Last weekend my family and I adopted a puppy from the S.P.C.A. Her name is Roxie and she is an American Pitbull Terrier mix. It was all excitement when we adopted her, and we have yet to pick her up (we will have her home by the time you read this), but I noticed that the reaction from friends and family was different from my own. The moment I mentioned her breed, people would give a look (you know that look that says "are you really serious right now?")
I got a lot of questions like "are you sure that's the type of dog you want?" or "aren't you afraid it's going to attack you or your other dogs?"
My answer to that is no. One, she is a puppy who will be properly trained just like all my other dogs were. Also, it really bothers me that people still have this misconception of Pitbulls always attacking people, as if it's what they were born to do. To that I say, it's all about respect. If you respect the dog and show the dog that it can trust you, then you should have no problem, especially if you're starting out with a puppy (no matter what the breed is). If you are that concerned, then perhaps you shouldn't be getting a dog, but if you want to stick it out (which I hope you do when choosing to adopt a pit), then there is always the option of obedience training classes. To think that every pit bull you come across is going to attack you is completely illogical. I mean seriously, you could just as easily be attacked by a chihuahua or a dachshund, but you don't see people trying to ban them from apartments, neighborhoods or dog parks do you?
A little history for you. Did you know that during the WWI era, pits were considered the 'All American Dog.' Perhaps you may have heard of the war dog / mascot Sergeant Stubby. If not, then I suggest you look take a gander at that little blue link. You might find some other interesting facts about pit bulls. I know I did. For instance, I also learned that the breed was a highly popular family dog. As well as a popular dog among politicians and celebrities.
I'm glad we decided to adopt Roxie, because it gives me a chance to increase my own understanding of the breed, and hopefully to help others realize that they're just as lovable, playful, and goofy as any other breed. They are not vicious unless you do something that makes them turn out that way (the same is true for any breed if left with an unfit owner). A few bad owners got a hold of some poor pits and taught them to be violent. That is where this negative misconception comes from, a few bad owners, despite the fact that there are so many good owners with well-behaved pit bulls out there.
