How to be a Responsible Parent to a Bully Breed Dog

Bully breed dogs make great pets for some people. They don't make the perfect dog for all people.

These poor dogs tend to be lumped together as "bad dogs," but in reality they're not. They just have an unconventional history and past.

Human's don't have the best history, and yet we tend to trust them. I'm not saying that I would trust my child with a stranger, but I'm, also not saying that I'd trust my child with a strange dog, not matter what breed.

That being said what are the bully breed dogs? Bully breed dogs are often lumped together as "pit bull," but that doesn't really tell you anything because there are at least 6 common bully breed dogs and many less common ones. The more common of the bully breed dog breeds include the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, and the American Bulldog.

Being misconstrued as bad dogs, it's often assumed that bully breed dogs make terrible pets. This is simply, but true.

What is true, is that they do not make the best pet for every person.

Inexperienced dog owners are not the bet pet parent to these dog breeds. People who cannot provide proper training and socialization, should not have these dogs. Those who want guard or protection dogs, need to find another breed. And, those people who cannot be the alpha, pack leader, should go to a different dog.

Bull breed dogs are great with people of all ages as long as they are socialized and trained.

If you have a bully breed dog or are interested in bringing one home, you need to make sure that you are ready to deal with the consequences.

First, check the ordinances in your town and state. Make sure that the breed isn't illegal to own. In many areas these dog breeds are illegal to have as pets.

Don't assume because you're buddy down the street has an AmStaff, you can too. You buddy down the street may be breaking the law.

So, once you check out the laws, you need to do as much research about the breed and training thereof before searching for a responsible breeder or looking through a rescue.

Training and socializing is the key with any dog, especially dog's with bad reputations.

You don't want your beloved family pet to be accused of attacking another dog, animal, or person, even if he really didn't do it. It happens. It may even be more common than you think.

Make the public aware that your dog is good. Get him CGC (Canine Good Citizen) certified.

Although, this isn't a definite answer, it will help your case if your dog is ever accused of being aggressive.

Make sure to get your dog altered at the appropriate age.

Having bad reputations, responsible owners of bully breed dogs do not breed. They spay and neuter.

There are already so many stray "pit bulls" and bully breeds out running the streets, you don't want to help the overpopulation problem.

Plus, already with a bad reputation these stray bully breed mixes worsen the cause and make the fight against Breed Specific Legislations harder.

Plus spaying and neutering lessens hormones in dogs, which can decrease an aggression problem.

Responsible dog owners spay and neuter.