A message from the experts:
"Dog bite statistics are not really statistics, and they do not give an accurate picture of dogs that bite.”
American Veterinarian Association Task Force on Canine Aggression and Human-Canine Interactions
“Statements concerning pit bulls ‘chewing’ with their molars while holding with their canine teeth and other statements which have pit bulls biting differently or more powerfully than other breeds have been made by people very unfamiliar with how a dog’s jaw structure works. After 30 years as a canine aggression expert, schutzhund trial decoy, expert witness on dog bites for the Seattle and Tacoma police departments, I concur with the conclusions reached by
Dr. Brady Barr working with the National Geographic Society’s bite study which showed the pit bull’s bite to be unremarkable when compared to other breeds.”
Diane Jessup, international speaker on canine aggression
MYTH: Pit Bulls are inherently dangerous
If you think so, then consider the facts: In 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 according to the American Temperament Test Society breed statistics, the "pit bull" (American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire and Staffordshire bull) out performed the golden retriever, a breed noted for its gentle temperament.
MYTH: "It's all how you raise them!"
Some people assume - incorrectly - that a dog's temperament is primarily shaped by how it is raised. You have heard these people say "It's all how you raise them!"
This statement is not only inaccurate, it is unfair to the animal, which, in reality, is influenced primarily by its genetics. You cannot raise a border collie to be a champion fighting dog, and you cannot raise a cocker spaniel to work rough stock. A retriever won't win at the dog track, and a greyhound won't lead the blind. Environment can and does influence a dog's behavior in so much as certain traits can be encouraged or discouraged, but a genetically shy or aggressively unsound dog cannot be "fixed" no matter how much that high priced "behaviorist" tries to convince you that it can.
It is also incorrect to assume that because a dog can be quarrelsome with other dogs that he is "vicious" and will attack children. Many working breeds have antipathy towards other animals - coonhounds go mad at the sight of a raccoon, foxhounds will not hesitate to tear a dog-like fox to shreds, greyhounds and other sight hounds live to chase and maul rabbits and will eagerly kill cats. They are still used today to chase down and slaughter coyotes. Even the ever-friendly beagle will "murder" a rabbit, given the chance. And yet the greyhound, coon and foxhound and beagle are among the friendliest of breeds towards humans. And it is the same with the well bred pit bull.
MYTH: The pit bull was bred for dog fighting only.
Fact: The history of the pit bull far predates the time when bans on bull baiting caused blood sport fanciers to turn to fighting dog against dog. The very name "bull" or "bulldog" gives us the clue as to what the original purpose of this breed was.
Far back into history - too far for us to see - man had bred dogs for gripping large game like boar and bear. From these dogs developed the Butcher's Dog, or Bulldog. The bulldog was an animal from 35 to 80 pounds, long of leg, sturdy in body, athletic, with a strong head and muzzle. The pit bulls of today descend directly from these animals.
My challenge to you:
I currently own 3 APBT's and will never go back to another breed. My dogs have shown me undying loyalty and have only ever expressed their love for life.
All of my dogs are therapy dogs that I take to the local nursing homes to visit with the elderly and sick. It is funny that none of these people are scared of them because they are pit bulls. There is also nothing more rewarding then watching someone pat the side of their bed to invite one of my dogs to join them. Wacthing my dog gently climb into bed and lay down beside this stranger, they carefully give their new best friend the same loving kisses that they would give to me.
I challenge everyone who holds a fear for Pit Bulls, regardless of the reason, to meet at least one of my dogs and then look me in the eye and honestly tell me that you still feel the same about Pit Bulls.
PS The pit bull in the middle (white and red brindle) is currently in training as a Search & Rescue dog.