I know it’s overkill, but being a dog lover, and fact a dog blog owner, it’s hard not to comment on the recent accusations against star football player Michael Vick. I am not going to get into a debate whether he is innocent or guilty. The point I am getting at is the negative exposure that this is giving the Pitbull. As if they don’t have a bad rep to begin with, this seals the deal.
Living here in Pennsylvania, it is very difficult to even get home owners insurance if you own a Pitbull, and on top of that, whole townships have begun a ban on even having the dogs! This is appauling. Once again, as an American trademark, punish everyone for the mistakes of a few.
Again, I am not going to get into a heated debate over politics, and the slow eroding of our rights in this country.
The point I am trying to make is that there are other stories that will never make the frontpage of a newspaper. My father-in-law has 3 dogs. 2 Labradors and one Pitbull. The Pitbull’s name is Jaws, perfectly named because of his huge head. Jaws is one of the most lovable dogs I have ever seen. He is also a big whiney baby. He always wants attention, obeys when you speak, and cries continously about every little thing. He also loves company.
The two Labs are very similar. I commend this to their excellent upbringing. They are all babied and given as much love as possible, and never abused. However, there is one major difference that may shock you.
Thru all the different times of interaction including playing and possibly getting a little rough on my end, there has been a few occasions where the Labs have snapped or nipped at me. I agree it was my fault because I may have accidentaly hurt them in one way or another. However, Jaws the Pitbull, has never snapped or nipped even once!
Not bad for the most vicious dog breed on earth!
I find this so ironic as Labs are one of the most popular and lovable dog breeds known. It just goes to show that almost any animal, hurt or backed up in a corner will always try to defend themselves, mostly out of instinct. I am sure Jaws may be the same way, but we have never seen it yet. He continues to love us, and it is heartbreaking to imagine that one day we may not be able to have him or another Pitbull down the road.
For all of you that may have formed an opinion by seeing all of this dogfight stuff, please realize that Pitbulls are just like any other dog, and they do what they are trained to do. It is the owners that need to be punished, not the Dogs!
Please pass this article on. It just may save a life!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
As a letter carrier of 22 years, my experiences with “pit bulls” (American Staffordshire Terriers) has been nothing but absolutely positive. I am a dog lover by nature anyway, and the pit bulls I have encountered have always been just the sweetest most lovable dogs without exception.
I have 2 pitbulls and everyone is terrified of them. It’s funny most people that get bit by dogs arn’t bit by pits but by other breeds but they don’t fear them. I always tell people there is no such thing as a bad dog, just bad owners. My dogs wouldn’t hurt a fly, they are relaxed, clam, and extremely smart. I was asked once by someone on the street while walking my dog if I was interested in fighting her, she looked like a champ…I hit the guy so hard I broke my hand, the cops laughed at him while they cuffed him and busted his fighting ring he held in his basement. Pit bulls always have and always will be my favorite breed. As long as you trust them they will no doubt trust you back, anyone who thinks otherwise is a damn idiot!
I’ve been living with my first pit for about 2 months now and I can’t describe how incredibly sweet she is. She’s a foster coming from an abusive family and apart from the physical scarring, she bears no sign of her past. Even my neighbor’s two 4-year-old girls love this gentle giant.