Pit Bulls Are Big Babies

I should clarify what I mean when I say, "I never thought I would own a Pit Bull," because maybe you don't see yourself as a Pit Bull owner either, but you may, in fact, make a perfect one.

I was never afraid of Pit Bulls, as I mentioned before, the way many people are. I didn't cross to the other side of the street when I saw one, and I wouldn't have recoiled in fear if one had passed me at Petco. But I DID buy in to much of the image that many Pit Bull owners like to project. I did think the "right" Pit Bull owner was a young guy with tattoos who had something to prove (nothing against young guys or tattoos). I didn't want a dog that required a fifty pound chain to take it for a walk. I wasn't interested in frightening little old women and mothers with my dog. I don't own a truck, and if I did, I would never make my dog ride in the back of it while he sported a spiked leather collar (again, nothing against trucks or spiked leather collars).

To be fairly general, I am a twentysomething female of mixed race (Chinese and a handful of other things). I love books and computers more than pumping iron, hot-rodding, or drinking beer (although I do enjoy an occasional hefe weizen). My present pack includes a Pug and a French Bulldog, not exactly the types of dog that exude "bad-ass." If you were to place me on the spectrum of dog owner types, I would be closer to "soft" than "militant." I enjoy exercise and working out, but "athletic" would not be found beneath my yearbook picture. By any means. (I'm holding steady at only 5 broken bones so far). I cannot kill spiders on my own unless I have a hose or a blowtorch.

So me and a Pit Bull? Not likely.

But as I said, Capone had changed the meaning of "Pit Bull" for me. I never knew that Pit Bulls were demanding cuddlebugs. Capone loves nothing more than to snuggle against (or on top of) my boyfriend while he's doing something. Even better if he can lay his head in my boyfriend's lap and let his jowels flop open and snore.

I also never knew how sensitive Pit Bulls were. Capone seriously gets his feelings hurt if my boyfriend scolds him. Hurt as in, I'm-going-to-need-therapy-for-this crushed. As a puppy, he felt so bad about pooing in his crate he ratted HIMSELF out. Not to mention "sensitive" as in, only hypoallergenic shampoos for my tender skin, please.

So now I almost laugh when I think of how Pit Bulls are "macho" dogs. In reality, Pit Bulls are big babies with bodybuilder bodies. (Say it five times fast!) And they try SO hard. If it makes Mommy or Daddy happy, they'll do it all day long. Which is also part of why they're such proficient fighting dogs. They'll literally do your bidding, even if it kills them.

Now, this isn't to say that to have a fulfilled Pit Bull, all you need to do is give them bubble baths and massages (although they'll take both if you're offering). Pit Bulls definitely do need a consistent owner that is willing to put effort into their training because they are such intelligent dogs. Just like smart kids, Pit Bulls need boundaries, guidance, and stimulation - more so than average.

And yes, they are physically strong. Their tails can feel whip-like, and when they're happy to see you they wiggle their entire bodies which could knock you over if you're not good in stilettos. But they can be trained to "settle down" and to be "gentle." If you're looking for a big dog and are already planning to handle big dog strength, a Pit Bull's muscularity and vigor should not take it out of the running. You certainly don't need to be training for UFC competition to own one.