I learned a lot through my years of volunteering. One of the things I learned was that the term "Pit Bull" actually refers to several breeds, there isn't any one specific breed that was created and called "Pit Bull". That designation is given to dogs of various breeds or mix of breeds including:
> American Pit Bull Terrier
> American Stafforshire Terrier
> English Bull Terrier
> Staffordshire Bull Terrier
There is some debate about exactly which breeds comprise the designation of Pit Bull. It seems to me that virtually any dog with a square looking head and muscular body is assumed to be a Pit Bull!
Awhile back, I won a terrific book about Pit Bulls on Alison Reder's blog, Sarcastic Dog. The book is called PIT BULL, by Bronwen Dickey. As I started reading it, the book opened with a heart-wrenching story, one I remember all too well. I wish I didn't, but it was all over the news in 2003 and I can't forget it.
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| In her book PIT BULL, Bronwen Dickey delves into how a once beloved dog became Public Enemy #1 |
On the way home from a vacation, a family stopped for gas in Tennessee; a Father, Mother, Son and two dogs. The father mistakenly left his wallet on the roof of the car, money flying out of it as they drove away. Someone called 911 and somewhere along the line police got the impression that a robbery had occurred. Their car was pulled over by police and the entire family forced to get on the ground. They told police they had dogs in the car and begged them not to open the doors or they would run out. The ending of this messed up incident resulted in their beautiful, friendly "Pit Bull/Boxer" mix family dog, Patton, being shot to death by police! The Officer cited that the dog "looked like a Pit Bull" and that he "felt threatened". The entire family was devastated by this senseless tragedy.
Bronwen shares a lot of history and information about Pit Bull type dogs. She also does a lot of myth busting about Pit Bulls. She shares that prior to the 1970's, these dogs were a much loved and admired breed. There were many famous and beloved Pit Bulls in movies and television. Anyone remember Petey from the Little Rascals? Did you know that Helen Keller and Teddy Roosevelt both had Pit Bulls? Then there was Pal the Wonder Dog, a Pit Bull who appeared in over 200 movies! Pit Bulls were even used in posters for the U.S. military!
Bronwen shares a lot of history and information about Pit Bull type dogs. She also does a lot of myth busting about Pit Bulls. She shares that prior to the 1970's, these dogs were a much loved and admired breed. There were many famous and beloved Pit Bulls in movies and television. Anyone remember Petey from the Little Rascals? Did you know that Helen Keller and Teddy Roosevelt both had Pit Bulls? Then there was Pal the Wonder Dog, a Pit Bull who appeared in over 200 movies! Pit Bulls were even used in posters for the U.S. military!
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| Fabulous hoodie with a great message. Purchased from New York Bully Crew PitBull Dog Rescue |
Pit Bulls started being used in dog fighting, which gained popularity in the '70's and 80's in the U.S.. Bad breeding and abusive treatment of these fighting dogs helped to cast them as blood thirsty killers, and they were soon demonized by the media. America's love affair with these majestic dogs had officially ended. Here we are decades later, still trying to reverse the negative stigma on Pit Bull type dogs, a stigma that is not at all deserved.
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| New York Bully Crew, a Pit Bull Dog Rescue working to change the negative perception |
So many people have come to fear all Pit Bull type dogs. It breaks my heart when I hear about cities that have chosen to ban Pit Bull type dogs, and euthanize them in shelters just to appease a terrified public.
In my time volunteering at the shelter I met so many wonderful, loving, Pit Bull type dogs that I came to love and defend these dogs.
In my time volunteering at the shelter I met so many wonderful, loving, Pit Bull type dogs that I came to love and defend these dogs.
One of my most heartbreaking days as an Adoption Counselor was when a family came in to adopt a dog. They saw a beautiful black dog that looked just like a Labrador Retriever. The family interacted with him and was just crazy about him. I was overjoyed that this beautiful, sweet dog was getting adopted .... until the mother noticed the words "Pit Bull Mix" on the kennel card. "I thought he was a Lab!" she exclaimed.
I explained as best I could about the nose to tail point system the shelter used to estimate what a dog's breed was. I told her he was a great dog that could be a mix of anything, including Labrador Retriever. But because she saw those fateful words, Pit. Bull. Mix. she became fearful. She said she was worried for her children and decided Not to adopt him. Despite protests from the kids, the family left the shelter without him. I nearly cried as I stood by this beautiful, sweet dog's cage. If only the Kennel Card had said "Lab Mix" he would have been on his way to a loving new home with kids to play with in a yard of his own.
I explained as best I could about the nose to tail point system the shelter used to estimate what a dog's breed was. I told her he was a great dog that could be a mix of anything, including Labrador Retriever. But because she saw those fateful words, Pit. Bull. Mix. she became fearful. She said she was worried for her children and decided Not to adopt him. Despite protests from the kids, the family left the shelter without him. I nearly cried as I stood by this beautiful, sweet dog's cage. If only the Kennel Card had said "Lab Mix" he would have been on his way to a loving new home with kids to play with in a yard of his own.
PIN THIS!
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| Fight Dog Breed Discrimination, Not Dogs |
It makes me angry that these wonderful dogs have such a stigma. It makes me angry that many shelters simply label SO many dogs "Pit Bull Mix". It infuriates me that some cities and towns have banned any dog with the words "Pit Bull" in their breed designation.
BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) is inhumane, ineffective in reducing dog bites, and simply outrageous. Every dog is an individual and every owner is an individual. There truly are no bad dogs, but there are plenty of bad dog owners!
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| This Pit Bull dog was in the shelter for a long time. I'm not sure if he ever got adopted, but I'm hoping he did. |
A dog will be vicious if you train him to be vicious. A dog will be fearful if you fail to socialize him by exposing him to people and dogs. A dog will become agitated, frustrated, and likely aggressive if you leave him chained up outside all day and night. What kind of life is that for any living creature??
The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) does not support breed-specific laws, they favor a breed-neutral approach, holding dog owners accountable for their dog's aggression, regardless of breed. Laws should focus on holding dog owners accountable, not the dogs themselves. Here is a statement from the ASPCA posted on their web site:
"The ASPCA recognizes that dangerous dogs pose a community problem requiring serious attention. However, in light of the absence of scientific data indicating the efficacy [effectiveness] of breed-specific laws, and the unfair and inhumane targeting of responsible pet guardians and their dogs that inevitably results when these laws are enacted, the ASPCA instead favors effective enforcement of a combination of breed-neutral laws that hold reckless dog guardians accountable for their dogs’ aggressive behavior."
Best Friends Animal Society does not support Breed Specific bans either, and stated that:
"...a peer review study found that nearly 85 percent of dog bite fatalities were from unneutered dogs. Other factors that contributed to bites were abuse or neglect, tethering for long periods of time, and lack of positive interaction with people and other animals."
Best Friends also stated that " Some people assume some breeds of dogs are more prone to attacking and biting, though this is a misconception. BSL is often enacted to ease fears over public safety, but these laws are ineffective and very costly"
Oddly enough, I've been reading that Pit Bulls are BOTH one of the most frequently surrendered dog breed types AND one of the most popular breeds to adopt! These two facts seem to contradict each other, don't they?
Some experts in the field have hypothesized that due to bias against Pit Bull type dogs, it may be difficult for their owners to find housing that allows Pit Bull type dogs. This could result in Pit Bulls being surrendered. So many landlords (and some Home Owner's Association's too!) have restrictions on the size and breed of dogs they will allow in their rental units, if they allow dogs at all.
I recently heard that long time shelter resident ICE (pictured above) has been ADOPTED! I am overjoyed that after more than 2 Years in the shelter she has finally found a home! I've been in contact with the shelter to see if I can obtain a little information about her adoption, whether it was an individual or family that adopted her and if they learned about her via social media or as a shelter walk-in. I always like to know what works in terms of finding forever homes for pets in need. If I find out, I'll post the information here. I'd like to thank each and every one of you who shared this blog post. Sharing is Caring, and sharing about adoptable dogs in need of loving homes can make a difference!
It's been suggested that higher homeowners insurance costs and the high energy and exercise needs of the breed (probably no different than a Husky's high energy requirements!) may also cause some owners to ultimately surrender their Pit Bull type dogs to a shelter.
We can't ignore the fact that many people who adopt Pit Bull type dogs often do so for protection both of themselves personally and protection of their property. When I volunteered in Phoenix, there were quite a few people who said they'd feel safer with a Pit Bull type dog and sought them out for that reason. Many people in the rougher neighborhoods in our city had Pit Bull type dogs they left out in the yard for protection, and cute little Chihuahua's inside the house for companionship. It's not a judgement, it's a fact of life in some of the city neighborhoods our shelter served.
A young woman came into the shelter with a friend to adopt a dog one day. I was happy to see her drawn to the Pit Bull type dogs, she seemed to be looking for just that type of dog.
She decided to adopt a fabulous, sweet Pit Bull girl. As we finalized the adoption, she turned to her friend and said "No one's gonna mess with me walking down the street with THIS dog!" I was a bit taken back, but she was so nice and affectionate to the dog, and seemed to genuinely like her a lot. I felt she would give her a good home.
I assume the woman lived alone, perhaps in a lower socio-economic area. If she didn't, I doubt she would be so concerned about safety in her neighborhood that she'd need what she perceived to be a tough looking dog to feel safe. I have no actual facts to back up my assumptions about the woman, it was just my perception of her. As long as she provided a loving home, that was fine by me.
Although dog fighting is illegal in every state in the U.S., it still goes on. Sadly, Pit Bulls are often the fight dog of choice in this illegal and cruel activity. Dog fighting is a horrific form of animal cruelty, with terrible consequences for the dogs, and for the community as well. Can we please just focus on the human-animal bond, and the unconditional love dogs give us.
DOG FIGHTING IS A CRIME!! IF YOU SUSPECT DOG FIGHTING IN YOUR COMMUNITY, PLEASE CONTACT AUTHORITIES IMMEDIATELY.
DOG FIGHTING DOESN'T JUST HURT DOGS, IT'S LINKED TO ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS DRUG TRAFFICKING. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW DOG FIGHTING HURTS COMMUNITIES.
What are your thoughts about Pit Bull type dogs? Have you ever owned or known a Pit Bull? Please leave us a comment and share your thoughts! We love when you bark back!
The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) does not support breed-specific laws, they favor a breed-neutral approach, holding dog owners accountable for their dog's aggression, regardless of breed. Laws should focus on holding dog owners accountable, not the dogs themselves. Here is a statement from the ASPCA posted on their web site:
"The ASPCA recognizes that dangerous dogs pose a community problem requiring serious attention. However, in light of the absence of scientific data indicating the efficacy [effectiveness] of breed-specific laws, and the unfair and inhumane targeting of responsible pet guardians and their dogs that inevitably results when these laws are enacted, the ASPCA instead favors effective enforcement of a combination of breed-neutral laws that hold reckless dog guardians accountable for their dogs’ aggressive behavior."
Best Friends Animal Society does not support Breed Specific bans either, and stated that:
"...a peer review study found that nearly 85 percent of dog bite fatalities were from unneutered dogs. Other factors that contributed to bites were abuse or neglect, tethering for long periods of time, and lack of positive interaction with people and other animals."
Best Friends also stated that " Some people assume some breeds of dogs are more prone to attacking and biting, though this is a misconception. BSL is often enacted to ease fears over public safety, but these laws are ineffective and very costly"
Oddly enough, I've been reading that Pit Bulls are BOTH one of the most frequently surrendered dog breed types AND one of the most popular breeds to adopt! These two facts seem to contradict each other, don't they?
Some experts in the field have hypothesized that due to bias against Pit Bull type dogs, it may be difficult for their owners to find housing that allows Pit Bull type dogs. This could result in Pit Bulls being surrendered. So many landlords (and some Home Owner's Association's too!) have restrictions on the size and breed of dogs they will allow in their rental units, if they allow dogs at all.
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| This beautiful girl has been at the Town Of Hempstead Animal Shelter in Wantagh Long Island, NY since early 2015! I think you'll agree, that is way too long to be waiting for a home with someone to love. |
********* UPDATE!!! *********
I recently heard that long time shelter resident ICE (pictured above) has been ADOPTED! I am overjoyed that after more than 2 Years in the shelter she has finally found a home! I've been in contact with the shelter to see if I can obtain a little information about her adoption, whether it was an individual or family that adopted her and if they learned about her via social media or as a shelter walk-in. I always like to know what works in terms of finding forever homes for pets in need. If I find out, I'll post the information here. I'd like to thank each and every one of you who shared this blog post. Sharing is Caring, and sharing about adoptable dogs in need of loving homes can make a difference!
It's been suggested that higher homeowners insurance costs and the high energy and exercise needs of the breed (probably no different than a Husky's high energy requirements!) may also cause some owners to ultimately surrender their Pit Bull type dogs to a shelter.
We can't ignore the fact that many people who adopt Pit Bull type dogs often do so for protection both of themselves personally and protection of their property. When I volunteered in Phoenix, there were quite a few people who said they'd feel safer with a Pit Bull type dog and sought them out for that reason. Many people in the rougher neighborhoods in our city had Pit Bull type dogs they left out in the yard for protection, and cute little Chihuahua's inside the house for companionship. It's not a judgement, it's a fact of life in some of the city neighborhoods our shelter served.
A young woman came into the shelter with a friend to adopt a dog one day. I was happy to see her drawn to the Pit Bull type dogs, she seemed to be looking for just that type of dog.
She decided to adopt a fabulous, sweet Pit Bull girl. As we finalized the adoption, she turned to her friend and said "No one's gonna mess with me walking down the street with THIS dog!" I was a bit taken back, but she was so nice and affectionate to the dog, and seemed to genuinely like her a lot. I felt she would give her a good home.
I assume the woman lived alone, perhaps in a lower socio-economic area. If she didn't, I doubt she would be so concerned about safety in her neighborhood that she'd need what she perceived to be a tough looking dog to feel safe. I have no actual facts to back up my assumptions about the woman, it was just my perception of her. As long as she provided a loving home, that was fine by me.
Although dog fighting is illegal in every state in the U.S., it still goes on. Sadly, Pit Bulls are often the fight dog of choice in this illegal and cruel activity. Dog fighting is a horrific form of animal cruelty, with terrible consequences for the dogs, and for the community as well. Can we please just focus on the human-animal bond, and the unconditional love dogs give us.
DOG FIGHTING IS A CRIME!! IF YOU SUSPECT DOG FIGHTING IN YOUR COMMUNITY, PLEASE CONTACT AUTHORITIES IMMEDIATELY.
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| Get Tough on Dog Fighting! |
What are your thoughts about Pit Bull type dogs? Have you ever owned or known a Pit Bull? Please leave us a comment and share your thoughts! We love when you bark back!
