Are pit bulls more aggressive than other dogs?
This week’s Lost Found and Looking column is from the desk of Pope Memorial Humane Society’s Foster Coordinator Brandi Moore:
Some of us have been around long enough to remember the TV show “The Little Rascals” and their pit bull companion with the ring around his eye, Petey.
Or maybe you binge watch the current TV show, “Pit Bulls and Parolees?” Both shows might have you wondering, “Is it an urban legend that pit bulls are really more aggressive than other dog breeds?” Does the research support this belief?
According to the ASPCA and other dog rescue groups, bully breeds, like the American pit bull terrier, bullmastiff and American Staffordshire terrier, can make wonderful family pets if, as with most other breeds, they are properly trained and socialized. Research backs that up. The CDC conducted research in 2000 that showed no specific breed of dog to be inherently aggressive.
So maybe it’s time to put aside the breed bias and understand and accept bullies for who they really are.
The American Humane Association refers to tests conducted in 2009 by the American Temperament Test Society, which showed bullies scoring better than several other breeds that are not thought of by most people to be aggressive, including beagles and collies.
Pit Bull Rescue Central says there’s no actual evidence to suggest bully breeds are a riskier adoption or foster choice than any other types of breed. In fact, of the millions of dogs languishing in animal shelters across the country, bullies are among the most in need of adoption and foster. Hundreds of thousands of them are waiting for loving homes.
Many people avoid adopting or fostering pit bulls and other bully breeds due to the belief that they have aggressive or unpredictable natures. But if you properly socialize and train your bully, as with any dog, you’ll most likely find that you are the proud parent to a loveable Fur Kid, who is loyal to a fault.
Don’t let the isolated incidents and urban legends keep you from opening your heart and home to one of these beautiful dogs in need.
To adopt or foster a pit bull, or any other animal, awaiting a forever home of their own; we here at PMHS would love to help anyone find a great forever adoption match or welcome anyone to join our foster family!
Daisy, Lassie (photo above) and Spottie are searching for their forever families right now!
Pope Memorial Humane Society is located at 25 Buttermilk Lane in Thomaston; due to COVID-19, adoptions are by appointment only until further notice; for questions or to schedule an appointment call 594-2200; if interested in adopting or fostering a PMHS animal, fill out an application on popehumane.org.
Wish list: paper towels, bleach, copy paper, hand soap, 6” paper plates, laundry detergent, and gift certificates to Walmart, Staples and local businesses. Thank you.
* Lassie (photo above) is a pit bull breed that’s not just a sweetheart shelter dog, but wishes for a loving home like any other fur-ever friend.