Research! Once you do, you will just know.
I see so many people ask: "What breed should I start breeding?" "What breed would be best for my family?" "What "type" of Pit Bull would be best for my family?"
Obviously these aren't quotes from everyone, but they are in fact questions I've seen asked at least once. The question shouldn't be "Is a Pit Bull right for me?", but rather "Based of off (insert five facts of yourself or family here), which breed would best suit my lifestyle?"
For starters, there aren't any different types of Pit Bulls. The American Pit Bull Terrier is the only Pit Bull. Therefore, making it the only type of Pit Bull.
All dogs are different. Just because you had a Bull breed type dog who never barked, was a couch potato, great with kids, loved attention, wasn't destructive etc. doesn't mean it was because he was a Bull breed type dog. Dogs are like any other animal. Of course there will be always be characteristics to every breed you should be aware of, but it doesn't mean every dog will follow those characteristics to a T.
APBTs, as well as all Bull breeds, are known for their animal aggression. If this is something you personally do not find appealing, then APBTs and other Bull breeds are not the type of dog for you. If you are responsible and you understand AA (animal aggression) is a possibility throughout a particular breed, you may proceed into doing more research.
You should understand that no other dog is like that of the APBT. They weren't called the Gladiator of all dogs for no reason. They can and will do great damage given the opportunity. You must understand genetics cannot be trained out of any living being. Temperament is genetic. It is no educated guess or an inconclusive study. It has been proven time and time again that environment plays very little part into a dog's temperament. Just because a puppy or adult doesn't show signs of AA doesn't mean it never will. After all, they are dogs.
Researching a breed before you buy doesn't just pertain to Pit Bulls. You should research any breed you plan on buying or even adopting. Ignorance of breed characteristics is the number one reason animals end up in shelters or re-homed. Herding breeds will want to herd. Will all of them want to? No. Those are dogs that lack their breed's characteristic drive. If you have a herding dog who is stuck in a house all day. The dog will most likely go absolutely nuts. They were bred for a job. Their instincts tell them they need to complete the job. However, with no other animals to tend to, a herding dog will just be an unhappy couch ornament.
I've seen people post on all various forms of social media asking for help to find their lost working breed. What typically happened is, the dog had pent up energy. The dog needed to do what it was bred to do. Once the dog runs outside to go "potty", there will be no stopping it. No command will bring this dog back. The owners just hope and pray somebody is able to get a hold of the dog before it gets injured or killed while it is on it's own. This would be an example of owning a breed without researching it. If the owners would have done their research, they would understand these are high-energy dogs who were bred for a purpose. That purpose wasn't sitting in the house all day.
The majority of dogs end up in shelters because owners do not research not only the breed, but dog's needs in general before they buy. They aren't a house you're renting. They aren't a car you're leasing. You cannot go out and rent another dog like you can a house. You cannot go out and trade in your dog like you can a car.
Just like every commitment in life, there will be ups and downs. You need all new tires on your vehicle. Shit! It sucks, but you're going to figure out a way to come up with the money needed to fix the problem. Are you not? You will! Your dog comes down with severe hip and elbow dysplasia. Shit! It sucks, for the dog! This time you don't feel coming up with the money is a priority. So what do you do? You surrender them to a shelter or rescue where they are now forced to provide treatment or euthanize the dog.
This also could have been avoided had you researched the breed. Certain breeds are more prone to certain health issues than others. If you buy a breed who is prone to hip or elbow dysplasia, it is up to you to know this. The dog undergoing euthanasia in that high kill shelter you surrendered him to could have been taken care of by another buyer who knows this is a possibility.
Basically, if you have to ask if a certain breed of dog is a right fit for you or your family, you need to do more research.
You do not need to be completely savvy when it comes to the breed. You should however, have a basic understanding and knowledge of that particular breed as well as dogs in general. You should start by asking yourself, "What's my activity level like?". If you're a homebody and don't do much exercise, start by finding breeds with extremely low energy and little to no drive. If you're an upbeat person who is always out and about looking for the next adventure; exercise, running, hiking etc. search for higher energy breeds.
Once you have narrowed down characteristics of all of the different dog breeds, start going to dog shows in your area. If you cannot travel to dogs shows in your area, look for reputable breeders online. You can join Facebook groups or different boards throughout the internet to find knowledgeable breeders and owners. Pick their brains. Search for specific threads that answer questions you may have been questioning yourself.
Buying a dog shouldn't be a quick, hasty decision. Don't go out and get the first puppy you see because you promised your kids one. If you're adopting from a shelter or rescue, see if you can do a trial adoption. Most shelters and rescues give you the opportunity to see if the dog will work well with other dogs, cats, animals, adjust to your lifestyle and adjust to your family. They typically last 3-7 days. Some shelters allow up to a month in certain cases where a dog has been returned at least once after a trial adoption.
Research, guidance, and knowledge are what fuels our world. This shouldn't be limited to just jobs and careers. Knowledge runs every aspect of any situation you may have to deal with in life. Dogs are one of them. Animals in general are one them.
Do your research! Ask around! Don't be afraid to ask random strangers who are walking their dog in public questions you have been yearning to know. Be vocal. Be understanding. Most of all, be patient. This isn't an overnight process. This is a lifetime commitment.
I hope this has helped you to know and understand why picking a dog who best suits your lifestyle and family based off of your needs is so important.
