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The Misunderstood Breed
1. American Pit Bull Terriers: A Misunderstood
Breed
A Presentation Created to Educate People on
Behalf of Pit Bulls Everywhere
2. What A Pit Bull Is
● American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or
American Bulldog – any of these breeds can be considered a pit bull
● Loyal, strong, intelligent, eager to please, amusing – these are all
traits common to pit bulls
● A permanent commitment – the average healthy pit bull will live
12 years
● Prone to dog-aggressiveness – with the proper training, this trait can
be eradicated completely
3. What A Pit Bull Is Not
● A monster – so many people misunderstand this breed due to
negative media exposure, false information and urban legend
● Inherently bad – no dog wants to fight another animal of its kind
until death. Sadly, pit bulls are so eager to please their owners, they
will do anything to gain their approval (including fighting on
command)
● Physiologically different than other dogs in jaw structure – this
common myth is simply untrue. While pit bulls can be very stubborn
and unwilling to drop their prey, there is no physiological difference
between the jaws of pit bulls and the jaws of other dog breeds
4. A Brief History of the Pit Bull
● In the 1800s, the British used pit bull-type dogs to 'bait' fighting bulls
● This sport was deemed cruel and was done away with – dog fighting
took its place almost immediately
● The best fighters were considered heroes by the British
● Immigrants brought their pit bulls with to America, where they were
valued as protectors of their homes and farms
● Known as the “nanny dog” and the “all-American dog”, pit bulls
were entrusted to guard the children
5. Once known as the “nanny dog”, pit bulls were famous for protecting the children they loved
6. A Turn for the Worse
● Throughout the 1980s, dog fighting became more and more prevalent
in big cities everywhere
● Pit bulls started being deemed “dangerous” and “blood thirsty” all
across the country
● The association between pit bulls and gangs/poverty increased
greatly
● Negative media coverage, lack of education and closed-mindedness
are all to blame for the reputation pit bulls have today
8. Debunking the Myth of Pit Bull Aggression
Every year, a temperament test is done on every breed of dog
imaginable through the American Temperament Test Society.
Of the 839 American Pit Bull Terriers tested in 2012, 728 of them
passed. That's 86.8%. On the next slide, I have included a chart to
compare test results of the American Pit Bull Terrier with other
common breeds of dogs.
For more information, please visit the American Temperament Test
Society at: http://atts.org/breed-statistics/
9. Scores on the ATT
100
90 86.8 85.2
80
80 76.2
70
60
% That Passed
50
40
30
20
10
0
American Pit Bull Terrier Beagle Golden Retriever Rat Terrier
Breed
10. Myth – Dog Aggression is Equal to Human Aggression
False! Aggression toward humans and aggression toward other
animals are two completely different things. Many pit bulls who
cannot tolerate other dogs or small animals have gone on to live
happy lives in a one-dog family. Even so, there are many things you
can do to discourage dog-dog aggression.
11. Things Responsible Owners Can Do to Discourage Dog
Aggression
● Socialize your pit bull at a young age - The more unfamiliar
situations you bring him/her into, the better. Your goal is to have an
adult dog who is completely confident in every situation. Remember,
the most common reason for a dog to bite is out of fear.
● Keep first-time meetings on neutral turf – You don't want either
dog to feel intimidated or like he/she needs to protect his/her territory
● Keep both dogs on their leashes for their first meeting
● Rigorously praise good behavior
12. Pit Bulls in U.S. Animal Shelters
● It is estimated that around 25% of dogs in shelters are pit bulls or pit
bull mixes, while the number can be closer to 60% in shelters in big
cities
● Only one in every 600 pit bulls will find a forever home
● Sadly, many shelters across the country do not adopt out pit bulls at
all – they are euthanized immediately upon arrival
● Roughly 200 pit bulls a day are euthanized in Los Angeles,
California alone
13. Breed Specific Legislation (BSL)
● Due to the bad rap pit bulls have acquired over the last few decades,
many cities and states have put breed specific legislation into effect
● BSL prohibits certain types of dogs (almost always pit bulls) from
living in certain areas in hopes of reducing dog bites/attacks
● There is no evidence BSL is effective, while it is costly and many
responsible dog owners pay the ultimate price
● Many people have been forced to move or – worse – give up their
beloved pets due to BSL
14. Negative Effects of BSL
● Instead of getting rid of their dogs, people are hiding them – this
leads to lack of exercise, licensure, and veterinary care for the dog in
question
● BSL punishes responsible dog owners and good dogs who have done
nothing wrong but be born the wrong breed
● Instead of BSL, our focus should be on individual dogs
