American Pit Bull Terriers: A Misunderstood Breed

A Presentation Created to Educate People on Behalf of Pit Bulls Everywhere

What A Pit Bull Is

American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or American Bulldog – any of these breeds can be considered a pit bull

Loyal, strong, intelligent, eager to please, amusing – these are all traits common to pit bulls

A permanent commitment – the average healthy pit bull will live 12 years

Prone to dog-aggressiveness – with the proper training, this trait can be eradicated completely

What A Pit Bull Is Not

A monster – so many people misunderstand this breed due to negative media exposure, false information and urban legend

Inherently bad – no dog wants to fight another animal of its kind until death. Sadly, pit bulls are so eager to please their owners, they will do anything to gain their approval (including fighting on command)

Physiologically different than other dogs in jaw structure – this common myth is simply untrue. While pit bulls can be very stubborn and unwilling to drop their prey, there is no physiological difference between the jaws of pit bulls and the jaws of other dog breeds

A Brief History of the Pit Bull

In the 1800s, the British used pit bull-type dogs to 'bait' fighting bulls

This sport was deemed cruel and was done away with – dog fighting took its place almost immediately

The best fighters were considered heroes by the British Immigrants brought their pit bulls with to America, where they

were valued as protectors of their homes and farms Known as the “nanny dog” and the “all-American dog”, pit bulls

were entrusted to guard the children

Once known as the “nanny dog”, pit bulls were famous for protecting the children they loved

A Turn for the Worse

Throughout the 1980s, dog fighting became more and more prevalent in big cities everywhere

Pit bulls started being deemed “dangerous” and “blood thirsty” all across the country

The association between pit bulls and gangs/poverty increased greatly

Negative media coverage, lack of education and closed-mindedness are all to blame for the reputation pit bulls have today

An image seen on www.pinterest.com

Debunking the Myth of Pit Bull Aggression

Every year, a temperament test is done on every breed of dog imaginable through the American Temperament Test Society.

Of the 839 American Pit Bull Terriers tested in 2012, 728 of them passed. That's 86.8%. On the next slide, I have included a chart to compare test results of the American Pit Bull Terrier with other common breeds of dogs.

For more information, please visit the American Temperament Test Society at: http://atts.org/breed-statistics/

American Pit Bull Terrier Beagle Golden Retriever Rat Terrier0

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86.8

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85.2

76.2

Scores on the ATT

Breed

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Myth – Dog Aggression is Equal to Human Aggression

False! Aggression toward humans and aggression toward other animals are two completely different things. Many pit bulls who cannot tolerate other dogs or small animals have gone on to live happy lives in a one-dog family. Even so, there are many things you can do to discourage dog-dog aggression.

Things Responsible Owners Can Do to Discourage Dog Aggression

Socialize your pit bull at a young age - The more unfamiliar situations you bring him/her into, the better. Your goal is to have an adult dog who is completely confident in every situation. Remember, the most common reason for a dog to bite is out of fear.

Keep first-time meetings on neutral turf – You don't want either dog to feel intimidated or like he/she needs to protect his/her territory

Keep both dogs on their leashes for their first meeting Rigorously praise good behavior

Pit Bulls in U.S. Animal Shelters

It is estimated that around 25% of dogs in shelters are pit bulls or pit bull mixes, while the number can be closer to 60% in shelters in big cities

Only one in every 600 pit bulls will find a forever home Sadly, many shelters across the country do not adopt out pit bulls at

all – they are euthanized immediately upon arrival Roughly 200 pit bulls a day are euthanized in Los Angeles,

California alone

Breed Specific Legislation (BSL)

Due to the bad rap pit bulls have acquired over the last few decades, many cities and states have put breed specific legislation into effect

BSL prohibits certain types of dogs (almost always pit bulls) from living in certain areas in hopes of reducing dog bites/attacks

There is no evidence BSL is effective, while it is costly and many responsible dog owners pay the ultimate price

Many people have been forced to move or – worse – give up their beloved pets due to BSL

Negative Effects of BSL

Instead of getting rid of their dogs, people are hiding them – this leads to lack of exercise, licensure, and veterinary care for the dog in question

BSL punishes responsible dog owners and good dogs who have

done nothing wrong but be born the wrong breed

Instead of BSL, our focus should be on individual dogs

This picture depicts the fight against BSL for pit bulls everywhere

Please give all dogs a chance, regardless of their outward appearance.

All they want is love.

The end

Citations

“Breed History”, http://www.badrap.org/breed-history American Temperament Test Society, Inc “ATTS Breed Statistics as of

February 19, 2012” http://atts.org/breed-statistics/statistics-page1/ Pit Bull Advocate 101, “Why NOT to Breed Pit Bulls”

http://www.pitbulladvocate101.com/NotBreed.php ASPCA, “Breed Specific Legislation”

http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/dog-fighting/breed-specific-legislation.aspx

Craven Desires blog, http://cravendesires.blogspot.com/2012/02/content-of-character.html