Are Pitbulls Good With Kids? Important Things To Know

Dogs are man’s best friend. However, not all dogs are the same. Different breeds have different temperament levels and levels of aggressiveness. Therefore, you may not like all dogs alike.

Pitbulls are a popular dog breed. You see them everywhere, from rescue homes to friends’ houses. They are one of the most lovable dog breeds in the world. However, they are one of the most misunderstood dog breeds too.

Some people are wary of having Pitbulls as pets, especially if they have kids at home. So, are Pitbulls good with kids? Here are some important things to know about this dog breed.

About Pitbulls

The American Pitbull Terrier, or Pitbull, is a medium-sized yet powerful dog. It is a new sight to look at, especially when it is well-groomed. 

Pitbulls have short velvety fur and are a charming, affectionate, loyal, and obedient breed. They love to cuddle and play with their owners and will protect them with their lives.

Pitbulls can be great pets at home but only after proper training. A well-trained Pitbull can be an asset to a family.

Why Are People Scared Of Pitbulls?

Many people are naturally scared of Pitbulls. Here is why Pitbulls have a bad reputation.

Strong bite

Pitbulls have a strong bite force with a PSI of 235. Although it may not have the strongest bite or even be among the top 10, a bite force of 235 can be strong.

This strong bite force makes people fear Pitbulls, along with the other factors below.

Dog fighting

Pitbulls were bred to fight in pits, which is how it got its name. They are starved and abused and then brought over to fight with each other. People bet on the dog that the hope will live.

It has created the assumption that fighting is all the breed is good for.

Are Pitbulls Naturally Aggressive?

Pitbulls are not naturally aggressive. Their surroundings and environment make them inherit an aggressive nature.

Therefore, you must train and socialize with a Pitbull from a very young age. A well-trained Pitbull can be gentle and affectionate. Pitbulls require both physical and mental exercises. 

You must treat Pitbulls with love and care. They become aggressive when they are not treated properly. If not, they can be loving and loyal to their owners.

They are also great protectors. Pitbulls protect their owners, risking their lives.

Are Pitbulls Good With Kids?

Pitbulls are generally good with kids. However, that doesn’t mean that you keep a child along with a Pitbull like you wouldn’t with any other breed. They need to be monitored at all times by you, a family member, or a pet sitter.

Pitbulls love children a lot. They are one of the most tolerant when it comes to children. They are highly energetic dogs that are always ready to play with children.

They are loyal dogs who will stand by your children for their entire lifetime.

How To Introduce A Pitbull To Kids

If you are bringing home a Pitbull for the first time, you must bring them around your children immediately following adoption. Socializing a dog around children is something you should do with any dog breed.

Teach your children how to be calm and gentle with the Pitbull. Have supervised interactions and teach them how to play with the dog. Praise your Pitbull when it shows love and affection towards your children.

What To Watch Out For

Pitbulls are large muscular dogs. So, even if they are not aggressive, they can still hurt your child by accident. That is why children should always be monitored with a dog. No matter how well-trained your Pitbull is, accidents can still happen. 

You should also teach your children how to behave around a Pitbull. They shouldn’t harm or irritate the dog, nor should they pull its ears or tail.

Pitbulls may get tired after playing with your child. Therefore, you should allow your dog a place to escape in case it gets too tired to play anymore.

You should also teach your child not to touch or distract a Pitbull while resting in its crate. If your family is allergic, you need to regularly groom your Pitbull because they are not a hypoallergenic dog breed.

Things To Consider

If you want a Pitbull in your home, here are a few additional things to keep in mind.

• You should teach your child not to hit or attack a Pitbull, even for fun.
• Pitbulls can get irritated easily when they are not treated with respect.
• Pitbulls are very protective and will do anything to protect a child they feel is in harm.
• Abused Pitbulls may show aggression, especially if they are frightened.

Why Do Pitbulls Make Great Pets?

Here is why Pitbulls are excellent pets.

• They are a healthy dog breed.
• They are a low-maintenance breed that does not need frequent baths or brushing.
• They love people and crave attention.
• They love to cuddle up to most people without any problem.
• They are naturally athletic and will happily work out without getting tired. They perform well at agility competitions too.

Pitbull Training Tips

Pitbulls are intelligent dogs and love it when others praise them, especially their owners. When trained correctly, they can easily grasp concepts and learn very quickly.

You must start training a Pitbull at a very young age. Here are some important things to remember when training a Pitbull.

• Keep training sessions short, ideally between 15 and 20 minutes.
• Remove distractions such as toys, food, and loud noises from the environment.
• Keep sessions fun by engaging with your dog and praising it.
• During training sessions, don’t scold, yell at, or shout at your Pitbull.

Final Thoughts

Are Pitbulls good with kids? Pitbulls are loyal and affectionate dogs who are excellent with kids. However, as with any breed, you must monitor your child when it is with a Pitbull.

You must train a Pitbull at a very early age so that it will behave well and will not be aggressive. They will respond well if you treat them with respect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pitbulls Aggressive?

Pitbulls are not naturally aggressive. It will only become aggressive if it is not treated with respect.

Are Kids Safe Around Pitbulls?

Pitbulls are good with kids and play with them. However, children should always be under supervision when they’re with a Pitbull.

Written By

Laura Nassoura

Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.