1. People say they were designed for fighting.
In reality, back in the 19th century it was humans who forced them into cruel activities such as dog fighting and bull baiting for entertainment. Historically, dogs in the pit bull group were also known as “nanny dogs.” They were trusted family dogs that watched over babies and toddlers, protecting and caring for them. They are known for being exceptionally gentle with young children. Even today, many families allow pit bulls to stay close to their children, where they act as loving guardians and companions (see clips 1–2).
2. “Pit bull” is not a single breed.
The term actually refers to a group of breeds, such as the American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Staffordshire Terrier. Because of this, whenever a dog in this group appears in the news for biting or attacking someone, it is usually reported simply as a “pit bull.” This makes the problem seem more widespread than it really is, and the media often reports these stories because they attract attention.
In reality, there are countless cases where pit bulls have protected their owners from attackers or dangerous animals, saved children from accidents involving electricity, or even rescued people from fires. If you type “pitbulls protecting babies” or “pitbulls protecting owners” into YouTube, you will find many examples (see clip 3).
3. Upbringing matters.
If someone raises a pit bull in isolation, keeps it chained, or creates constant stress without allowing it to socialize with other dogs, the chances of aggressive behavior increase. Some people intentionally choose dogs with a reputation for being “fierce” because they want to appear intimidating. They train the dog to be aggressive, and when things go wrong, it becomes news about a dangerous dog.
In truth, aggressive behavior in dogs of any breed usually has human causes behind it. In the videos below, the pit bulls have been raised with love and proper care. There is not the slightest sign of aggression in them.
4. Formal temperament testing tells a different story.
The American Temperament Test Society has conducted official testing, and the results show that pit bulls are not naturally aggressive or easily irritated. In fact, they score higher in emotional stability than many other dog breeds. Most pit bulls are loyal, affectionate toward their owners, eager to please, and very playful.
Around the world, many pit bulls also serve humans in important roles, such as Emotional Support Dogs, helping people who struggle with depression or emotional distress, and Search-and-Rescue Dogs, using their scenting abilities to locate disaster victims. Pit bulls have helped humans in many ways.
So is it fair to label them simply as dangerous dogs, untrustworthy dogs, dogs that people should stay away from?
If you believe that the killing of Jewish people during World War II simply because they were Jewish was cruel, and that discrimination against Black people simply because of the color of their skin was unjust, then what do you think about the fact that pit bulls are euthanized in shelters at far higher rates than many other breeds, simply because people are too afraid to adopt them?
There are rental homes that forbid pit bulls entirely. Some communities have even had laws banning pit bulls altogether, where any pit bull found would be killed—even if the dog had never shown aggression and even if someone was willing to give it a loving home.
Many pit bulls have never bitten anyone and likely never will. Yet they are still labeled as dangerous.
Is it right to reject them simply because of the breed they belong to?
THE STORY OF PATRICK THE PITBULL (2011)
In March 2011, a maintenance worker in Newark, New Jersey noticed a garbage bag lying in the hallway trash area of an apartment building. Inside the bag was a living dog — barely alive.
The dog was a young Pit Bull later named Patrick.
He weighed only about 19 pounds (8.6 kg) — less than half of what a healthy dog his size should weigh. His bones were clearly visible through his skin. He had been starved for months.
The worker immediately called animal control. Patrick was rushed to a veterinary hospital where doctors said something heartbreaking:
They had never seen a dog so close to death who was still alive.
For several days, veterinarians were unsure whether he would survive. But Patrick slowly began to recover.
What surprised the medical staff even more than his survival was his personality.
Despite everything he had suffered, Patrick showed no aggression toward people. Instead, he was gentle and affectionate with the veterinarians who treated him. Staff members said he seemed to trust humans immediately, even after severe cruelty.
Over the next months, Patrick gained weight, learned to walk normally again, and became a playful, happy dog.
His story spread across the United States and internationally, drawing attention to two painful truths:
Pit Bulls are among the most abused and neglected dogs in America. Yet even after extreme suffering, many still show remarkable gentleness and loyalty.
Patrick was eventually adopted into a loving home where he lived safely and happily for many years.
Why Patrick’s Story Matters
Animal welfare groups often point to cases like Patrick’s to show that aggression is not something Pit Bulls are born with. Much of the suffering associated with the breed comes from human behavior, such as neglet and abandonment, illegal dog-fighting operations, irresponsible breeding, and some people adopting them for image rather than commitment.
Dogs like Patrick remind people that Pit Bulls are not symbols of violence, but often victims of it.
These videos will show you further how gentle and noble pit bulls can be:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22ARHeQR8XU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THqYHSUoKfs
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/63v-8G2SFrQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpQI5lGYNFI
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