THE SCIENCE BEHIND PIT BULLS Many of the pets that we lovingly call "man's best friend" today may be cute and cuddly, but that hasn't always been the case PETS PROFESSIONALS versus Different breeds of dogs used to have very specific societal functions Different breeds were developed to specialize in certain skills PROTECTION HUNTING FIGHTING Commonly Known as "Bull and Terriers" Ancient bloodsport dating to Roman times where bulls were tied down and Originally bred in England circa early 1800s for "bull baiting" attacked by dogs until they were immobilized American Born and Bred for "sport" DOG FIGHTING American Pit Bulls were bred for dog fighting Though tenacious in battle, these dogs were also loyal, gentle, and protective of humans THE "NANNY DOG" Built in Babysitter Starting in the late 19th century, many Pit Bulls filled the role of the household nanny As early American settlers worked in the fields pit bulls would watch over the children SOCIETY MERICA The ASPCA on pit bulls "once considered as especially non-aggressive to people" What caused these generally friendly, loyal, stable, nannies to get such a bad rap? OF CRUELT Petey the Pit Bul from "Our Gang" and "The Little Rascals" Copyright Warner Bros. Entertainment Not so "Bad to the bone" BAD DOGS? OR BAD OWNERS? riminal owners Nature vs. Nurtur Tough Puppies Journal of Forensic Science found Poorly socialized, abused, and tortured Pit Bulls can be Irresponsible breeders and dog fighters instigate aggressive behaviors: that owners of any breed of vicious dog had "significantly more criminal behaviors than potentially agressive Dog fights other dog owners" Antagonized guard dogs Gang intimidation Un-neutered animals So which are the 3 MOST AGGRESSIVE DOG BREEDS? via Journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science Study Breeds with the greatest percentage of dogs exhibiting serious aggression (bites or bite attempts) toward humans Smaller size plays a role in fear based aggression Dachshunds Pit Bulls Chihuahuas Rottweilers Jack Russels Doberman Pinschers Skewed Stats 1 in 6 have bitten or tried to bite a stranger Researchers believe that bite statistics for smaller dogs are skewed 000000000000 Bites from smaller dogs are not reported, because they don't usually require a doctor visit 1 in 12 have snapped at their owners Bites from larger dogs are usually reported, though that doesn't mean big dogs cause the most bites The "actual" Pit Bull name is not in the American Kennel Society's register TWO MAIN BREEDS: BACK TO THE PIT BULL BASICS American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier APBT AmStaff 17 - 19 – - 17- 19 HEIGHT (Inches) 30 - 85 - -57-67 WEIGHT (Pounds) 12 - 16 9- 15 LIFE SPAN (Years) SIMILAR BREEDS KEEPING A HEALTHY PITTIE Common health issues in Pit Bulls that you can help correct or lessen their effects Skin allergies Hip dysplasia • Common genetic abnormality • Poorly formed or loose hip joint Deafness • Some Pit Bulls are born deaf • Serious ear infections Congenital heart defects • Grass • Fleas • Mites • Environmental elements • Can cause rashes or hives • Born with narrow heart connection between the can cause deafness aorta and heart DISPROVING THE MYTHS myth myth myth myth LOCKING JAW AND GREATER BITING POWER PIT BULLS ARE MORE DANGEROUS TO PEOPLE THAN OTHER DOGS PIT BULLS NEED THE SAME CARE THAT ALL OTHER DOGS NEED DOGS THAT ARE AGGRESSIVE TO OTHER DOGS ARE AGGRESSIVE TO PEOPLE truth truth truth truth Pit Bulls do not have a unique Pit Bulls need more exercise time Aggression between certain types of dogs is heritable The American Pit Bull Test for Dogs shows American Pit Bull Terriers have a pass rate of 84.3% compared to 81.6% pass rate in all dogs mechanism in their jaw that allows locking per day than most dogs Be prepared to be met with resistance on your choice to own a Pit Bull by friends and neighbors Pit Bulls have the least amount of biting pressure between German Shepherds and Rottweilers Pit Bulls are only aggressive when humans mold them to be aggressive. These intelligent, highly trainable dogs, may fight to protect you, but they'd rather be snuggling with you and the kids on the couch. cullymax Presented by: Vitamins For PitBulls.com Sources: dontbullymybreed.org/breedhistory.php dogtime.com/dog-breeds/american-pit-bull-terrier pitbullsarea.com/2013/11/22/common-health-issues-for-pitbulls DEVELOPED BY N NOWSOURCING aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/truth-about-pit-bulls thepetoollective.tv/did-you-know-that-pit-bulls-were-known-as-the-nanny-dog alternet.org/civil-liberties/pitbulls-used-be-considered-perfect-nanny-dogs-children-until-media-turned-them dogguide.net/blog/2008/07/the-3-most-aggressive-dog-breeds-revealed-pit-bulls-rottweilers-youl-be-surprised FOR THE THE A * PREVEN EVENTION TO ANIMALS