Pit bulls Get Bad Rap
February 5,
2004
The “pit bull” dog conjures up many emotions and opinions among New Orleans residents. Most of the people I encounter think of them as dangerous or untrustworthy and would never consider adopting one. Is this a result of media attention, dogfighting sport phenomena, or truth?
The truth about pit bulls is that they are affectionate, loyal, tough, playful, athletic, intelligent, and exhibit a strong drive to please their owners. It was once the most popular dog in America. You may remember “Our Gang” on Little Rascals television show. Their beloved dog was a pit bull. Teddy Roosevelt had a pit as well as Helen Keller. The most decorated World War I dog was “Stubby” a dutiful pit bull. Pit bulls, or “bulldogs” as they were called in the late 1800’s, were bred for their devotion to people. They enjoy children and will play happily with them for hours.
Well meaning dog admirers will sometimes advise that a pit bull’s temperament is a result of its upbringing. In part, that’s true. However, they are also hard-wired to fight. They were first bred to bait bulls. When the sport was outlawed in England in the mid 1800’s, dog fighting was born.
A pit bull rescue organization in San Francisco, BAD RAP (www.badrap.org) advises, “Animal aggression in pit bulls is common and 100% manageable, and cannot be "trained out" with behavior modification. A trainer that tells you otherwise is an uninformed trainer. A pit bull that displays animal aggression is not "snapping" or acting "unpredictable," the dog is simply displaying the results of hundreds of years of selective breeding. Managing this trait is what separates the responsible owners from the irresponsible.”
In the past twenty years or so, the pit bull has been aligned alongside communities that have deep social and economic problems. Many of the pit bulls in New Orleans are the result of uneducated back yard breeders, which lowers the quality of the dog and may fuel the negative trait responsible owners are trying to manage. Urban dwellers across the country see these dogs as money makers and a fashion statement. The dogs become an extension of the person, a type of self-expression. Walking down the street with a pit bull on a chain can get the same response as walking down the street with a shotgun. People move to the other side of the walkway; precisely what the owners are hoping.
Although pit bulls can be animal aggressive, they typically don’t make great guard dogs as they’re people lovers. They may bark, but when it comes down to it, they would much rather lick your hand than bite it. For more information about this incredible breed, check out www.badrap.org. Their site is comprehensive and balanced.
- Laura Maloney
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