According to pitbullinfo.org, “Pit Bull" was more of a label to describe any dog used for bull-baiting and less of a title used to describe a specific breed or type of dog in the past. Technically, if a Husky had been used for baiting a bull in a "pit," it would have been considered a "pit bull" back then. Furthermore, baiting is not an inherent trait for any breed; it’s an activity that must be taught and honed, no different than training a dog to sit or fetch.
National Pit Bull Awareness Day (NPBAD) was started in 2007 by Jodi Preis of Bless the Bullys, a pit bull rescue and education group located in Tennessee. NPBAD is an opportunity to educate, change minds, and bring positive media attention to this so-called “bully” breed.
Today’s “pit bull” has become a generic term to describe a type of dog based on its physical appearance and not its DNA. The Pit Bull resembles any medium-sized, short-haired dog with physical traits commonly found in the numerous "bully-type" breeds.
Today’s Pit Bull breeds include:
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
American Bully
Not one of these “pitty’s” looks aggressive to me!
Unpredictable and Aggressive
One of the most common misconceptions about pit bulls is that they are unpredictable and aggressive. This couldn’t be further from the truth! These dogs have faced unfair stereotypes and severe misconceptions because of history. Does this look like an aggressive dog to you? Thank you, Soap Dirt!
Pit Bulls are not violent. Pit Bulls are one of the most popular dogs in America. The “pit bull” breed population data shows that Pit Bull-type dogs (and their many mixes) are the 3rd most popular dog type adopted from shelters and the 5th most popular dog type registered by veterinarians.
They love to snuggle and cuddle with their owners. These “bully” dogs provide companionship and happiness to millions of families across America. Pit Bull-type dogs consistently achieve excellent temperament scores! Not only do Pit Bull-type dogs consistently achieve excellent temperament scores, but they are also successful as service dogs, therapy dogs, K9 police dogs, and as family pets.
Therapy or Service Dogs
Pit Bulls are known for their loyalty and eagerness to please. This makes them beautiful candidates to be trained as therapy or service animals. The bottom line is that Pit Bull terrier-type dogs are just dogs. They are intelligent and can do the same jobs that other dogs do. They go through basic obedience training, earn Canine Good Citizen certificates, and become therapy dogs if they are good candidates. And like all dogs, they are individuals with their unique personalities, talents, and skills.
Does the “Breed” Really Matter?
What's more important than breed type when owning a pet is learning about your individual dog's personality, wants, and needs. Are they good listeners? Do they obey your commands? How are they around other people and animals?
It is all about how they are raised, how they are introduced to their surroundings, and how they act and react. Raise them to be happy, friendly! Are they eager to learn more every day? These are all excellent traits of a good dog, not the breed.
National Pit Bull Awareness Day
National Pit Bull Awareness Day hopes to save countless Pit Bulls’ lives by negating the media’s fear and bias by expanding education and advocacy. It also hopes to eliminate quick governmental reactions, such as breed bans. In doing so, it’s expected that fewer people will give up their Pit Bulls for adoption, more will bring them home, and a positive cycle will be created.
It's important to note that “Pit Bull” isn't a breed, but rather an umbrella term for several breeds. One of the most common misconceptions about them is that they are unpredictable and aggressive animals. Many Pit Bulls are trained to be therapy dogs for children with disabilities to help improve their self-esteem and social skills. They also love to snuggle and cuddle with their owners, which is why they make excellent therapy animals for children and adults with disabilities. The truth is these types of dogs love nothing more than snuggling up on the couch or cuddling by your side while you watch TV!
These misconceptions about Pit Bulls have led them to become victims of discrimination, even being banned from certain cities across America! But the truth is that Pit Bulls don't need a unique label or breed name because it's not what defines them as animals. What matters more than "breed type" when owning a pet is learning about your individual dog's personality and needs.
If you're looking for a new pet and want something low maintenance (and who doesn’t?), then this might be just what you've been searching for all along! Share your family dog pictures today on social media so we can help dispel myths and show how lovable this misunderstood breed really is! We'd love to see how they are loving and supporting you and your families! @VitalPetLife #nationalpitbullawarenessday #lovemypitbull #lovemypitty #lovemypit
