Inappropriate aggression toward humans can never be tolerated in the pit bull, however the breed shares, with several dozen other dog breeds, a tendency toward intra-species aggression. There is no viable reason to discard, out of hand, members of this or any other breed for simply displaying dog aggression within reasonable limits. Some pit bulls live in harmony with all dogs, others display uncontrollable aggression at the mere sight of another dog. Most pit bulls falls somewhere in between these two extremes.

The average pit bull is best suited to a single dog home, or a home where a submissive dog of the opposite sex resides. It is always advisable to educate the prospective adopter that in most cases; dog aggression does not become apparent until the animal is between 9 and 16 months of age. Intra-species aggression is primarily a factor of genetics, not environment, therefore neutering and training will help safely manage, but will not "cure" dog aggression. There is also no reason to assume that because a dog has been injured by other dogs (bears scars), that he/she is unadoptable, or should be termed a "fighter". Most pit bulls which end up in shelters bearing heavy scarring are there because they would not fight, and were discarded by dog fighters. These victims of the pit deserve special consideration and concern, not outright condemnation. The same can be said of so called "game-bred" dogs. Some shelters seek to condemn as unadoptable, without evaluation, any dog they deem as having been bred from "pit stock". This is a determination which is difficult to make by visual inspection alone, and is unfair and unsound. Many so called "game-bred" dogs are among the mildest of pit bulls. It is always risky to assess a dog on appearance, pedigree or history - each dog should be given the chance to be evaluated on its own merits. But if they are not to be rehomed consider the Animal Farm Foundation Give a Dog His Day program.

When evaluating pit bulls, akitas, terriers and similar breeds in which dog aggression has been incorporated as part of their character, tests such as "facing off" two dogs, especially of the same sex, are unfair, unrealistic and inappropriate.

Owner education and careful selection is the key to successful adoptions. Steps must be taken to protect "fad breeds" such as a pit bull from "high risk" owners who are incapable and unwilling to provide responsible ownership. A frank discussion of the management of dog aggression and a strict evaluation of the adoption candidate's potential to provide an appropriate environment, is essential.

Prepared byCanine Aggression Research Center
Diane Jessup
POB 7272 Olympia, WA 98507 USA