If I Got a Pit Bull..

Squidbert

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#1
...relatively soon.. I mean.. not tomorrow.. but within a few years.. and I still have Tiki and Squid.. would it be best to get a pup? I know pits can be dog aggressive.. would it be a safe idea if I were to adopt an adult, or young adult, even if he/she is generally good with other dogs.. and even if he/she seemed to get along with Squid and Tiki? Would that be too risky? I mean I'd never get a knowingly dog aggressive pit with my other dogs.. but if I don't know the background of an adult pit that still seems ok with other dogs, would that be a bad idea?
 

LizzieCollie

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#2
I would definately get an adult dog over a pup considering your situation. Yes, some pits can be dog agressive, and this usually sets in around maturity. My fathers pit was dog agressive, but was fine with the pups in her pack. Now i cant guarantee a dog that you adopt will be the same way.

I recommend getting an older dog (3yrs and up) whose temperment has been properly assesed, and has been approved to a multiple dog home.
 
B

Bobsk8

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#3
I guess I am wondering why you would want to chance getting a possible dog aggresive dog when you already have 2 dogs :confused:
 

RD

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#4
I actually think an adult would be a better way to go. What you see is what you get with adults; pups are full of surprises.

Bob, she DOESN'T want a dog-aggressive dog. That's why she's asking . . .
 
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#6
It would be best if the dog was as Lizzie said 3 or older.

Thanks for deciding to adopt a bull :)

They are terribly in need and wonderful dogs
 

Whisper

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#8
Bob, there's a risk of a dog agressive dog with any adoption.
I agree an older dog whose personality is compltetely formed and obvious to you would be best.
 

Squidbert

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#9
Thanks guys! I wasn't sure either way.. cause I was thinking about the idea of adopting an older pit.. especially since I'm sure they're less likely to be placed than a pup.. I didn't know if having a pup from a very young age might be better since I'd be able to be sure it was properly socialized.. but like you've all mentioned I'd never know what would happen once it hits 'puberty' :p

I guess I am wondering why you would want to chance getting a possible dog aggresive dog when you already have 2 dogs
This confuses me.. but RD has already answered it well.. :)
 
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#10
Normally I'd say an adult dog, but considering the number of pit bulls from dog-aggressive backgrounds (and I mean breeding here, not abuse), I think that in this case your best chance of getting a dog who's not dog-aggressive is to buy a purebred American Staffordshire from an AKC breeder who a) acknowledges that dog-aggression is both an aspect of the breed and a problem and b) makes every effort to get puppies who aren't dog-aggressive.
As people have said here before, AmStaffs at shows interact peacefully with many other dogs as a matter of course; they are probably the least likely to be dog-aggressive.

Too many dog-aggressive dogs are selective; they tolerate small dogs and hate big dogs, play well with black dogs and try to kill white dogs. True of any dog, yes. But when pit bulls get serious about hurting or killing another dog, it's very quick and very likely to end in death or serious injury. That would make me pause before adopting a pit bull from an unknown background into my home if I already owned dogs, especially if the resident dogs were not pit bulls. There would just be too many variables for my peace of mind - the breed's tendencies and abilities, the unknown background, the size/power discrepancy, etc.
 
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#11
Non-DA Pits DO exist. Mine isn't DA. I think you will luck out :)

It is a good idea to get a pup, however, because there are SO many at shelters.

Before you adopt, you bring your current dogs to meet the new one, and do a "trial run" there at the shelter to see if they're compatable. If it works out, then great, if not, don't take the chance no matter how much you like the dog.

Go to: www.badrap.org You will find TONS of info on there :)
 
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#12
Normally I'd say an adult dog, but considering the number of pit bulls from dog-aggressive backgrounds (and I mean breeding here, not abuse), I think that in this case your best chance of getting a dog who's not dog-aggressive is to buy a purebred American Staffordshire from an AKC breeder who a) acknowledges that dog-aggression is both an aspect of the breed and a problem and b) makes every effort to get puppies who aren't dog-aggressive.
As people have said here before, AmStaffs at shows interact peacefully with many other dogs as a matter of course; they are probably the least likely to be dog-aggressive.

Too many dog-aggressive dogs are selective; they tolerate small dogs and hate big dogs, play well with black dogs and try to kill white dogs. True of any dog, yes. But when pit bulls get serious about hurting or killing another dog, it's very quick and very likely to end in death or serious injury. That would make me pause before adopting a pit bull from an unknown background into my home if I already owned dogs, especially if the resident dogs were not pit bulls. There would just be too many variables for my peace of mind - the breed's tendencies and abilities, the unknown background, the size/power discrepancy, etc.

I do not at all agree with your post.

Staffies have the ability to be just as aggressive as an APBT. I don't care HOW legit the breeder is. It's in their blood..so to say a Staffie is less likely to be DA as an APBT, is silly.

You see them behving at shows because they are TRAINED to do so. Do you see them playing with other dogs there? No. It's a show, and they take it seriously. Friendly, yes..never DA, no.
 

darkchild16

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#13
i didnt mean it to sound like they are all da lol. i just answered quick but what you said is true neither of my two are. Tytus is more than likely going to play then anything unless the dog tries to hurt me LOL.
 
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#16
I believe that I read somewhere that when Pits reach full maturity, around 3 or 4 years old, their temperment changes, and can become "crazy". It sounds weird, but it's true. They've been known to have a complete personality change at that age, and become even MORE agressive than the norm.

Be careful of adopting one 3 years and up.
 

elegy

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#18
i'd get an adult, preferably from a pit bull rescue who knows what they're doing. any time you get a pup, no matter where the pup comes from, there's a lot of unknowns. with a dog who is fully matured, they're often pretty "what you see is what you get".

and remember, if you do get a pit bull, it should never be left unsupervised with your other dogs.
 

elegy

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#19
I believe that I read somewhere that when Pits reach full maturity, around 3 or 4 years old, their temperment changes, and can become "crazy". It sounds weird, but it's true. They've been known to have a complete personality change at that age, and become even MORE agressive than the norm
most pit bulls reach social maturity around two years of age, give or take. it's not that they become "crazy", but rather they lose some of the tolerence and happy-go-luckyness of puppyhood.

(this happens with pretty much all dog, but can be more pronouced with pit bulls and dog-aggression)
 

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