Ask any pit bull lover why they gravitate toward the breed and I’ll bet you’ll hear the following:
They’re beautiful, inside and out.
They are goofballs who make me laugh every day.
They’re the sweetest dogs ever.
They have more personality than any other dog I’ve had.
They’re couch potatoes and love bugs.
How could this be? Aren’t pit bulls dangerous, aggressive killing machines? According to the media, yes. In reality, no.
The National Canine Research Council audited dog attack stories from a random week in August, 2007, and found that while there were a hospitalization and fatality from two mixed breed dog attacks, those stories were only reported in local papers.
Meanwhile, a non-fatal pit bull attack in the same week appeared in more than 200 articles in national and international papers and also received television coverage on CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News.
Over-bred and popular as a modern-day gangster prop, the pit bull, like the Doberman in the 70s and the Rottweiler in the 80s, has been crowned the “dangerous" breed of the decade. As a result, bully breeds have the unwanted and unfair distinction of being the top dog killed at shelters across America today.
Ironically, the pit bull, a description based on looks that can encompass American Pit Bull terriers, Staffordshire terriers, mastiffs, American Bulldogs, and even boxers, consistently scores above average for all breeds on the American Temperament Test, according to the American Temperament Test Society.
As the mother of a pit bull/boxer mix and a Staffordshire mix, I’m the first to admit a bully breed is not for everyone. They are strong, smart, assertive dogs, not always the kind you can take to a dog park and set free. Some are dog-aggressive by nature, though usually it’s nurture (or lack of).
The “bad” ones are created by the same situations that spawn any kind of “bad” dog: neglect, abuse, being chained, no training or worse, aggression training. Many of them, like the Michael Vick dogs turned over to Best Friends Animal Society, can be rehabilitated and find homes.
I have yet to meet one bully through my experience, friends, and rescue work, that didn’t like people. Most of them live to give kisses, get belly rubs, go for walks, and play ball, just like any other dog. Some adore children and make fine playmates for them.
Whether or not a pit bull is for you, all I am asking, is give pit bulls a chance. Don’t spread the hype that they are all bad or aggressive. Take the time to get to know the breed before you condemn them further.
And if you’re up for adopting a smart, loving goofball to keep you entertained and snuggle up with you at night, consider a bully breed. There are many looking for their forever person right this minute. (Check out www.petfinder.com or www.adoptapet.com )
For more information on pit bulls, here are a couple of fantastic organizations:
Bad Rap (Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit Bulls)
www.badrap.org
Pit Bull Rescue Central
www.pbrc.net
If you want to adopt a pit bull and live in Los Angeles, Villalobos Rescue Center in Agua Dulce has over 200 to choose from. Many, like Bisoux, were rescued from Hurricane Katrina and long to have a home of their own. They could also use donations and volunteers.
www.vrcpitbull.com
Another L.A. based pit bull organization is Downtown Dog Rescue, which does amazing work with pit bulls living on the streets. Some have been rescued and are available for adoption. Donations and volunteers are also needed.
www.downtowndogrescue.org
Loren and her bully brothers and sisters (such as sweet Queenie, right) at The Brittany Foundation could also use a home, donations, sponsors, and volunteers. You can meet them at:
www.brittanyfoundation.com
Dee Dee at Fresno Bully Rescue is just one of their many beautiful pits looking for her furever family. Sweet Dee Dee has a big heart and is definitely people-oriented, but needs to be in an adults only home. She loves to go for long walks, get her bully rubbed, and be your best girlfriend. For more info on Dee Dee, visit www.fresnobullyrescue.org
