By Celeste Schmidt, Redding CA
Are you considering a Pit Bull-type breed for your future dog? Maybe
seeing so many in the shelter and knowing these dogs are first to be euthanized makes you want to save one? Before
you leap into the world of bully dogs, there are things to take into
consideration.
There are four significant bully breeds in the US that are often grouped together as "bulldogs" or "pitbulls":
- American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT)
- American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff)
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffie)
- American Bully (Ambully)
All share a certain number of temperament and body-type features.
highly people oriented
Bully breeds tend to be very people
friendly and tolerant, confidently greeting strangers with a happy grin and wagging tail. Bullies
tend to make poor guard or protection dogs due to their
friendliness and lack of suspicion. The American Pit Bull Terrier
UKC

standard states that "the APBT is not the best choice for a guard
dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers. Aggressive
behavior toward humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and highly
undesirable." This trait makes them great pets for socially active owners who need a dog that enjoys meeting all types of people, large and small.
Dog and Animal reactivity/aggression
Dog
and animal aggression is a trait that's more common in these breeds
than in most. This trait is genetically programmed and may (or may not) surface even with the very best socialization and training. If a dog is dog-aggressive it does not make them a
"bad dog", it just means they need a certain kind of person to handle them: someone who's willing to devote themselves to managing, enjoying, mentally stimulating and exercising the dog outside of dog-dog interactions like dog-parks or multi-dog household. Since dog-aggression may not appear until the dog matures, it is important for a bully breed
owner to be informed long before an episode occurs on excited body-language hints, "crate & rotate" and how to separate a dog fight.
Strong will and high prey drive

Characteristic bully breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier were bred as fighting dogs, which requires a relentless devotion to the task. The trait is called "gameness" which basically means the dog is willing to
keep going to the end, when other dogs would turn tail and run. Because
of this, the bully dogs of today are often strong-willed, not easily distracted or deterred from behaviors. They put a
lot of effort and intensity into the things they want to do. And coupled with a high prey drive (desire to chase small game), they can be a handful. However in the
right hands, this can be harnessed and channeled into something
productive, for example sports like
weight pulling,
flyball, tracking,
frisbee,
dock-diving, and
many more. But it can also
be a real hassle for a owner who isn't prepared for the "hard-headed" determination of these dogs. American Staffordshire
Terriers and American Bullies tend to be somewhat softer and less
intense than APBTs and Staffies, making them a better choice for first
timers.
Mentally and physically active

These
dogs are often recognized for their athletic body structure, and they
have a mind to fit it. Bully breeds thrive on not only physical, but
mental stimulation. You will likely find a bully to be a very eager
training partner. They learn quickly, and are very intelligent dogs who
are willing to put a lot of effort into learning something new when
taught that training can be fun. Dog sports or reward-based obedience
classes are very beneficial, a good training session can be as
satisfying as a moderate work-out. Bullies (with the exception
of some Ambullies) tend to have great stamina and make great companions
for avid bikers, joggers, hikers, etc. However, backyard breeding and breeding for exaggerated structure and overly large dogs without considering health has caused high rates of
hip and
elbow dysplasia in the bully breeds. Dysplasia is a painful structural health issue that can severely hamper a dog's athletic tendencies. If you are looking for a sport or jogging companion, make sure the dog you're considering appears to move easily with a smooth, flowing gait, not a lumbering or rocking motion. If picking a puppy from a breeder, review the parents' and grandparents' health certificates. In this day and age, there is little excuse for a breeder not to health-test stock for common afflictions.
Thick Skin

Bully breeds tend to brush off rudeness and rough handling with a positive and forgiving attitude. But bully owners need have the same thick skin because of the negative image surrounding the breeds. It is not
uncommon to receive snarky looks while out on a casual walk or to have
mothers tell their children to stay away from your "vicious beast".
Rather than taking offense, take pride in knowing that your dog is a safe member of society.
Consider taking obedience classes and/or a CGC exam. Show off how well-trained your
dog is by attending local dog events and taking them out in public. Bully owners can be proud of their dogs' character and training as well as their breeding.
Versatile
Bully breeds have excelled in pretty much every dog related activity out
there. From sports like Schutzhund, French Ring, weight pulling, and
rally obedience to serving humans as search and rescue dogs, therapy,
police, and service dogs. In some areas bullies have become popular in
decreasing the number of overpopulated and destructive animals like wild
boar.
Keep in mind:
Not all bully breeds will fit their breed type/standard. These dogs
have suffered from mass irresponsible breeding practices and can vary
greatly due to that. Shelters and rescues are full of these dogs and their mixes and while all are equally deserving of a great home, they are NOT equally easy going, resilient, non-aggressive, driven to work, or easy to train. If you're interested in getting a bully
breed but are concerned about possible animal aggression, your best bet is a fully matured dog. In a rescue
setting the foster parent will be able to tell you about the dog's
temperament and some shelters temperament test their animals prior to
adoption.