Pitbulls are often a misunderstood breed of dog, but they are highly affectionate and intelligent dogs. As a loyal and dependable breed, pitbulls are excellent at performing various tasks and displaying obedience, which are signs of high intelligence. However, due to a lot of misinformation about pitbulls, many people do not know just how smart these dogs are. While they may not be the most intelligent dogs in the world, there are plenty of characteristics about pitbulls that demonstrate just how smart they can be.
Understanding the Breed Origins
By diving into the history of pitbulls, we can gain a better understanding of how smart they are and whether they were bred to be intelligent. Unfortunately, the origins of the pitbull are quite gruesome, as they were originally bred in the United Kingdom as bull-baiting dogs in the early 1800s. Bull baiting was primarily for entertainment purposes in the British Isles, and this blood sport became quite popular until it was prohibited by the British Parliament in 1835 for animal cruelty.
However, people continued to use pitbulls for other purposes. They soon became a top choice for dog fighting, and were even used for “ratting,” a term used for pitbulls that were used to kill rats in a public game. The old English bulldog was then bred with terriers to improve the pitbull breed for ratting and fighting purposes, leading to the creation of one of the many pitbull breeds: the Pitbull Terrier.
Despite being bred to hunt and kill other animals, pitbulls were selectively bred for hundreds of years not to harm humans. This is because the handlers would need a controllable dog that wouldn’t bite them, but also one that would show aggressiveness during these games and blood sports. Many pitbulls that would bite or act aggressively towards the handlers were not bred, thus making sure that the temperament would not be passed on to future generations.
An All-Purpose Dog Breed
Eventually, the pitbull made its way to the United States, where they were used as a working dog breed, despite their history of fighting. Pitbulls were used for herding livestock, hunting hogs and other wild animals, and even as guard dogs, protecting their family from harm. These traits made pitbulls popular and favored among dog owners. However, when dog fighting became illegal in 1976, pitbulls were still used for fighting and blood sports, leading to a misuse of the breed and their unfortunate reputation today.
How Smart Are Pitbulls?
Despite their history, pitbulls have been domesticated for centuries and have many desirable traits that make them an intelligent dog breed. The pitbull’s obedience, adaptability, loyalty, and friendly demeanor have allowed them to be an intelligent multi-purpose dog breed. However, it is important to recognize that intelligence varies among individuals and that not all pitbulls are the same.
Misconceptions about these dogs being overly aggressive and waiting for an opportunity to hurt people are often rooted in misinformation. Instead, their intelligence has allowed them to be great companions and even service dogs for those in need. As a pet, your pitbull will continue to prove their intelligence and loyalty to their family.
Are Pitbulls The Smartest Dogs?
No, pitbulls are not the smartest dogs out of all the different breeds. However, they are still quite smart since it is in their nature to be intelligent. Whether they are smarter than other dogs will depend on the individual dog, how they were bred, trained, and raised, along with the environment and care they receive as an adult.
Can Pitbulls Easily Be Trained?
Pitbulls can be easily trained with the right methods and motivation, thanks to their eagerness to please and determination to learn new things. Whether it’s small tasks such as going outside to use the bathroom or sitting and staying on command, or more challenging tasks such as herding livestock or working as a service dog, the intelligent pitbull can do it all.
Their smartness and trainability has allowed them to become medical alert and emotional support service dogs that help those in need. These dogs can detect low oxygen levels and blood sugar, or any seizures that may happen soon. Additionally, pitbulls are quite good at understanding human emotions and can provide comfort and endless love to their owners when they are feeling down.
In conclusion, pitbulls are naturally smart dogs. However, each dog can be distinctive and show their intelligence in different ways, depending on their breeding, upbringing, training, and environment. With socialization and proper training, pitbulls can be loving and hardworking dogs that make great companions for the right families. They can also defy the negative stereotypes that have unfortunately plagued their breed for years.
