People regard these dogs as aggressive because they are often used in dog fights. However, research has shown that these dogs are not more aggressive than any other breed that one might have at home. 

The United Pitbull Association of South Africa's president, Robert Nelson, told OFM News that at the end of the day it comes down to owner responsibility and how the Pitbull was raised. He says it is more of an owner error than a breed issue.

Nelson says that if these dogs are kept in an enclosure they need to be walked regularly because they are working dogs. He says if you don’t, they become irritated and chew on everything. He went on to say that this breed is not aggressive towards humans, or at least they are not meant to be. He explains that Pitbulls are merely misunderstood.

He stresses the fact that these dogs are not meant to be kept in enclosures and that they are good jumpers. So once you own a Pitbull, it is important that you as the owner make sure that your yard is secure so that they cannot get out.

A heated discussion regarding the breed followed the tragic incident that took place in Bloemfontein last week Friday when a 7-month-old Pitbull killed a toddler. The incident shocked the whole community and led to heated debates on social media.

OFM News/Sazly Hartzenberg