.

Now, American Pit Bull Terrier puppies — as is the case with most breeds — are not aggressive, especially not toward humans, unless they are taught to be. Moreover, studies have shown that Pit Bulls in general have more pleasant temperaments than several other breeds. The harsh reality of some cruel people continuing to use them in dog fighting rings gives them a worse — and entirely unfair — reputation.

This dog breed needs training and socialization

Pit Bull puppies tend to be stubborn and bossy, but they are very smart and highly trainable. Their brains soak up tricks like a sponge, but they need discipline and consistency. They should also meet plenty of other dogs early in life to socialize and prevent aggression.

Given the all-too-commonly-held misperceptions of Pit Bulls, it’s incumbent upon you as a responsible dog parent to ensure your pet has adequate training. This includes recall of basic commands. This is especially true in environments like dog parks or on busy neighborhood streets where your puppy will come into contact with other dogs. In these busy locales, your puppy will also encounter children and people who may be weary when they see a Pit Bull.

All Pit Bull breeds still face unfair discrimination

Pit Bulls are sweet and loving dogs when properly trained, but they are still often banned by Breed Specific Legislation and portrayed as vicious in the media. Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and other breeds have all been similarly discriminated against at one time or another.

If you plan on getting a Pit Bull puppy, make sure your area doesn’t have Breed Specific Legislation, or the authorities can seize your puppy. If such laws exist in your area, call your representatives and let them know that you’d like these laws changed. You’ll also want to ensure your apartment complex or homeowners association (HOA) doesn’t have specific policies in place preventing ownership of certain breeds. If such policies exist where you live, you could be evicted from your residence or fined, in addition to being forced to surrender your Pit Bull.

American Pit Bull Terrier puppy pictures

Whenever possible, consider adoption of a dog. It’s an easy way to make a big difference. Shelter and rescue pups need love too, and many Pit Bull breeds and Pitty mixes end up in shelters every year. Unfortunately, some of these sweet pups will end up being euthanized as a result of overcrowding and irresponsible breeding practices.

If you feel strongly about purchasing your American Pit Bull Terrier from a breeder, be sure to visit a responsible dog breeder or organization. Ask questions, check references, and ensure the breeder stands behind their dogs.

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