Are Pit Bulls Really Dangerous?
Why Does This Fighting Dog Breed Scare Many People?
Are Pit Bulls getting a bad rap? Or is this a breed that can never be trusted not to attack?
Dogs Bred to Kill
The Pit Bulls of today owe their heritage to the English Bulldogs of yesteryear. Over a hundred years ago, these dogs were bred not only to attack on command, but to hang onto their prey for great lengths of time. It was popular to select the strongest dogs and breed them together exclusively, resulting in a hybrid bulldog that would attack and refuse to release its victim. This tendency was genetically ‘imprinted’ upon successive litters, growing stronger with each generation, until it became a prevailing trait. As breeding progressed, the jaw became wider and the ability to do massive damage increased accordingly.
Before dog fights were banned, the Pit Bull morphed into a breed that attacked almost instinctively and without telltale warning signs. Dogs of other breeds will commonly show stress signs, (circling, growling and vicious barking, flattened ears and raised fur at the scruff of the neck). It is common for a Pit Bull to attack without any warning. This makes the breed popular, even today, with unscrupulous individuals who secretly fight them as bloodsport although it is against the law.
Similar Pet Breeds
Pit Bulls are often confused with their cousins, the American Bulldog, and the Staffordshire Pit Bull Terrier, although the latter are slightly smaller with a less-pronounced jaw. A Pit Bull will weigh in around 60 to 80 lbs, and have a wide jaw and a very muscular build, especially in the front quarter.
Can a Pit Bull ever be Trusted?
Absolutely. The ASPCA suggests: "Training, starting with Puppy Kindergarten and progressing through Basic and Advanced Obedience. We highly recommend continued guidance throughout the dog’s life." This must be an organized effort of all involved to heavily socialize the puppy with many people and other animals. These dogs must also be trained in obedience classes, which should be ongoing for the entire span of their lives
Pit Bulls as Working Therapy Dogs
"Hershey," a certified Therapy Dog owned by Jennifer Waite of Southern Ontario, proves that Pit Bulls can be adopted in later years, even after being severely abused, and still go on to be not only top-notch pets, but also work alongside human beings in need of companionship and love. In fact, Hershey has been so successful in bringing joy to Ontario's Senior Citizens, that she has been presented with a medal and an award and profiled in the local media.
Using Common Sense With Aggressive Breeds
Dog aggression is found in all breeds. Pit Bulls, especially when trained early, can be wonderful pets, smart, obedient and loving. Their owners should not forget the dangerous traits that were purposefully bred into this canine, through no fault of their own, but neither can they all be judged by the isolated acts of a few.
