In this time of age people are so quick to judge someone or something just because what they have witnessed is different than what they’re used to. This is the case with the dog breed Pit bulls. Numerous people think this breed is dangerous and frightening. But what people don’t understand is that Pitbulls are some of the most sweet and gentle dogs a person could ever have. Because people judge Pitbulls based on what they have heard or seen, they do not understand the kind of dog Pit bulls truly are.
The current problems Pit bulls are facing not only in today’s society but for a very long time is many people believe that Pit bulls are dangerous animals who should no longer be around people and especially children. When a Pit bull is put
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into a shelter they are seen as unadoptable and they need to be put down because they are unable to find a loving home for them (Knapp). There has been numerous times when a Pit bull has been misjudged because of its breed. For instance a women in Florida was attacked by her own Pit bull which she raised since he was a puppy, the women tried to break up a fight a fight between the Pit bull and one of her other dogs (Inside Edition Staff). The Pit bull then attacked his own owner, the person who gave him love and raised him. In this type of situation the owner should have stayed out of the fight, I understand she did not want her other dog to get hurt but Pit bulls are very independent and strong willed dogs. This attack could have been prevented along with many of the other Pit bull attacks that have happened. To begin, the history of Pit Bulls can be traced back all the way back to the early 1800’s in the United Kingdom, Pit bulls were originally bred from Old English Bulldogs (The History of Pit Bulls).
The people of the United Kingdom used to do something called ratting, in this activity they would see whos dog could kill more rats the fastest. The word “Pit” in Pit bulls came from the ratting activity because the rats were placed into pins which so they could not escape from the dogs (The History of Pit Bulls). When Pit Bulls first came to be these dogs were used for fighting and things that involved violence because of how tough and vicious these dogs were. As time went on Pit bulls became to be one of the most popular and talked about dogs in America. The Pit Bulls were known as “brave, hard working, friendly, and worthy of respect.” Pit Bulls became known as the “All American Dog”, during WWI and WWII Pit bulls were used as the nations mascot (The History of Pit Bulls). The dogs portrayed themselves as brave and loyal so that’s exactly what they wanted to be advertised during the time of war. A Pit bull named Sergeant Stubby even served in in combat for 18 months, he was front line in 17 battles and 4 different campaigns. Stubby was one of the first Pit bulls to show how brave and amazing these dogs truly are. Pit Bulls soon became known as America’s sweethearts, they began to use them for things such as tv commercials, products, popular tv shows, and company logos. One of the most famous is known as Petey, he was featured in the movie The Little
Rascals. Secondly, throughout the United States there has been numerous reports of attacks and deaths caused by Pit Bulls. Some data done by the 2017 Dog Attack Data shows that in 2017 Pit bulls have killed 39 people in the United States and 1 person in Canada. In previous years that this research was done it shows that Pit Bulls have killed more in 2017 then they have in 2016 and 2015. Pit Bulls can attack for numerous reasons, people believe that Pit Bulls attack because they are dangerous dogs and because they are vicious. But what people don’t know is that Pit Bulls will not attack for no reason. They are a very territorial and protective breed, also if they feel as if they are being threatened then they will attack. The same way a human would react if they felt as if they were being threatened. Many of the attacks that have happened over the years were able to be prevented, not only that but numerous Pit Bulls have also been killed because of these attacks. This breed is also known to be very vicious and dangerous because these dogs were brought up to fight, Pit Bulls most of the time are used for activities that involve violence such as dog fights and hog hunting. But that isn’t always the case, a dog behaves the way it is brought up, the same way a child would. If the owner is showing the dog to be aggressive and not showing the dog much affection then the dog will of course be very frightening to be around and is more likely to attack. But if an owner raises the breed up with nothing but love and affection like any normal dog then the dog will be so gentle and sweet. With that being said, there are many positive things about Pit Bulls that many people overlook because they are too busy focusing on the negative. Numerous children and adults have a Pit bull as their service or therapy dog. A man named Matthew Smith has been in a wheelchair for 20 years because of a horrible motorcycle accident, his life had changed drastically. But he received a service dog named Jericho. Jericho is a Pit Bull and he helps Matthew with his anxiety around people and in public areas. Jericho was trained at a facility in Dutchess County, New York. This facility not only trained Jericho but they also train other Pit Bulls to be service and therapy dogs as well, this organization's wants Pit Bulls to be treated equally because they are the same as any other kind of dog. By training these Pit Bulls to become service dogs they are showing people how amazing, loyal, and gentle these dogs really are. Another positive thing people need to know about Pit Bulls is that they are very protective over what is theirs, especially their loved ones. Two Pit Bulls saved children who were going to get bitten by a venomous snake in Florida while they were playing in their backyard. The children did not notice the snake but the two dogs did and they did not let the snake get away, they both got bitten by the snake but one of the dogs then killed it. These two Pit Bulls protected those children from something they knew was going to hurt them. It’s obvious the Pit Bulls were protecting something they loved. The fact that this breed is very protective explains why many of the attacks happen and people don’t understand that. Pit Bulls aren’t the only breed who have attacked and killed people. Not only that but any dog would protect what they love especially if they feel threatened or they’re afraid, not just a Pit Bull. I believe that Pit Bulls are amazing and lovable animals who are misunderstood because of all the negative things that society hears about them. People don’t really know the story behind any of the attacks that have been caused by a Pit Bull nor do they know the kind of dogs Pit Bulls truly are. These animals are great with children, even babies. There has been some stories on Pit Bulls being so gentle and careful around newborn babies. Pit Bulls are not dangerous, they only become a danger if they need to or if they are forced to. These dogs know what it’s like to be apart of a family, the same way every other dog does. Not only that but this breed is probably one of the most loyal and lovable breeds you could ever possibly own. Judging a dog by what you’ve heard or what they look like is the same thing as judging a person by their skin color or what religion they are. I fully understand that people and dogs are two completely different things but dogs have feelings too, dog's hurt the same way we do. Imagine how a Pit Bull feels every time it walks down the street and a parent pulls their child away from it. Or when a Pit Bull is put into a shelter and they watch people walk past their cage every single day and they don’t even get acknowledge because of the kind of dog they are. No animal deserves to be neglected because of their breed, if people were able to sit down and actually take the time to learn about these dogs or even look past the attacks and think of why they might have happened, things would be different and this breed would get the credit and equality it deserves. In conclusion, Pit Bulls are a great breed who are misjudged because of the things people have heard and maybe seen. But if people were able to look past the negative and not judge these beautiful dogs, they would be able to understand and see what I and every other Pit Bull lover sees. These dogs are some of the most loyal, gentel, lovable, and loyal breed that I know of. Some of these attacks are accidental and no one seems to look at that. A dog shouldn’t be judged for their breed, the same way a human shouldn't be judged for who they are.
Media over exposes anything that has a negative effect on the pit bull breeds. It is their goal to adversely affect said breeds. These atrocious opinions of reporters distort the views of the public, making them think that one breed is a monstrous threat to society and needs to be banned. Breed specific legislation is unlawful and should be prohibited.
The misrepresentation of Pit Bull breeds in the media has been reflected in American culture. As these dogs were incorporated into World War I propaganda, they were perceived as symbols of courage and strength, the archetype of American dog breeds5. When, in the 1920s and 1930s, American Staffordshire Terrier “Pete the Pup” starred in the comedy Our Gang, later known as The Little Rascals, Pit Bulls were considered “nanny dogs” and family-friendly pets7. When the media focused heavily on illegal dog fighting rings and gang culture in the 1970s and 1980s, Pit Bulls were called demonic and unpredictable. Through their many roles, they have shown versatility and resilience, and lately they have suffered greatly.
Many people associate a negative connotation with the dog breed “pit bull.” These dogs are thought to be dangerous and problematic. However, much of this can be attributed to the mass amounts of negative media attention that pit bull breeds receive as opposed to other breeds of dogs that can be just as dangerous. For example, The National Canine Research Council did a four-day study on dog-bite repo...
Don't judge a book by its cover. Over the years, Pit bulls have gotten a bad reputation. It is true that there have been a lot of injuries , but have there been just as many injuries from other breeds of dogs. I think that if you raised them in a loving environment, trained properly, and if the media stopped over reporting injuries, this breed of dog would be more accepted by the public. Proving that Pit bulls get the short end of the stick and could make great pets.
If all other breeds are not judged for attacking people, then why are all pit bulls being unfairly judged? Pitbulls are being banned in different counties because they are being wrongly accused of being dangerous. Pit Bulls should not be banned because they can be helpful, the media has given them a bad reputation, and they are only mean if trained that way.
Pit bulls are believed to have originated in the late 1700’s, when the terriers, typically small dogs bred to catch vermin, were crossbred with bulldogs, a stockier dog whose duty was to catch stray cattle. This produced a dog with a high prey drive with a medium-sized, stocky build and powerful jaws. Contrary to popular belief, the dogs were originally used in the sport of bull-baiting, where dogs would attack the cattle - not other dogs. Since the sport was executed in a pit, the dogs were dubbed ‘pit bulls’ and that name has stuck since. When the sport was banned in 1835, the people who relied on these dogs for an income turned the dogs against each other.
Are all pit bulls subjected to the life of gangs or forced into a fighting ring? No, but it is the dogs that are and have become violent because of their mistreatment that get in the media which leads to the public fearing all pit bulls. There are often cases of apartment buildings, rental homes or even whole towns banning the breeds without question. A case that is reaching media today is in Moreauville Louisiana, the town passed a ban that originally stated that everyone who owned a Pitt bull (or Rottweiler) had to get rid of their animals before the first of December or the “vicious” animals will be confiscated for "further disposition” and the owners will be forced to pay a fine. One of the dogs who is in danger from this ban is Zeus, a pitt bull who acts as a therapy dog for his owner O’Hera Owens who has severe neck problems that leave her in a brace and wheel chair. (Greenquist) Zeus is a loving member of his family who is being discriminated against just for his breed. Is it fair for a family to lose someone they love just because of how other dogs have acted? Or how the monster’s at the ends of their leashes forced them to act? Zeus is a prime example of two things, one that bans are doing more harm than good and that with the right upbringing pitt bulls can be sweet and loving animals once given the chance. However not all pitts even get that chance to have a loving home like Zeus – shelters across the country are full of Pit bull terriers who need homes but rarely get them because of their
...e of their loyalty to their owners and how they did well with their job (Foster 54). During the World War I, pit bulls were asked to warn soldiers of gas attacks, found wounded men and even listened and warned soldiers of artillery rounds. Even in movies and advertisements, pit bulls were also famous in the campaigns of Levis, Buster Brown Shoes and even Wells Fargo. And even during the World War II. President Theodore Roosevelt kept a pit bull. During the World Trade Center incident of 9/11, pit bulls were asked to look for survivors.
...ports Illustrated cover photo of a pit bull (Pit Bull Rescue Central, "Breed Information”). Dog fighting made a comeback during the 1980s and the pit bull became the favorite macho dog for dog fighters. The dogs were trained to kill or be killed. Pit bulls were also the preferred guard dog for gangs, thugs and criminals. Since the supporters and detractors of pit bulls hold such disparate opinions regarding the ferocity of the breeds, it is only hoped that further discussion and education will help resolve the sad fate that awaits these unfortunate animals. Simply placing all the blame on the breeds will not solve the problems of dog fighting, overbreeding, aggressive training, and excessive euthanizations. Lastly, the biased, sensationalistic publicity of horrific dog attacks which has destroyed the reputation of the once beloved All American Dog must cease.
There are a lot of facts and information about pit bulls that the public does not know. The media blows things way out of proportion with this breed of dog and doing simple research can shed some light. “There are three main types of ‘pit bulls,’ they are the Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, and American Staffordshire Terriers” (Pit Bull Rescue Center). The Staffordshire bull terrier is originally from England. When it was brought over to the states it was bred with other terriers and the American Staffordshire came to be. Often times people classify dogs that look a certain way as pit bulls, when in fact they are an entirely different breed or a mix of some sort.
Pit Bulls are without a doubt my favorite dog, I adore them. Pit Bulls are very well tempered, loyal, and resilient animals. Bred for big game hunting, Pit Bulls are strong, fierce animals and people who have the wrong intentions for ownership should never own them. I am a strong believer that a potential pet owner should do lots of research before getting any type of animal, without exception. Owners should do as much research before getting a dog as they do in planning for a new home or any other new family member. One of the main things to really think about and understand is your intentions for your selection of an animal with the breeding of the Pit Bull. If you choose a dog with the wrong intentions, specifically a Pit Bull, you will get a dog that behaves aggressively and is dangerous. This owner behavior is what has caused the current plight of the Pit Bull today, where laws have been passed in thirteen states and hundreds of municipalities, as well as every U. S. Military base, banning the ownership of the breed and forcing shelters to euphonize Pit Bulls within 24 hours. These laws are unjust and cruel, and victimize the breed based on the owners’ behavior. I also argue that the blame for the epidemic proportions that the laws have reached is 100% the fault of owners who purposely acquired the Pit Bull with the intention to abuse and fight the dogs, and that these owners are the ones who should be punished, not the dogs. (Davis)
Even though pit bulls are the majority of dog attacks anybody hears about, they are loyal and caring dogs. All they want is the love and approval of their owners. They will do anything that they are told to do. Their strength, stamina, and speed fuel the passion they have for their owners. Pit bulls are not vicious by nature; they are good guard dogs fueled by the love for their family; and, they are definitely loyal friends. They have a lower temperament than many other well-known breeds; therefore, they are not vicious by nature at all. They are very strong guard dogs. Pit bulls are known to be a scary breed, so people stay away from them. They have an amazing amount of speed and stamina that they can use to chase predators away, too. Pit bulls are the best friends anyone could ask for. They are loyal and loving creatures that just want to please their family. They are good dogs to train to be around children. If the children are a part of the dog’s family, then the dog will protect the child at all costs. Pit bulls are a good breed to have as a family
If you were judged solely because of your race, how would you feel? The answer, most likely, is a negative one. Pit bulls, a breed of domestic dog, are victims of harsh stereotyping and unfair judgement. Many people believe the dog is naturally aggressive, but that is far from the truth. The breed does not matter, the size does not matter, and the age does not matter. The key factor on how a dog behaves, is, believe it or not, the person who raises it. Pit bulls are not a dangerous breed of dog.
It is the bad owners that give the pit bull a bad name. Contrary to that popular belief, dangerous animal behavior is the function of inherently dangerous dog owners, not inherently dangerous dogs. One fact that supports this is that pit bulls are the dogs most often shot during drug raids(TELLINGS v. Toledo). Besides the pit bulls that are owned by drug dealers for status symbols and protection, many pit bulls are owned by people that breed them for fighting. These poor dogs have a very slim chance of living a normal and happy life. This is not the fault of the dog, but the fault of the owners that should not have the dog, or should care for them better. The dogs that are forced to fight and are conditioned to defend themselves or die. When these dogs get loose, everything is a threat to them and they defend themselves in the name of survival. If golden retrievers were bred and raised with the sole purpose of fighting to the death, they would be just as dangerous as pit bulls. On the contrary, if all pit bulls were bred and treated as family dogs, they would have the same reputation as golden retrievers, if not better as the statistics found in the temperament test above
Based on my extensive experience, I believe that the risk posed by pit bulls is equivalent to placing a loaded gun with the safety off on the coffee table. In my opinion, these dogs should be banned. I know this is an unpopular stand in some circles, but how many mauled children do we have to see before we realize the folly of allowing these dogs to exist?