"I wish those vicious creatures could be banned." ***WARNING: GRAPHIC***

[cui bono]

146. Pits were initially, during times of "legitimate" dog fighting (whatever that is)

bred to be dog aggressive, and any of them that showed human aggression was put down to keep that out of the breed. After a fighter was retired it was common for them to become the family pet. After dog fighting became illegal they have been bred to have no aggression by legitimate breeders. In the 50s they were thought to be the best family dog and were quite popular. Petey from The Little Rascals was a pit as was the Buster Brown mascot and the Marine's mascot and one of the President Roosevelts had one, can't remember if it was Teddy or FDR.

Unfortunately, backyard breeders who want macho dogs or fighters breed for aggression and don't care if it is directed towards dogs or humans, so it is possible that some of them have that in them and unfortunately they are strong and tenacious. But in reality the breed is a wonderful breed and having had two of them I know that that is the only breed I will ever have again. They are so much more in tune with humans than other breeds imo. My babies were the best. The female was dog aggressive when she got older after having been very submissive to all other dogs as a youngster, so I'm certain it was fear based. I had to put a muzzle on her whenever I took her out, but she got along fine with her brother and all people. But there are plenty of dogs from other breeds who are like that. I've seen them on The Dog Whisperer.

With all dogs, they are pack animals and need to know who the leader is and you have to make sure they know it is you and any other person in the household. And really, pits are the most obedient and easily trained breed I've encountered.