Pit Bulls: A Breed Steeped in Misunderstanding

As a lifelong dog lover and veterinary professional, I‘ve been disheartened to see so much misinformation and fear surrounding pit bulls. This maligned breed has suffered tremendously from prejudice, abuse, and restrictive legislation – treatment that is not based in fact but in hyperbole and hysteria. By examining the origins of pit bulls and how humans have shaped their history, I hope to foster a more rational and compassionate understanding of these incredible dogs.

From the Pits of England: The Brutal Beginnings of the Pit Bull

The ancestors of today‘s pit bull type dogs were bred in England in the early 1800s for the barbaric blood sports of bull baiting and bear baiting. In these spectacles, dogs were set upon tethered bulls or bears with the goal of latching onto the larger animal‘s nose and not releasing until the beast was exhausted or killed.

When these sadistic practices were finally outlawed in England in 1835 under the Cruelty to Animals Act¹, the dogs unfortunately found a new arena in which to fight – the pit. Dogfighting became the new popular blood sport, with the dogs being referred to as "pit bulls" in reference to the pit in which they fought.

To excel in the fighting pit, pit bulls were bred for specific traits²:

• Athleticism and strength
• Tenacity and high prey drive
• Pain tolerance and a "never quit" attitude
• Confidence and courage

Importantly, one trait that was never selected for was human aggression. In fact, most dogfighters culled any dogs that showed aggression towards people, as they needed to be able to handle their dogs even in the heat of a fight³.

Coming to America: Pit Bulls Recast as Working Dogs

As English immigrants began arriving in America in the mid-1800s, they brought their pit bulls with them. On American soil, these dogs found a new purpose as cherished working dogs. On homesteads and farms across the country, pit bulls served as hunters, herders, guardians, and loyal family companions.

One illustrious pit bull from this era was Sergeant Stubby, a World War I hero who earned several medals for his courage on the battlefield. Stubby even went on to meet three presidents and become a national celebrity⁴. His bravery and friendly temperament helped boost the breed‘s reputation.

Throughout the early to mid-20th century, pit bulls enjoyed a predominantly positive image as an all-American dog. They were featured on World War I recruitment posters, used as corporate mascots like Buster Brown shoes‘ Tige, and portrayed as ideal family pets in television and movies⁵. Many famous figures like Helen Keller, Mark Twain, and Fred Astaire had beloved pet pit bulls.

Reputation Tarnished: The Demonization of Pit Bulls

Tragically, the reputation of pit bulls took a nosedive in the latter part of the 20th century. Several factors converged to reshape the public perception of these dogs:

• A resurgence in illegal dogfighting, particularly tied to the criminal underworld
• Pit bulls becoming associated with gang violence and being used as status symbols by drug dealers in the 1980s
• Irresponsible breeding to meet demand, resulting in unstable temperaments and poor socialization
• Rampant misinformation and media hysteria that vilified pit bulls as inherently vicious and unpredictable

This perfect storm of criminal exploitation, unethical breeding, and sensationalized media coverage stoked public fears about pit bulls. Knee-jerk legislation soon followed, with breed-specific laws and restrictions being enacted in many jurisdictions.

The State of Pit Bulls Today

Today, pit bull type dogs remain a polarizing topic. Let‘s look at some key data points that paint a picture of their current status:

• Pit bulls and pit bull mixes make up an estimated 20% of the total dog population in the US, or 18 million dogs⁶
• 40% of the total US shelter dog population is made up of pit bull type dogs⁷
• Only 1 in 600 pit bulls will find a forever home, compared to 1 in 50 for all other dog types⁸
• In temperament tests by the American Temperament Test Society, pit bulls passed at a rate of 86.8%, higher than the average for all breeds at 83.7%⁹

These statistics tell a story of a breed that is numerous, widely represented in shelters, often stigmatized as unadoptable, and yet remarkably stable in temperament when assessed.

Despite the odds stacked against them, pit bulls continue to demonstrate their tremendous heart and capability in many arenas. They excel as service dogs, therapy dogs, and K9 officers. They are also the cherished pets of millions of responsible owners, myself included.

A Call to Fellow Dog Lovers

As someone who has shared my heart and home with pit bulls, I feel compelled to advocate for a more fact-based and compassionate approach to this misunderstood breed. The prejudice and fear surrounding these dogs is not grounded in their history nor upheld by scientific evidence.

Pit bulls are not inherently vicious – they are, above all, dogs. And like any dog, they are largely a product of their breeding, training, socialization, and environment. Pit bulls that are bred responsibly, raised in loving homes, and given proper training and socialization make wonderful companions.

As dog lovers, we must be part of the solution. By promoting responsible pit bull ownership, supporting humane breeding practices, and dispelling harmful myths and stereotypes, we can help restore the image of these incredible dogs.

With an estimated 1 million pit bulls being euthanized in shelters each year¹⁰, this mission is urgent. These affectionate, loyal, and intrepid dogs deserve better than to be judged by misguided politics and prejudices. They deserve to be loved for the good dogs they truly are.

References

1. The Cruelty to Animals Act 1835
2. The Pit Bull Placebo: The Media, Myths and Politics of Canine Aggression by Karen Delise
3. Pit Bull FAQ, National Pit Bull Awareness Campaign
4. Sergeant Stubby
5. ‘Pit Bull‘ Dogs Once America‘s Darlings, NPR
6. Breed Specific Legislation FAQ, ASPCA
7. Shelter Intake and Surrender, National Pit Bull Awareness Campaign
8. Ibid.
9. ATTS Breed Statistics, American Temperament Test Society
10. Facts and Myth on Pit Bulls, BarkPost