BULLY BREED FACTS

Hi again!  Max here.  I have been looking into ways to re-image my breed. And there are some AMAZING pages on-line that delve into our publicity with needless fears that some people cannot seem to get over.

First of all, there is no breed known as a "pit bull". The term comes from two breeds: the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), which is me, and the American Staffordshire Terrier  AmStaff).

Did you know know that Helen Keller’s dog, Sir Thomas, was a pit bull? How about the World War I Hero Stubby? He was a pit bull. And is there anyone who hasn't, at one point in their life or another, fallen madly in love with Petie, from Our Gang?

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), many breeds are commonly mistaken for pit bulls, such as: the Boxer, the Presa Canario, the Cane Corso, the Dogo Argentino, the Tosa Inu, the Bullmastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux, the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog and the Olde English Bulldogge.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the pit bull breeds were known as "nanny dogs" because of their tenderness with children.

Pit Bull breeds were bred originally in England for the purpose of being family dogs, which explains why we are sociable and affectionate.

Pit bulls are the most bred dog-breed in the United States, yet roughly 25-33% of the dogs euthanized in the U.S. are pit bulls. Pit bulls make-up approximately 35% of dogs in shelters across the United States. That means pit bulls make up for more than a 1/3 of all dogs in need of a home.

Pit bulls were so admired in America that the military chose to use the image of a pit bull to represent the country on WWI propaganda posters.

President Theodore Roosevelt and President Woodrow Wilson both owned pit bulls at one time in their lives.

Pit bulls do not have a "locking jaw."

The American Temperament Test Society determined that pit bulls were generally less aggressive when faced with confrontational situations than many other stereotypical, "friendly" dog breeds, including the Golden Retriever.

There is no evidence to show that Breed Specific Laws make communities safer for people or pets. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control decided not to support these laws, stating that there are many problems with Breed Specific Legislation, including law-enforcement's inability to identify a breed accurately.

So before you allow others to criticize us, please make sure that THEY KNOW US.

Till Next Week,

Max

 

A PLUG FOR MY BREED

Hi! My name is Max. And I’m on a  mission in life to promote Pit Bulls. MY breed.

While the number of homeless dogs continues to decline across America, thanks to the tireless work of rescue groups everywhere and the efforts of people to have their dogs spayed or neutered, the number of stray and surrendered Pit Bulls remains high. Adoption centers take in more Pit Bulls than any other type of dog. One in every four dogs brought to the shelters is a Pit Bull or Pit Bull mix. Pit Bulls also tend to stay the longest at adoption centers waiting for a place to call home.

Everyone everywhere (even those whoi have never owned a Bully Breed) can commit to helping Pit Bulls through programs specifically designed to create positive change for these misrepresented dogs.

Owner outreach programs are designed to decrease relinquishment of Pit Bulls by supporting owners and providing resources to meet their needs including behavior training and home ownership insurance solutions.

Humane Education programs are designed to debunk myths associated with Pit Bulls and elevate the status of Pit Bulls in our communities everywhere.

Adoption centers must become committed to increasing Pit Bull adoptions and finding responsible homes for Pit Bulls that come through their doors.

You can play a BIG part in this simply by writing letters and (if possible) sending donations to rescues, shelters and SPCA programs in your area.

Speaking as a Bully myself, we are not mean dogs, though some irresponsible owners have trained their Pits to be so. We are as loving as any breed you could ever own. And we are a life worth saving. Won't you help us?

Till Next Week,
 Max