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When you’re looking at bringing a new dog into your house, one of the first things you want to know is if it’s a suitable breed for you. And as a first-time dog owner, there’s a lot you’ll need to learn, and some breeds make it easier than others.
So, is a Pitbull a good choice for a first-time dog owner, or should you get some experience with another dog type before bringing one home? There’s a lot to break down, and in the end, it’s not a simple answer, and it all comes down to what you’re looking for in a dog. With that in mind, we’ll highlight everything you need to know about getting a Pitbull as your first dog here.
Is a Pitbull Good for a First-Time Dog Owner?
First, let’s clarify that Pitbull is not a specific dog breed, but a way to describe dogs that look a certain way. Some recognized Pitbull dog breeds are the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Pit Bull Terrier. However, some dogs that are referred to as Pitbulls are mixed breeds.
When you look up whether a Pitbull is a good option for first-time dog owners, you get a mixed array of responses. Some sites will tell you that Pitbulls are great for first-time dog owners, while others will tell you that it’s best to leave Pitbulls to more experienced owners.
The truth lies somewhere in between, and to help you make an informed decision about what’s best for you, we’ve highlighted both the advantages and disadvantages of getting a Pitbull as a first-time dog owner below.
Advantages of Getting a Pitbull
While there’s some controversy about whether a Pitbull is an excellent choice for first-time dog owners, they possess a few characteristics that make them easier to care for than many other breeds. We’ve highlighted four of their best traits for you here:
Loving and Affectionate
Despite their fierce reputation, the Pitbull is naturally an extremely loving, affectionate, and loyal breed. They love their families and live to please their owners. If you’re trying to get them to do something, they want to listen, which makes training them a lot easier than other breeds!
Great Family Dogs
Once again, Pitbulls have a bit of an unfair reputation here. Pitbulls love their families and get along great with kids, and typically, they’ll get along with other dogs too. If they view someone as a member of the pack, they’re extremely loyal and protective of them.
Very Smart
When you’re trying to train a dog, you want one that is smart enough to figure out what you’re trying to train them to do. That’s not a problem with a Pitbull. They’re smart breeds, and when you pair this with how eager to please they are, it’s an excellent combination for first-time dog owners.
Easy to Care For
While some dog breeds require a ton of brushing, grooming, or bathing, Pitbulls are relatively low-maintenance. You’ll need to take them out for daily walks and give them tons of love, but from there, they don’t require quite as much work compared to other breeds. Their coat is short and easy to maintain, and they don’t require frequent bathing. This is a huge perk for first-time dog owners.
Drawbacks of Getting a Pitbull
While there’s a strong case that a Pitbull is a great choice for first-time dog owners, there’s a reason many people won’t recommend them. We’ve highlighted three of the most common reasons people won’t recommend Pitbulls for first-time dog owners below.
They’re Very Powerful
While you might be able to get away with some training mistakes with a smaller dog, that’s not the case with a Pitbull. They’re extremely strong breeds, and any training mistakes you make with them have much more serious consequences.
You’ll need to have a steady hand when training them, and you need to train them. The good news is that they’re relatively easy to train compared to some other breeds.
People Don’t Always Treat Them the Best
If you check out any local animal shelter, you’re bound to find a Pitbull. They’re the most common dogs in shelters, and this doesn’t have a thing to do with the breed. Instead, it has everything to do with how people treat Pitbulls.
Some individuals seek out Pitbulls for their strength and courage, sometimes training them to be overly aggressive or even for illegal purposes. Because of this, it’s important to be cautious when adopting one from a shelter, ensuring they have been properly evaluated for temperament. Even if you bring home a well-mannered, loving Pitbull, you may still encounter misconceptions and stereotypes about the breed.
If you’re not ready for unfair judgment and stereotypes, getting a Pitbull might not be the best choice for you.
It Might Be Illegal
Right or wrong, there are a few cities throughout the United States and even entire countries that ban owning a Pitbull. You want to stay on the right side of the law, and depending on where you live or plan on visiting, getting a Pitbull might make that impossible.
Before you bring home a Pitbull, double-check any breed restrictions for your area. And once you have a Pitbull, check out potential breed restrictions in different areas before you bring your dog there.
In Conclusion
Now that you know a little more about Pitbulls, it’s up to you if you want to get one as your first dog. While there’s no doubt they’re loyal and loving dogs, they also have a ton of undeserved stereotypes, and they’re strong dogs that require a steady hand to train. This might make a great first dog for you, but they’re not the best first-dog choice for everyone!
Featured Image Credit: Jumpstory
