Pit Bulls are often said by enthusiasts to have ten major bloodlines, including Eli, Chinaman, JEEP, Alligator, PIT, Eros, Gabilan, Indian, Red Boy, and Buck. For people who know the breed, these are considered basic terms, but for outsiders they can sound completely unfamiliar. In reality, the differences between bloodlines are not always huge, and each one is said to have its own strengths and weaknesses. According to some enthusiast views, the Alligator bloodline is considered one of the strongest and best among Pit Bulls.
The name "Alligator" already suggests why this bloodline is viewed as formidable. In people's minds, an alligator is an extremely fierce animal that charges at prey with explosive speed once it has locked on. Dogs of this Pit Bull line are described as sharing some of those traits: very agile, extremely fierce, and somewhat aggressive. Because of this, they are often considered suitable for guarding homes, for some forms of military use, and for hunting, where people say prey would have little chance of escape.
The Pit Bull also has the nickname "nanny dog" in some circles. Supporters say that it can be very gentle with people and was once even used to help watch children in households. They argue that injuries happen because the Pit Bull is extremely strong, fierce toward other dogs, and often used as a fighting dog. If it failed in a fight, it might be beaten or even killed. In that view, the dog merely reflects the cruelty of the humans who abused it, and much of the breed's vicious reputation comes from mistreatment rather than from the dog itself.
Although Pit Bulls are usually classified as fierce dogs, many people believe their temperament can still remain stable if they are not subjected to malicious training or abuse during puppyhood and are instead treated like ordinary pets. In that case, they may stay approachable and affectionate. Many people misunderstand the breed and assume Pit Bulls are born savage. Supporters argue that even wild animals are not automatically brutal without learned behavior, and that this is even more true for an ordinary domestic dog. Some people develop a prejudice without ever having raised one. For that reason, it is worth avoiding blind follow-the-crowd judgments and remembering that not every Pit Bull will behave the same way.
Anyone who wants to raise a Pit Bull should provide enough activity space so the dog can exercise and develop muscle strength. Daily diet and hygiene also need attention, and owners should try to keep the dog healthy. The degree of ferocity differs from one dog to another, and much depends on how the owner raises and trains it. Different training methods can lead to very different personalities. At the same time, Pit Bulls are restricted breeds and are not allowed in many ordinary cities, so if someone chooses to raise one, a rural area far from dense crowds is often considered more suitable.