Are pit bulls really harmful?

According to Dogster.com, one side says Pits are dangerous and should be banned. The other side says they are loving, safe dogs and it's the owners who are to blame for any "bad" Pits. What is the truth? Somewhere in between.

These days, pit bulls often make headings and it’s rarely good news. If it is not about an attack on a child or a shooting by police, it’s a tale of abuse or neglect. The heat of such news has forged a frightening image of the pit bull as having a hair-trigger temper and a lock-jawed bite.

However pit bull advocates and some experts say the dogs get a bad rap. They say the dogs aren’t inherently aggressive, however in many cases suffer at the hands of irresponsible owners drawn to the dog's macho image who encourage aggression for fighting and protection.

Indeed, the ASPCA web site gives the breed a commendation that could fit a golden retriever. It says, “A well-socialized and well-trained pit bull is one of the most delightful, intelligent, and gentle dogs imaginable.”

In general, pit bulls are not aggressive with people however are “less tolerant” of other dogs than many other breeds, says Pamela Reid, PhD, vice president of the ASPCA’s Animal Behavior Center in New York. They also have “great tenacity. They put their mind to something, and they do it. That’s what makes them great dogs for sports like weight pulling. They are very strong, athletic animals," Reid says.

Owning a pit bull shouldn’t be taken lightly. Some towns and cities have banned the breed. You also might face rising insurance rates or cancellation of your policy, difficulty renting, and the watchful eye of neighbors and passersby.

Tips for Pit Bull owners: Pros and Cons of owning a Pit Bull from Lanecounty.org.

Thinking about adopting a Pit Bull? Well, congratulations! Despite the bad rap they get, Pit Bulls can make very sweet and loyal family dogs. Adopting a Pit Bull should be fun and joyful, so ASPCA created a list of handy tips to help you make good choices when adopting a pit bull.

With proper training and socialization, pit bulls make great family pets. Get advice and tips on training your pit bull from Dogs.about.com.