 » Site Navigation | | | | | » Online Users: 106 | | 32 members and 74 guests | | amyhatcher, boss1041, BullyLover09, Chance2, chewbecca, ChrisL, CoolHandJean, debo-dumbo-ears, Dezzi, dieselsmum, eLL, Harleys Momma, Jax, jeoestreich, Krista, krk11, Lowlife, Mollie's Nana, mr.belvedere, nbritcher, Obider, pitbullmomma28, Poisoned, RescueDad, SadieLady, Sagebrush, Tiffseagles, Zoe | | Most users ever online was 331, 08-27-2009 at 12:51 PM. | | » About Us | | | Pit Bull Chat is dedicated to the preservation of the pit bull in its modern incarnations as a loving companion pet and top competitor in weight pull competitions and conformation shows. We are opposed to all forms of animal cruelty, and do not promote any illegal activities, but we celebrate the history of the pit bull and value its qualities of courage, strength and tenacity as the essence of the breed. We are therefore against all forms of breed-specific legislation, and work to protect the constitutional rights of pit bull owners. Pit Bull Chat's primary goal is to provide education to the public about the nature of the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) and related breeds such as the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, all of which are often referred to as "pit bulls." These breeds have become the media's current choice of "dangerous dog," following the German Shepherd, the Doberman Pinscher, and the Rottweiler. In light of today's barrage of newspaper reports of pit bull attacks, it is hard to imagine that today's "bad dog" was once favored in the United States. The shift in the mass media's portrayal of the pit bull, from the loyal family pet of Our Gang's Petey to a fearsome beast, as well as the rise in breed-specific legislation banning pit bulls, is the result of widespread misinformation and prejudice. The imputation of actions and characteristics of individual dogs to an entire breed, which forms the basis of breed-specific legislation (BSL), is analogous to human racism or classism. Moreover, with a wide range of sizes and colors, and an ever-increasing mixed-breed population, the pit bull presents a challenge for those who would define it. These days, it seems that everyone knows what a "pit bull" is and that "they" are dangerous. This ambiguous status has led to vague definitions of the pit bull in breed-banning ordinances, and the label "pit bull" has been applied generically to any dog that appears dangerous. In fact, over eighty percent of Americans, when faced with pictures of the American Pit Bull Terrier and related breeds, fail to correctly identify the APBT. The American Pit Bull Terrier is descended from the fighting dogs that came to the United States from England and Ireland in the late 19th and early 20th century. Although some dispute its heritage, the APBT is generally thought to have been the result of a cross between the original English Bulldog and a smaller, game terrier, a cross which was then refined on American soil. The United Kennel Club (UKC) was formed in 1898 to recognize the APBT, and other pit bull registries have been founded since, which reward conformation based on performance rather than on size, color or other physical characteristics. Despite the media's portrayal of fighting dogs, it is precisely the APBT's history as a fighting dog that has made it such a fine companion animal. Bred to be handled extensively by humans who regularly separated fighting dogs in the pit, APBTs became uniquely human-friendly; an APBT who would injure a human, without human error or provocation, was removed from breeding stock. The true APBT is thus uniquely responsive to humans and will go to amazing lengths to please its owner. The gameness of APBTs also allows them to excel as working dogs, in sports such as hog hunting and weight pulling. Because they are so friendly to humans, APBTs are not suitable for guard dogs. Even though the myth, that pit bulls have locking jaws has been completely debunked, they are powerful natural athletes, and encouraging them to be aggressive toward humans is tantamount to criminal action. Although APBTs typically do not bite people, any dog of any breed will bite a person under certain circumstances. Like any dog, an APBT should always be supervised around young children. Many people, when talking about a pit bull, will call a dog that bites an individual a "man-biter." A man-biter will go after man like another animal with all intent to take it out. Most APBTs will not attack a human, but many display protective instincts and will defend their family and/or property. Humans are most always the ones to blame when a dog bites someone - they have failed in some way, but refuse to take blame for their inability to properly raise, house, and train their pets correctly. It is always easier to blame the dog, its breed, or its genetic makeup, than to take responsibility, train them correctly from day one, and should a problem arise, seek professional help. It is the irresponsible owners who have allowed accidents to happen which could have been prevented, and are now threatening to destroy the pit bull breeds. Even though the APBT is the most reliably human-friendly of breeds, they often become dog-aggressive when mature (beginning anywhere from six months to two years of age and continuing for the rest of their adult lives). APBTs do not need to be trained to fight other dogs - it is in their nature. Contrary to popular opinion, dog-aggression cannot be "loved out" or "trained out" of APBTs, but it is typically apparent and controllable through supervision and separation of dogs. In fact, dog-aggression is also common in other bully and terrier breeds, and has nothing whatsoever to do with aggression toward humans. For these reasons, persons who aspire to own an APBT take on a great responsibility. These dogs must be supervised around other dogs, cats, or pets and many should be the only house pet. Even though chains are out of favor among animal welfare advocates today, often with good reason, a well-maintained chain set-up is often the best outdoor containment system for an APBT, and allows them a great deal more exercise and safe interaction than a dog run or kennel. Although parting sticks and exercise equipment are characterized by law enforcement as evidence of dog fighting, they can also be hallmarks of responsible ownership and well cared-for APBTs. We believe that all of these responsibilities are a small price to pay for such a wonderful companion. We do not condone the indiscriminate breeding of pit bulls, and do not allow posts relating to dogs for sale or stud, when there are countless homeless and unwanted pit bulls being put to death daily in America's shelters. While we support rescue efforts, we are not animal rights extremists. We denounce the mass extermination of pit bulls seized when dogfighters are arrested. Most of these dogs and puppies are similar in temperament to other APBTs and can be successfully placed in homes as pets or with working families. In addition, limited breeding programs, undertaken by knowledgeable and responsible breeders, are necessary to preserve the APBT for future generations. Pit Bull Chat rejects BSL as an unconstitutional infringement on the rights of Americans, based in a vicious prejudice that seeks to destroy an honorable tradition. Many people do not realize it, but there exists an entire culture and way of life in the United States built around caring for and raising APBTs. This breed is an important historical and cultural legacy. We at the Pit Bull Chat hope to increase public understanding and dispel the myths surrounding the APBT and the related breeds known as "pit bulls." Please, do your part to educate yourself and others, and save America's dog as well as life as we know it for the owners and lovers of this heroic breed! | |
