Pit Bulls: Myths and Facts About Dangerous Dogs
Destroying Stereotypes
It is true that some dogs have caused insurmountable terror, suffering and loss, but when put into perspective Pit Bulls that have maimed and killed people and companion animals are those that represent a small percentage of the millions of good dogs that belong to this breed. Keep in mind that other breeds hurt people and animals too, however they are not publicized as the Pit Bull is. The stereotype of this particular breed feeds the shock and awe sensationalism of the media.
It is important to note that statistics can be manipulated to represent whatever view a person wishes to portray.
Myths
- Pit Bulls have locking jaws. Pit Bulls do not have locking jaws. The fact is they have very strong jaws in comparison to other dogs which make them more powerful; they are stronger than many other breeds. A Pit Bull's body composition is comparable to a body builder and an average person. Just because one person enjoys body building and is therefore stronger than another person, it does not mean that that person is any less gentle or friendly
- Pit bulls are inherently mean and vicious. Pit Bulls by nature are not mean and vicious-they are very sweet and friendly. They are easily trainable and respond well to commands which can change their happy go lucky personality into something monstrous. Their desire to please, paired with their strength, high prey drive and malleability make them a great candidate for use as guard and attack dogs and in fighting rings.
Facts
- People cause Pit Bulls to be vicious. In most cases Pit Bulls are vicious and dangerous because they were trained to be. The training methods used by dog fighters cause the dog to be indiscriminate about what it attacks. Trainers will starve, beat and harass these dogs in order to make them aggressive. A dog does not understand that it may only attack other dogs when it is in the ring. The saying 'Guns do not kill people, people kill people' can be applied to these dogs: Pit Bulls do not attack people, people attack people. Pit Bulls are used as a weapon. Furthermore these dogs are most often grossly abused themselves.
- Some Pit Bulls (not all) tend to have a high prey drive. A high prey drive means that an animal has a natural inclination to chase and possibly attack other animals that they see as food. Though we would like to think that domestic dogs are civilized, they are still animals and instinctive behaviors are difficult if not impossible to eliminate. This fact means that responsibility, vigilance and knowledge are imperative on the part of the owner of a Pit Bull as with any dog.
- Dog fighting has been around for centuries. When most people think of dog fighting they envision thugs in rough inner-city neighborhoods with drugs, guns and seething, drooling Pit Bulls. In the 1800's Pit Bulls that were used for fighting were trusted with children and seen as their nannies. Dogs that fought by night would be left alone with children by day to guard and protect them.
- Pit bulls are not the right breed for everyone. Although Pit Bulls do not deserve the reputation they have gained they are not suitable for everyone. These dogs can be difficult to handle due to their intelligence, energy and power. People who are considering owning a Pit Bull should research the breed in order to ensure an appropriate life for the dog as well as a duty to public safety.
Responsibility and education are key in destroying the undue prejudice and stereotypes associated with this wonderful breed.
Published by Jessica Gunsch
I am passionate about ethical issues concerning animals and the environment. Through my writing, I try to show how our everyday activities can impact these issues and simple ways that everyone can convenient... View profile
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- For an authoritative and comprehensive site about pitbulls visit www.animalfarmfoundation.org
- Pit bulls do not have locking jaws.
- Pit bulls are not the right breed for everyone.
- People cause Pit bulls to become vicious.
87 Comments
Sign in to CommentJust to clarify, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not a pit breed they do however get confused in this category. And should not be confused for the APBTs. This is in fact one of the issues many owners/trainers/Vets have been talking about for awhile.
The staffordshire bull terrier's are smaller, and have been bred for a different reason than the APBTs. http://www.realpitbull.com/center.html
Lookup Ayen Chol.or Darla Napora
I own a beautiful 3 year old am staff. She gets along with dogs and cats. She loves everything and everybody, even though when I walk her people shun away from her. Its ok. I am a responsible owner. I don't let her loose, not because she is misbehaved but those small little dogs are and will try to attack her. I don't leave her alone (for more than a minute or two) with my child not because i think she would maul him but because every parent (should) know not to leave children alone with any dog, no matter the breed. Ive read stories where a family Lab had killed a small child from his family. Its not a breed thing its a dog thing. But I've gotten used to the fact that being a (responsible) pit owner comes with its ups and down. I'm saddened that her breed is bullied by the media for what a very few others dogs do. But I'm happy because I'm lucky enough to know the love, loyalty and joy that comes from owning this beautiful breed.
Apparently Linda, you have never owned a dog.. or you were one of those 'bad' owners, because u don't just do these things with one breed... you do them with Every breed. The dog with the highest number of attacks on human in the U.S. is a chiuahua... enough said.
Dd, I really feel ya there. My 4 1/2 year old female pit is my daughters best friend, punching bag, trampoline, guest at the tea party, snuggle buddy in the indoor tent, playmate, rope pulling machine, and greatest object of excitement when she uses a laser pointer. The only problem with a well-trained and well-loved dog of any breed is that everyone wants to steal yours! I get tired of telling people NO U CAN'T HAVE MY DOG! So go learn how to raise one like mine....
I just wanted to say i have had my Pit for 6 years got my dog when my daughter was born theyt are best frieinds......everybody wants my dog she don't bark and never growls greatest dog ever....So just wanted to let you know that i did some reserch and pit bulls are ranked number one for the most compassionate and freindly dog........They are stereotyped for no reason.....so F the people who stereotype them F off...
I've never owned a pit, but I have met some absolutely sweet pitbulls. I used to have a great dane, and it was just like having a pit. Where people would consider the dog dangerous just on sheer size alone. I am really disheartened that media entertainment portrayed these dogs as rough and tough mean dogs. But sadly, you don't hear about the thousands of attacks coming from chihuahuas, or pomeranians. Not even dalmations. They bypass those stories and hone in on pitbulls. A story with a pit attack is what causes a buzz. If I had a yard, I'd have no problem getting a pit, because I believe that they are just like any other dog. Teach them to be mean, and they will be. Teach them to be kind, and they will be. In the end, humans are the most unpredictable animals in my book.
Linda (7/15/12)
Someone said the dog (some) may have a "high prey drive", not the right dog for everyone, should be socialized with children, dogs, cats., etc. Doesn't the fact that this has all been said in above comments about one dog? I take my dog (lab mix) for walks and nobody crosses the street because my dog is coming. Nobody pulls their dog closer to themselves because of my dog. And my dog could care less who is walking around. For you that like pit bulls I'm not putting you down. Love your dog. But you can't tell me pits may be a problem even if you thinks its not.
Dug: There is the exact problem. That owner was extremely negligent. Obviously, the dog was NOT socialized with babies. Otherwise that would not have happened. How do you socialize a dog with a baby you ask? Simple. The *OWNER* introduces the dog to the baby, then encourages physical contact and time spent under CLOSE SUPERVISION with the child. This is a process that must occur throughout the life of the dog. The owner was EVEN more negligent that he left the dog in someone else's care with a child around. It is the owners responsibility to know their dog inside and out just like a child. It is an obligation that the owner does not present the dog with unfamiliar circumstances when he/she is not present.
Oh and do you want to eradicate Rottweilers as well? They are just as notorious for chasing children down and attacking them. What about German Shepherds, who has a much higher % statistically of attacking a human? Way to go DUG. Examine the facts before u speak.
Dogs are cute, cuddly creatures! They only attack when they feel really threatened or that they have been through some kind of training. If you treat a dog with love and care, then it's highly unlikely that it will be crazy and randomly attack people.
Some 25 + years ago my parents had had neighbors that owned a female pit bull,They had an toddler and an infant. The pit had had a couple of litters and was considered to be a close family member. One day the woman's brother was baby sitting and was allowing the infant to cry. They figured that that was what set off the "close family member". the infant had one arm crushed before the brother got the baby away and held it it over his head while in the house and he managed to get out of the house the pit followed by coming out through the glass in the door. The pit attacked, then broke off the attack then attacked again. A total of 4 attacks in all. The owner of this"beloved family member was on his way home from lunch when the happened and he immediately got the pit under control. they were able to repair the baby's arm and as I remember the brother had like over 250 stitches to his stomach and legs (that man was a hero in my eyes) but for the most part I like dogs much more than people but since that day I have felt that the bread should be eradicated.
(THIS WAS NOT AN ABUSED DOG)