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Are Pit Bulls truly vicious, or can they be safe, loyal family dogs?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Are Pit Bulls a vicious breed?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on January 16th, 2017

Pit Bull-type dogs - the American Kennel Club does not recognize a specific purebred dog as a Pit Bull - have been implicated in a higher-than-average number of bite and fighting incidents. However, these dogs have also been trained to fight by nefarious individuals, and that has contributed to their aggressive reputation. As a group of dogs, Pit Bulls are smart and loyal, but like any dogs, when trained to be vicious, they will be vicious.

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