American Pitbulls are some of the most famous dogs in America and the world. Pitbulls are famous for their strong physique and extreme loyalty to defend their owners.
Due to their loyalty and the will to protect their owners, some people often find them aggressive, which is false. If you do a survey, most people will say Pitbulls are not aggressive but loving and affectionate dogs and even make for great nanny dogs.
So let’s discuss whether it’s true and whether babies are safe around Pitbulls.
Are Pitbulls Safe Around Babies?
When it comes to Pitbulls being safe around babies, you cannot say that all the dogs of one breed will act the same way. American Pitbull Terriers are among the most tolerant dog breeds, with 87.4% passing the American Temperament Test Society test.
For comparison, the Labrador Retriever had a passing rate of 92%, while the beloved golden retriever only had a passing rate of 85.2%. ATTS Breed Statistics. Based on tolerance and statistics, leaving your infant with a Pitbull would be safer than leaving him with a golden retriever.
However, a Pitbull is a large dog, and if your dog is not in that 87.4% and your infant irritates him, or he gets an unpredictable moment of madness as any dog can, the results could be devastating.
Never Leave Your Child and Pitbull Alone
You should never leave an infant or a small child with any dog without close supervision. Even though Pitbulls have a history of being bred for bull baiting and dog fighting, they were never aggressive against humans.
Showing aggression towards their human handlers is found to be very negative, and these dogs typically don’t advance to breeding age.
While dog fighting is still somewhat popular as an underground sport, these days, most Pitbulls are bred to be family pets, and they have flourished very well in their new role.
The United Kennel Club defines the personality of Pitbulls as “eager to please and to brim over with enthusiasm.” It goes on to say that Pitbulls “make excellent family companions and have always been known for their love of children.”
This description was not just made up; it has come from observations and experiences of many Pitbulls and babies.
A Pitbull’s personality, or any dog’s, comes from genetics and environment. As it turns out, genetics does not play as significant of a role in personality development as was once thought.
So, how a dog is raised, trained, socialized, and treated will significantly affect their character and how they react to the people and animals around them. If a puppy is socialized, treated humanely, and sufficiently trained, it can be great with babies.
Old dogs may be a little harder initially, but following the same procedures can make them reliable baby companions. That is why it is essential to consider each dog as an individual rather than grouping them under a breed’s potentially lousy rap.
The Dog Bite Statistics
On the other side of the Pitbulls and Babies debate are those who show you dog bites and children statistics. Most dog bites reported were actual Pitbulls’, but does that mean they are all blood-thirsty attackers just waiting for an opportunity?
First, let’s see some of those stats. In 2018 an article by Laura Marusinec in Sarasota Herald-Tribune cited numerous medical studies of dog bites in children with a consensus that Pitbulls are responsible for the most significant percentage of dog bites and the most violent bites to kids.
DogsBite.org, a public information site, conveys similar news, claiming that Pitbulls account for nearly 2/3 of the deadly dog attacks in America. These numbers are challenging to argue with, specifically if you’re a parent looking to buy a Pitbull.
What Dog Bite Number May Mean
Those dog bite stats are probably hard to digest for those who know Pitbull as friendly and loving dogs, but it’s also hard debating these numbers. However, it is necessary to note that being classified as a Pitbull is doubtful at best.
The only true Pitbull is an American Pitbull terrier. That said, at least two other breeds and multiple mixes constantly get thrown into the Pitbull category.
Breeds like the Staffordshire bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, American Bully, and sometimes any dog with a broad head and short coat are commonly mistaken as Pitbulls. This lack of differentiation can boost the bite numbers against Pitbulls.
Another note is that Pitbulls previously had, and to some capacity still carry, a reputation for being mean, aggressive guard dogs. While their guarding ability may have been flawed, their fierce general appearance gained popularity with gangs and others looking to protect their property.
This popularity increased the number of unsterilized, mistreated, and tied-to-chains Pitbulls in many neighborhoods. Again, the character is mainly a result of a dog’s surroundings, and growing up like this will indeed construct hostility and aggression.
Pros & Cons of Having a Pitbull Around Your Kids
Each dog has its pros and cons, no matter how good. America Pitbulls also have their pros and cons when it comes to leaving them near babies.
Pros
Great Playmates
Pitbulls are energetic animals. They love to play, given you play with them. And if they get a companion in the form of a kid, that’d be a treat for them.
Both kids and American Pitbulls have high energy and require your attention all day. Let them be each other’s play buddies, and give yourself the time-out you need!
No High Maintenance
Pitbulls have shorter hair than most dogs. This factor reduces your cleaning time and is hygienic for your kiddo.
Healthy
American Pitbulls are known to be normally healthy, even in dog shelters. How does that benefit you? You can let your child play with the Pitbull without fear of disease transmission or health problems.
You don’t need extra time at the vet’s as Pitbulls are naturally healthy.
Easy to Train
Pitbulls always look forward to pleasing their owners. This trait makes it super easy to train them. Additionally, you can let your kid partake in training.
It will strengthen their bond and make your dog obey your kid. Moreover, training will be more of a playing session with your children running around.
Loyal Guards
Pitbulls may be the sweetest dogs, but not when protecting their humans. American Pitbulls are highly possessive about their human family, making them outstanding guards.
When it comes to their miniature human, Pitbulls will get to their ferocious side to protect your baby. Remember, Pitbulls have an athletic build that makes them strong bodyguards.
Cons
Originally Bred for Fighting
Despite their loving nature and people-pleasing traits, you must remember that Pitbulls were originally bred for fighting.
You never know what might trigger your Pitbull, making his aggressive side dominate the loving one. Your child may not be safe at such times.
Massive Body Structure
From a Bull Dogs family, Pitbulls have a handsome, muscular structure, and the mountainous body of a Pitbull can easily knock your kiddo onto the floor.
They may be only cuddling, and the next minute your child gets body scratches due to the Pitbull’s power and energy.
Ultra-Fast
Pitbulls have ultra-fast running abilities, with Terriers as one of their ancestors. Kids love running too, which is a benefit instead of a risk. Isn’t it?
It is only a benefit in some cases. Your children might trip and get hurt a lot while trying to keep up with the Pitbull.
Too Strong
Pitbulls are highly muscular and strong dogs, whereas human babies are fragile and defenseless. Pitbulls may not intend to hurt your child, but they make knock him over during play or exercise.
Your Pitbull may be jumping up to cuddle your baby or child and hurt or drop him off your hands. For that reason, you must make sure your Pitbull is fully trained before getting near your child.
How to Make Sure Your Baby & Pitbull Are Safe Around Each Other?
The kind of Pitbull you have relies on how they were raised and trained. Remember that despite every precaution, a Pitbull can be dangerous. After all, it is just an animal, and that, too, a ferocious one.
You can prevent all types of intended and unintended accidents with extra care. Here are a few tips on ensuring your Pitbull is safe around your baby.
Train your Children
Like a young puppy, babies explore their world and what’s socially accepted. They may experiment by kicking, hitting, or tormenting any dog to see what happens because they don’t know any better.
Having any dog on the defensive takes little of this treatment. Teach your baby proper manners for handling animals at a young age, just as you would teach dogs how to sit and stay.
Give your Dog a Safe Space
Have an area that is dog-only and off-limits to your baby. That could be their bed or a little hidey-hole where they can rest.
Let your Pitbull escape for a breather when they’re crushed with the little one, or allow them to keep their stuff in their private area so the baby doesn’t claim everything as their own.
Teach Your Kids to Respect Your Pitbull
Pitbulls love kids, but they, too, expect love and respect in return. Kids need to respect your Pitbull, and you must teach them to love the family dog.
Children should not pull or tag on its tail, hit, or exert any pressure that may cause them to repel. Pitbulls can be highly aggressive when angry.
Teach your Pitbull Obedience
Training from a younger age makes plenty of difference. If you want your Pitbull to be best friends with your kid, then training your dog to befriend your kids from the beginning is what the Pitbull will learn.
You must teach him obedience and to love humans and other dogs. Pitbulls are social creatures and are very easy to train.
Give your Child and Pitbull Some Time
Set up your child’s meeting with the Pitbull, and watch from a distance. You must give the baby and the Pitbull enough time to get comfortable with each other.
It’ll just be a matter of hours, and your kid and dog will play with each other as if they’re the oldest of friends.
Supervise their Playtime
While both your human baby and the dog baby are together, look for any signs that may make you uneasy.
It’s easy to know if either of them doesn’t like the other (which is very rare). Watch for any activity indicating that your Pitbull may get aggressive with your little one.
Teach your Pitbull Social Skills
Being social is an in-built trait of these adorable creatures. However, this socializing trait transforms into a habit only after appropriate training.
Take your Pitbull on walks and allow it to interact with other dogs and humans.
Never Leave the Baby and Pitbull Alone
You love your Pitbull and are 100% positive that he’ll never bite your toddler. But that is not the only concern with Pitbulls, as they have a large, muscular build and amazingly fast speed.
Pitbulls never intend to harm their humans, but they might do it accidentally. Your Pitbull may knock down your baby in a single push, and you won’t even realize it.
Is it terrifying? Like all other dogs, Pitbulls have strong senses and know how to interact with a baby correctly. However, despite their everlasting love for each other, you must never leave your Pitbull and child alone.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Do Pitbulls Get Jealous of Babies?
Pitbulls can get jealous of babies just like any other family member. They can feel all sorts of emotions, so they act out if they feel like they’re not receiving enough attention and that baby is getting all the affection from their owners.
How Do You Introduce a Pitbull to A Newborn Baby?
You need to help your dog get used to the presence of a new family member. You can start by allowing the dog to sniff an item that contains your baby’s scent before bringing the baby home from the hospital.
Also, you can allow the dog to explore and sniff around the baby’s room; however, establish clear boundaries around the baby’s nursery. Once your dog gets used to the baby’s scent, you can allow it to meet the baby in person.
Talking to the dog on a walk before introducing it to the baby is recommended to drain its energy and improve its mood. During the first meeting, keep your dog at a respectful distance from the baby, and eventually, you may allow the dog to get closer.
Why do Pitbulls Protect babies?
When a Pitbull has a strong pack drive and is tightly connected with his household, it’s only natural that he grows protective of a newborn baby when they arrive. Pitbulls are smitten with babies and can form strong connections because of the time spent together.
Why Are Pitbulls So Good with Babies?
Most Pitbulls adore children, and they are wonderful companions and protectors. They immediately recognize the child as part of the family and take on the big brother role from day one. Dogs can be very smart in that way; they know that a child is helpless and will do anything to keep them safe.
Conclusion
Amerian Pitbull is amazing dogs who love their family more than anything. Pitbulls will sacrifice their lives to protect one of their own, making them great with babies.
Although they are strong and can easily knock over your child and hurt him without the intention to do. I will repeat this repeatedly, always supervise your child with your dog, regardless of breed. I hope you found this article helpful.
