When I typed in the Google search bar "pit-bulls and their bad rep" I got so many results like 'Monster Myths', 'Why do Pit-bulls get such a bad rep', and 'What's Hype, What's not'. If you want to know the deep history of pit-bulls, the Greeks used them as guard dogs and in times of battle, they would follow their leader into war. For four-hundred years they were used as war dogs. Also, they were used to sub-due an agitated bull, hence the name. In the 19th century bull-biting became banned and then came dog fighting. Pit-bulls were the often used and original fighters in these dog-fights. Although, dog fights are illegal, they still happen. Pit-bulls were not recognized as domesticated home pets until 1963. In the early 1980's there was one specific dog attack to make the papers, most likely because a man sicced 26 dogs after one woman. Some believe it made the papers because a lot of these dogs were pit-bulls. As time progressed, more often the only time a pit-bull showed up in the news was in puppy ads. More people started believing pit-bulls weren't vicious fighters by nature, but, raised to be that way. This is where "canine racism" comes in. Which is the thought that one breed is more naturally vicious, better, friendlier, etc; then others. On the same website I found most of this information, I also found some comments.
There is still Pit-Bull controversy, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. In my personal opinion, I believe the dog's behavior is based off of its master. I got great feed back from my Facebook post. Although, most of the people agree that it's how they are raised, other people have biased opinions.
I'm not going to use full names in respect of their privacy, but, LD said "This is the result of how the animal is raised, NOT an indication of the dog's temperament." Another person, Initials VB said "If you teach them to be a great family dog than that's what they will be. If you teach them to be aggressive, fighting dogs, than that's what they will be".
I got some personal experience comments as well, for example GM said "I have a red nose pit bull. He is the sweetest thing. It's all on how the dog is brought up". EAC said "My brother had two wonderfully sweet pits." CH said "I've only ever owned pit bulls I can tell you first hand that every single one I've added to my family had been sweet and gentle".
Then there's always that one person with the other opinion. PB said "That's the breed my daughter was attacked by. That is the breed I never have or never will trust. And before it's said, the dog was sweet to everyone. They are an aggressive breed." And of course a debate was formed and it caused me to delete the status. Wether or not pit bulls are friendly and if they have a good rep, really depends on the person. It seems as if more people are for pit bulls then against them. What side do you land on?
I know you spent a lot of time researching this topic and you have done well reporting on it, especially in your inclusion of multiple points of view on the pit bull. While I have never known this much about them as I do now, I found it really interesting the way in which blame quickly gets put on a certain breed. I am not sure of my side, but I think I agree with your idea about the owner being a part of it.
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