Currently on the fence about adopting a Pitbull Terrier?
I am positive that you are not the only one, and it is essential to understand the good and the bad about adopting a dog breed like the Pitbull Terrier.
While I can say that I am a big fan of the dog breed, that does not mean that the Pitbull does not come without challenges and some potential downfalls.
Understanding all the pros and cons of the Pitbull can give you a better idea if this is the dog you want to adopt and bring into your family.
The rest of this discussion will be something I don’t like to do often about any Terrier dog breed.
Mainly because I am a Terrier owner myself and think that any terrier dog breed makes for an excellent addition to the family.
Nonetheless, I want to start diving into the 9 items I would deem as bad or the worse part of potentially adopting a Pitbull Terrier.
- 9 Bad Things About Owning A Pitbull Terrier
- While The Pitbull Has Some Downfalls, They Still Make Excellent Family Pets
9 Bad Things About Owning A Pitbull Terrier
#1-Pitbull Terriers Have Intense Exercise Demands
Some dogs require more exercise than others.
Pitbull Terriers are one of those dog breeds.
Pitbull’s have high energy levels, much like other terrier dog breeds.
Having the ability to burn off this energy is imperative.
Not to mention, Pitbull’s are muscular dog breeds and need the ability to stay in shape.
This helps to prevent future issues such as obesity and behavioral problems such as destruction or excessive barking.
If you plan to adopt a Pitbull Terrier, having an extensive list of some of the best activities you can do with a Pitbull Terrier would be highly beneficial.
#2-Pitbull’s Require Additional Socialization And Training
One of the unfortunate things you may deal with as a new Pitbull owner is the mere fact that society still looks at the Pitbull a bit differently.
The Pitbull is a muscular and intimidating dog breed that has received some bad rap in the past via social media and the news.
Even the internet in 2021 isn’t the friendliest towards the Pitbull, and some areas still have bans on this dog breed.
When you adopt a dog like this, you shouldn’t be worried, but pay close attention to your socialization efforts.
It is essential to get your Pitbull around the family, other individuals, and even other pets and animals starting at a young age.
Doing so is only going to make them more comfortable and social in the future.
Additionally, you want to ensure that you train and make sure your Pitbull remains respectful and behaves in these social scenarios.
In summary, socialization is even more imperative for a Pitbull Terrier.
It needs to be planned out and front of mind after the adoption.
#3-Pitbull’s Have A Bad Public Perception
We talked about this a moment ago when we discussed how important it is to socialize a Pitbull right away.
However, this is still a separate topic, and here is why.
No matter how much you socialize a Pitbull Terrier, the public eye still acts a bit differently towards this dog breed.
At the dog park, you may get more looks with a muscular Pitbull.
Additionally, some apartment complex owners may not even want a dog breed such as a Pitbull residing on the property.
Mainly for liability reasons.
No matter how you spin it, and even though we all know how affectionate a Pitbull Terrier truly is, the public will always have a different view of this dog breed.
It is just too difficult to ignore that muscular body and strong jaw.
#4-Pitbull’s Need A True Leader
I experienced this firsthand with my own Terrier when I adopted her 3 years ago.
Pitbull’s are known to push the boundaries and have a stubborn side to their personality.
It is super important that you plan to be a true leader when you adopt this dog breed.
This means you gain your Pitbull’s respect.
Train them and provide discipline in addition to the socialization we discussed earlier.
It is even more critical for A Pitbull Terrier to always understand you are in charge.
This will help keep negative behaviors in check.
Without this leadership and your Pitbull knowing who is in charge, they are more prone than some other dog breeds to exhibit negative behaviors and become troublesome.
#5-Destructiveness Is Common With Bored Pitbull Terriers
While this may be true of any dog breed, it becomes essential to consider before adopting a Pitbull Terrier.
Pitbull’s need to be stimulated and have something to do.
Whether provided with a chew toy or partaking in an activity with you as the owner, it is imperative to stay away from severe boredom with this dog breed.
They can be destructive and relentless when bored.
This can also make it more daunting to leave a Pitbull home alone for multiple hours.
Unless you are utilizing crate training, of course.
If you want to avoid destructive behaviors and chewing, make sure your Pitbull does not get bored.
#6-Other Animals And Pitbull’s Don’t Always Play Nicely
This can be said about almost any Terrier dog breed, including the Pitbull Terrier.
I can also back up this claim and agree that this can be true.
My Terrier was not a big fan of my yellow lab in the early days.
It wasn’t until plenty of socialization had kicked in before they began living peacefully together under the same roof.
Pitbull’s can certainly be trained to be great with other animals.
However, without proper socialization and training they can also struggle compared to other dog breeds to get along with other pets or other animals in the home.
Something to keep in mind.
#7-Families With Small Children Need To Be Extra Careful With Pitbull Terriers
Again, this is not necessarily to bash the Pitbull Terrier.
Mainly because this can be said about many dog breeds and does not necessarily become Pitbull specific.
However, Pitbul’’s are heavier dogs and can be clumsy and energetic.
Around small kids, this could quickly turn into an injury.
Even if it’s an accident on your Pitbull’s part.
Additionally, until socialization has taken place, you can never be sure how your Pitbull will act around children and infants.
Be sure that if you want to adopt a Pitbull Terrier, you realize that supervision is 100% required at the beginning around small kids.
Better safe than sorry in these situations.
#8-Pitbull’s Are A Large Dog Breed Requiring Larger Budgets
Large dogs cost more significant amounts of money.
Seems like common sense, doesn’t it?
A Pitbull is going to require more dog food, larger dog crates, and more extensive accessories.
Not to mention, the strength and chewing behaviors of the Pitbull can put any durable chew toy through a beating quickly.
Compared to other dog breeds, Pitbull Terriers will likely cost you more money for all of the accessories you will need over the course of your life.
#9-Pitbull’s Require Space
Large dogs like the Pitbull Terrier require space.
Or at the very least, plenty of exercises or a yard to roam and run.
Suppose you don’t have the space or live in a smaller apartment or home in a city.
In that case, this can be challenging and viewed negatively for many new Pitbull owners.
Without space, a Pitbull can’t get the exercise they need and can become bored or unhealthy.
Compared to some of the small dog breeds available, a Pitbull requires more space and more from you in general.
Certainly, something that could be viewed as a negative.
While The Pitbull Has Some Downfalls, They Still Make Excellent Family Pets
While Pitbull’s undoubtedly have some cons to ownership, they still make a fantastic family pet.
One of the most loving and affectionate dogs breeds you could potentially adopt.
Understand the cons, plan for them, and you can make the entire process and experience of owning and raising a Pitbull Terrier nothing but positive.
Trust me, I went through the negatives with my Terrier as well and had no regrets.
Luna and I wish you the best of luck if you do decide to adopt a Pitbull Terrier.
Do Pitbull Terrier’s Have Other Bad Things You Believe Should Be On This List?
Do you have any other negatives about owning a Pitbull Terrier you think should be included on this list?
Be sure to share those thoughts, stories, and concerns by dropping a comment below.
As always, Luna and I appreciate you stopping by and reading today, and we will see you again next time.
