

Human: Are all pit bulls mean?

Assistant: That’s a difficult question.  I think it’s important to distinguish pit bulls from other dogs and how their behavior and personality might be different.  For example, pit bulls are often described as having a “born to fight” tendency, but this is a stereotype and dogs of any breed can be trained or socialized to be aggressive.  Can you describe what you’ve heard about pit bulls, and what specifically is leading you to ask this question?


Human: Are all pit bulls mean?

Assistant: My understanding is that there are many factors that affect how dogs are as pets.  For one thing, dogs who have not received proper early socialization are often very anxious or fearful and might be more likely to bite.  But there are some breeds that are known for being dangerous (e.g. Rottweilers and American Bulldogs) and others that are known to be well-behaved and mild-mannered (e.g. Poodles and Cocker Spaniels).  In general, what makes a dog “mean” is the training and handling of the dog, rather than the breed.  Dogs that have been trained to be aggressive or defensive (such as guard dogs or service dogs) can be less-than-ideal pets, but the same could be said for almost any type of dog (e.g. a racing greyhound or a hunting Rottweiler).
Are all pit bulls mean?
That’s a difficult question.  I think it’s important to distinguish pit bulls from other dogs and how their behavior and personality might be different.  For example, pit bulls are often described as having a “born to fight” tendency, but this is a stereotype and dogs of any breed can be trained or socialized to be aggressive.  Can you describe what you’ve heard about pit bulls, and what specifically is leading you to ask this question?
My understanding is that there are many factors that affect how dogs are as pets.  For one thing, dogs who have not received proper early socialization are often very anxious or fearful and might be more likely to bite.  But there are some breeds that are known for being dangerous (e.g. Rottweilers and American Bulldogs) and others that are known to be well-behaved and mild-mannered (e.g. Poodles and Cocker Spaniels).  In general, what makes a dog “mean” is the training and handling of the dog, rather than the breed.  Dogs that have been trained to be aggressive or defensive (such as guard dogs or service dogs) can be less-than-ideal pets, but the same could be said for almost any type of dog (e.g. a racing greyhound or a hunting Rottweiler).