Pit Bull Terrier Personality
The APBT is a strong-willed, sturdy companion. It is a breed that is loyal to friends and family, and friendly to strangers. Under a firm hand, APBTs are obedient and show a high desire to please. However, when left without direction they can be become stubborn and they're a breed well-known for dog aggression, though the media may perpetuate this stereotype.
A well bred APBT should have a stable and dependable temperament. The American Temperament Testing Society shows a pass percentage of 84.1% for American Pit Bull Terriers. However, a firm, even hand and early obedience training are strongly recommended for this breed. They generally have a lot of energy and high predator drive; they need exercise and stimulation in order to channel their energy properly and not become frustrated, bored, and destructive.
Aggression in Pit Bulls
APBTs often display dog aggression, especially towards unfamiliar dogs of the same sex or level of assertiveness. Early socialization and good training can mean that many individuals of the breed never display this trait; however, there is no guarantee. Extra precautions can be taken with this type of dog to prevent any incidents. While an APBT may not start a fight, even the best socialized pit bulls generally do not tolerate as much from other dogs as other breeds might. As dogs bred never to back down from a fight, it is sometimes more responsible to avoid certain situations of interaction if the owner feels that he or she cannot handle the dog. A responsible owner should not let their dog interact with strange dogs unsupervised and should know how to avoid a dog fight.
When selecting an APBT puppy, it is paramount to find a breeder who selective breeds for sound temperament and good health. A quality breeder will know the breed standard as set by a reputable breed registry such as the UKC or the ADBA (the AKC does not recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier) and should both health and temperament test their breeding stock. A breeder who boasts about their dogs' "guard dog" skills or "protective" behavior is an indicator that their dogs may be inappropriately bred for human aggression. It is a good idea for prospective APBT owners to research the breeder, ask for references and ask to see their facilities and the parents of the prospective puppy.