Haha. Loved your piece. If I judge by the attempts to interfere with my own keyboard activity, I’d say my dogs have writing ambitions of their own. Or resent mine. Or there’s a crumb of cookie on the “t” key.
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.
I felt much the same way about pit bulls (e.g. see my North Carolina experience described in the piece.) And it’s definitely the case that some people are still using pit bulls to create much scarier looking, bigger, more muscular, and possible more aggressive mixes. Since they are bred with mastiffs and other huge dogs (pitties and pit mixes are usually pretty small, though muscular) they actually have a pretty different look from the pitbulls that are raised and treated like family dogs. Much bulkier torsos, bigger heads and jaws, shorter legs. They are a very particular phenomenon that I don’t approve of at all (horrible for the health of the dog, more dangerous for people, and bad for the reputation of the vast majority of pitties.) I don’t know how prevalent the use of them (or “bait”) in dog-fighting is, as it’s a banned, underground activity and stats are impossible to come by. But I think it’s important that dogs bred and raised to be scary or aggressive not be identified as “the same” genetic “breed” as most pitties. (As I argue in the piece, there really isn’t one genetic type anyway.) I’d be nervous, too, seeing one of those “bullies” (as they are sometimes called) approaching me or my dogs.
Some thinking about your other points: I’d distinguish between the use of dogs for fighting and for protection. I don’t know about how prevalent the use of dogs for protection is in New Haven—but I wouldn’t assume that using a dog for protection means the dog would actually attack anyone. The spikes, etc. may be just “performative.” The “harsh way the owner speaks to the dog,” however, is a more reliable clue—but it’s “environmental,” not genetic, and can produce a dangerously human-fearing dog in any breed. If you go by temperament (which you rightly mention as important) it’s striking that Pit bulls score much higher (80% on temperament tests) than collies and other many other dogs imagined as having a gentler temperament. “Strong jaw”: Sure, these are strong dogs—but don’t have “locking jaws” (that’s a myth), and weren’t bred (as Jack Russells were) to put able to grab prey and hang on.
I guess the “bottom line” (if there is one) of my piece is that “breedism” functions in much the same way as racism. Full of false genetic assumptions, stereotypes, discrimination on the basis of “looks” etc. That doesn’t mean that pit bulls (as well as other physically strong dogs, like German Shepherds) haven’t been bred, in some contexts and during some periods of history) to be fighting dogs. That doesn’t mean “aggression” is genetically inscribed in them. At various times, in fact, other dogs have been branded with that distinction.
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.
Exactly. I actually had a paragraph in an earlier version of this piece listing some of the crazy identifications. But the piece was getting way too long and I feared readers would lose patience with me. I hope others read your comment. Or maybe repost the piece with the comment at the top. It’s an important point.
Our rescue mutt came with the label “lab/pug mix.” According to his DNA test, he’s mostly hound (beagle predominating) with a jot of Boston terrier and bulldog. Beagle aficionados occasionally identify him as a beagle mix, and a dog groomer once called him “a pittie.” As Susan points out, it’s just about impossible to tell at a glance.
But are they good writing dogs? See my post Susan we must be on the same wavelength or sumthin : )
Haha. Loved your piece. If I judge by the attempts to interfere with my own keyboard activity, I’d say my dogs have writing ambitions of their own. Or resent mine. Or there’s a crumb of cookie on the “t” key.
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.
I felt much the same way about pit bulls (e.g. see my North Carolina experience described in the piece.) And it’s definitely the case that some people are still using pit bulls to create much scarier looking, bigger, more muscular, and possible more aggressive mixes. Since they are bred with mastiffs and other huge dogs (pitties and pit mixes are usually pretty small, though muscular) they actually have a pretty different look from the pitbulls that are raised and treated like family dogs. Much bulkier torsos, bigger heads and jaws, shorter legs. They are a very particular phenomenon that I don’t approve of at all (horrible for the health of the dog, more dangerous for people, and bad for the reputation of the vast majority of pitties.) I don’t know how prevalent the use of them (or “bait”) in dog-fighting is, as it’s a banned, underground activity and stats are impossible to come by. But I think it’s important that dogs bred and raised to be scary or aggressive not be identified as “the same” genetic “breed” as most pitties. (As I argue in the piece, there really isn’t one genetic type anyway.) I’d be nervous, too, seeing one of those “bullies” (as they are sometimes called) approaching me or my dogs.
Some thinking about your other points: I’d distinguish between the use of dogs for fighting and for protection. I don’t know about how prevalent the use of dogs for protection is in New Haven—but I wouldn’t assume that using a dog for protection means the dog would actually attack anyone. The spikes, etc. may be just “performative.” The “harsh way the owner speaks to the dog,” however, is a more reliable clue—but it’s “environmental,” not genetic, and can produce a dangerously human-fearing dog in any breed. If you go by temperament (which you rightly mention as important) it’s striking that Pit bulls score much higher (80% on temperament tests) than collies and other many other dogs imagined as having a gentler temperament. “Strong jaw”: Sure, these are strong dogs—but don’t have “locking jaws” (that’s a myth), and weren’t bred (as Jack Russells were) to put able to grab prey and hang on.
I guess the “bottom line” (if there is one) of my piece is that “breedism” functions in much the same way as racism. Full of false genetic assumptions, stereotypes, discrimination on the basis of “looks” etc. That doesn’t mean that pit bulls (as well as other physically strong dogs, like German Shepherds) haven’t been bred, in some contexts and during some periods of history) to be fighting dogs. That doesn’t mean “aggression” is genetically inscribed in them. At various times, in fact, other dogs have been branded with that distinction.
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 so much!! It was new confirmation for me, too. That’s why I love doing stacks that involve research. This one especially taught me so much!
My Staffy mixes are very affectionate and good at listening too.
They are great dogs. My Staffy is the smartest, sweetest baby! (Will always be a baby no matter how old she gets. She’s three now.)
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... ;-)
I wasn’t aware of that one. Fill me in!!
https://nypost.com/2004/01/05/apple-renames-pit-bulls-yorkies/
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.
Wonderful! Please do share! And are you subscribed to BordoLines? If not, I hope you do!!
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.
I just wrote almost the same words—“it’s like racism”—in my comment to Binnie Klein.
I didn’t see that one. But it’s so true. It correlates well with this kind of thing.
You couldn’t have seen it, as I just now wrote it! Great minds think alike.
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.
Exactly. I actually had a paragraph in an earlier version of this piece listing some of the crazy identifications. But the piece was getting way too long and I feared readers would lose patience with me. I hope others read your comment. Or maybe repost the piece with the comment at the top. It’s an important point.
Our rescue mutt came with the label “lab/pug mix.” According to his DNA test, he’s mostly hound (beagle predominating) with a jot of Boston terrier and bulldog. Beagle aficionados occasionally identify him as a beagle mix, and a dog groomer once called him “a pittie.” As Susan points out, it’s just about impossible to tell at a glance.