Pit Bull Terriers as Nanny Dogs

Nanny dogs are simply dogs which are great with children. They protect the children as if they were blood related, just as a nanny would do for their charge. They show particular affection towards children, understanding their vulnerability and being a warmhearted companion to them.

The character ‘Nana’ in JM Barrie’s famous stage play ‘Peter Pan’ was a dog. Although played by a man in a costume, this dog was intended to be a Newfoundland. This is because Newfoundland Dogs are also said to be nanny dogs in that they meet these requirements of being particularly protective and affectionate towards children.

Nanny breeds are not dogs which can look after children without adult accompaniment. These dogs do not exist. As friendly as any dog is, young children can often be unaware of how their actions can affect the dog. Dogs are not capable of making the considerations humans need to make for their offspring. This doesn't even mean intentionally hurting a child. This was the case with a Siberian Husky in Alberta Canada who killed a days old baby by biting it on the head. It was a well-trained dog which likely meant to simply pick up the baby to carry it to their parents^[1].

Dogs and young children, regardless of breed and age need to be supervised. You cannot predict every reaction of an animal, even if they are nanny dogs usually well-suited to interacting with children.

American Pit Bull Terriers are affectionate, cheerful and family-oriented dogs, although they are often sociable with strangers. The reason they used to be left alone with children is because this breed is especially attached to its family and is also patient with the little ones.

However, are Pit Bulls really Nanny Dogs? The answer is difficult. Some claim that the nickname or label of ‘Nanny Dog’ was first given to Pit Bull Terriers in the United States at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th.

There is some controversy as the source for this is someone called Lillian Rant who was interviewed in a 1971 article. She told the story that Pit Bulls were kept as nanny dogs, but has been accused by anti-Pit Bull propagandists of fabricating this story to improve their public image. Since she was the leader of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier organization, it is believed she was trying to generate positive publicity.

There are many pictures of aristocratic or well-to-do families with photos of young children and Pit Bull type dogs. It is likely they were the children's pets, but it is not conclusive to determine from only a photo.

It is true there is little evidence to support how official the term nanny dog is when it is used in terms of Pit Bull type dogs. However, this is because being a nanny dog isn't an official thing. It isn't recognized by kennel clubs or governments as a dog type group, unlike the sporting dog or working dog groups which are recognized by the American Kennel Club^[2].

This doesn't mean that Pit Bulls are not great with kids. While there is little evidence to support the terminology of Pit Bulls as nanny dogs, there is plenty to support them as being a wonderful family pet. Perhaps the belief in the origin of the term in the 19^th Century is due to the many pictures of children with their pet Pit Bull (as can be seen above). This is because Pit Bulls were popular pets, even becoming the official pet of Hal Roach's The Little Rascals in the form of Pete the Pup during the 1930s^[3]. In fact, according to the United Kennel Club, American Pit Bull Terriers are consider poor guard dogs thanks to their relative friendliness towards strangers^[4].

Pit Bulls may not necessarily be officially considered nanny dogs, but this is because there is no official consideration of nanny dogs. Instead, they are loyal, protective and loving family pets which have garnered a bad reputation for the wrong reasons.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is the second calmest dog after the Golden Retriever^[5]. This breed is often used for protection, search and rescue. A Pit Bull is devoted to its family, and will be an excellent playmate and a friend for life, the reason why many consider it a nanny dog, i.e. a dog that is good with children.

Today, many associations and animal rights associations are debating the stereotypes about this loyal pet. In Spain, for instance, it is only permitted to have a Pit Bull Terrier if the adopting party has a license, insurance and puts a muzzle on their pet when they walk it down the street.

However, the reason for this breed's bad reputation is due to misinformation. Due to the popularity of this dog, unfortunately among people who mistreat animals for ‘sport’, they have been involved in instances of attacking people. However, the evidence as to why they may attack points to problems with their rearing, not from the breed itself. An important study released in 2013 showed that considerations such as poor socialization, lack of neutering or abuse are the most important reasons for a dog attack^[6].

The reason for aggression in Pit Bulls is largely due to preventable factors, with breed not being one of these. To read more about Pit Bulls, their reputation and the facts, take a look at this article on different Pit Bull breeds and types.

Are you're thinking of adopting a Pit Bull? Some spend many years living in kennels because nobody wants to waste time getting licenses and following procedures. However, you should know that these are sweet and affectionate dogs who are perfectly worthy of being adopted, since they offer an endless amount of advantages and deserve all our love. Our article on names for Pit Bull dogs will help if you do want to adopt. .

You should not leave a young child with any dog unsupervised. Some dogs are so playful, they may become over-zealous and rough with the child and cause an injury. It doesn't mean they are aggressive, but they may not always know their boundaries.

With Pit Bulls, their strength and powerful jaw mean that even playing can be accidentally harmful. As stated above, Pit Bulls are abused regularly, potentially more than most other breeds. They may have been poorly socialized which can lead to problems if they are not used to children. However, this can happen with any dog, regardless of breed.

At the end of the day, the amount of Pit Bulls which have suffered abuse and been improperly educated is large. There are dogs out there with trauma which can lead to behavioral problems. It is up to your to know the history and temperament of your Pit Bull. You should not leave them alone with babies or young children no more than you should any other dog. However, if you have educated them properly and know them well, you can determine what happens in your family.

Collectively, as dog guardians, we need to do what we can to ensure improper treatment of any dog continues. Demonizing Pit Bulls and using breed-specific legislation is not going to do this. Educating people and providing recourse to help abused animals will go in some part to ensuring humans and Pit Bulls can get along together.

That Pit Bulls are aggressive and dangerous animals is only one myth surrounding this breed. Check out our video below to know some more:

If you want to read similar articles to Pit Bull Terriers as Nanny Dogs, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category.