It is a misconception that certain breeds of dogs are more prone to attacking or biting
While it is true that many dog breeds are bred to have certain traits, a dog’s temperament is never guaranteed. Research shows that for any and all dog breeds, early socialization and consistent training are keys to positive behavior. Likewise, any dog breed that is mistreated or abused can develop behavior disorders fearfulness, and aggression.
Why Pit Bulls?
Pit bulls are not a common breed that comes to mind when you think of service dogs. You won’t find them in a service dog organization often, but you will commonly find pitbulls in a rescue organization or pitbulls that need adopted from a rescue. They are not common police officers’ dogs, or navigation dogs, but are popular among pet owners and are gaining popularity among other crowds.
The first pit bull was recently used as a police dog in New York. Pitbulls are becoming more common as therapy dogs, being adopted in rescue more, and trusted with more and more demographics for good reason.
Pit bulls are a fine example of athleticism in animals. Their origins trace back to Ireland, where the pitbulls’ ancestors were bred for agility and strength, used for blood sports such as bull-baiting, bear-baiting and cock fighting. When they reached America, they were used for driving cattle.
This is where pitbulls get their reputation as “fighting dogs”, due to unfortunate people still using them for abusive, illegal fighting, which is being combated by laws nowadays.
This athleticism makes them an attractive dog. The average Pit Bull weighs between 30 and 80 pounds. Smaller Pit Bulls are affectionately called a “Pocket Pitty” while their larger counterparts are impressively large animals, with a stocky, strong build. They stand at about 19 inches at full adult height. They live on average between 11 and 13 years and come in nearly every color naturally. They have short, dense coats and are relatively easy in terms of grooming. You can likely avoid the need for professional grooming places with pit bulls.
Pit bulls used to be “America’s Dog”
They were highly regarded as the best dog for kids.
During WWI a pit bull was even featured on a US war recruitment poster. “Neutral, but not afraid of any of them.” and “We’re not looking for trouble, but we’re ready for it.” These words describe the gentle but strong nature of the breed.
According to Vetstreet data, even today, pit bulls rank top 3 most popular breeds in three states and rank #1 in Rhode Island. Beloved brand, Target, fondly uses a pit bull as their trusted mascot, Bullseye.
In the mid 1980s media coverage of negative stories involving the breed garnered over-inflated attention. At the same time, illegal dog fighting circles were surfacing, and pit bulls were the dog of choice, popular for their muscular builds and powerful jaws. Drug dealers and gang members also took to keeping pit bulls for protection and intimidation.
In 1987, a Sports Illustrated cover featured a snarling pit bull, suggesting the breed were unfit for society, and the stereotype was crystalized. Since then America has seen mass discrimination against the entire breed. Pit bulls have been banned across a large number of states and municipalities, claiming they are aggressive and unpredictable.
Can Pitbull Be A Service Dog
DogsBite.org – After Delta Air Lines issued a new policy on June 20, limiting emotional support dogs to one per person and banning pit bulls as service and support dogs, we reviewed top service dog organizations and their selected breed types. These dog breeds are overwhelmingly Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, Labrador-golden mixes and standard poodles. Primarily, pit bull “breed advocate” groups, one who failed miserably, are pushing “pit bull service dogs.”
Accreditation by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) is the highest standard of accreditation for service dog organizations. We selected portions of website statements from accredited groups and candidates of ADI accreditation about why breed choice matters in service dog work. We also selected informational statements from other sources that explain why pit bulls, guarding and protection breeds are poor choices for service dogs, especially psychiatric service dogs.
What truly lies at the heart of Deltas new policy, however, is reflected in their statement: “untrained, pit bull-type dogs posing as both service and support animals are a potential safety risk.” Tia Torres of Pit Bulls and Parolees addresses this on her adoption page in clear terms. Torres will not adopt one of her pit bulls to an individual “if your plans are to make it a service dog.” Torres does not want her dogs placed into a situation that the dog may be unqualified for.
Torres issuing this condition in July 2017 speaks volumes about the number of her fans hoping to abuse loopholes in the ADA and Air Carrier Access Act for breed advocacy purposes. Deltas new policy is aimed directly at these types, as well as the narcissistic types, such as Kimberly Ferrell of Silverton, whose registered service dog, a “bull terrier-mix,” attacked three people in one year and the owner of an emotional support pit bull in Killeen that attacked two people in nine days.
This section highlights why breed choice matters in service work. We start with a quote from ADI that explains why a service dog should not be protective. Handi-Dogs Inc., next explains a fact about pit bulls that few, if any, animal shelters explain to an adopter: “Pit types can be genetically dog aggressive, and this may not show in the dogs temperament until it becomes an adult.” Handi-Dogs also reminds that genetic breed characteristics cannot be “trained out” of a pit bull.