The Pit Bull Is The Most Misunderstood Breed Essay

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.

In over 700 cities across the U.S. the pit bull has been outlawed, such as the city of Denver, where the Pit Bull has been vilified since 1989. Many other major cities across the United States have also fallen into the banning of breed specific dogs such as Miami, Fl, New York City, and Seattle. Every military installation across the country also prohibits Pit Bulls and strictly enforces these laws. In cities where the Pit Bull isn’t outlawed there are usually still strict regulations to owning a pit bull such as liability insurance, sterilizations, and extreme measures of containment to keep these dogs from escaping their homes. Per the American Temperance Testing Society (ATTS) “Among all of the breeds ATTS tested – over 30,000 dogs through May 2011, 83 percent passed the test. How did Pit Bulls do? They showed an above average temperament, with 86 percent making the grade.” In conjunction with the ATTS, the American Veterinary Medicine Association also states that “controlled studies have not identified this breed group as disproportionately dangerous.” Much like many other natural laws such as Darwin’s Law of Evolution and Murphy’s Law ,the debate of Nature vs. Nurture should also be brought into account when talking about dog breeds and their “innate ability of aggression” because while it is true that every dog have certain characteristics and personality traits, it’s a strong accusation to say that Rex the Pit Bull is more prone to biting or injuring someone more so than Trixie the Toy Poodle. Either one of those dogs can be raised by their respective owners to have very different personalities and Trixie is just as capable of biting someone as Rex. A common place for misconception is that breeds like the Pit Bull are a popular choice for criminals and criminal activity such as

“If somebody is too stupid to understand the fundamental immorality of dog fighting, you’re never going to be able to explain it to him” (Kevin Hench). Most people think that pit bulls have locking jaws. This is false however; no dog breed in the whole world has locking jaws. Dogs are not always aggressive how they are raised and trained determines the behavior of a dog. Dogs have tendencies to be aggressive only if not trained properly. The discrimination against pit bulls is wrong and uncalled for. Pit bulls are not the only culprits of attacks and death to humans. Dog fighting and stray pits are the fault of the people who own them. It is man kind’s job to take care of and be responsible for their dogs. Why should the dogs be punished

206). Further research shows that Pit Bulls aren’t the most dangerous breed of dog. They are ranked higher for their tolerance than they are for their aggression (Baldwin, S. 2016). No matter what real facts and statistics say, Pit Bulls are still being discriminated against and banned all around the world. As the years, have gone on, it has been harder and harder to own a Pit Bull. Many neighborhood or apartment complexes won’t allow you to live in their facilities if you own a Pit Bull or anything that remotely looks like a Pit Bull. If that isn’t enough, most insurance agencies won’t cover you, your family or your home if you own a Pit Bull (ReidHead, J, L 2017). Because of all these regulations and limitation when owning a Pt Bull, owners and Pit Bull advocates are working harder to push their point that it’s the owner that makes the dog. With proper training and responsible owners Pit Bulls are not a threat or a danger to society. Pit Bulls are no more dangerous than any dog breed with they are trained and raised responsibly. In this paper, I be explaining how irresponsible Pit Bull owners are the cause of Pit Bulls aggression towards people and other animals by explaining the history of the breed, Pit Bulls involvement in dog fighting, gang violence and true statistics surrounding the breed. To solve this problem, I recommend that all future 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

This book is about the trials and tribulations of the pit bull dogs that were owned by Michael Vick. Michael Vick was a quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons football team but was later found guilty of dog fighting, animal cruelty, and several counts of animal abuse. The book focuses on the pit bulls that were found on his property and their story of rescue and rehabilitation. This book is relevant because it highlights on the reasons why many pit bulls are considered dangerous and aggressive, and why this is not true. It shows how underestimated dogs who were considered dangerous and destructive could be rehabilitated and did not have to be euthanized. It also shows how as humans, we are the reason for the discrimination of the breed, and how we have made pit bulls become outcast which is one of my main arguments. The currency is 2011, which is up-to-date. This book is credible, because it has its own work cited page and the information comes from many non-bias, veterinary professionals. The quality of the book is very up to date and has pictures of Michael Vicks rehabilitated dogs. It also has

In the ever changing world of dog fighting, pit bulls and their bloodlines is often times over looked. In “Bringing Rico to the Ring,” Matthew Heger describes how dog fighting first began and which dogs and bloodlines were used. Heger demonstrates that Dog fighting is a terrible thing and that is why he introduces RICO (Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations). Matthew Heger employs the rhetorical appeals of pathos and ethos effectively. He demonstrates through his tone of voice that he is aggressive towards this topic and decides to elaborate more on it.

Pit bulls have been the main choice for dog fights throughout the years and are mostly bred just to keep more pit bulls in the ring, which has been the most inhumane. The puppies are raised in violence which creates vicious dogs for the fights. They have been selected for numerous fights because of their athletic build and ability to keep fighting even if they have broken legs or injured really badly. They have been selected for fights because of their athletic build and ability to keep fighting even if they have broken legs or injured really badly ( ). Any type of criminal likes the look of a mean companion that they could use for their own benefit, thus the pit bulls seemed ideal for any given circumstance. “Dogmen” are breeders that take dogs in for dog fights and their breed of choice as well is its. If a dog is under attack, naturally they are gonna fight their instincts and fight back. Like any living creature a dog has a fight or flight instinct that kicks in when threatened and they go on autopilot to protect themselves or their young as

The abuse of pit bulls drew national attention in 2007. “Over 30 breeds of dogs are responsible for over 500 fatal attacks in the past 30 years”. It wasn’t just pit bulls. “All dogs defend territory, they exhibit dominance and if allowed can become protective of their family.” “Aggressiveness has many definitions and its stimulus of the environment that causes behavior problems.” Some cities and towns have banned pit bulls. Some people believe no one should own pit bulls and “the world would be a better place without them”. These people are trying to destroy the breed through “fear tactics, half truths, and lies.” Other people believe pit bulls belong in any dog loving home and can and should be in public eye. Many people don’t have a clear understanding of pit bulls. In that case when the owners have negative effects on the dog because they are a lot more work than expected. Ending in many of the dogs living in shelters. People get pit bulls and fail to give them the outlets they need turn them into “loaded weapons.” Some outstanding qualities can be challenging for people who don’t have a lot of experience with dog ownership or have limited understanding of the pit bull. “It is man who is responsible for the dog’s behavior, not the breed of the dog.” “It is man who is responsible for the dog’s behavior, not the breed of the dog.” It’s up to people who allow their dogs to become dangerous and determine whether they will be useful members of a community or a

In Tijeras, New Mexico, the ban was so strictly enforced that animal control officers were allowed to kill any Pit Bull seen on sight without compensation to the owner. Due to their misunderstood reputation, people made rash decisions that affected the lives of many loving Pit Bulls that never stood a chance. They have even become a “liability” due to their “overly violent” personalities and because of this have been banned from many areas in the United States.

Not only are the dogs’ notoriety hurt, but their physical and emotional well-being is harmed too. While walking my sister’s pitbulls at a dog park, I saw many people walk away from us or watch the dogs carefully in fear. Also, a few of our guests have expressed their fear of the dogs simply because they were pit bulls. Unfortunately, dogs can sense anxiety and tension; emotional trauma can result from the neglect and lack of attention. According to Judy Cohen and John Richardson, the pit bull has been portrayed as ‘‘the archetype of canine evil, predators of the defenseless. Unpredictable companions that kill and maim without discretion. Walking horror shows bred with an appetite for violence” (285). Also, 65% of people surveyed by Cohen and Richardson also say even pit bulls who seem good-natured can suddenly turn vicious (285). Because of this negative perspective about pit bulls, the dogs’ lives are endangered. Dr. Emily Weiss collected data from a variety of dog shelters and found that pitbulls are the most euthanized breed in shelters. Over 25,000 pitbulls were put to death in 45 shelters in 2014; the next highest euthanized breed was the labrador retriever at only 7,000 dogs. Many people have wrongfully given pit bulls a false reputation because they believe these dogs are naturally cold-hearted, and these poor dogs continue to suffer as a

Dog fighting, also known as pit fighting, was not only legal but a popular activity among

The Unbacked Killing of Pit Bulls In his essay “Then they came for the dogs!”, Simon Hallsworth who is a acknowledged expert in the study of urban violence, examines the British state’s desire to end the Pit Bull breed. He approaches the topic from many angles such as its relation to gangs, the genetics of Pit Bull’s and the instances when the Pit Bull has attacked humans. He does a marvelous job of systematically deconstructing this moral panic. He concludes that “the dogs are the victims and humans the inhuman aggressor” (391).

In Support of condemnation of any situation where dogs of any breed or appearance are pitted against one another for the amusement or monetary benefit of humans (dog fighting rings); commercial dog breeding facilities that subject canines to inhumane conditions and sold for profit to unfit owners; the

According to Craig J. Forsyth and Rhonda D. Evans, the term dogmen can be used to define an individual who “fights their pit-bulls in matches against other pit-bulls” (Forsyth and Evans 1998). Forsyth and Evans conducted research on those who were considered to be dogmen and those who actively opposed dog fighting. This research was conducted through formal and informal interviews along with additional data from other sources. The location of the observation of this research took place in what is considered the center of dogfighting in the United States, Louisiana( ). The purpose of the research was to “examine the neautrializeation techniques dogmen use as they attempt to counter stigma, criminal, identity and criticism”(205). This paper will analyze the article Dogmen: The Rationalization of Deviance by Forsyth and Evans on it’s connection to law and social control.