The REAL American Pit Bull Terrier

| Print | By | August 26, 2008 4:57 PM

On December 10, 2007, Michael Vick, the former star NFL quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, was sentenced to 23 months in prison, for his participation in dog fighting. A strong message was sent which raised public awareness that animal cruelty of any kind is a serious crime that no longer will be tolerated. I found myself, along with many other animal lovers, greatly relieved that his celebrity status did not prevent Mr. Vick from escaping more than just a “slap on the wrist”.

I was blown away yesterday while I watched the poignant TV program aired on Animal Planet, “Animal Witness, The Michael Vick Case". I learned a lot about Pit Bulls and how their loyalty and desire to please, has in part, been the cause for the bad reputation bestowed on this misunderstood breed.

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I will bet my bottom dollar that many of you are not aware that The American Pit Bull Terrier was the number one family dog during the first part of the 20th century. Due to this breed's highly developed sense of loyalty to humans, and their tremendous eagerness to please, the Pit Bull's wonderful disposition has been taken advantage of by unscrupulous people. In fact because they crave to please their human, they willingly accepted their place as fighting dogs, since they were highly praised for their prowess in the fighting ring.

However, with proper training and socialization, the American Pit Bull Terrier can be one of the best household pets, affectionate with children, other pets and have the capacity to be a faithful and trustworthy companion dog.

BAD RAP, the California-based organization, featured on "Animal Witness, The Michael Vick Case”, whose mission, "Securing the future of the American Pit Bull Terrier as a cherished family companion" has done incredible work to save the dogs removed from Vick's compound in Virginia. Finding foster homes for them, in the Northern California area, (where no safe shelters exist which can accommodate Pit Bulls), BAD RAP is rehabilitating the seized dogs, giving them a new lease on life by restoring both their emotional and physical health. Due to its gentle and loving disposition, one of these dogs has found a new occupation, that of a service dog. He and his handler now visit nursing homes and hospices, which gives the residents the joy of spending quality time and deriving a sense of connection while interacting with the dog. You can read more about what BAD RAP is doing with the dogs by visiting them at http://www.badrap.org/rescue/

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If you want to learn the truth about this delightful breed, I implore you to take just an hour of your time to watch the re-runs of this truly heart warming story about the rescued Pit Bulls and their progress featured on Animal Planet, which is being aired for the next few days. The schedule is listed as:

"Animal Witness: The Michael Vick Case"
August 26, 9:00 PM, August 27, 11:00 PM, August 28, 4:00 AM and August 31, 6:00 PM. All times are Eastern, so please check your local listing for the Animal Planet channel.

To learn more about the facts and myths connected with the American Pit Bull Terrier, take this enjoyable quiz, at http://animal.discovery.com/tv/animal-witness/michael-vick/pit-bull-myths-quiz/index.html

Enjoy this delightfully touching video about Pit Bulls, uploaded to You Tube, by Oliveah31587.

What are your thoughts about the American Pit Bull Terrier? Share them with us by leaving a comment.

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Comments (21)

Margie August 27, 2008 11:26 AM

I watched the show Monday and was completely taken aback when I found out that these dogs, after going through "training" and many fights were only fighting to please their owners. I was under the impression that after knowing no other way of life these dogs would aggressively attack anything. To find out that they would honestly want to live peacefully and lovingly in a home environment completely amazed me, especially knowing that many of them were selectively bred for aggression. I want to thank Bad Rap for the work they do and the eye-opening story.

Vianna August 27, 2008 2:21 PM

What a nice article and a great video! I truly hope that enough people come together to stop the BSL.

Sheila August 28, 2008 1:14 PM

Wow, Jo, thanks for the information. I never have really liked the breed due to all the "Bad Rap," but this video made me realize that I need to apply the same principle that I hold with people--don't judge all by actions of one. While my preferences run more toward the Sheltie and retriever types, there were some cuties in that video!

Amy August 28, 2008 2:50 PM

American Pit Bulls are wonderful pets. Like any pet they have to be properly trained. They are very devoted to their owners. I have family members that own Pit Bulls and they are super!

Bonny August 28, 2008 5:19 PM

I have lived with pit bulls, they were the sweetest dogs. They listened to me better than any other dog I ever had. Please take a stand against breed banning.

donna August 28, 2008 7:06 PM

I know from a friend in NY that works at a shelter, that these dogs can be extremely loving and have just had a horrid case of publicity. I hope more people learn these dogs can be trusted and they will receive unconditional love in return.

annie August 28, 2008 8:12 PM

what a great article! somehow i just knew that pit bulls, if given a chance, would be terrific dogs.

many years ago i had the good fortune to know a spectacular pit bull for many years. she was loved by hundreds of people, to whom she brought great joy each and every day of her 16 + year life. i cried for a long time when she died.

Jo Singer August 29, 2008 1:53 PM

Follow up to blog entry:

Four Paws,Inc. has listed several code numbers and names of toys affected.

Please visit this site for further information and how to contact the company.

http://www.fourpaws.com/news/press-room/four-paws-rough-rugged-pimple-ball-with-bell.htm


Adrea September 5, 2008 9:56 AM

Media-induced ignorance is depriving society of the bliss bully-breeds were born to bestow. I fell in love with a rescued Staffie that had been trained to fight, and in seven years I have never seen one tiny ounce of aggression toword anyone or anything. Her inate desire is to be with her people. And once you have loved a bull terrior...well, you'll know what love can be and what dogs were meant to be. The media are just as guilty as dog-fighters when it comes to abusing this breed to their own ends!...maybe it's time we have to take responsibility for educating ourselves???

Barb September 25, 2008 10:57 AM

I finally got around to reading this article and loved, loved, loved the video. I'm also the breeder of the baby in the top picture. 1 of the pups from the litter now lives with 2 Jack Russel terriers and another with 4 young children. My 3 pits share my home with cats. Wonderful breed.

Barb September 26, 2008 2:00 PM

Ooops, Mine was the baby in the second picture on the tree stump.

rachel April 14, 2009 2:34 PM

i own an 8 yr. old pitt bull... they are a very loyal breed of dog who want nothing more than to please their owners. it breaks my heart what people are doing to these WONDERFUL dogs, PUNISH THE DEED NOT THE BREED!!!! we also have a 1yr. old and a 6 yr. old child who both growing up have pulled her tail, ride her like a horse and all she does is lick them. the worst she has done in the 8 yrs. ive owned her is eat my childrens toys and food lol....

tori May 30, 2009 3:48 AM

i've owned and raised pits my whole life so far, i'm only 17 now so i plan on continuing this. but, i have NEVER come across a violent pit. they've basically been clumsy, life-loving goofballs and there's NOTHING wrong with that. idiots are just taking severe advantage of such a loyal breed. and even bigger idiots are blaming the dogs themselves. it's outrageous! i actually came into ownership of a 3-4 month old male today, they thought he was half dalmation but he's just rare in coloring. he's lanky, but strong, and sort of a knucklehead. the good old american dog :].

Donna June 30, 2009 4:13 PM

I grew up with pits and I love them. They are wonderful dogs and I have purchased one for my 2 year old son. He play so rough with him but I can't spank my son now without putting the dog in another room. Again they are great dogs it you treat them right.

Barbara July 7, 2009 12:47 PM

I have three pit bulls at home and will never own a different breed! These dogs are loyal to a fault which is what makes them so popular with the thugs that abuse them. So many want them to show they are "tough" but in my book anyone that could abuse a defenseless animal, especially one that wants so badly to please his owner is nothing but a chicken shit. Certainly not tough. Pit Bulls are the sweetest, goofiest lap dogs and I really wish people would realize that it isn't the breed that needs to be banned it is the irresponsible owners! BTW, I absolutely loved the video! Thank you so much for getting the word out!

geno September 12, 2009 1:12 PM

i've had a english pit name max about twenty yr's ago max was not a agressive dog towards by no means.never seen him ever go after any strange do that wondered up in the yard.if the strange dog got near max he would just run around the other dog wanting to play this is how he always was.oneday he got off his chain and was gone for about 3 days and came back with a little young male beagle buddie he had found.he was a god sent beautiful animal its sad that he is gone i still miss he after all those yr's i have never got another on because i loved him so much.just like the little rascals.max would be 20 this december.geno from lincoln,il

Tanya September 14, 2009 3:06 PM

I have a 10 month old pitt terrier he is loving,loyal,very cute,he loves to play ball and he sure likes to jump for his stick. He most favorite thing to do is be with us he not one for being alone.His name is chopper and my 3 kids and 3 cats love him. And no matter what he loves us to.CHopper the wonderful Pitt BUll

Nathy September 26, 2009 11:18 PM

Pit Bulls Are Great Pet I Have A Pit Before And It Was A Very Loving And A Well Trained Dog ...

I Love Pit Bulls

Scott September 30, 2009 10:42 AM

Pit Bulls are by far the best family dog there is. They get a bad rap from a@$h&^%S like M.Vic. Our pits name is Crazy and he is crazy about all 4 kids My wife and myself and he loves the cat and our other dog Chester who is Part Doxin and part Pit. Love yourself a pit today!!

Brooke October 6, 2009 5:11 PM

I recently adopted a pit from a shelter. We have had many different breeds of dogs over the years and by far Buddy has become the love of my life. Unconditional love is what he has brought to our family.What a sad bad rap these dogs put up with. I can tell you our Jack Russell is by far the meanest dog we have ever owned!! She even bullies him around. He loves the cats, other dogs, and our kids. I get tired of telling everyone that finds about him about how they need to get educated before they open their mouths.

katrina polite October 16, 2009 5:07 PM

I have owned a pit for 6 yrs. he has gotten sick and i see blood in his pin.I wanted to know what could be wrong.

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