National Pit Bull Awareness Month
October 1 - October 31
About National Pit Bull Awareness Month
National Pit Bull Awareness Month runs throughout October 2026, dedicated to changing public perceptions of pit bull type dogs and promoting responsible, informed ownership. Founded by the rescue and education group Bless the Bullys, the month-long campaign encourages education, adoption, and an honest conversation about a breed group that is frequently misunderstood. It builds on National Pit Bull Awareness Day, which is observed on the last Saturday of October.
What is National Pit Bull Awareness Month?
National Pit Bull Awareness Month is an annual American observance aimed at educating the public about pit bull type dogs and restoring the reputation of the American pit bull terrier. The term “pit bull” is not a single breed but a loose label covering several breeds and mixes with similar physical traits. The campaign is for dog owners, rescuers, shelters, and members of the public, and it focuses on dispelling myths, highlighting the dogs as family companions, and encouraging adoption from overcrowded shelters.
When is National Pit Bull Awareness Month?
National Pit Bull Awareness Month takes place across the whole of October each year, running from 1 to 31 October 2026. Within the month sits National Pit Bull Awareness Day, which falls on the last Saturday of October, landing on Saturday, 31 October in 2026. The month-long observance gives shelters, rescues, and owners a longer window to run events and education campaigns than a single day allows.
Why National Pit Bull Awareness Month Matters
Pit bull type dogs are among the most common animals in American shelters and the most likely to be euthanised. Estimates suggest that pit-type dogs account for a disproportionately high share of canine euthanasia in shelters, despite making up a much smaller fraction of the overall dog population. Breed stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and housing restrictions all make it harder for these dogs to find homes, which means they often wait longer and face poorer outcomes than other dogs. A month dedicated to awareness gives shelters and rescues a sustained platform to challenge those stereotypes, promote responsible ownership, and move adoptable dogs out of kennels and into families. The campaign also encourages prospective owners to judge a dog as an individual rather than by its appearance.
How to Get Involved in National Pit Bull Awareness Month
There are many ways to support the campaign, whether or not you own a pit bull.
- Adopt or foster from a shelter – Pit bull type dogs wait longer than most for homes, so adopting or fostering one directly relieves pressure on overcrowded shelters.
- Share accurate information – Counter myths by sharing reputable, evidence-based content about the breed group rather than sensational headlines.
- Support a local rescue – Donate supplies, funds, or your time to organisations that rescue and rehome pit bulls.
- Be a responsible owner – If you have a pit bull, model good ownership through training, socialisation, and being a considerate ambassador for the breed in public.
- Attend or host an awareness event – Many shelters run meet-and-greets, fundraisers, and education days during October.
- Sponsor a shelter dog – Cover the adoption fee or medical costs for a pit bull waiting for a home to make it easier for them to be adopted.
- Speak up about breed-specific legislation – Learn about the laws in your area and support fair, behaviour-based policies rather than blanket breed bans.
- Celebrate the dogs you know – Share photos and stories of well-loved pit bulls to show the everyday reality of life with the breed.
History of National Pit Bull Awareness Month
National Pit Bull Awareness Day was started in 2007 by Jodi Preis of Bless the Bullys, a pit bull rescue and education organisation based in Tennessee. The day was created to educate the public and restore the image of the American pit bull terrier, which had suffered from years of negative media coverage and breed stereotyping.
The response to the day was strong enough that in 2011, Preis expanded the initiative into National Pit Bull Awareness Month, dedicating the whole of October to the cause. The longer format allowed shelters, rescues, and owners across the country to run sustained campaigns rather than concentrating their efforts on a single date.
Since then, the observance has been adopted by rescues, shelters, and pet organisations nationwide, with events ranging from adoption drives to educational talks. It remains closely associated with Bless the Bullys, which continues to promote both the day and the month.
Noteworthy Facts About National Pit Bull Awareness Month
- National Pit Bull Awareness Day was founded in 2007 by Jodi Preis of Bless the Bullys in Tennessee.
- The month-long observance was introduced in 2011 after the success of the original awareness day.
- “Pit bull” is not a single breed but a label covering several breeds and mixes, including the American pit bull terrier.
- Pit-type dogs make up a disproportionately high share of dogs euthanised in American shelters.
- National Pit Bull Awareness Day falls on the last Saturday of October, which is 31 October in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Pit Bull Awareness Month?
It is an annual October observance dedicated to educating the public about pit bull type dogs, dispelling myths, and encouraging adoption and responsible ownership.
When is National Pit Bull Awareness Month in 2026?
It runs from 1 to 31 October 2026. National Pit Bull Awareness Day, observed on the last Saturday of October, falls on Saturday, 31 October 2026.
Who founded National Pit Bull Awareness Month?
It was founded by Jodi Preis of Bless the Bullys, a pit bull rescue and education group in Tennessee, who started the awareness day in 2007 and expanded it to a full month in 2011.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Pit Bull Awareness Month with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #PitBullAwarenessMonth and #PitBullAwarenessMonth2026 on social media. The more people who see pit bulls as the individuals they are, the bigger the impact.
Related Awareness Days
- National Great Dane Day – Another celebration of a often-misunderstood large breed.
- Missing Mutts Awareness Day – Raises awareness of lost and missing dogs and how to help reunite them with their owners.
- National Dachshund Day – A breed-focused celebration that, like this one, champions a particular type of dog.
Links
- Visit the Bless the Bullys National Pit Bull Awareness Month page
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
Featured image: Photo by Jonathan Cooper on Unsplash.
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
View Calendar →
