The pitbull dogs today have received plenty of unfavorable press, and as a result, have garnered an unfavorable reputation to match. In fact, pitbull dogs are illegal in some parts of the country, because they are labeled vicious animals that are dangerous to those around them. This could not be further from the truth. The pitbull may have originally been bred as a fighting dog, but today is used as a successful working dog as well as a loveable family pet. In fact, there is a specific pitbull dog that currently owns more working titles than any other breed today. These dogs excel at just about any canine task, including herding, cart-pulling and policing.

Types of Pitbulls

The breed that can truly be called a pitbull dog is the American pit bull terrier. However, this does not stop many from referring to other dog breeds as pitbull dogs, including the bulldog, the Staffordshire bull terrier and the bull terrier. While none of these breeds is a true pitbull, the Staffordshire bull terrier is the closest relation by far. In fact, many clubs do not recognize a difference between the American pit bull terrier and the Staffordshire bull terrier, allowing owners to register their dogs under either breed. The real pitbull is the American pit bull terrier, which can range in color from blue, to red and cream, with any color of eyes. This dog is a powerful, muscular animal with a short, sleek coat and generally cropped ears.

The Temperament with the Family

These dogs may look powerful and potentially aggressive, but the nature of the pitbull is actually quite friendly and playful. Pitbull dogs are intelligent, courageous and eager to please, making them quite trainable as long as you can get past the stubborn streak that many of them possess. This dog is highly loyal to his family, and can be quite protective of his people and his environment, making him an excellent guard dog. However, pitbull dogs are also affectionate and loving towards family members, and get along well with young and old alike.

Because pitbull dogs are a dominant breed, they require a firm hand and strong leadership to train them well. This is not the best choice in dogs for a first-time dog owner, since experienced trainers will be much better equipped to stand up to the strong personalities of pitbull dogs while encouraging good socialization and an affectionate temperament. If you are considering a pitbull dog for your family, it is best to talk to people who own these dogs, breeders and even your veterinarian to determine whether this dog is right for you. It is also a good idea to make sure that it is legal to keep pitbull dogs where you live before you invest in one.