American Pit Bull Terrier

1784 Words4 Pages

The world seems to believe that the American Pit Bull Terrier is a vicious breed of dog, violent and ruthless by nature, and that they should be treated as such. However, what if this stereotype about the pit bull that modern society bases their opinions off of, is an improper representation of the breed? The pit bull faces much hatred and neglect in this day and age, but in their prime, the pit bull was considered to be the perfect dog. Although bred for physique and stature that was perfect in the dog-fighting world, the pit bull grew in popularity and became high demand as a man’s best friend. However, that reputation that once made the pit bull one of the most popular and iconic breeds of dog, seems to have been forgotten over the years, and replaced with the idea that they are ruthless attack dogs bred to kill. This stereotype and the specifics that go along with it have brought the name of the pit bull down to it’s knees, making the breed vulnerable to neglect, abuse, violence and many other awful acts that are deemed inhumane, but seem to go unnoticed and unreported because of the breed that is subject to these despicable acts. What if all the incidents and accidents and attacks you hear and read about in the news are only snippets of the true story? What if the breed is nothing like the monsters many believe they are?

(ii) The pit bull was bred from the bulldog, the breed of choice in England during the 1800’s. The bulldog was used as what is known as a “gripping dog,” meaning they were companions to hunters and butchers, rounding up cattle or keeping the livestock in check. In the early 1800’s, “bull-baiting” began in the British Isles. “Baiting” was a sport in which bulldogs were pitted against other large animals like...

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...thdogs.tv/2013/11/pit-bulls-are-just-about-the-nicest-dogs-there-are/>.

(xxix) Ricker, Nok Noi. "Changing Public Perception of Pit Bulls." BangorDailyNews.com. Bangor Daily News, 17 July 2010. Web. 19 Mar. 2014. .

(xxx) Rock, Robin. "Myths and Facts About Pit Bulls." Petfinder.com. Petfinder, n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014. .

(xxxi) "The Truth About Pit Bulls." ASPCA. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 2014. .

(xxxii) "Villalobos Rescue Center." Vrcpitbull.net. Villalobos Rescue Center, n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2014. .

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