Pit Bull Type-Dogs

Pit bull-type (PBT) dogs can make great pets for many families. Like dogs of any breed, some are extremely active, athletic go- getters, while others seem content to sleep and cuddle much of the day away. Many breed generalizations persist although most shelter dogs are breed mixes. There is so much behavioral variation within each breed, and even more within breed mixes, that we cannot assume or reliably predict a dog’s behavior or suitability for a particular home based on breed alone. Breed labeling of mixed breed dogs based upon physical appearance alone can be unreliable. We evaluate every dog as an individual and try to make the most appropriate adoption match based on the behavior and personality that each dog shows us.

There are some important factors to consider if you are thinking of adopting a pit bull-type dog. Despite the dog’s individual personality and behavior, many people will make judgments based upon the dog’s appearance alone. The owner of any dog that possesses physical characteristics associated with PBTs (e.g.: short coat, muscular build, big head, powerful jaw) may encounter biases and restrictions including, but not limited to:

• Your friends, family, and/or neighbors may not support your new family member.
• Legislation may prohibit you from living or traveling in certain communities with your dog.
• Landlords may prohibit you from living in their buildings. Many landlords, condo associations, and management companies that are identified as “dog friendly” have restrictions against PBTs and several other common types of dogs.
• Many insurance companies will not cover households with PBTs, or add additional fees for households with PBT dogs.
• Some classes, dog walkers, groomers, day cares, boarding facilities, etc. place restrictions on PBTs.
• You may face inaccurate assumptions, hurtful comments, or unkind questions regarding your choice of companion.
• There are many negative perceptions and myths about PBTs that are pervasive in the media and the community.
  

What Can You Do?

The best way to counter these attitudes, restrictions, and stereotypes is to set a positive example through responsible dog ownership. The basic rules of responsible dog ownership are the same for any breed. Just keep in mind that pit bull type dogs and their owners may be perceived, judged, and scrutinized differently than others. To prevent perpetuating negative stereotypes, PBT owners should be prepared to:

• Train your dog to be a polite member of your family and community. Attending ongoing dog training classes can be fun for both you and your dog. Activities such as agility, rally obedience, flyball, and nosework can be excellent outlets for socialization as well as mental and physical stimulation. You might consider training your dog to earn the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification, which recognizes and rewards dogs who demonstrate good manners at home and in the community.
• Always set your dog up for success. Know your dog’s abilities, limits, and challenges. Supervise and manage to avoid situations that he/she may not yet be prepared to handle appropriately. Consistently work to expand your dog’s abilities.
• Always respect local leash, vaccination, and registration laws and always clean up after your dog. Never allow your dog to become a nuisance to others. Understand and honor the fact that not everyone feels comfortable around dogs.
• Never leave your dog unsupervised, unless safely confined in the home.
• Keep your dog well-socialized and appropriately managed around other dogs. Classes, individual play dates with compatible dogs, and parallel walks with other dogs are great ways to provide social interaction. Dog parks can be a gathering place for unsupervised dogs engaging in inappropriate, high- arousal play. We recommend finding more well-managed and structured social and physical outlets for your PBT dog.
• If a behavior occurs that causes concern or questions, immediately seek the guidance of a professional before the behavior gets out of hand. The Anti-Cruelty Society Behavior Hotline will be glad to assist you – help@anticruelty.org.