Pit bulls are perhaps the most controversial dog breed around the world. These pups are exposed to unfair stereotypes that result in a negative reputation for the breed. In my experience, my pit bull has done nothing but show love and affection. So why do pit bulls get such a bad rap?
According to the American Temperament Test Society, pit bulls passed with an 87% passing rate. Although their score is high on the scale, dog owners believe that pit bulls are unruly and dangerous. The implicit bias from outside sources such as the media contribute to the negative opinion that dog owners have on pit bulls. For example, over 200 news outlets covered a report of a pit bull attack in 2007. In that same year, only one news article broadcasted a story about a Labrador attack. Why was the pit bull attack so much more important?
People think that when a pit bull attacks, it’s all because of the breed’s temperament. What they don’t know is that a variety of factors can be the cause for a pit bull to attack. 87% of pit bull attacks had no one to intervene while the attack occurred. 84% of pit bulls unneutered which causes a massive shift in behavior. Pit bulls are like a book, you can’t judge them by their cover.
The truth is, pit bulls are like any other dog. They need a little TLC just like your chihuahua or golden retriever. These dogs aren’t a public health threat. They’re here to make you smile, make you laugh, and make you feel loved. Now do me a favor. If you have a pit bull, give them a pet for me.