Pitbull Stereotypes

Pit Bulls are known worldwide for being inherently dangerous and extremely vicious, but according to the American Temperament Test Society, Inc. 86.8% of American Pit Bull Terriers have passed their temperament tests better than Collies, Golden Retrievers, and Beagles. Many people don’t know that the term “bully breed” refers to more than forty breeds that hail from the same root breed. The history of the Pit Bull goes back to about the nineteenth century, during that time they were used to protect livestock, families, and even children as nannies (the Canine Journal). Today Pit Bulls are used as therapy dogs, police dogs, and of course a simple companion. Many myths about pit bulls circulate, which scares society into believing that they are dangerous to us and our families the question of banning Pit Bulls has been hotly discussed around the world, but banning Pit Bulls will not stop illegal breeding, fighting and distribution of Pit Bulls, other dogs from biting, and the problem will grow. The question of whether or not Pit Bulls should be banned is a hot topic in recent society, but the real question is should Pit Bulls be punished for the actions of their owners, or should laws be enforced at a higher degree.

When you see a Pit bull, what is the first thing that goes through your mind? For some, it is a sense of fear and for others it is the thought that this breed is misunderstood. Have you ever stopped and thought about if the Pit bull breed is really a vicious breed, or are they just misinterpreted due to the reputation that others have given them along with the many myths that are attached to them? What about the owners of these precious animals? Do you ever think that they are the reason that their Pit bull may be a vicious dog? Many times people speculate too much

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.

The media portrays Pit Bulls as innately aggressive and dangerous due to their past with dog fights. There are banns all around the world on people owning Pit Bulls, and restricting them on what they can and can’t do with their dog. For example, recently in Montreal Canada, Pit Bulls were banned and ordered to be surrendered, euthanized or have very strict limitations on their freedoms outside their homes (Malboeuf, M 2016). Pit Bulls in the media can go back a long time, but they didn’t become such a target for BSL until football star Michael Vick was convicted and charged with animal abuse, slaughter and illegal dog fighting (Animal Legal Defense Fund 2010). BSL is an acronym for breed specific legislation which is a law that bans or restricts certain types of breeds based on their appearance, usually because they are perceived as dangerous breeds of

MAIN IDEA #2: One of the biggest preconceived notions about the pit bull is that they are the most dangerous dogs in the world that run around wild-eyed and blood thirsty. They have been improperly labeled as vicious creatures that are incapable of love and

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).

Pit Bulls are among the top percentage of dog bites across the nation, but it partly due to the misrepresentation. Most handlers just see a similarity to a Pit Bull’s physical appearance and then the dog is classified as such. The media always misrepresents and wrongly accuses Pit Bulls, they are always quick to name the pit bull breed as the attacking dog. The government also does the same thing if a dog has similarities to a Pit Bull, then it is automatically classified as a Pit Bull even if it’s not correct. They don’t care about

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.

If you take the time to love and train a Pit then it is going to be very friendly, caring, and smart. They will always have the heart of a puppy, and if you take the time to take care of them, they always love you and listen to you, just like any other breed would. Although pit bulls may seem intimidating, they will most likely love a stranger rather that attack them as long as that is what they are taught. Even though they are intimidating, a pit bull is never going to hurt you as long as that is what they are taught. They are extremely friendly, loving and happy

Pit bulls have not always been viewed as the vicious killer. For instance, in the 1970s the concern was over German Shepherds, and in the 1980s, Doberman pinschers were considered as public and government concern (Dana M). Which just goes to show that people get concerned, but move on when they realize there is nothing to be concerned about. Pit bulls were actually considered to be the family dog in the 1900s, and were even nicknamed the “nanny dogs for children” because of the breed’s friendly and loyal nature (Holland). Pit-bulls even appeared up in popular motion pictures such as “our gang” and, “buster brown” (Bastian). In the 80s is where pit bulls started to get a bad rap because of their association with dog fighting, gangs, and drug dealers (Bastian). Which caused a change in

Pitbulls in past years have been getting a lot of attention in national media, for being an aggressive and dangerous type of dog. In cities nationwide governments have been putting bans on the breeding and keeping of pit bulls in homes. However, before the era of dogfighting, pit bulls were nicknamed “America’s Dog” (Pisani), and the reason for this is because they were popular in pop culture up until they were bred and trained for dogfights. Since the 1980’s pit bulls have gotten a bad rap, but they really should not have, because it is they way they are trained and cared for by their owners and not in their genes to act aggressively.

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.