Pit Bulls

There are common misconceptions about pit bulls all over the world. Although everywhere they are given a bad rep, there are others who work hard to defend these misinterpreted dogs. For my first source, Manchester Animal Shelter talks on the common Misconceptions of Pit Bulls. There are 6 misconceptions in the article ranging from Pit

Bulls have a locking jaw, all Pitbulls with cropped ears were made for fighting, or it is in a Pit Bull’s blood to fight. They attempt to show that there are misconceptions that are straight up myths, such as them having a locking jaw, which is wrong because they had the least amount of pressure compared to a German Shepard or a Rottweiler. Also, it is not true that because a pitbull grew up as a fighting dog that they will have a temperament issue, they are given a temperament test and if they pass they can go home to a family. But whether or not they were raised to be fighting pit bulls does not determine their temper, only a temperament test can.

According to the Villalobos Rescue Center the history of the American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Pit mixes can be directly correlated to some of their behavior today. They talk about the basic breed overview and touch on the fact that Pit Bull is not a breed. They also want to touch on the fact that knowing a pit bulls characteristics, temperament and knowing how to train them will make you a good dog owner. I think that this article touched on some interesting and very important details such that there is a long line of bad people breeding these sweet dogs to fight one another and have a bad reputation, but with smart, careful and loving owners they can give a dog a great life.

The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area reiterates what the last two sources have said on pit bulls. The organization gives more insight on misconceptions made about them and how they just need to be understood to be treated correctly. I think an important note this article spoke on was the misconception pit bulls aren’t good with children, when in fact they are fairly good with them.

As a proud pitbull owner, I can agree on many of these points, pit bulls are a great dog to have at home. With patience, care and training as well as understanding, Pits can be the best dog and friend a dog owner can have. I think it is crucial to educate ourselves on the things we do not understand and let our opinions and fears not speak for clear facts. Pit Bulls are loving dogs and just deserve the chance to live as much as any other dog. The actions of terrible people cannot be blamed on this dogs.

 

The Manchester Animal Shelter Organization:

http://www.manchesteranimalshelter.org/pit-bulls/myths-misconceptions-pit-bulls/

The Villalobos Rescue Center:

http://www.vrcpitbull.com/pit-bull-facts/

The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area:

http://www.humanesocietyhbg.org/Media/pdfs/Pit_Bull_Myths.pdf