2015
Pit bulls American Staffordshire Terriers (Am Staffs) and American Pit Bull Terriers (APBTs) are the most commonly known dogs for their assumed vicious personality. Am Staffs/APBT’s are also more likely to be referred to as pit bulls when being discussed. Pit bull is a name that was created to address the more general breeds of dogs that have similar looks and characteristics. The people who already have a strong dislike for pit bulls will automatically imagine a vicious, volatile, and unfriendly animal. The popular thought for pit bulls is that they were born killers and should not be considered a dog for someone's home life. However, a number of studies have proven those assumptions false. In fact, pit bulls can be just as people-friendly,
…show more content…
This already makes it more difficult for people to imagine them as anything besides an attacker. Due to the stereotype already surrounding pit bulls, it has been difficult for them to gain a good reputation. Around the 1800s, an old English bulldog was first used to fight with bulls solely for entertainment purposes. Through its course of moving to America, it was inbred with terriers to make them more small and people friendly (“Breed History”). The result was a pit bull with features that many are familiar with today. Since the pit bull was created to be more agile and friendly it has already started taking steps to becoming less of a “fighting” dog and more of a family pet. While pit bulls still had features and personality traits from their beginning generation, they were starting to evolve as a breed …show more content…
Undoubtedly, pit bulls can be trained like a vicious attacker, but so can any other dog who is agile and raised to. Violence may have been there since the beginning, but that does not mean pit bulls cannot be loving creatures. Even though the origin of pit bulls came from dog fighting, it does not completely stop the chances of the animal being friendly in any way. While it is agreed that they can be dangerous when aggressive, it does not mean pit bulls are a lost cause. The real issue is the simple fact that all pit bulls should not be lumped into a category of vicious. While it may be true that they are already genetically made to be a “fight” dog, it does not mean that is all they can amount to. History shows pit bulls were bred to be more agile and have a more friendly personality compared to when they first began as only fighting for entertainment. Pit bulls can be as caring as they can be aggressive, it all depends on the way they were brought up and how they were taught to handle situations. Like any other species, pit bulls require the right person and patience to help them learn the right
On the contrary, many unfortunate attacks by Pit bulls could have been prevented. Let's face it, Pit bulls like any other animals have their faults. It's obvious they will be a few bad apples in the bunch, do
When you mention the words Pit Bull, many times people immediately begin talking about the statistics of them attacking other people as well as other dogs. A survey was conducted in 2009 of attack percentages of Pit Bulls compared to other breeds such as Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Chows. Among this survey, the Pit Bull breed scored the lowest with a 0.00125 and the highest being the Rottweiler with a score of 0.00433 (https://defendpitbulls.com/pit-bull-attack-statistics/). On the website Dogsbite.org, it states that Pit-Bulls are the leading culprit in dog attacks, this is just a broad statistic which does not adequately explain whether these attacks were of
The main reason pit bulls attack is because they are mentally unstable, a mixed breed and show overbearing traits, or because they are mistreated by their owners. The public must understand that the three “pit bull breeds were bred for dog fighting and bear and bull-baiting” (PBRC). On the other hand, they were also kept as “nanny dogs” and used for herding cattle. “Pit bulls are ideal for therapy work because of their pleasant nature” (PBRC). These are three of the most stable breeds known to man. They have a very high temperament test score, 86% as of 2010, a lot higher than most breeds. “The American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the top 5 most stable breeds in the country” (PBRC). Anyone can see that this is an excellent breed of dog. There are a few things that people should know though. “Pit bulls have a lower Tolerance to dogs, but with any breed, a dog’s tolerance changes as they mature” (PBRC). “Maturity can come late with pit bull breeds” (Villalobos Rescue Center). The reason for this low tolerance is because of their history of dog fighting. It has been bred into them to have the will to fight. Pit bulls usually do not start a fight most of the time, but they will not back down or give up. Due to this, owners must be cautious and attentive.
As an owner of an American pit bull terrier, I witness first hand how the pit bull is
Pit bulls are the most misunderstood dog breeds in the world. When people hear the word pit bull they automatically think of dogs fighting and attacking. When people say "pit bull" they're usually referring to a range of breeds and, often, a mixed-breed dog. (Lawrence, C Louisville Magazine Feb 2007) People think they are a very dangerous breed of dog. Because of this, some areas do not allow pit bulls and breeds like them. Pit bulls are the leading culprit of dog bites in America, but on the other hand, they are the gentlest dogs people will ever meet. The National Canine Temperament Testing Association
The name “pit bull” is a broadly used term that refers to a wide range of dogs that have similar characteristics (Warnes, 2017).
Will start with their background to inform you what pit bulls are. They are not one specific breed, but a classification of a variety of different
The breed known as “Pit Bulls” consists of many breeds in the Bull Terrier group. Today these dogs are known for their fighting, biting, and their aggressive behavior. Some of the many stereotypes of these dogs are: “Pit bulls are inherently vicious” (17 Things...). No dog is inherently
Pit bulls have a lot of history. Pit bulls been bred for human companionship, and since the 1900s, they have been bred for conformation showing as well. Pit bulls have been used as farm dogs, family dogs, military mascots, and all-purpose companions. In England, the Staffie Bull is known as the “The Nanny Dog” or “The Children’s Nursemaid” because of their placid and nurturing demeanor toward children. They say “Regardless of how gentle your dog is, all dogs of any breed should never be left alone unsupervised with children”.Throughout their history in America, pit bull dogs have
Pit bulls are one of the most popular breeds of canines. A descendant of the original English bull-baiting dog, which was bred to bite and hold bulls and other large animals around the face and head, pit bulls were regarded as guardians of both property and livestock(ASPCA). Pit bulls are powerful and strong physically, but they are the best guard dogs. These pit bulls are like a ball of energy but sweet and loyal dogs, which is why they are the perfect family dogs to have in the right homes. A dog’s temperament,
I believe pit bulls are not a vicious breed. Pit bulls are known to be obedient, intelligent, affectionate, loyal, courageous, and friendly, along with several other well known traits. In the 1900s, pit bulls were known as “Nanny Dogs”, because people used them for babysitters. Lastly, pit bulls are born as sweethearts, it depends on the way you raise them that makes them mean.
An Anonymous author stated, “Pit bulls are beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of man without the vices.” (Anonymous) As a Pit bull proprietor, I feel that Pit bulls are consistently confounded animals. As a matter of fact, any animal, pit bull or even a Chihuahua can be merciless or delicate. Additionally, adore and minding wins out with animals basically as it guarantees with people. Furthermore, affection is the item that makes an honorable or repulsive puppy and not their kind of breed or innate beautifying agents.
People in the public are lead to believe that Pit Bulls are bred only as fighting dogs and that they are aggressive to other dogs and humans. It is unfortunately true that some Pit Bulls are bred for fighting but, not all are. There is a small percentage overall of Pit Bulls that are used as fighting dogs, mostly Pit Bulls are family dogs. “Some pit bulls were selected and bred for their fighting ability. That means that they may be more likely than other breeds to fight with dogs. It doesn’t mean that they can’t be around other dogs or that they’re unpredictably aggressive. Other pit bulls were specifically bred for work and companionship. These dogs have long been popular family pets, noted for their gentleness, affection and loyalty.” (Position). This states that not all Pit Bulls are threatening and have a desire to fight. I believe that dog fighting is wrong and should be illegal throughout the United States. Dog fighting is a very popular underground form of entertainment.
There are many different qualities to consider when choosing a dog. Pit Bulls have all the qualities needed to become a great companion. Although, if you treat them wrong when they're growing up there is a good chance they will get out of control. If you raise them right you will have one of the best dogs ever. For example my friend had a Pit Bull that he would hit for no reason and one-day the dog attacked him and hurt him pretty bad. This is a good example of why you should treat your dog right. From my experience raising a Pit Bull I have come to believe they are the best bread of dog. As with any dog you need to raise and treat them right. Naturally they are loyal, smart,
Owning a pit bull in today’s day and age has one of two reactions: Either the person loves them or is terrified of them. There are so many myths about Pit Bulls and they are just that. Myths. Some of the myths that surround pit bulls are that they have “lock jaw” and they have a killer instinct that does not stop at just killing other animals. Pit bull advocates, such as myself, know that Pit Bulls have always been known as the “nanny dog” throughout history because of how much they love children and their loyalty to their families. Mean or vicious dogs come from ignorant, irresponsible owners. The bottom line is that not all pit bulls are bad.