FAQ: Loyalty Exploited: The Truth About Pit Bulls - Best Friends Animal Society.

Are pit bulls mean?

Like all dogs, pit bulls are individuals and can make first-rate family pets. In tests conducted by the American Temperament Test Society, which tests and evaluates the temperaments of several hundred breeds of dogs, the American pit-bull terrier scored 85.3 percent. By comparison, the golden retriever scored 84.6 percent and the average score of all tested breeds was 81.5 percent. The tests focus on and measure different aspects of temperament, such as stability, shyness, aggressiveness and friendliness, as well as the dog's instinct for protectiveness toward his/her handler and/or self-preservation in the face of a threat.

As anyone who loves a pit bull can tell you, these dogs are affectionate, devoted and incredibly smart. They were once America's favorite dog, endearing themselves to the likes of Helen Keller, Thomas Edison, Humphrey Bogart and Theodore Roosevelt. Pit-bull-type dogs have also been employed by U.S. customs and have served as police K-9 dogs.

Are pit bulls aggressive?

There is no scientific evidence that any dog, including pit-bull-type dogs, are inherently aggressive. The biggest risk factors for dog aggression are lack of socialization and training and dogs who are not spayed or neutered. In addition, reckless dog owners, or people who keep guard dogs or dogs as property rather than family members, are very likely to create dangerous dogs, regardless of breed.

Are pit bulls responsible for most fatal dog attacks?

No. Although the media would have you believe that pit bulls are aggressive dogs responsible for the majority of fatal attacks, the facts just don’t support that perception. Pit bulls are no more likely than other breed of dog to bite or kill people. For more details, visit the website of the National Canine Research Council.

Is "pit bull" a breed?

There is no specific breed called "pit bull." In fact, "pit bull" is a type of dog. A number of breeds, such as American pit-bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers and numerous other stocky short-haired dogs, fall into the category of pit-bull-type dogs. Many other breeds - such as purebred Labrador retrievers - have been mistaken for pit bulls on occasion.

What is breed-discriminatory legislation (BDL) or breed-specific legislation?

BDL is a restriction on a certain breed (or breeds) of dogs. This type of legislation can be passed at the local and state levels. BDL can be directed at any breed. Sometimes BDL requires numerous restrictions, but this type of legislation can also completely ban a breed.

What is wrong with breed-discriminatory legislation?

In most places where BDL is proposed, it is done with the hope that this type of legislation will make a community safer. However, BDL doesn't work because it does not address the root of the problem: irresponsible, reckless and/or cruel owners. BDL tends to "punish the breed, not the deed." If BDL bans a breed, responsible members of a community are forced to give up perfectly healthy, well-behaved family members, relocate to a new town, or face harsh penalties.

In the case of pit bulls, breed-discriminatory laws are overly broad because it is very difficult to clearly identify dogs as pit bulls or pit-bull mixes. Dogs have been misidentified as pit bulls in many instances, resulting in numerous lawsuits. More than 20 different breeds have been labeled as pit bulls.

Furthermore, BDL is expensive. Animal control departments are generally underfunded, and when breed bans are enacted, that funding must be increased to enforce ordinances that criminalize responsible pet owners and result in more dogs dying in our shelters.

What are the alternatives to breed discrimination?

Everyone wants safe, humane communities. Best Friends opposes breed-discriminatory laws because studies have shown that they don't help reduce bites. To reduce the incidence of dog bites, Best Friends recommends that communities adopt progressive policies and pass generic dangerous-dog laws that target reckless owners. Communities should encourage spay/neuter, pass anti-tethering laws, enact stronger anti-cruelty laws, prevent reckless owners from owning dogs, and create off-leash dog parks. Best Friends endorses ordinances that identify and restrict dogs who are considered dangerous or potentially dangerous because of their behavior (not because of their looks) and that hold their owners responsible.

What is Best Friends doing to prevent breed-discriminatory laws?

Best Friends has been successful in preventing BDL in many communities through our Best Friends Network alerts and by lobbying city and state officials providing examples and suggestions to help build safe, humane communities protecting people and dogs.

In cooperation with the National Canine Research council and John Dunham & Associates we have created an economic impact tool that city officials can use to estimate the fiscal impact to taxpayers of enforcing a breed ban. This tool will work for every city and county in the country. You can try it here.

What is dogfighting?

Dogfighting is an illegal "sport" in which two dogs are forced to fight for the entertainment of spectators. Dogfighting around the world involves a variety of breeds. Illegal gambling, drugs and weapons are often involved. For more information, visit the dogfighting section of BestFriends.org.

What is Best Friends doing to combat dogfighting?

Best Friends has successfully worked to create anti-dogfighting legislation in Georgia. The legislation criminalizes not only those directly involved with dogfighting, but also allows for prosecution of spectators, advertisers and hosts of dogfights. Best Friends is currently spearheading a bill in Illinois that would prevent people who are convicted of fighting dogs from owning unsterilized dogs.

Dogfighting is a cultural problem of epidemic proportions. Estimated to be a billion-dollar industry, it's firmly rooted in at-risk communities in every major city in the U.S. More than legislation is needed to effect real change. Best Friends is a national partner of Safe Humane Chicago, a community-wide alliance to combat violence by promoting compassion and caring for people and animals. The goals of this alliance are to educate the public about responsible pet ownership and safety; promote programs that stop the violence associated with dogfighting and animal abuse by providing positive, beneficial activities; and connect pet owners to available resources. The initial results have been encouraging and Best Friends intends to introduce the Safe Humane programming in other major cities.Org

What is the plan for the Michael Vick dogs?

We are extremely pleased with the progress of the 22 Michael Vick dogs who were brought to Best Friends in January 2008. Trainers and caregivers are working with individualized training plans for each of the dogs, with the goal of addressing any behavior issues and improving their quality of life. The dogs have developed good social skills and many enjoy the company of humans as well as other dogs. For many, the ultimate goal is to move into loving homes. Of the Michael Vick dogs who did not come to Best Friends, five are now working as therapy dogs helping people in need, and nearly all of the others have become part of someone's family. Read more about the Vicktory dogs at BestFriends.Org (Visit Bad Rap as well)

*~*In My Clyde's Memory, (Support Your Shelters, Rescues, ASPCA, & Best Friends) (Adopt A Shelter Friend & Save A Life - Donate & Help A Life) (Do Not Support Puppy Mills, BSL, & Michael Vick!!!)*~*