I have begun exploring the idea of getting another dog. Wait, don't get too excited, I am beginning to explore the idea, that's all. I have narrowed my list to a few breeds that I am considering, or breed mixes of course. Springer Spaniels, Greyhounds, Wire-Hair Pointing Griffons (of course!) and Pit Bulls. Yes, pit bulls. I recently told that to my Dad and his girlfriend and she looked scared while he responded "No, not a pit bull." Yes, a pit bull. Why? Because they have been treated unfairly by their owners, the press, legislation and numerous other entities. Because as an advocate of the breed I feel it is my obligation to show people how great these dogs can be. So, let me take this opportunity to dispel some myths, recant some of my experiences and most importantly tell the truth.
Question #1: Are Pitbulls safe dogs? Don't they attack at will with no forewarning.
This one is easy to answer!! There ARE safe Pitbulls that would never attack a human, and Pitbulls were actually bred to be one of the safest dogs with humans, being incredibly loyal and loving to all humans. (For some great facts on this, check out animalfarmfoundation.org) Now, I am not going to preach to you that all Pitbulls are safe. They aren't. However, are all dogs safe? NO. I have been scared of many dogs, and many of them were not pits. In my line of work we see a lot of Pitbulls, and we adopt a lot of Pitbulls out. I make sure that every Pitbull we put on our adoption floor is going to be a safe member of the community. There aren't any guarantees about the temperament of any dog, but our pits are held at higher standards than most of the other dogs up for adoption. Not only do they have to be good with people, they also have to be at least tolerant of other dogs. Do I have to make some very tough decisions about the pits that come through our doors? Yes. Do I stand behind each dog on our adoption floor and feel it deserves a chance at a loving home? Absolutely.
Question #2: If I am claiming that the breed is safe why are there so many stories about Pitbulls attacking people?
A very legitimate question. With a GREAT answer. Research has been done on this very question which shows that the media loves incidents involving Pitbulls much more than incidents involving any other breed. Essentially, if God forbid, your neighbor's Poodle bites a child in the face, the local newspaper may pick up the story, but you better believe all the national and international news sources have better things to report. However, make that Poodle a Pitbull and all media sources will pick up the story. Why? Well, because people already fear the breed, and this story will sell. As for the Poodle, people will think it is a freak thing, and no one will care a few hours later. Sensationalism sells. And a Pitbull is going to create far more sensationalism than a Poodle. The study done on this picked one day in history, June 6th, 2006, a day in which there were 4 reported dog bites. All the bites were of about the same severity, and all were done by different breeds. One, of the bites however, was by a German Shepherd, and not only did this dog bite a human, it also killed a dog. The other three bites were by a Lab, a Golden Retriever and a Pit Bull. Only one of these bites made national news, and it wasn't the Shepherd that killed a dog. It was the Pit Bull that bit a child in the leg. Media bias? Absolutely!! All the dogs were equally to blame, but the Pit was portrayed once again, as the monster. This happens time and time again, the media only picking up the Pitbull stories. I am not going to say that Pitbulls don't bite people. They do, but all dogs bite people, no matter what the breed.
Question #3: So, if I love the breed so much why don't I have one??
This is a good question! Here's my multi answer reply: 1) I haven't been in the market for a dog until recently. 2) The dog I do adopt, regardless of the breed, has to fit into my family, and I am very picky when it comes to adding to my four legged family. 3) I have only recently begun talking about adopting a pitbull. The last two pitbulls that Stella has met she has hated. They were very sweet dogs, but Stella did not like them, and she even aggressed to them. So, my question is this: Has Stella realized that all the attention won't be on her if there is a new dog in the home? Or, has she, like so many humans I know, begun to dislike the breed merely because of the myths they've heard? Either way, she's going to have to stop the breed bias, and hopefully, after I read her this post she'll see the error in her ways. I'll keep you posted!
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