The Truth about Pit Bulls

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 - 4:00pm
Happy Pit Bull

“Pit Bull.” There is no other breed of dog—or arguably, any other animal at all—whose mere mention can elicit such strong opinions. Try a word-associate game with your friends: Ask them what they think of when you say “Pit Bull.” Chances are that by the numbers, their responses will be more negative than positive. And it’s no wonder: No other type of dog is as widely banned from housing, legislated against, or incorrectly vilified by the media.

How did we get here?
Pit Bulls were once widely considered ideal family pets—affectionate, loyal and gentle with children. But in recent years, these dogs have suffered tremendously from a combination of overbreeding, bad publicity and irresponsible owners. In reality, the overwhelming majority of Pits and Pit mixes are sweet goofballs who have gotten a very bad rap.

Learn the truth.
National Pit Bull Awareness Day, on October 27, is a day of appreciation and education designed to change perceptions and stereotypes about Pit Bulls and their responsible owners. Please take a moment to learn the truth about these wonderful dogs and consider rescuing one of them from a shelter.

Are you a proud Pit Bull parent? Please participate in National Pit Bull Awareness Day, and help us dispel the myths about these dogs by leaving a comment below about your wonderful pooch.

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Comments

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:16 — Natalie Shannon (Visitor)
Hey you are the ture moron! How do you think Pittbulls got to be killers? The humans who take care of them made them out to be killers! Their owners starved them and neglected them so the pitt bulls would be mean and fight! Pitt bulls were forced to be fighters because of thier body type. This breed of dog has more muscluar flexibility than most dogs. Pitt bulls do not fight because of their natural temperment, they fight because they are starved to death until theye finish a fight. Pitt bulls can go for long periods of time without food before they die. This is because of their lean muscle mass. If you starve any type of dog, or any animal they will turn mean! You could starve and neglect and beat a toy poodle and this dog could turn into a mean killer! Human owners who breed pittbulls to fight are the true killers!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:22 — Adel Petterson (Visitor)
You are the moron. The media is the one to blame for the mess on stereotyping, or at least partially. They only report attacks by pit bulls and not by other dogs. Unfortunately the bigger the dog the worse the bite. I had treated a patient with horrible bites to the face and they were bitten by a lab. OF course I have done the same with pits, but also with golden retrievers and other large breeds as well. Pit bulls are not the ones that are vicious, people are. Pits are the ones that are victimized and treated the worst. They are the ones that are burned alive, mutilated, nailed to rail road tracts, hung to suffocate and skinned alive because of the beliefs that you have and others that feel the same. They are looked at as a piece of property, not life. You are not seeing those stories on the news because that is so very guesome. You need to open your eyes and see the big picture, see how your comments are so not generally tru for the breed. Research what you preech.

Sun, 10/21/2012 - 00:34 — Sue (Visitor)
Are you illiterate? You did not read the article. It says to blog about your pet Pitbull. The ASPCA is for animal lovers, not haters like you. The only moron here, is you!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 09:57 — Googenheim (Visitor)
THEY ARE KILLERS. NO STEREOTYPING REQUIRED. Get a life and wake up people. They are dangerous and this promotion by the ASPCA is irresponsible at best. I have two dogs. An English Springer and a Black Lab. REAL dogs that won't turn on you at a moment's notice.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:04 — CassDell (Visitor)
You never owned one -- obviously. Revert to name calling - "moron"? Really? Grow a pair and maybe then you'll be man enough to even deserve to own one.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 12:12 — Irene Antonik (Visitor)
You are wasting your time responding to this person. He is probably doing this to get a rise out of compasionate people who have a beautiful thing going on in their lives. He has nothing better to do with his life because he lacks the intelligence and imagination to do something better. He is jealous of what you have and is striking out from his miserable existence. Of course, there is the chance that he is seriously ignorant of the facts. However, he refuses to even get the whole picture before he shoots his mouth off. He is probably the type who could read 25 stories about poodles biting people and 1 about a pit bull and come to the conclusion that pit bulls need to be exterminated. He is probably a bigot about many things, a large spoiled baby, striking out at others who believe differantly than he. Silence is the best reponse to a fool.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:20 — Pitty lover (Visitor)
You must have not done your research. You want to talk about dogs turning on the owners...yes it might be true that Pitts have a higher bite rate but if you look at the info labs have a higher bite to kill ratio. Since it seems that you don't know what you are talking about let me explain this to you....Pitts bite when attacked or they are protecting the owner and then they release...labs bite to kill and this has been proven many. I have grown up with all three types of dogs and I have seen more aggression from the springer and black lab then the pit. I have been bit by the springer and all I get from my beautiful pit is kisses and hugs! Your close minded is what is wrong people!

Sat, 10/20/2012 - 16:26 — Nona Kennedy (Visitor)
I was in my own yard with my dogs. The pitbull next year charged over for no reason!!! His owner wasn't even outside so he wasn't protecting anything!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:22 — Sarah (Visitor)
Really? Look st facts,,,,,Labs are 60 times more likely to bite then Pitties......Pitties are the best dogs and in my personal life I have only ever heard of 1 biting and did minimal damage. I work in a shelter and the dachaunds and chihuahua's that bite are amazing how people look the other way because of their size. hell a beagle bit my sisters cheeck off when she was 4....does that make all beagles bad? NO people are horrible and treat animals horribly and because Pitties are used for dog fighting they get a bad rap....but dogs who are not trained this way are the sweetest most loyal and loving dogs in the world I hae had one for 13 years!!! and will be my favorite breed for the rest of my life!!! Please I am begging you to do some research and not stereo type. I am not saying go out and adpot on but visit a local shelter and just spend 20 minutes with one. I promise it will change your opinion. it's ok to be fearful about dogs but respect them I understand they are powerful animals and have the ability to hurt but they do not choose to. I own a gun and have the ability to shoot people too but I won't!!!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:23 — Erica (Visitor)
I am a proud owner of a pit and a labradoodle. Our labradoodle shows more agression than our pitbull! Growing up we had a black lab we had to have put down because of constant turning on my father.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:50 — David (Visitor)
Hey, you ever hear of "Springer madness"? It's a condition where springers can turn in an instant. That said, I've a Springer also and he's a loveable goof, my shadow. Point is,springers can,although rarely,turn. We've also just got a pit and I suspect,a catahuala mix who is a love and she gets on well with. my springer and cocker.People ask "Will your dog bite?" Well, sure,they've got teeth,right? They won't bite you if you don't cause it is the point.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:07 — Andrea (Visitor)
Are you familiar with the term "springer rage syndrome"? It's so widely known that the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association has a web page discussing it (http://www.essfta.org/english-springers/health-genetics-and-research-faq/springer-rage-syndrome/). "Ilana Riesner DVM, formally of Cornell’s behavior clinic, did most of the groundbreaking research on 'Springer rage.' Most of these springers actually showed a severe form of dominance aggression. A careful behavioral history revealed that the 'unprovoked' attacks typically occurred in social situations, even though the owners were unable to predict when an attack would occur. One of the unique features of springers with this form of dominance aggression is the lack of warning before the aggression. The 'glazed look' noted by owners is actually a very intense stare and dilated pupils.... Whereas most dominant dogs gradually escalate the level of threat in social situations, moving from a stare, to growl, to lip curl, to snap and finally to bite, springers seem to move from stare to full-blown attack, skipping the intermediate stages. These dogs lacked impulse control and over-reacted in situations they perceived as threatening." As someone with a breed that has been stigmatized, often unfairly, you should recognize that most springers are not dangerous. The same is true of pit bulls.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 13:02 — Patty (Visitor)
My pit mix has some springer spaniel in her- maybe she WILL turn vicious and violent for no reason after all. :'(

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:17 — Melissa (Visitor)
This page was not for you then. I have been attacked by a couple dogs before, and they were not pit bulls. Labs are not all innocent, but I love the good ones. I am not saying all pits are innocent, but I love the good ones. People are irresponsible with dogs no matter what breed. I lived with a weenie dog who turned on me and drew blood, needed stitches because of a irresponable owner. That is like saying ALL PEOPLE ARE KILLERS. NO STEROTYPING IS REQUIRED. People go crazy and turn on people, kill, hurt, and much more. You need to look at the whole picture and think before you speak, especially on a pit appreciation page.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:26 — Adel Petterson (Visitor)
I have a combined experience of 14 or 15 pitbulls between family and frineds over the last 12 years. NONE have "snapped" or turned on their owners any any other people ever. I am more scared of a chihuahua or your small dog than any pit out there.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:41 — Andrea Chisari (Visitor)
I feel sorry for your dogs. Since ignorance is obviously your strongest feature they must suffer for it. You will never know the truth because you are afraid to look for it. Too bad for you, but at least you can take comfort in the idea that "ignorance is bliss".

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 13:01 — Patty (Visitor)
to be killed by (KILLED, not HIT) lightning than to be bitten by a pit bull.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 13:05 — Megan (Visitor)
Actually, at least one of your dogs could in fact turn on you at any moment, it's called Springer Rage Syndrome. So, you may want to try a different argument.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 14:26 — Lisa (Visitor)
What do you say about the "real dog" LAB that bit my leg open and gave me 22 stiches! It is about the animal and how they are raised not the breed! You need to get a grip and face reality. We only hear about pits more in the media because they know that it will play to peoples fears and emotions. As the mother of two wonderful pitties, I will never have another breed live in my house. They are the most loving and affectionate dogs I have ever known. I, for one, thank the ASPCA for drawing attention this loving breed and allowing people to learn about them.

Thu, 11/29/2012 - 20:12 — Pit (Visitor)
You are by far one of the most ignorant types of people out there! Are you kidding me?!?! How closed minded can you possibly be?!?! When was the last time you gave a pit a chance? You did read the article right? You do realize that they use them to fight because their entire purpose for living (unlike 90% of other breeds) is to love and serve their owner. They are one of the only breeds that think their owner is it's actual parent. So these shitheads get them to fight because it wants to protect its owner. They over breed them and after they are done fighting them, if they aren't dead, they get rid of them. Now you tell me how you would look at a human being after the one you gave your everything to left you for dead?! And tell me the last time you heard either a lab or a retriever bit someone on the news? Never, they only play it when it's a pit. If you seriously opened your comment with " no stereotypes" in caps, you are by far one of the most ignorant, closed minded, disgusting, shitty people ever. I have personally rescued, and rehabilitated 8 of these loving dogs and have owned 4 and not a single one ever even snapped at anyone. I seriously hate people like you and it's people like you that drive people like me so hard to free these dogs of the unjust and prejutice views and comments by people like you that have probably never even tried to give one a chance.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 09:55 — Todd (Visitor)
Thank you. You have common sense. I totally agree!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:33 — Emily (Visitor)
Anyone who is unsure about pits or believes they are dangerous in general should read the story of the Michael Vick dogs. I have always loved all breeds but this solidified my perspective that there really is no bad breed. Michael Vick is an NFL star who served time in jail for his infamous dog fighting operation in VA. They had some of the best fighting dogs in the WORLD. After 3 years his operation was finally stopped by the police and animal control got all the dogs out. There were 49 dogs. Of the 49, 46 were evaluated and able to be fostered, adopted out or sent to long term shelters such as Best Friends Animal Shelter in Utah. Of the 3 remaining dogs, two died in the shelters due to medical problems from Michael Vick's ranch, and ONLY ONE DOG was deemed too aggressive to be adopted and had to be put to sleep. These are FIGHTING dogs, therefore this is critical information. All these dogs were kept in absolutely deplorable conditions and were STILL able to be rehabilitated. This says a huge amount about the worth of the breed and the LOW level of their natural aggression. Additionally, when the people were fighting the dogs at Michael Vick's ranch, they killed any dogs that were agressive toward humans. This was because the owners had to be able to pull the dogs back to rest during a fight and know that the dog would not turn on the human. Just another piece of evidence to show that pit bulls are NOT a threat to humans. Even the fighting dogs had human agression bred OUT of them. One more thing: Michael Vick himself is now a HUGE advocate for pit bulls. He made a documentary about his experience and his "confession" about everything he did and how unethical it was. If HE is advocating for the breed, surely it is a worthy breed. See these articles for more information on the Michael Vick dogs: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/magazine/12/22/vick.dogs/ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/31/michael-vick-dogs-pit-bulls_n_816246.html#s232910

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:42 — Sheryl A Ferguson (Visitor)
Good posting. It is heartwarming to know that Vick's dogs have been rehabilitated and rehomed, however, I still can't allow myself to forgive him. Yes, he served his time and is supposedly remorseful. But dog fighting is so cruel and inhumane and anyone who would do something like that is human garbage.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 12:56 — Emily (Visitor)
I absolutely agree about the cruelty of dog fighting, and I too struggle with forgiving those who engaged in the activity. I think the best we can do is try to raise awareness, and make sure that we raise our kids to be kind to all animals. In the articles I posted there are several accounts of things the owners did to the fighting dogs to train them and get them to win fights, and it is very difficult reading (things like forcing them to hang from bars with their teeth to strengthen their jaws, being tethered to moving treadmills, as well as being forced to fight with practice dogs who are muzzled or have all their teeth removed so they can't defend themselves). Reading the articles, watching the documentary and gaining other knowledge about pit bulls from veterinarians and animal behavior researchers has made me hopeful about even the dogs that were used for fighting. I have 3 dogs right now, but as soon as I have room for more I am going to adopt a pit that had been rescued from fighting. All the evidence shows that a good routine, exercise and proper training can help rehabilitate even dogs forced to fight. I will never lose hope!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:39 — Jamie (Visitor)
It really seems that people just don't have any common sense these days. You can make ANY breed mean and vicious in the way you treat, raise and train it. Years ago I was standing in my front yard with my miniature dachshund who was on a leash going pee and we were charged by an aggressive Chow several doors down that had gotten loose. This Chow was in full attack mode. I was screaming and my husband came out of the house with a golf club. Luckily he didn't actually have to hit the dog because the owners heard all the commotion and rushed down to get their dog but unbelievably they were upset that my husband was ready to strike their dog rather than letting their's kill our dog and tear my face off. Nice. But I guess that is the mentality that you have to expect from people that kept that dog chained to a tree. No wonder the dog was mean and aggressive. Anyway, that beautiful dachshund Lady has since passed away from old age. Presently we have another mini dachshund Gretel and a cocker spaniel Daisy. Daisy loves everyone young, old and in between! Gretel is little - 11 pounds but she is definitely the alpha. Gretel does not care for children and cannot be trusted around them. She has never hurt anyone but she will snap. We have had both our dogs since 8 weeks. We spoil them, treat them like human babies/children, they sleep in bed with us, etc. My point here is that my dogs have never known anything but the best love and care but yet I have one who for reasons totally unknown will snap at young children. And no, she has never been left in the care of someone with children. Dogs can have quirks like people. I've never heard general statements that dachshunds are dangerous dogs or even not good with children.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 09:56 — CassDell (Visitor)
YOU need to WAKE UP. Have you ever owned one? It depends on how they are raised. YOU people who think this way make me sick.

Sat, 10/20/2012 - 16:32 — Nona (Visitor)
I have never owned one,and never will. The two pits that tore that baby apart in Las Vegas, were sweet loving family pets. They were outside, and tore thru the screen door, grabbed the baby and the two of them tore the screaming baby to pieces while the grandmother screamed in horror. They were raised in a good home since they were puppies. What about this???

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 09:59 — Cynthia Buczkowske (Visitor)
Before you criticise, know one or own one. I bet you have done neither. Also, learn how to spell delusional.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:02 — Googenheim (Visitor)
Why the hell would I want to own one? I have two kids. Why would I want a wild animal in the house that could harm my kids? All of you who have Pit Bulls and children should have your kids taken away by DHS for child endangerment. And I sincerely mean that.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:06 — CassDell (Visitor)
So pathetic.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:18 — AnnQ (Visitor)
I actually feel sorry for you, and anyone else who haven't done any research on Pits' History.....no one was afraid of Pits when they were Petey on Little Rascals, the RCA Dog or the Buster Brown dog. Many decades ago people also thought English Bulldogs were universally vicious.....things have certainly changed, haven't they? Its primarily how they're portrayed in the Media, although most educated, open-minded people are already aware of this fact. You should be ashamed of yourself -- you're no different than a Racist or a Sexist.....you're a Brredist. Shame on you, and go back to Nazi Germany.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:25 — Stacey (Visitor)
I hope your children get cancer so they die before they can reproduce and spread your horrible genetics. Have a great day!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:36 — Googenheim (Visitor)
Perfect. That is the mentality that I would expect from a Pit Bull owner. Thanks for proving my point.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:00 — Stacey (Visitor)
Have fun with chemotherapy :)

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 14:48 — jill bryant (Visitor)
Inane response, yes, but, then again, so was your comment. That's okay - I assume you believe everything the mainstream media tells you........I wish your gullibility and assurance regardless of your basic ignorance was rare - . Unfortunately, it isn't.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:56 — Stephanie McLaughlin (Visitor)
I am not a pit bull fan myself. Right or wrong, they scare me and I just wouldn't want the risk of owning one. HOWEVER, I'd let one into my home before someone with such an evil heart that would wish cancer on anyone, let alone a child!!! I am a breast cancer survivor and my husband continually battles leukemia, I wouldn't wish cancer's h--- on my worst enemy, even you!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:01 — Mindy (Visitor)
Wow! How sick are you to wish for someone's innocent child to get cancer, simply because their parents love & support the cause of educating others about this wonderful breed if dog? You have obviously never been loved by a Pit Bull, or a child, to make such an ignorant statement! I have been loved by a Pit Bull & have also lost my very best friend of over 30 years to cancer. Her 2 year cancer journey was full of such pain & misery that I could never wish on my worst enemy, much less an innocent child. Shame on you!!!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:08 — Sheryl A Ferguson (Visitor)
That is a dreadful thing to say to someone. I hope you are not really that horrible of a person.

Sat, 10/20/2012 - 13:36 — sandy (Visitor)
This is a very mean statement and reflects your IQ. Hope you are proud of yourself.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:27 — Tess (Visitor)
I am sorry to see so many negative comments on here. I personally own a pit, named Cindy Lou, and she adores our 6 month old daughter. I understand that a lot of you feel nervous around these dogs, especially with your children. I would say that as a parent, you should exercise extreme caution around any animal until they are familiar with you and you with them. Not everyone needs a pit bull. They are very strong animals, and just like any other dog, have the ability to hurt people. However, I wish the negative campaign against them would stop. Stereotypes exist for a reason, but just like with all stereotypes, they don't apply to everyone/every dog.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:27 — Sarah (Visitor)
I have a 13 yr old pit and 2 kids they are best friends....ANY dog can and will bit. My sister was 4 when my uncles beagle bit her check off does that mean beagles should be owned....NO!!! you should but your bias aside and honestly spend 15 minutes at a local shelter w ith one....they are just huge love bugs!!!! I understand fear of dogs I am afriad of chihuahuas and dauschands becaus ethey are 90% more likely then pitties to bite but I respect their space and don't even attempt to visit with them unless I know them. Also LABS which are an all FAMILY dog is 60% more likely to bit then Pitties!!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE look at stats....and have your opion but don't take it out on the breed...it's the humans!!!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:50 — Brandi (Visitor)
There have been three instances of dog attacks on the news since I've lived in Orlando, FL. One of them was German Shephard, one was a Rottweiler mix, and the other was a lab/chow mix. My pit mix has been around babies, toddlers, elementary age children...and he reacts the same. He licks the heck out of them. I feel sad for you that you have been so misinformed.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:15 — Sheryl A Ferguson (Visitor)
ANY dog can bite. Chows and Akitas scare me more than most pit bulls - they can be a bit squirrelly. But I don't think you're going to change this reader's mind about Pit Bulls. It's too bad they won't open their mind up and get to know a few so they can realize that they're not monster dogs.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:53 — Andi (Visitor)
Lies! Why would you be reading this story if you didn't love the pibbles? Just trying to get attention. Other suggestions include dying your hair blue, wearing neon colors, or t-shirts that read "I am only wearing this t-shirt to get attention." Best idea I've had: stop replying this post. People are just like pibbles. When your baby jumps what do you do? IGNORE. (Wow, I guess I shouldn't have posted this. I just have a big mouth.)

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:03 — Patty woodward (Visitor)
Not to many years ago we purchased our first Rottweiler and everyone thought we were crazy for buying a killer. Before that the media hype was about killer German Shepherds and Chow Chows. All animals have the ability to hurt you but few really want too. We have rescued most of the animals we have owned and over the course of 40+ years there have been many. Stereotyping any breed of animal is as unacceptable as stereotyping a race of people. Ignorance is usually the reason people say things that they know nothing about. Most animals behavior is a reflection of their environment just like people. They all need love, correction and direction to make them thrive.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:18 — Sheryl A Ferguson (Visitor)
You're right - every few years, a different breed is outed as being vicious. A lot (if not most) of the time it's the way they are raised and socialized. Chain a dog in the back yard and he'll be angry and potentially mean. Make him part of the family, and you'll have a friend for life!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:04 — MischelleM (Visitor)
Sadly, it is ignorant people like you who are part of the problem. Education is the cure. Get some.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:05 — Patty woodward (Visitor)
Not to many years ago we purchased our first Rottweiler and everyone thought we were crazy for buying a killer. Before that the media hype was about killer German Shepherds and Chow Chows. All animals have the ability to hurt you but few really want too. We have rescued most of the animals we have owned and over the course of 40+ years there have been many. Stereotyping any breed of animal is as unacceptable as stereotyping a race of people. Ignorance is usually the reason people say things that they know nothing about. Most animals behavior is a reflection of their environment just like people. They all need love, correction and direction to make them thrive.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:22 — Natalie Shannon (Visitor)
You really truly need to do your research! back in the early 1900's Pitt Bulls were known as "the nanny dog!" People would specifically get the Pit Bull breed to guard their children! My grandparents used to have pit bulls and they were their best friend and protector when they were children. Pitt bulls and childeren get along great! The reason you hear about Pitt Bulls biting children is because of irresponsible owners! The owners starved and abused the dog. It is the dog owner and the parents fault that the child got bit!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:28 — Adel Petterson (Visitor)
WOW!!! I hope you go through life scared as a baby and perpetuate that fear to your kids. You are shamful to suggest that people should have their kids taken away because they own a pit. YOU are uneducated, period.

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