National Pitbull Awareness Day

Categories:: Animal
Tags:: Dog Pet
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Last Saturday of October
Holiday emoji:: 🐶

National Pitbull Awareness Day champions these often-misunderstood dogs every last Saturday of October. This day is dedicated to dispelling myths, educating the public, and promoting responsible pitbull ownership. Join us in celebrating their loving nature and advocating for fair treatment.

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Expected National Pitbull Awareness Day Deals

For National Pitbull Awareness Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to vital advocacy and support. Organizations like the ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, and local shelters often host adoption events, fundraising drives, and educational seminars. Many pet supply brands, such as Chewy and PetSmart, may offer special discounts on pitbull-specific gear or donate a portion of sales to rescue groups. Look for local veterinary clinics offering discounted health checks or spay/neuter services for pitbull-type dogs. We will update this page with confirmed live events and donation matching programs as October 31 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Pitbull Awareness Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalPitbullAwarenessDay. Share heartwarming photos and videos of pitbulls to challenge stereotypes.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalPitbullAwarenessDay. Share educational articles and local adoption events.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalPitbullAwarenessDay. Engage in conversations about breed-specific legislation and advocate for pitbulls.

National Pitbull Awareness Day Hero

Richard F. Stratton

Richard F. Stratton (1930-2015) was a prominent author and historian renowned for his extensive work on the American Pit Bull Terrier. Through his numerous books and articles, he championed the breed, dispelling myths and highlighting their loyalty and intelligence. His writings significantly contributed to a more accurate understanding of pitbulls, advocating for responsible ownership and challenging negative stereotypes.

History of National Pitbull Awareness Day

In 2007, National Pitbull Awareness Day was created to help raise awareness for the truth about Pitbulls. For nearly 100 years, these four-legged friends were considered loyal, docile, and loving! Parents would often leave their babies or toddlers with their pit bulls while they ran to the store (please note, no child should be left alone or unattended with a dog of any breed).

Over the decades, pitties have unfortunately garnered a reputation as being ferocious, malicious, and dangerous beasts. An image far from the truth and based on the actions of maligned humans, not the animals themselves.

Pit bulls were born out of a mixture of a bulldog and a terrier in England in the 18th century, partly to help with much-needed rodent and vermin regulation from the Industrial Revolution, but also because dog fighting was, unfortunately, popular at the time. That being said, as the now-extinct Bull and Terrier breed evolved into the American Staffordshire Pit Bull we now know and love, these pups were always considered affectionate, loyal, and great family dogs by breeders and owners alike.

National Pitbull Awareness Day timeline

Early 1800s

Pit Bull Immigrants

Pit bulls are brought from England to be barn dogs for chasing rats as well as family protectors.

1944

America's Dog

Pit bulls become the national mascot of America during WWII, becoming “America’s dog."

1980s

Lovers Not Fighters

Dogfighting sees a resurgence, harming the reputation of pit bulls.

1990

A Day for Dogs

National Pit Bull Awareness Day is held to undo the reputational damage done to pit bulls in the previous 20 years.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Pitbull Awareness Day

Local businesses can honor National Pitbull Awareness Day by hosting or sponsoring adoption events with local shelters. Pet supply stores can offer discounts on training tools, durable toys, or high-quality food suitable for pitbulls, while also donating a portion of sales to pitbull rescue groups. Veterinary clinics might provide free microchipping or discounted health screenings for pitbull-type dogs to encourage responsible pet care. Cafes and breweries could host ‘Yappy Hour’ events, inviting pitbull owners and their well-behaved dogs, creating a positive community space.

National Pitbull Awareness Day FAQs

When is National Pitbull Awareness Day?

National Pitbull Awareness Day 2026 falls on Saturday, October 31, dedicated to celebrating and advocating for these incredible dogs. It’s a prime opportunity to learn more about the breed.

How many pitbulls are in shelters?

Pitbull-type dogs represent a significant portion of shelter populations, often making up 30-50% of dogs awaiting adoption. This highlights the urgent need for awareness and responsible ownership.

What breeds are considered 'pitbull-type'?

The term ‘pitbull’ is not a single breed but a general descriptor for several breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and sometimes the American Bulldog. They share similar physical characteristics.

Is breed-specific legislation effective?

Many animal welfare organizations, including the ASPCA, argue that breed-specific legislation (BSL) is ineffective in preventing dog bites and is often discriminatory. They advocate for breed-neutral dangerous dog laws focused on individual dog behavior.

National Pitbull Awareness Day Activities

Find a pit bull to play with
The easiest way to change your perception about pit bulls is to get to know one personally. Whether it’s through a friend who owns one, a shelter, or an event specific to the awareness day, find a way to play with a pit, and we know you’ll quickly see they’re not the aggressive monsters they’re made out to be.
Adopt a pit bull
Perhaps one of the most impactful actions you could take would be to give a home to a pit bull in need. They’re smart and strong dogs, so training is essential, but once you’ve done this, they are among the most obedient and loving breeds in the country.
Share your experiences
Whether you’re attending an adopt-a-thon, visiting a local shelter, donating food and supplies, or any other officially sponsored event, make sure you share it on social media with the hashtag #NationalPitBullAwarenessDay. Find out if anyone else around you is also celebrating, and meet up to help get the positive word out about these loving animals.

Why We Love National Pitbull Awareness Day

It tells the truth
By expanding education and advocacy, the event hopes to save the lives of countless pit bulls by negating the fear and bias spread by the media. It also hopes to eliminate quick governmental reactions, such as breed bans. In doing so, it’s expected that fewer people will give up their pits for adoption, more will bring pit bulls home, and a positive cycle will be created.
It opens the door for conversation
For pit bull advocates, this is a day to start a conversation about their beloved animal, sharing facts and figures most people don’t know. For example, some tests conducted by the The American Temperament Test Society have shown that pit bulls actually have a temperament pass rate of 82.3 percent, making it among the top five most stable breeds of the country.
Awareness works
Now 10 years running, the campaigns and events held on National Pit Bull Awareness Day have had great success. In the media, it’s much more common to see advocacy, rather than admonishment, for pit bulls, especially as the millennial generation finds its footing and continues to adopt rescue pets, rather than buying from breeders.