Pit Bulls Were Once Known as "Nanny Dogs"

Nowadays, the mere mention of the name “Pit Bull” causes a negative reaction in many people. This breed now has a reputation for aggressive behavior.

However, this hasn’t always been the case. Most folks have no idea that serval people once used Pit Bulls for protecting children on a long-term basis.

Many problems associated with aggression and behavioral issues can be well-managed with good quality training, but it all depends on the dog’s personality. Pit Bulls are a shining example of this.

Why Do Pit Bulls Get a Bad Rap?

Humans took advantage of their physical features (strong, powerful jaws) as an easy way to make a profit off them in dogfights.

For years, these horrible groups of people used several different dog breeds to fight in their illegal matches. While these people stood there in amazement, the dogs were out there killing each other.

This is what actually brought about an aggressive nature in Pit Bulls in the first place. Unfortunately, people still relate them to those aggressive personalities today. However, this does not mean that Pit Bulls are innately aggressive.

A dog can be predisposed to aggression. However, this is because people have been making this false claim about this breed for several generations. Unfortunately, aggressive instincts are mostly transmitted through an organism’s DNA.

Other posted articles explain that most of what an owner has to work on with his/her dog are two major things. The training the animal either has or has not received, and the kind of owner the dog has.

However, it’s worth pointing out that before these well-known and cruel fights ever existed, the Pit Bull had a well-renowned positive reputation. As a matter of fact, Pit Bulls were once considered as “nanny dogs.”

Pit Bulls Were Once Nanny Dogs

During the 19th century, people considered Pit Bulls to be the best breed for babysitting children. In fact, pretty much in every house where there were children, there was also a Pit Bull playing his role as being the nanny dog.

Regardless of any family’s social status, these dogs earned a good name and an excellent reputation for their tolerance and fantastic behavior around children.

This fact is true even to this day. Studies involving Pit Bulls reveal that they are the most tolerant dogs after Golden Retrievers.

Yes, Golden Retrievers are those adorable dogs that everyone loves and that guide the blind and people with special needs. Ironically though, everyone rushes to pet Golden Retrievers, but most people want to get away from Pit Bulls as quickly as possible.

The fact that people used them as nanny dogs shows that they have friendly, tolerant personalities. They are also very friendly, family-oriented, and loyal. 

Parents had no problem leaving their children alone with a Pit Bull because they knew that Pit Bulls are a patient and loving dogs that would sacrifice their lives in order to protect children. 

This breed earned a fantastic image. Pit Bulls defend their own, are devoted to their families, and protect those around them. Plus, these dogs are friendly to everyone, including strangers.

If any of the aforementioned families were still alive today, they would be shocked to see what the Pit Bull’s image and reputation have become.

From Nanny Dogs to Widely Feared Dogs

This breed has gone from being considered a nanny dog to being widely feared. However, Pit Bulls have little to blame for this.

This is because, when a Pit Bull behaves aggressively, it’s usually a consequence of the dog’s own ignorance and the owner’s inability to train him. And by “ignorance,” we mean that Pit Bulls require certain knowledge in order to be trained properly.

This breed’s past has led them to have tendencies that have to be eradicated. And it’s completely possible, but you have to know how to go about it.

If you don’t leave a Pit Bull’s training up to a professional or aren’t well-informed enough to properly train one, a Pit Bill’s personality will go downhill, along with his character.

The reality is that, now, this breed that was once used as a nanny dog has become potentially dangerous. In fact, in countries like Spain, you can’t adopt a Pit Bull unless you own a dog license. You are also obliged to carry a muzzle, and of course, have insurance.

However, if Pit Bulls are one of your favorite dog breeds and you are planning on adopting one, take the dog to a professional and provide him with the upbringing and training he needs and deserves. In return, you will have a sweet, loyal, and affectionate best friend for the rest of your dog’s life.