Imagine a creature with a bad reputation. A creature that strikes fear into the hearts of many, based solely on rumors and misconceptions. Now, picture that creature with a wagging tail, a playful spirit, and an unwavering loyalty. What comes to mind? For many of us, it’s a pit bull. These dogs have long been the subject of controversy, often labeled as dangerous and aggressive. But what if I told you that pit bulls are more misunderstood than they are dangerous?
Pit bulls are often unfairly labeled as aggressive and unpredictable. In reality, pit bulls are known for their loyalty, affection, and eagerness to please their owners. They are highly trainable, making them excellent candidates for therapy work, obedience competitions, and even as search and rescue dogs. Their intelligence and willingness to work alongside humans have led them to be employed in various roles, such as police and service dogs.
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Aggressive Beasts…
There was a time years ago that my husband and I fostered 3 pit bulls for a few months. Our friends were in the process of moving and had no where for their dogs to stay during the transition. They asked if we could care for the pups until they were settled and we agreed. (Side note – at the time, we already had 2 dogs of our own.)
Having never met these dogs before and only ever hearing negative stories about pit bulls in general, I must admit I was a bit cautious about the situation. It is true, pit bulls can appear to be a bit intimidating. It depends on how you look at it, I suppose. If you view those jaws and that muscular build as weapons, then sure, fear will creep in. I prefer to see those traits as characteristics of a beautiful animal. Behavior is what really matters.
In any event, those 3 pit bulls we fostered years ago, were 3 of the sweetest dogs we have ever come across. Large, yes. Strong, yes. Could they destroy us or our dogs if they chose? Sure. As it turned out, they were intelligent, sweet, playful, and well trained. Not at all the aggressive beasts one hears so much negativity about.
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The History Of Pit Bulls…
The history and origins of pit bulls provide valuable insights into understanding their true nature. By exploring the roots of this breed, we can gain a deeper appreciation for why pit bulls are often misunderstood. Additionally, understanding their origins allows us to debunk any misconceptions that may have been perpetuated over time.
Pit bulls have a history that dates back to the early 19th century in the United Kingdom. Originally bred for bull-baiting, a brutal sport that involved dogs attacking and confronting bulls, pit bulls were later used for ratting (rat-baiting) and as general farm dogs. These early pit bulls were prized for their strength, agility, and tenacity. Their ability to control their adversary was regarded as a sign of excellence.
The breed eventually made its way to the United States, where it found a new purpose. Pit bulls were used as catch dogs for livestock and were relied upon to help control and manage large herds. However, it was during this time that pit bulls also became associated with dog fighting. This organized and brutal form of entertainment brought about a dark chapter in the breed’s history, perpetuating negative stereotypes that persist to this day.
The Shift…
Over time, as dog fighting became increasingly illegal and socially unacceptable, the role of pit bulls shifted. They began to be recognized for their versatility and adaptability in various settings. These traits make them not only highly trainable, but also reliable companions. From working alongside police officers to providing emotional support as therapy dogs, pit bulls have shown their remarkable capability to excel in many different roles.
Despite being connected to dog fighting, the behavior and temperament of pit bulls are not inherently aggressive. In fact, according to the American Temperament Test Society, pit bulls consistently achieve a higher average temperament score than many popular breeds, such as Golden Retrievers and Beagles. These findings challenge the common misconception that pit bulls are naturally dangerous or predisposed to violence.
“…A pit bull is no more likely to unpredictably attack than any other breed.” – Cesar Millan (Dog Whisperer)
Media & Misconceptions…
Unfortunately, the media often perpetuates the negative image of pit bulls through inaccurate reporting (see my article on The Mainstream Media News – A Toxic Source Of Propaganda?). Instances of pit bull attacks, while tragic and newsworthy, represent a minuscule fraction of the millions of pit bulls that live peacefully as family pets. By focusing solely on these sensationalized stories, the media perpetuates the misconception that pit bulls are dangerous, and reinforces the existing stigmatization. By focusing only on isolated incidents and highlighting cases where pit bulls were involved in attacks, the media has created a distorted perception of the entire breed.
The visual representation of pit bulls in media also plays a role in shaping public perception. Images of aggressive-looking pit bulls with muscular bodies and wide jaws are often chosen to accompany stories about dog attacks or violence. These images evoke fear and reinforce stereotypes, further solidifying the belief that pit bulls are dangerous. However, what many fail to realize is that these physical characteristics are not unique to pit bulls and can be found in other breeds as well.
A Dog’s Temperament…
The truth is, a dog’s temperament is shaped by a variety of factors, including genetics, early socialization, training, and individual experiences. While some pit bulls may have been selectively bred for aggression in the past, responsible breeding practices and proper care can greatly influence a dog’s behavior. It is crucial to judge each dog on an individual basis, rather than painting an entire breed with a broad stroke.
A dog’s behavior overall, is largely influenced by it’s environment. Like any other breed, pit bulls can be well-behaved and socialized when they are raised in loving and responsible homes. On the other hand, neglect, abuse, and poor training can lead to behavioral issues in any dog, regardless of its breed.
“We don’t have a problem with the breed — we have a problem with education.” – Cesar Milan (Dog Whisperer)
Fun Fact: Did you know pit bulls are actually the most popular breed in the U.S.? Their popularity even continues to rise.
Which brings me to my own mischievous beast of joy…Arya. We adopted Arya at the end of 2020 when she was just 2 years old. She was one of many pit bull breeds up for adoption in our area. We didn’t plan to adopt a pit bull, specifically. We were thinking more along the lines of a foxhound bread, like our lovely Rue who had just recently made her journey across the Rainbow Bridge.
It turns out, the universe had other ideas and presented us with a pit bull instead. Not only was Arya pretty well trained when we got her, but she was super friendly and adapted instantly.
Three years later and I couldn’t be happier with our adoption choice. Not only is our pup immensely loyal, but she is playful, smart, and greets everyone as if they are a friend (Except the squirrels). Not at all aggressive like her breed is typically assumed to be.
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Final thoughts…
While there are plenty of owner testaments to pit bulls being loving, loyal, and compassionate companions, there are still many folks that will never trust the breed. We can only try to change the narrative surrounding pit bulls, by focusing more on the positive stories and facts. One such fact is that there are currently over 18 million pit bull mixes living in the United States, many of which are used as service dogs or for guard dog duties. So, while they may have a negative history, there is more than enough proof that this particular breed of dog can be very beneficial to society, with the proper training. As for me, I will continue assuming pit bulls are just as friendly as any other breed, until proven otherwise.
Interesting read about pit bulls. I always thought they all were vicious dogs but you help me to gain a better understanding.
Not all vicious. I don’t think they are any more vicious than any other breed can be in general. There will always be the good and bad in any particular group. I just haven’t come across a situation to make me regard pit bulls any more aggressive than other breeds.
Even though your blog tries to persuade us to view pit bulls in a positive light, I still think that they are not pets. This may come from a place of fear, but I just think it is their natural instinct to be “dangerous” despite there being 18 million pit bull breeds in the US.
I understand and many feel the same way you do. I am naturally really in tune with dogs in general. I haven’t had more than one or two occasions where I considered any dog a threat, regardless of breed. Maybe I’ve just been lucky. I hope I am never given reason to doubt my opinion.
I have always known pit bulls to be aggressive and dangerous although you have shared valuable insights on why they shouldn’t be seen as such. Thanks for sharing this information.
I’m glad you enjoyed…thanks for reading!