Don't Judge A Breed By Its Cover!

While out on a leisurely stroll alone or with your pet, you spot a loose dog that looks very much like the one pictured above, what do you do?   Today, as I was walking my Toy Fox Terrier and Beagle I saw three unattended, loose dogs of this variety standing on the sidewalk eying us.  I paused, alerted both dogs to the presence of the loose dogs ahead (thus showing a united front when approaching) and walked forward calmly.   Two of the three circled us, tails stiff, hackles up, trying to place their heads over the backs of my dogs.   When one got too close I calmly and with directed energy said "Hey" at the same time, using two stiff fingers, quickly poked on the dogs neck.   It was just enough to distract their attention from the full on focus they had.   In a few minutes the owner strolled outside, and gathered her dogs.  To have run, yelled, snatched up my dogs, or tried to push past them would have led to an all out dog fight.   It could have been any breed  or group of dogs and I would have done the same thing, read the non-verbal cues being exchanged.

If you believe the dog pictured above is a Pit Bull you would be totally wrong!   The above dog is an American Staffordshire Terrier.  There are a few "Bully Breeds" , as they are called, including the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Boston Terrier, American Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Bullmastiff, French Bulldog, Olde English Bulldogge, Renascence Bulldogge, Victorian Bulldog, Alapaha Blue Blood, and Boxers.    The sizes, temperaments, and original tasks each of these breeds was created to perform varies widely.

Not many people would watch in horror when the United States Marine Corps walk "Chesty", their mascot, ( English Bulldog adopted as the official breed in 1922)  through a crowd or onto a field  because it is a member of the "bully breeds".     Likewise, people should not judge ANY breed of dog based on stories or hype.   The American Temperament Test Society, Inc., a professional organization that independently tests temperaments of over 200 breeds, found that bully breeds, in terms of friendly disposition, all rank on par with such dogs as Beagles and Australian Shepherds.   Having worked, for years, in a boarding kennel which housed over 200 owned dogs, as well as grooming for that facility, I can say far more Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise', and American Eskimo dogs (the small breeds) along with Chow Chows, Akitas, and Alaskan Malamutes  (the big breeds) were the most likely to bite.

Refrain from blaming an entire category of breeds for being vicious; instead blame the foolish owners.   Far too many people obtain a specific breed for the sole purpose of creating a biting dog.  Lack of socialization, purposeful baiting, and complete disregard for life (human or animal), on the part of the owner, can create a dangerous dog.  The simple fact is ALL dogs have the capacity to bite and breed bans are encouraged only by the ignorant in our society.   If people want safer dogs, they need to attend care/maintenance classes, training classes, read and study about dog behavior, socialize their companion in as many opportunities as possible, don't buy from back yard breeders/puppy mills and support causes that ban the use of dogs in fighting.   By setting a good example with our own companions in public and encouraging other dog owners to follow suit, we may be able to create less drama, more harmony, and dissolve the need to isolate any one breed no matter what the original intention of that particular canine was 100 years ago.


                                                                          © PawEarFull Legacys