Owners of Pit Bull are Least Trusted in Florida

For many years, the American Pit Bull Terrier has lived under the stigma of being one of the most dangerous dogs in the world. That has now transferred to owners of such dogs.

The question of dangerous dogs vs. irresponsible ownership is an eternal one. Are some breeds dangerous? Or their owners make them to be?

Well, a recent study in Florida showed that people do not trust owners of Pit Bull terriers. The study, conducted by Bisnar Chase, a law firm specializing in dog bite claims, showed that owners of Pit Bull are least trusted, followed by owners of Rottweilers.

The nationwide panel survey included more than 3,000 adults. The report said, “Pit bull owners are the least trusted, according to media portrayals and contentious headlines. However, pit bull advocates argue that pit bulls can be among the most loyal and affectionate breeds when raised in a loving and well-trained environment. Many pit bulls are overbred, abused, and mistreated, and many don’t enjoy the life of an expensive purebred canine and are used for fighting."

The dog breed was the least trusted breed in every single state in the United States except for Maine, where wolf hybrids were on the top. In New Hampshire, Doberman Pinscher was on top of the list, and in New Mexico, the German Shepherd topped the list. Yet, in all of them, Pit Bull came in second.

Get to Know the Pit Bull Breed

Nowadays, the term Pit Bull is an umbrella term that includes four different dogs. Pit Bulls are not recognized by the American Kennel Club as a separate breed. In the United Kingdom, the United Kennel Club makes a distinction between Pitbulls and other breeds.

With that in mind, the term includes American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and American Bully.

Pitbulls suffer from a bad reputation due to their history. Back in the day, they were used for dog fighting and bear baiting. That contributed to their reputation of being dangerous dogs. And then we have the myth of a locking jaw.

The problem is that when pitbulls are trained to be violent and aggressive, they are very good at it. This is why some owners chose them. But that is plain bad ownership, not dangerous dog label.

Are Pit Bull Terriers banned in Florida?

No, Florida doesn’t ban Pit Bull ownership. These dogs cannot be banned in Florida by local governments or public housing.

According to the Florida’s Dangerous Dogs laws, there cannot be a ban on Pit Bulls. So, yes, people are free to own an American Pit Bull terrier in Florida. But we suggest they train him to be a good boy, not a dangerous dog.