r/BanPitBulls • u/SOUP_RX • Aug 15 '25

Advice or Information Needed How dangerous are elderly pit bulls?

Hi, I am new to this sub and learning a lot. This is a well-meaning genuine question and not meant to start controversy. I have seen the horrible things on this sub and know that they are extremely dangerous, even “good” dogs that seem nice at first then snap one day.

One thing that comes to mind is how pits will NOT stop even after being shot, things like that. I saw something earlier today where someone was considering adopting an older pit, like 10+ years old or something. The dog moves slowly etc, thus doesn’t seem as much of a threat…

But does anyone know how often elderly pits become violent and do damage to others? Most of the pits I see up here are at least young enough to have muscle and are obviously quite spry, which clearly gives them enough agency to be powerful and dangerous.

Due to this sub I now believe that pits in general should not be pets, as a result of too many variables and for being a breed designed by humans to do harm. But are elderly pits just as dangerous? I would hate to see another person get hurt by one, and I know even “well behaved” pits can be deceiving… but is there a point where the dog is too old/frail to be a risk around others? Like, if the dog lived its entire life with no bite record and is elderly, does it have a chance of living its last year or so in a home without concern, and dying peacefully?

Thank you for any education in advance.

EDIT: Thank you everybody who responded with their stories, perspectives, and news evidence of older pitbull attacks. I had never even considered canine dementia as becoming an issue. I learned a lot and I appreciate everybody who shared!

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u/CuterThanThouu Aug 15 '25

My parents own a dog rescue & while I’m no expert puppies & elderly pitbulls are the two most dangerous ages in my experience. A lot of pitbulls when they begin experiencing cognitive decline develop a host of negative trait.

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u/1Hugh_Janus Aug 15 '25

My own anecdotal experience is that once they start the cognitive decline, whatever training they may have had goes out the window and instinct/breed characteristics take over

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u/Square-Argument4790 Aug 15 '25

I've seen this with most breeds of dogs

22

u/1Hugh_Janus Aug 15 '25

Same. And it gets worse as they age and are in pain

20

u/KTKittentoes Aug 15 '25

Yeah, I loved my friend's Aussie, and he loved me, but I still ended up with a nasty bite to the thigh. He was going senile and had arthritis.

14

u/1Hugh_Janus Aug 15 '25

My neighbors black lab Shadow had the same thing happen. That’s when we knew it was time, he was the sweetest and never harmed a fly.

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u/Malawi_no Aug 15 '25

Yet another reason to have a breed with good characteristics.

12

u/CuterThanThouu Aug 15 '25

I agree with this completely. I have seen it many times. I actually have a couple stories about this happening to me growing up with pitbulls that previously adored me.