Can pit bulls be nice, friendly dogs?

I know of a family with a pit bull -- they have kept it in a crate for about 90 percent of its life. I know that the father is wanting to maybe get rid of the dog since he can't afford to feed it or take it to the vet and it has a skin condition. It is KILLING me that there is this poor dog suffering with them, and I would love to offer to buy it. (I figure they could use the money, right?) Anyway, I have a 90-pound German shorthair who is our beloved family pet -- he's great with kids, and with everybody really. But I don't know what pitbulls are like, and if it will ruin things for MY dog.





SO, to make a very long question short, do you think this pit bull could be a good dog to bring into my house -- with my own big dog? (I also have two kids, ages 8 and 12).

Can pit bulls be nice, friendly dogs?
You may want it checked out by a vet that deals w/ behavioral issues. Since he's not been socialized that is a big concern, however, that doesn't automatically mean he is a killer. Pit bulls get labeled as mean dogs but ANY dog can be vicious. More often than not it's the owners who make the dogs like this by not socializing or who knows what. Keep in mind that they obviously don't sound like they have taken care of it so the vet bill will probably be high. You need to get him up to date on vaccines, heartworm test and prevention, check for intestinal parasites (especially since you have kids and another dog), rid of the skin infection and find out what it is. Could be mange for all you know. You should also consider classes for him and for sure get him neutered. May also take some time for your other dog to grow used to the new one. They're gonna gave to figure out who the alpha is and who is not.
Reply:Yes. IF it has been around other dogs before. If not... and no offense to pit bull lovers... but they have a naturally aggressive nature to other animals. It's a proven fact so don't yell at me and anyway I really like pit bulls, they're great with kids.
Reply:depending on how its raised they can be good dogs.
Reply:Pit Bulls are normal dogs with a damaged reputation.





Try taking the dog to training classes and a behavorist first, so it gets used to being around people, like in a household.





Im sure the dog will fit fine, which most rescues normally do, because they just want to be part of the family.
Reply:you are going to hear an ear full when it comes to pitbulls on this website.....good luck





in the long run you need to trust your judgement...as to what is best for your dog....if your dog gets along with others....if they are both males, I prob would not recommend that....





trust your own judgement.....even ask the family if you could pet sit for one night bec you want to adopt him...... try a slow introduction, then you make the call





just make it safe for everyone
Reply:just like any other breed, pit bulls can be wonderful dogs! some of the sweetest, most mellow dogs i have known were pit bulls. it all depends on how they are raised. being that this dog has not been cared for properly,-been locked up for so long, possible underfed (?), and has not had much socialization, there is a chance it will be aggressive. I would suggest meeting the dog first. see how he acts around you, your dog, and your family. do this slowly, and make sure to supervise the whole time! if you decide to take him in, a professional trainer would be a good idea as it does not seem like he has had much training. good luck!
Reply:Plain and simple, there is no such thing as a bad dog, only bad owners. Is the Pit Bull a male or female? I would say, ask the owners if they will let you hang out with the dog for a little bit, outside, play ball, see how he or she reacts when you take the toy from him, and introduce the pit to your German Shorthair. Then go from there.
Reply:i was playing with one, one time and didnt know it was a pit until my friend told i walked away and it was wagging its tail
Reply:well, pit bulls can be really hard to handle. it depends on its age. young pits can easily be brought up to be good dogs. also pits can be very territorial. i don't think it will be good to keep him w/ 2 young children and another dog in the house. but if hes between newborn and about 11 months, you'll have minimal trouble if any. but since hes caged up so much, he might be very aggressive, the poor thing.
Reply:Depends on how they are brought up..
Reply:Yes most of them are fabulous dogs. You would half to see how the dogs get along first.
Reply:what is the skin condition this is very sad. it could be many things, what if it is contagious to people or children find that out first then decide, but that would a great to do to get that dog out of its crate. We see many pit bulls that are super friendly with people and animals. just check it out or call a local pit bull rescue, linda blair world heart foundation.
Reply:My friend has a pit bull that is like a child. He is so well behaved my friend takes him to the bar and Major will sit completely still with all manner of strangers around. He has never shown aggression my advise is to give it a chance, but introduce the other dog slowly. My friend wanted one of my kittens so i took it to visit about 8 times before he took it and by the third visit Major had it curled up sleeping with him, he treats that cat as if it was his best friend. Pit Bulls have a bad reputation due to bad owners who exploit their natural instincts. Love and trust are more important to this dog than anything. I bet it would love to be a part of a loving welcoming family (and the skin condition is probably caused by being in the crate. probably an infection..sprinkle some sulfur on it and it will help it so will a good bath with "hot spot" shampoo
Reply:It's how u treat them when they are young. I have a boxer- pitbull, and he is the sweetest dog in the world. Treat him nicely, don't hurt him, and he'll be fine.
Reply:Pit bull-type breeds can be wonderful pets. However, the fact that this one has lived 90% of his life in a crate worries me. It sounds like he's been neglected, if not abused, and so may not make the best pet, especially if you have kids.
Reply:Pitbulls are great dogs with a bad rep. It is so sad. When other dogs bite someone. you just here man suffers from dog bite. When it was a pitbull they make sure to say they were attacked by a pitbull. Actually the most Dangerous dogs that are known for biting people and attack ing for no reason are Black Labs. Good luck it is a very hard decision on whether to add a second dog.
Reply:PiTBULLS ARE VERY NiCE DOGS. i DONT KNOW iF THE DOG iS REALLY GOiNG TO LiKE YOUR GERMAN SHORTHAiR. IF THE PiTBULL WAS GROWiNG UP WiTH THE GERMAN SHORTHAiR. i HAD A BABi PiTBULL WITH Mi MiXED CHiHUAHUA. THEY ALWAYS GOT TOGETHER. ACTUALLY WHEN Mi PiTBULL WAS A PUPPiE, HE WAS ALWAYS PiCKED ON BY Mi MiXED CHiHUAHUA. SO FOR BUYiNG A PITBULL, I DONT THiNK THAT WOULD A GREAT IDEA. iT ALSO DEPENDS ON IF THE PiTBULL LOOKS VERY FEROCiOUS. iT iS BETTER iF THE PiTBULL WAS TO GROW UP WiTH THE DOG THAT YOU HAVE.
Reply:I have a wonderful pit bull and i love the breed but i woulden't suggest getting a dog that has been crated 90 percent of its life and taking the crate that its known for so long away and throwing in 2 children and another dog.
Reply:Pit bulls tend not to be so great with other dogs.
Reply:dpending on how the dog was raised pitbulls can be great dogs... They are my favorite, I used to have one.. and she had the biggest personality ive ever seen in a dog, very lovable also... but if hes been caged up i wouldnt be too sure about that
Reply:As long as you give the Pit proper training and socialization, you should be fine. Since the dog's been in a crate for so long, it could possibly have some behavioral issues, so it would be wise to consult a professional trainer. Pits can be somewhat dog aggressive, but that's not true in all cases; another reason to consult a professional trainer.





Pit Bulls were the original family dog long before Labs and Goldens were.
Reply:yes pit bulls can be great i have 3 and they are the sweetest dogs in the world otherwise i wouldn't have them around my kids but they are very active so its a good idea to have a big yard and be ready for a "pit fit" if they are in the house and anyone who has pitts knows what that is when they start they little runs through bounce off stuff just get out of the way
Reply:NO !!





The dog has not been raise right %26amp; you stand a good chance of it being dog aggressive %26amp; you could loose your other dogs if it is. They are not a good family dog unless you get one from a competent breeder who doesn't fight them or pop out puppies right %26amp; left.





This dog has been mistreated %26amp; the owner should be reported. It will be a sad story cause the dog will probably be euthanized.