American Pit Bull Terrier: American Icon or Demon Dog
American Pit Bull Terrier:
American Icon or Demon Dog?
Sunday McLean I-Search Essay Eileen Goldman ENC-1101
What I know
Pit Bull is simply the name of a dog. As monikers go, it’s an ominous one. It means many things to many people with one more or less commonly understood connotation: risk. I have had my Pit Bull since he was a puppy, going on nine years now. Until two years ago, I would have strongly disputed the general consensus that these highly controversial dogs are actually dangerous. If asked now, I would say I am not certain what I believe. I do think that “each dog is an individual,” ( personal correspondence, 1-23-2013) that has his or her own disposition and personality, but as I wade through this veritable ocean of research, I still have to wonder, are Pit Bulls genetically predisposed to be dangerous?
What I want to know
Are Pit Bulls dangerous to their owners? Are Pit Bulls more dog-aggressive than other breeds? Is it safe to have Pit Bulls in close proximity to small children? What is the genetic construction of a Pit Bull? Can fighting dogs be rehabilitated? What is the history of Pit Bulls? Do Pit Bulls actually have a “locking” jaw mechanism?
What makes Pit Bulls so potentially dangerous? Is breed-specific legislation justifiable, right or fair? Why do Pit Bulls often comprise the majority of animals in shelters? Can bad behavior in Pit Bulls be wholly attributed to the environment in which they are raised?
Can/do Pit bulls make good pets? Should Pit Bulls continue to be bred?
My Search Process
I suppose my search process began in November of 2004 when I walked past the litter of sickly Pit Bull pups in San Diego, California. Prior to adopting the one destined to be my dog, Robin, I began research on the breed. I had, at the time, a six year-old boy. There had been so much bad press involving Pit Bulls, and I didn’t want a potentially dangerous dog anywhere near my child. California was,
American Icon or Demon Dog?
Sunday McLean I-Search Essay Eileen Goldman ENC-1101
What I know
Pit Bull is simply the name of a dog. As monikers go, it’s an ominous one. It means many things to many people with one more or less commonly understood connotation: risk. I have had my Pit Bull since he was a puppy, going on nine years now. Until two years ago, I would have strongly disputed the general consensus that these highly controversial dogs are actually dangerous. If asked now, I would say I am not certain what I believe. I do think that “each dog is an individual,” ( personal correspondence, 1-23-2013) that has his or her own disposition and personality, but as I wade through this veritable ocean of research, I still have to wonder, are Pit Bulls genetically predisposed to be dangerous?
What I want to know
Are Pit Bulls dangerous to their owners? Are Pit Bulls more dog-aggressive than other breeds? Is it safe to have Pit Bulls in close proximity to small children? What is the genetic construction of a Pit Bull? Can fighting dogs be rehabilitated? What is the history of Pit Bulls? Do Pit Bulls actually have a “locking” jaw mechanism?
What makes Pit Bulls so potentially dangerous? Is breed-specific legislation justifiable, right or fair? Why do Pit Bulls often comprise the majority of animals in shelters? Can bad behavior in Pit Bulls be wholly attributed to the environment in which they are raised?
Can/do Pit bulls make good pets? Should Pit Bulls continue to be bred?
My Search Process
I suppose my search process began in November of 2004 when I walked past the litter of sickly Pit Bull pups in San Diego, California. Prior to adopting the one destined to be my dog, Robin, I began research on the breed. I had, at the time, a six year-old boy. There had been so much bad press involving Pit Bulls, and I didn’t want a potentially dangerous dog anywhere near my child. California was,