This morning I had a nightmare in the back-to-sleep hour between 4:30 and 5:30 when I force myself to get more time in, and when, apparently, my unconscious likes to bubble up. I’d spent the week reading about Pit Bulls, but I hadn’t realized just how much my research, done as antisemitic protests flourished across college campuses (several of which I had spoken at in the past when being Jewish was just one, and mostly unnoticed, part of my identity) had stirred up unexpected associations. I thought I was writing this piece for Piper and Scout, my two Pitties, and all those Facebook friends whose Pit Bulls are adored and adoring members of their families. My dream told me more.
Rigorous, enlightening and convincing. Some of the sweet dogs in your gallery don’t look like pit bulls to me, but then I’m among the many who have assumed you can identify a breed by its looks.
This was such an enjoyable article, and the solicitation of reader's dog pix a wonderful idea. I've never had a pitbull or pitbull mix, but I have had 7 small dogs, who have brought incredible joy to my life. I must admit, though, when I've walked them in various settings, if we spot a pitbull, we get tense (yeah, I know, it transmits down through the leash!). I'll definitely avoid if possible, or even cross the street. I live near a city where there are in fact neighborhoods with pitbull breeders, and they are being bred for fighting. I suppose through no fault on the part of these doggies, they have tremendously strong jaws, and therefore.......So it's a bit of a quandry, you know, not having certain feelings or fears....It's very hard not to make assumptions... Spiked collars -- sometimes a clue....chokechains...sometimes a clue....The harsh way the owner speaks to the dog.....The temperament of the dog depends SO much on how and what they are being raised for. I will always feel protective of my dogs, since apparently, small dogs are sometimes used as "bait" in fights that people bet on. Truth be told, it's not like I have researched any current animal control policies where I live, or where the bad stuff is going on. But it's pretty clear that in the inner city near me, they are at the least, used for protection. I'd love to know your feelings about that. Is it any different than training a German Shepherd, or other "strong" breed for protection? I HATE saying all this, because your article so beautifully depicts the other side of the story, and clearly your experiences have been with spectacularly loving and lovable dogs.
This is such an important article, thanks Susan! I've always loved pit bulls; no dog is more affectionate and few are as beautiful. Really appreciate you shining a light on the origins of discrimination against this breed. The direct ties to the eugenics movement are something I long suspected, but had never researched.
Thanks for sharing, Susan. Are you aware of the effort a few years ago to rebrand Pit Bulls and New Yorkies? You'll never guess who was behind that idea... ;-)
Our Staffordshire/pitty mix Riley loves everybody except other dogs and rodents, but we keep her away from people because they can telegraph anxiety, which may (or may not!) upset her. She's a lovable couch potato. A true velcro dog, she's most happy when her entire body limns yours in bed. In Denver where my sister lives, however, she would be legally required to wear a muzzle outdoors! Yes, this is a caste system--as with all caste systems, it's based on nonsense, not science.
I love this article and plan to share it widely in my rescue community. Most of the dogs that come through my home are pit mixes and they are all so lovely. The snuggliest.
It's so sad that people judge these doggos by how they look. It's like racism - well, breed-ism. I've never had a Pitbull, we have Mally's- Belgain Malinois. The caramel and chocolate pointed kind, you often seen beside soldiers and policemen in movies. They are highly intelligent and fiercely loyal and amazing guard dogs and companions. But they are getting such a bad rap here where I'm from because of an isolated accident that happened in town a couple of months ago. Now no one wants them, there are calls for bans and legal action against all Mally owners for not properly securing their pets. It's awful.
The other fact is when a newspaper reports a dog fatality, the description of the mixed breed dog has changed over time.
In the US in the 60s, it was likely to be described as a German shepherd mix. In the 70s, that became a doberman mix. Then rotties. Then pits.
A sheriff in Virginia blamed a woman's death on her pitbulls. Problem is her dogs were over a 100 lbs and were more likely mastiff mixes than pits (which tend to be under 60 lbs.)
The funniest mismatch I saw with dog breeds was a mutt I got in the 80s.
But are they good writing dogs? See my post Susan we must be on the same wavelength or sumthin : )
Rigorous, enlightening and convincing. Some of the sweet dogs in your gallery don’t look like pit bulls to me, but then I’m among the many who have assumed you can identify a breed by its looks.
This was such an enjoyable article, and the solicitation of reader's dog pix a wonderful idea. I've never had a pitbull or pitbull mix, but I have had 7 small dogs, who have brought incredible joy to my life. I must admit, though, when I've walked them in various settings, if we spot a pitbull, we get tense (yeah, I know, it transmits down through the leash!). I'll definitely avoid if possible, or even cross the street. I live near a city where there are in fact neighborhoods with pitbull breeders, and they are being bred for fighting. I suppose through no fault on the part of these doggies, they have tremendously strong jaws, and therefore.......So it's a bit of a quandry, you know, not having certain feelings or fears....It's very hard not to make assumptions... Spiked collars -- sometimes a clue....chokechains...sometimes a clue....The harsh way the owner speaks to the dog.....The temperament of the dog depends SO much on how and what they are being raised for. I will always feel protective of my dogs, since apparently, small dogs are sometimes used as "bait" in fights that people bet on. Truth be told, it's not like I have researched any current animal control policies where I live, or where the bad stuff is going on. But it's pretty clear that in the inner city near me, they are at the least, used for protection. I'd love to know your feelings about that. Is it any different than training a German Shepherd, or other "strong" breed for protection? I HATE saying all this, because your article so beautifully depicts the other side of the story, and clearly your experiences have been with spectacularly loving and lovable dogs.
This is such an important article, thanks Susan! I've always loved pit bulls; no dog is more affectionate and few are as beautiful. Really appreciate you shining a light on the origins of discrimination against this breed. The direct ties to the eugenics movement are something I long suspected, but had never researched.
Thanks for sharing, Susan. Are you aware of the effort a few years ago to rebrand Pit Bulls and New Yorkies? You'll never guess who was behind that idea... ;-)
Our Staffordshire/pitty mix Riley loves everybody except other dogs and rodents, but we keep her away from people because they can telegraph anxiety, which may (or may not!) upset her. She's a lovable couch potato. A true velcro dog, she's most happy when her entire body limns yours in bed. In Denver where my sister lives, however, she would be legally required to wear a muzzle outdoors! Yes, this is a caste system--as with all caste systems, it's based on nonsense, not science.
I love this article and plan to share it widely in my rescue community. Most of the dogs that come through my home are pit mixes and they are all so lovely. The snuggliest.
It's so sad that people judge these doggos by how they look. It's like racism - well, breed-ism. I've never had a Pitbull, we have Mally's- Belgain Malinois. The caramel and chocolate pointed kind, you often seen beside soldiers and policemen in movies. They are highly intelligent and fiercely loyal and amazing guard dogs and companions. But they are getting such a bad rap here where I'm from because of an isolated accident that happened in town a couple of months ago. Now no one wants them, there are calls for bans and legal action against all Mally owners for not properly securing their pets. It's awful.
The other fact is when a newspaper reports a dog fatality, the description of the mixed breed dog has changed over time.
In the US in the 60s, it was likely to be described as a German shepherd mix. In the 70s, that became a doberman mix. Then rotties. Then pits.
A sheriff in Virginia blamed a woman's death on her pitbulls. Problem is her dogs were over a 100 lbs and were more likely mastiff mixes than pits (which tend to be under 60 lbs.)
The funniest mismatch I saw with dog breeds was a mutt I got in the 80s.
Fourteen pounds. Brindle. Scruffy muzzle. milk teeth.
Feet like soup bowls attached to an ungainly head with this skinny little body.
Described as a Scottie mix.
I looked at those feet and thought, Scottie my ass.
Irish wolfhound mix. 85lbs at full weight and still skinny.
People don't know what dog breeds are.