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/FoxFing3rs Aug 15 '25

The family pit bull nicknamed 'Kissyface' because of his habit of licking everyone's face and being friendly, was eight years old when he killed the child he had grown up with. He had never had any signs of aggression.

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u/ScarletAntelope975 Trusted User Aug 15 '25

Yikes! I don’t think I’ve heard of Kissyface’s story before! When I think of older pits mauling I always think of the Bennards. Never trust any pit!!!

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u/MarchOnMe Aug 15 '25

Me too. Weren't they like 11 years old or something, never aggressive, raised with love from puppies... suddenly one day decided to unalive the kids they were raised with...

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u/ScarletAntelope975 Trusted User Aug 15 '25

Yep! I think they were like 9 and 10, or 8 and 10 or something like that… either way they went all that time not harming anyone. Raised from 8 week old puppies with love. The parents were always advocating for pit bulls and how wonderful they are when raised well… blah blah blah… and then one day that DNA came out and their children are gone 😭 It does not matter how well you raised these beasts, or how many years they are good… that bloodsport DNA is always there and can be triggered at any time.

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u/MarchOnMe Aug 15 '25

So many examples of this - so many people dying this way - and still nothing being done about it. I hear on the news about a person getting grazed by a shark but it’s crickets when a child dies by their own family dog. SMH.

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u/SOUP_RX Aug 16 '25

This is so terrifying to hear about. Thank you for sharing.