Today's animal shelters are filled with dogs who are assumed to be pit bulls or pit bull mixes. It's rare that the shelter staff actually knows the breed of the dog but pit bulls have an undeniable look-a stocky and muscular body, short hair and a blocky head. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the pit bull name "has been applied historically to several breeds of dogs—including the bull terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier". One might assume that because pit bull mixes are the most common dogs in the shelter, that it must be because they are the worst dogs. But I am here to tell you that is false. In reality, its just because they are the MOST COMMON dogs! Studies done by Embark have shown that American Pit Bull Terrier is the #1 most common breed found in dog DNA tests. Additionally, the pit bull population is typically higher in more low income, urban areas, where pet owners' lives may be more in flux and make them more likely to need to give up their pet.
I personally adore most pit bulls and am a huge advocate for them. Per their Embark DNA tests, I have one "pure bred" pit bull named Roland and a pit bull mix named Lila whom I love with all of my heart. I have also spent time with thousands of loveable, social, dog friendly pit bulls during my career in animal welfare. These pups have received such a bad reputation, so I wanted to tell you the truth about pit bulls and hopefully change a few hearts and minds.
Recently, the Reader's Digest did an excellent job dispelling myths about pit bulls in the article 12 Pit Bull “Facts” That Are Totally Wrong. To summarize it, pit bulls are not dangerous dogs and they are no more likely to bite or not get along with another dog than any other breed. In fact, it's quite the opposite! Pit bulls actually rated 4th as having the best temperament among dog breeds by the American Temperament Test Society.
Even though there is lots of data to disprove pit bull myths, I thoroughly believe every dog should be treated and evaluated as a unique individual. Just as we should not judge a person by their ethnicity, background or income, we should not judge a dog based on it's breed or breed mix. I have met pit bulls who are outgoing, pit bulls who are shy, pit bulls who are threatened by other dogs and pit bulls who love dogs. Some are comfortable with children, some are not. It all comes down to the individual dog- the socialization that they have had as a puppy and an adult, their life experiences and training and their own unique DNA. Our shelter, Gateway Pet Guardians, sends every dog to foster care so that we can learn about their unique personality and we have a matchmaker program to match you with the very best dog for your family and lifestyle. Got kids? We have plenty who live with children. Couch potato? Many pit bulls love to snooze and snuggle! Do you like to go running and hiking? We have plenty who have lots of energy and love to go on adventures.
Roland, my previously mentioned pup, had a DNA test that came back as being 100% American Pit Bull Terrier. He is truly one of the most wonderful dogs I have ever met and I can't say enough good things about him. Roland is smart, snuggly, playful, silly, easily trained and he loves just about every person and animal he meets. He is excellent with other dogs and goes to dog parks and doggy daycare weekly, where he plays with many other pit bull dogs. In addition to Roland and Lila, I also have a small dog, Bernie, who is mixed with several small dog breeds and a cat named Bella. Roland and Lila (the two pit bulls) are so good with Bella the cat and they always give her space and treat her with respect. Bernie, on the other hand, is always chasing her and messing with her. Bernie is also my only dog who has ever attempted to bite me. While Bernie would likely be welcome anywhere that allows dogs, Roland and Lila are banned by most insurance companies, most rental housing, many cities and many pet related businesses just because of their breed and regardless that they would never hurt anyone.
Overall, the truth about pit bulls can be summarized in three words- they are dogs! Dogs like to eat, to play, to nap and to form bonds. Dogs who deserve love, a home and a chance to prove all of the people who discriminate against them wrong. If you are looking for a dog to call your own, I encourage you to open your heart and home to a pit bull. If you aren't ready to own a dog, visit your local shelter and sign up to volunteer. I promise just being in their presence will make you re-think all of the negative pit bull stereotypes you've heard. If we as humans expect to be given a chance not be judged based on our appearance or stereotypes, surely we can extend that to man's best friend, the dog. Just try to spend a few hours with a pit bull and try not fall in love, I double dog dare you ;)