People come to our shelter looking to adopt furry friends of all shapes and sizes. Some are interested in mixed breeds, others in strictly purebreds. Many times, they wind up falling for one of our rescued residents and eagerly ask, "What kind of dog is this cutie?" Their smiles frequently turn to frowns when they hear the name "Pit Bull" (the shorter term often used for an American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any mixed breed predominantly exhibiting their physical characteristics).

Many people have a negative perception of the breed, and why wouldn't they? The information most of the public has on Pit Bulls generally stems from negative media attention; headlines that scream "Child Attacked by Pit Bull"are the kinds of things people are likely to remember. But the stigma attached to these breeds as "vicious and dangerous" is unwarranted. Pit Bulls and other large, muscular breeds like Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Doberman Pinschers are too often acquired for the wrong reasons- protection, intimidation or dog fighting. They're overbred and mistreated. These animals are neglected, starved, of abused, which can easily lead to defensive and aggressive behaviors, as a way for these dogs to survive in their environments.

Pit Bulls in particular are easy fodder for people who run dog fighting rings because of their strong build and inherent eagerness to please people. They'll do anything to make their "trusted" person happy... even if it means hurting themselves of others. Sadly this intense loyalty is too often exploited.

The reality is that and unsocialized dog has the potential to hurt someone. Dogs are pack animals, and therefore territorial and protective of their space. Any dog confined for most of his life to a basement, garage, of backyard, or who doesn't get

exposed to regular outings with other dogs or people, risks a lack of socialization. These mistreated dogs may never have encountered a child, a cat or even another dog. Subsequently, they can be easily startled of feel threatened by the presence of these foreign creatures. Dogs who are treated simply as property or as weapons suffer innocently. They miss out on the unique bond that people and animals can share, and never experience the joys of being part of the family.

Specific breeds are not the problem; irresponsible and often cruel humans are. This is why dangerous dog legislation, (not dangerous breed legislation) was recently passed in Chicago. Basically, this law forces people with dogs to do what is in the best interest for the dog and the community, or suffer the consequences. The ordinance focuses on dangerous dogs in general, no matter what breed of size the dog is. You can encounter an aggressive Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, Akita, of Pit Bull mix - it all depends on the history and socialization of the individual dog. The majority of the 300+ Pit Bulls our shelter has received-most ex-fighters, strays, or relinquishments- have been extremely peoply-friendly. When starved, provoked, or antagonized in an effort to force them to fight, Pits will only do so in a misguided effort to please. They are not inherently aggressive. Pit Bulls are the victims, not the villains.
Many of the Pits and Pit mixes we've placed have gone to homes with small children of infants. Often they go to homes with multiple animals. All are placed with great care after being temperament tested, and potential adopters go through rigorous screening and must agree to a home visit. Once adopted, we rarely get problem calls because this in a eager-to please, quick-learning breed that excels in obedience training.

Because Pit Bulls are one of the most common breeds stolen, they should never be left unattended (unless safe inside) and should always be microchipped. People who live with Pit Bulls need to be extra-vigilant and provide their dogs with plenty of exercise. In return, they can enjoy the intelligence, grace, and superior guardianship this breed is lauded for by the American Kennel Club. In fact, most of our Pit Bull adopters swear their next dog has to be another Pit!

Pit Bulls are just like any other dog- they have good characteristics and bad characteristics. Some are therapy dogs, some don't like cats, some are chewers, some like to bark a lot, and some just want to cuddle up next to you and for some love. Our shelter does not discriminate based on breed, age or disability. We love having Pit Bulls as a part of our blend of over 140 animals. When people come to the shelter looking for a new canine companion, no matter what breed they adopt, they get a friend for life...
by Catherine Hedges