The Face of the American Pit Bull Terrier

When you ask someone, “What do you think about Pit Bulls?” The reply is usually something along the lines of, “Oh, those dogs are horrible!”

The face of the American Pit Bull Terrier has changed dramatically since their creation centuries ago. Only a few decades ago they were the icon of freedom for the United States.

In the past “bulldog” meant tenacious, courageous, loyal, tough as nails, and steadfast.

Why did the face of the breed we love so much change from loyal and steadfast to “inherently more dangerous than any other breed of canine?”

I have an opinion about that and as with all my opinions it is quite strong. ASPCA, HSUS, PETA, and other animal “rights” groups paint these dogs as horrible. They paint their owners as thugs, gang members, and criminal types. They advise city councils to introduce breed specific laws for Pit Bull Terriers in the hopes they will rid their communities of these types of owners.

Sensational, biased, unsubstantiated media reports fuel the flames of the breeds viability. Seizing a hold of stories like the Vick case like a Pit Bull grabs their favorite tug toy. Demanding they are reporting fair and balanced news but when other dog fighters are busted, all their dogs killed, where is PBS then? Where is the press conference then? HSUS and PETA love Michael Vick. They plaster his face all over the news for their causes. Send them $19 and they will help other dogs in similar situations live! Which by the way is not true. They do not help a single dog or shelter with your money.

American Pit Bull Terriers are with a doubt a superior working canine. There in lies the problem. The key word there is, “WORKING.”

Pit Bull Terriers have taken the same turn as the German Shepherd and the Doberman before them. High quality, well bred, working dogs turned into couch potato’s.

American Pit Bull Terriers are not right for everyone looking for a dog and thank goodness there are some breeders who actually turn down people who want to purchase dogs from them. Sadly this trend is rare. Want a Pit Bull? All you need to do is fork over $3,000 for a “blue nose” from “I breed fat dogs with no use” kennels and presto you have yourself a bonafide “pit bull terrier.”

So will the American Pit Bull Terrier recover? Your guess is as good as mine. Only time will tell. My hardened perspective says not in a long time. I truly hope I’m wrong. I do know one thing, animal rights groups are sure not helping and they certainly are no friend of American Pit Bull Terriers.

Until Next Time,
Jason
Author – The Pit Bull Training Handbook
Pit Bull Lovers – Fighting to Keep the Breed Alive