Doggone crazy over pit bulls

Dog-objective Citizen, Guest Columnist

As an objective citizen and someone who has dog experience, as well as having done extensive research, I felt it time to make a comment about the spate of media reports on 'pit bull' attacks.

Firstly, what we class as pit bulls is actually a diverse set of dogs which include the American Staffordshire terrier/American pit bull terrier, the Staffordshire bull terrier, and a whole host of the above mixed with English and/or American bulldogs.

It is important to note that in the 1970s, the villainous dog of choice was the doberman pinscher; in the '80s, the German shepherd; and in the '90's, the rottweiler. The 'pit bull' existed all through these years. In fact, in the early days, they were nicknamed 'nanny dogs' because of their playful nature, protective instinct, and high tolerance for the rough and tumble play of young children. Indeed, some famous dogs were 'pit bulls', Petey from the Little Rascals and US army dog Captain Stubby included. Now, how did this breed go from heralded to the current poster child for dog attacks in the media?

To be sure, there are several contributing factors, not least of which is the self-fulfilling prophecy of people's beliefs that they should be aggressive. When actual research is done beyond anecdotal tales, interesting facts are uncovered.

In the American Kennel Club, the breed description is stated as "a people-oriented dog that thrives when he is made part of the family and given a job to do".

In the United Kennel Club, their description reads: "The essential characteristics of the American pit bull terrier (APBT) are strength, confidence, and zest for life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children. Because most APBTs exhibit some level of dog aggression and because of its powerful physique, the APBT requires an owner who will carefully socialise and obedience-train the dog … . The APBT is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers. Aggressive behaviour towards humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and highly undesirable."

FALLEN ON HARD TIMES

Interestingly enough, in the American Temperament Test Society, 'pit bulls' consistently score high (above 80 per cent).

Unfortunately, having now become the number one most-abused dog and the dog most likely to be owned by undesirables and persons who should not own any animal, much less a powerful breed, these have become hard times for this dog. The breed has been abused and agitated to develop aggression (which, based on the common methods used in Jamaica, includes tying the animal to a fence and beating it with, in some cases, wooden planks. This leads to nothing more than fear aggression. An unstable animal that bites out of fear of harm. A dangerous situation). I personally know of instances where persons get 'pit bull' puppies and upon them reaching maturity, are sorely disappointed to end up with a large, playful dog. Proper research would have made this no surprise. The owners then send the dogs to these abusers/trainers and get back an unstable, aggressive dog.

What is also not unnoticed is the significant role the media have played in this entire scenario. The Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has stated that the number one dog implicated in attacks is the mixed breeds ('mongrels'). Yet, does this repeatedly make headlines? No. I know of akitas and doberman pinschers who have mauled. Any reports? No. Also, there are many 'pit bulls' in good and loving homes with no incidents whatsoever. Nothing to report. Is it newsworthy that the 2013 American Hero Dog (therapy dog of the year) in the United States is a 'pit bull'? No.

Focus more on owners of powerful breeds. So let us see what breed will be next. The mastiff maybe?

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