What is a Temperament-Correct Pit Bull?

A temperament-correct Pit Bull has the following temperament:

• Highly affectionate toward people, even strangers and
  children
• Loves physical affection and attention
• Never redirects aggression on humans even during
  times of high arousal
• Confident and not anxious (calm, cool, and collected)
• Obedient; eager to please
• Balanced, emotionally stable
• Submissive but not to a point of lacking confidence or
  being fearful
  
• A certain amount of reactivity toward other dogs is normal and acceptable in a Pit Bull and in many breeds of dogs

An ill-bred or incorrectly trained Pit Bull may be:

• Fearful
• Nervous or "stressed out"
• Intolerant of handling or touching - avoids affection
  from humans or tries to get away
• Aloof
• Territorial around humans; resource guarding
• Aggressive toward humans
• Willing to redirect aggression on humans when highly
  aroused
• Overly aroused with no "off switch"
• Extremely mouthy

More on Dog-to-Dog Reactivity Levels:

Dog-aggression and human-aggression are entirely unrelated. They are completely separate behaviors and do not cross over. A temperament correct Pit Bull is never human aggressive, but the possibility of reactivity towards other dogs can be seen in varying degrees.

Many breeds of dogs are dog reactive and dog reactivity can vary widely among breeds. Some dogs (especially well-socialized ones) may always be social with other dogs throughout their lives while others will have minor to severe levels of dog-to-dog reactivity, even if they have been well socialized. Those that do show leash reactivity can be trained to be calm around other dogs while on-leash.

Dog reactivity in Pit Bulls can be very manageable. Each individual dog should be evaluated based on his own level of reactivity and not because he’s this breed or that. Additionally, the human connection that Pit Bulls have is very helpful in managing reactions to dogs as they aim to please us. Over-the-top or extreme dog-to-dog aggression is not temperament correct in Pit Bulls.

In any multi-pet household you should always separate your companion animals when you leave. When there’s no one around for guidance and structure they can get into all sorts of trouble.

 

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