Thank you for checking out team LUV-A-BULL's page for 2010! We will again be walking in ACT's Stride for Strays on October 30th! Last year we were able to raise $250 for ACT and this year we're starting earlier and going to be working even harder to raise awareness about pet overpopulation and to change people's perceptions about Pitbulls!
Why Pitbulls? Because they are so horribly misunderstood. The media has warped the public’s perception of a "breed" that was once our nation's most beloved and popular dog. Unfortunately, it is still the most popularly bred "breed" but there are not enough homes to go around.
What is a pitbull?
Pitbulls are a group of 7 breeds. These breeds are: the American Pit Bull Terrier (apbt), American Staffordshire Terrier (amstaff), Staffordshire Bull Terrier (staffie), American Bulldog (ambull), Bull Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier and American Bully.
However, there are 20+ breeds that are commonly mistaken as pitbulls. This leads to a lot of debate over what is a pitbull type dog during breed specific legislation issues, identifying a dog after an attack, or labeling a dog at the shelter. Can you find the real Pitbull? www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html
10 FACTS about Pitbulls (and why they should be fixed, not feared)
1) Only 1 out of every 600 pitbulls will find a forever home. That’s 599 that WONT.
2) Pitbulls are our nation’s patron dog. Stubby, a pitbull, was the 1st K9 in our military (WWI). Pitbulls have been 1st dogs in the White House, are the only “breed” to grace LIFE magazine 3 times. The Buster Brown dog was one, along with the Target dog, and Petey from the Our Gang series (Little Rascals). Chance in Homeward Bound was one too. They are a part of our history and we should be proud of that.
3) Pitbulls are GREAT family dogs. They used to be referred to as “nanny dogs” due to their patience with children. Any dog breed should be supervised while children are around, and EVERY child should be taught what is and isn’t acceptable behavior with a dog. Pulling, pushing, climbing on, stepping on, pinching and poking are recipes for disaster (WITH ANY BREED).
4) The majority of dog attacks are done by unaltered male dogs. Hormonal aggression can build up and come to a head over seemingly nothing. It can and does exist in both sexes of all breeds, but seems to be worse in males. Quick and simple fix: Spay and Neuter.
5) Animal over population is a serious problem in our country. Pitbulls are the number one bred “breed” at the moment while millions of homeless pets are euthanized yearly, and likewise pitbulls are the number one “breed” to be put down. It is estimated that pitbulls take up 40-60% of shelter population. Aprox 93% of pits in shelters are euthanized. Other statistics show 75% of shelters put down ALL pits, without an attempt at finding a home, due to lack of space and lack of homes. SPAY AND NEUTER. Don't breed or buy while shelter pets DIE.
6) Pitbulls were bred to be loyal, courageous, strong and willing to die for their human. Ask any pit parent and they will agree (and probably start telling stories.) Because of this, pitbulls are raised by irresponsible owners to do, often, illegal things. Whether it’s being asked to fight, attack/guard, or any other reputation damaging thing, it is NOT the pitbulls fault. It’s is the owners. The pitbull will do what is asked of it, to the best of its ability, out of love and respect for its human. Blame the deed, not the breed.
7) Pitbull jaws do NOT lock. They are the same as any other breeds. In fact a test was done to test pounds per square inch between a Rottweiler, German Shepherd Dog and an APBT. The pit had the least amount, by quite a bit.
8) Pitbulls (all 7 breeds) score above 80% on the American Temperament Test. That is right up with, and often above, the current popular breeds. Anything above an 80% is considered to be outstanding.
9) Pitbulls are used as therapy dogs, helper dogs, police dogs, bomb sniffers, drug sniffers and search and rescue dogs.
10) There is no difference between blue nose and red nose except color. They are not different breeds, but different colors. It’s like saying a Chocolate lab is separate from a yellow lab when they are both Labrador Retrievers. If you’re looking in to owning a pit, don’t be scammed into these different lines and colors. No one color is rarer than another. There are literally millions of dogs in shelters who need homes and a brindle or black or tan or blue or red or brown pit is as good as the next. Don’t breed or buy while shelter pets die.
Links
Do your research before bringing a new pet into your home. Things have changed from the days of bringing home Fido and letting him roam the streets.
- Research the breed(s) before you make a choice. Not all breeds behave the same, and some have more needs than others.
- Look into adoption! But if you insist on buying, find a reputable breeder. Steer clear of puppy stores or back yard breeders! They are overpriced and often not properly cared for.
- TRAINING TRAINING TRAINING! Whether you've owned a dog before and think you've got it down pat or not, enroll Spot into a training class with a reputable positive reinforcement trainer. The one on one problem solving and socialization are a MUST. Why go through the cluelessness and frustration when you can easily make both you and the dog's lives easier.
- Be responsible. Spay or neuter your dog on or by 6 months. Most dogs from shelters come fixed, which is a bonus. Spaying/neutering cuts down on animal over population and cuts out most hormonal aggression issues. It will not make your dog fat or lazy, that's a myth.
- Understand that your dog is a member of the family. They should not be left outside, or tied up. Include them in things! A happy, mentally stimulated, and well exercised dog is a good dog! Let them get bored and then the frustration and behavioral issues set it.
Want to join the team?
We are open to new members joining our team and welcome (well behaived, animal friendly) bullies or dogs of any breed to come raise awareness and walk with us on Oct. 30th! Please contact me at o0misstake0o@gmail.com with your name, email, phone, your dog's name and something about you both and why you'd like to join Team LUV-A-BULL!