Is my dog part pitbull?

Hi all, We were told when we bought this dog that he was a lab mix (most likely some beagle too) but now everyone who sees him thinks he looks like he has some pitbull in him. This worries me because I have nieces and a nephew. What are some signs that a dog has pit in him? I'll post pictures soon. Thanks!

I have know some great pit bulls and pit bull mixes! I love the broad pit bull "smile."

One tell tale visual sign is the big jaw with rounded "cheeks."

If this dog is friendly and behaved, it doesn't matter what he has in him. Having some Pitbull in him does not mean that one day he will turn on you and your family.

If you're really concerned, have a DNA test done. But, as previously stated, the dog having Pitbull in it doesn't mean its going to go all crazy one day.

Did you know that Pits, and not the St Bernard (if you've ever seen Peter Pan) were originally known as the nanny dog? That's because they're so good with children. I'm not saying drop your nieces and nephews with the dog while you go grocery shopping, but put in the time and effort to train your dog and it'll also be a great companion for those little people you're so concerned about....no matter the breed(s) in its background.

I've met more mean Labs than I have pits. It doesn't matter what he is or isn't. Neuter him, train him properly, and train the kids how to behave around dogs. Any breed can be nasty to kids. Prime example: chihuahuas. There's a reason why vets, vet techs, groomers, and kennel personnel groan inwardly when they see one. It's just that a chihuahua attack doesn't make good news headlines. Neither do all of the minor fender benders. But of there's a dead body laying in the street, hold the phones, this is breaking news.

I live with 11 Arabian horses, and people sneer about what horrible hotheaded horses they are. Again, I've met more jerks of the quarter horse breed.

HorseSlave said:

I've met more mean Labs than I have pits. It doesn't matter what he is or isn't. Neuter him, train him properly, and train the kids how to behave around dogs. Any breed can be nasty to kids. Prime example: chihuahuas. There's a reason why vets, vet techs, groomers, and kennel personnel groan inwardly when they see one. It's just that a chihuahua attack doesn't make good news headlines. Neither do all of the minor fender benders. But of there's a dead body laying in the street, hold the phones, this is breaking news.

I live with 11 Arabian horses, and people sneer about what horrible hotheaded horses they are. Again, I've met more jerks of the quarter horse breed.

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Actually, as a groomer, Dachshunds give me more shudders of dread than Chihuahuas. Those little suckers go for bone when they bite!

As for the OP, there is no way to tell if your dog has a Pit Bull type breed in it. Either way, it doesn't matter. Any breed, any dog can be nasty from a combo of genetics and upbringing.

I am also a dog groomer and have worked with dogs all my life. I rescue strays. I really have never had a problem with them and loved working with them! I was the large breed specialist but worked with all sorts of dogs. Cocker Spanials, chihuahuas and toy poodles always were the dogs we had issues with,- and yes they ususally did more damage to us when they did bite seriously along with their frequency, because most bigger dog breeds if they did bite was ususally more of a warning, then like a maul. But they rarely did that. The worst scar I have is from a Shihtzu.
They used to be one of the most popular family dogs in America. There was a time when they were the most popular war dogs, and there were generally not leash laws and people went everywhere in public with their "pitbull" dogs. There really weren't that many problems like people might think there would be. They are still very popular today in things like therapy work, general farm work, and search and rescue and are making a comeback in some parts of the country. Yes some of their genetics have changed over time and some people like them too much who aren't treating them right, but I believe that is very blown out of prportion.
I do not own one right now, but because I love their qualities I will likely own one in the future, and I do have 3 small children. I am not worried about their breeding so much as how they have been brought up. I know many people who own them. Many large working breeds have similar jaw strengths and high drives. Socializing and training is key. The dogs that typically hurt people are they ones neglected/abused on a chain in backyards ignored, and that goes for all dogs. They do have a high drive and I do not reccomend them to people unless they are familiar with them. That is no different than many hunting and nordic breeds though.
And yes there are many many mixes out there that can resemble them but they aren't. I trust my children around the average family pitbull more any day than most small breed dogs.
Here is a great article http://www.ywgrossman.com/newblog/?p=1013

I have a pitbull mix... the sweetest dog I have ever known. She "mothers" everything. And I mean EVERYTHING from baby kittens to baby goats. She even stands and lifts a leg to let the kids "nurse" lol

My pitbull mix is the smartest most cutest most nicest dog i have. she practically potty trained herself and she is actually the one that helps me gaurd the chicks and she helps me herd them and not once does she attack anything but her toys. ive been around dogs all shapes and sizes i was a bather and groomer and training and ive feared more toy poodles and yorkies than i have mastiffs and pits. i have actually never EVER met a mean pitbull.