20 July, 2010
Pit Bulls: Mean or Misunderstood? Who’s afraid of the big bad Pit Bulls? Well, lots of people are no thanks to damaging myths, inexperienced owners, and the hyped up media coverage, that has been giving this breed of dogs grief for years. “Pit Bulls are famous, in circles of knowledgeable dog people, for the love and loyalty they bestow on anyone who shows them a smidgen of kindness”, said Linda Wilson-Fuoco. Most people will argue that pit bulls are not born mean or aggressive, that they are loyal, protective and over stereotyped based on half truths. The pit bull breed gets a bad rap, but more often than not, they are the victims of irresponsible and abusive owners. Pit bulls are extremely intelligent dogs and take their cues from the people who raise them. Dogs are not capable of knowing the difference of right or wrong, and are raised and trained to behave the way they do. Pit bulls are no more vicious than golden retrievers, beagles or any of the other popular dog breeds. Pit bulls are one of the most stable people-friendly breed of dogs in the world. The National Canine Temperament Testing Association tested one hundred and twenty two breeds and Pit Bulls placed fourth highest with a ninety five percent passing rate. There are thousands of Pit Bulls that are loving and loyal, and considered to be heroes who will live and die without ever hurting a human.
America’s first war dog was a Pit Bull named Stubby, who earned several medals during World War One and was honored at the White House. Pit Bulls are used as service dogs to which they help to locate missing people and are also used as therapy dogs. Helen Keller owned a Pit Bull not only for a helper but also as her companion. The show, The Little Rascals had a Pit Bull named Petey , who spent countless days and hours with children and he never once tried to hurt anyone. Pit Bulls love and adore humans and want nothing more than to please us, even the ones that