pit bull
Stocky fighting dog
Pit bull is an informal term for dogs bred from bulldogs and terriers, including the American Pit Bull Terrier and similar breeds.
Originally bred for bull-baiting and later dog fighting, pit bulls have a reputation for aggression that supporters consider unfair, arguing that temperament depends more on training than breed.
The term often appears in debates over breed-specific legislation: The city banned pit bulls after a series of attacks.
Calling someone a pit bull suggests tenacious, aggressive behavior: She's a pit bull in the courtroom.
Engaging in physical conflict
- dogfightingClose aircraft battle
- aggressionHostile or attacking behavior
- attackAggressive act against another
- bitePierce with teeth
incident · liability · regulation · debate · legislation · advocacy · rehabilitation · Michael Vick
Small vermin-hunting dog
- canineOf or like dogs
- dogDomesticated barking mammal
- puppyJuvenile canine
- petDomesticated household companion
companion · animal · Staffordshire · kennel · pedigree · breeder · adoption · rescue
Incorrectly comprehended
- stereotypeFixed oversimplified notion
- bannedOfficially disallowed
- vilifiedSpoke evil of
- stigmatizedMarked with social shame
prejudice · misconception · media bias · scapegoat · discrimination · maligned · profiled · demonized
One who safeguards others
- watchdogGuard or monitor
- defenderOne who guards another
- alertWarning or watchfulness
- territorialDefensive about owned space
vigilant · guardian · deterrent · courageous · brave · fearless · security
Having well-developed sinews
- stockyShort and solidly built
- powerfulHaving great strength
- athleticPhysically strong and active
- sturdySolidly built, durable
compact · strong · brawny · robust · solid · well-built · jaw strength · tenacious
Firm in allegiance
- affectionateShowing warm regard
- devotedLoyally and lovingly attached
- friendlyShowing kindness, warmth
- playfulInclined toward fun
eager to please · protective · intelligent · trainable · bonded · trusting · gentle · patient
fighting
Engaging in physical conflict
- dogfightingClose aircraft battle
- aggressionHostile or attacking behavior
- attackAggressive act against another
bite · incident · liability · regulation · debate · legislation · advocacy · rehabilitation · Michael Vick · rescue
terrier
Small vermin-hunting dog
pet · companion · animal · Staffordshire · kennel · pedigree · breeder · adoption · rescue · shelter
misunderstood
Incorrectly comprehended
- stereotypeFixed oversimplified notion
- bannedOfficially disallowed
- vilifiedSpoke evil of
stigmatized · prejudice · misconception · media bias · scapegoat · discrimination · maligned · profiled · demonized · myth
protector
One who safeguards others
territorial · vigilant · guardian · deterrent · courageous · brave · fearless · security
muscular
Having well-developed sinews
sturdy · compact · strong · brawny · robust · solid · well-built · jaw strength · tenacious · agile
loyal
Firm in allegiance
- affectionateShowing warm regard
- devotedLoyally and lovingly attached
- friendlyShowing kindness, warmth
eager to please · playful · protective · intelligent · trainable · bonded · trusting · gentle · patient · family-oriented
- dogsdog, beagle, boxer, collie, poodle
- Pet Breedsgolden retriever, labrador, beagle, poodle, German shepherd
- Pit Bullspitbull, Staffordshire, Staffy, red nose, brindle
- Bullsbulldozer, bulletin, bullfight, bullhorn, bullish
- dog breedsborder collie, Australian Shepherd, Aussie, corgi, lab
- large dogsmastiff, bullmastiff, Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland
pit bullgolden retriever
Amber-furred family dog
lap dog · poodle · labrador · toy dog · Bichon Frise
pit bullchihuahua
Miniature Mexican breed
toy poodle · teacup dog · Chihuahua · Pomeranian · papillon
pit, bull, bully, pits, pitted, pitting, bullock, bulldog, pitman