Should I Buy a Pitbull Puppy?

If you are looking for pitbull puppies for sale, here are a few things you should know before buying a pitbull puppy.

1. A pitbull can be the best dog you’ll ever own. The loyalty, intelligence, and humor of a pitbull are, in my opinion, unmatched by most other dog breeds. Many misperceptions of pitbulls as vicious, dangerous dogs are caused by reckless breeding and irresponsible owners. As much as I love pitbulls, I must admit there are some that are not fit to be human companions. This is most often caused by people who breed dogs purely for profit with no regard for the resulting mental and physical defects of the pups.

2. Realize that a pitbull may not be the best dog for you. Pitbulls need a lot of exercise, attention, and training. If you live in an urban area, you probably should not buy a pitbull. If you can not give your pitbull the same amount of attention you would give to a child, do not buy a pitbull. If you are not prepared for a 15 year commitment to your pitbull ‘child’, do not buy a pit-bull. If you do not know how to train stubborn, ‘bull-headed’ dogs or can not afford professional training, do not buy a pitbull. If you are not willing to spay or neuter your dog, do not buy a pitbull.

3. A pitbull is usually not a purebred dog. There are over 25 dog breeds and mixed breeds that are mistakenly called pitbulls. The American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and English Bull Terrier are the three types of purebred pitbulls. Similar breeds and mixed breeds are wonderful dogs too, but just make sure you know what you are getting. For example, pitbull/lab mixes tend to be very hyperactive and can be difficult to train and manage.

4. Beware of backyard breeders. You should never buy a puppy from a backyard breeder. If the person breeding the pitbulls does not have strict adoption policies, including a thorough inspection of you and your home, do not trust the breeder. Do not ever buy a pitbull from a breeder who breeds their dogs to look and act tough because they can be dangerous dogs.

5. If you want an attack dog, choose another breed. Good pitbulls have been bred to not be human aggressive. If a pitbull is aggressive toward humans, it most likely has many psychological defects and may turn the aggression toward you. Pitbulls can be defensive of their territory. They may bark and growl when someone comes near their home or vehicle, but a good pitbull should not show any signs of human aggression.

6. Seriously consider adopting an adult pitbull from a shelter. There are millions of homeless pitbulls who are in danger of being euthanized because of irresponsible owners. When buying an adult pitbull, the dog has been temperament tested and you can plainly see the dog’s personality. Shelter and rescue workers do an excellent job of matching dogs with the right people. Listen to their advice and choose a dog that will fit your lifestyle.

Visit petfinder.com to find pitbulls for sale in your area and for more information about pitbulls, visit Understand-a-Bull.com and BadRap.org.