If ever there was a dog misunderstood, it is the pit bull. The term "pit bull" is used to broadly classify dogs such as the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier; American Bulldogs and Bull Terriers are also sometimes included.
The modern day pit bull is a descendant of the English bull-baiting dog crossed with more agile terriers resulting in an athletic dog. Contrary to popular beliefs, pit bulls do not have "locking jaws." They are just very determined and enthusiastic about everything they do. So, even if they bite, they are usually unwilling to let go.
They are also not inherently vicious. It's usually bad ownership and not bad dogs-that causes pit bulls to be aggressive, as stated by the ASPCA.
As Malcolm Gladwell says in his essay "Troublemakers," pit bull stereotypes can teach us about the wrongness of racial profiling of both humans and dogs, writes Robin Rock in Petfinder.
But there have been incidents of pit bulls becoming aggressive and extremely vicious, as reported in this Fox News story where a pack of three pit bulls attacked and killed Bandit, a Puggle, recently.
At the other end of the spectrum is the heart-warming story of Leala, a Staffordshire Terrier, who saved two-year-old Alexander Keeney's life by her quick thinking and reasoning abilities, as reported by HNGN.
Photographer Sophie Gammand has made it her mission to create awareness about pit bulls through her photo essay, "Flower Power." "I realized pit bulls were always portrayed in very urban, gritty photographs. The imagery associated with these dogs is often harsh, very contrasted, conveying the idea of them being tough. In my opinion, this feeds the myth that these dogs are dormant psychopaths. So I decided to take the other route and portray them like hippies, soft fairy-tale-inspired characters, feminine and dreamy. The idea of flower power blossomed," Gammand says according to Design Boom.
Our advice to prospective Pit Bull owners?
Pit Bulls are one of the most loyal and loving companions man can have, but one needs to establish ground rules from the very beginning. Socialize the dog, give it plenty of exercise, read up and learn about breed specific restrictions in your area to help you sensitize the neighbors. If possible, adopt a pit bull, rather than buying a pup. In case of adoption, opt for an adult dog, as in that case the dogs personality is already developed and you will be able to judge better if the dog is your ideal companion. And finally set a good example for your pet and members of the locality.
