EXPLAINER: Dog breeds with bad reputations

Dogs are similar to humans in various aspects. One aspect is that some dog breeds are judged harsher than others. It is time to separate fact from opinion. Some of the dog breeds that have been given a bad reputation include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers. For years, laws and bans have been put into place. Here are some facts about these notable breeds.

 

Pit Bulls

Pit Bulls encompass three distinct, though related, dog breeds: the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Stafford Bull Terrier. They were originally bred as catch dogs for hunting and attacking large animals like the wild board, herding livestock and pit fighting.

History

In the 19^th century, dog breeders began to breed terriers and bulldogs together to create a dog that could fight in the ring against other breeds. That is where the name “Pit” came from. From that came the myth that Pit Bulls have a locking jaw, which means that if they bite, their jaws lock and do not release. Although Pit Bulls have strong jaws, and like most breeds will hold on their prey once they bite down, there is no evidence that a Pit Bull’s jaw is different from other breeds of dogs.

Why the bad reputation?

Part of the reason Pit Bulls has been given a bad reputation is because people view them as fight dogs. Certain Pit Bull breeds are selected and bred to enhance the fighting ability these dogs naturally have. Numerous studies reveal that the majority of dog attack injuries and fatalities involve Pit Bulls, a distant second is Rottweilers.

Do they make good pets?

Pit Bulls can make loving and loyal dogs for pet owners. The American Canine Temperament Test Society considers them the “social butterfly” among dog breeds and lists them right up there with Golden Retrievers. Tips for anyone planning on owning a Pit Bull include proper training, having a lot of space because these dogs need exercise and room to run around, make sure the dog is not neglected or treated aggressively.

 

Rottweiler

Rottweilers are considered to be one of the fiercest dog breeds. Rottweilers were bred from the Mastiff dog breed – one of the most ancient types of dog breeds.

History

The Romans developed the breed of Rottweilers that we are familiar with today. Rottweilers were used by the Romans to guard the cattle for the Roman soldiers. The Romans later went on to begin using the dogs to accompany the army, from this police officers also began to bring Rottweilers in to help with their jobs. This is one of the reasons Rottweilers are considered guardian dogs.

Why the bad reputation?

Part of the reason Rottweilers have been given a bad reputation is because of their size and that some people think that they have unpredictable temperaments. In 1997, Rottweilers were reported as having the second-highest fatality count for any dog breed. During this time period, they were responsible for 29 deaths.

 Can they make good pets?

Rottweilers are trainable dogs, loving and protective. The American Kennel Club ranked Rottweilers as America’s 8^th most popular dog breed. Tips for anyone planning on owning a Rottweiler is to remember that they take their role as a protector seriously.

Doberman Pinschers

The Doberman Pinscher breed was created by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann. It is believed that the Greyhound, Rottweiler, German Shephard, Great Dane, German Pinscher, English Greyhound, Weimaraner, Beauceron and Black/Tan Terrier are some of the breeds used to create this dog, but a detailed list is still unknown. Dobermann created the bred to be strong, fast, smart and fearless dogs that could protect their owner.

History

In the 19^th century, Dobermann used this dog breed to accompany him on his rounds as a tax collector. The breed went on to begin working with the police department and the military.

Why the bad reputation?

Since Doberman created the bred to be strong and fearless for protection purposes, Dobermans Pinschers gained a reputation for being mean, overly aggressive dogs to strangers.

Can they make good pets?

Doberman Pinschers can be easy-to-train dogs that can be good for families. A tip for anyone planning on owning this dog is to not be alarmed if the dog naturally gravities to one specific member of the home. They often bond strongly to one person but are still able to love the whole family.

 

Breed Specific Legislation

This legislation is a type of law that prohibits or restricts particular breeds or types of dogs. This law can range from a breed being banned in a specific area to restrictions and conditions an owner must follow in order to own a specific breed or type of dog.

Some of the breed-specific legislation dog owners should be aware of include:

• Breed Ban
• Mandatory Spay/Neuter laws
• Insurance Discrimination
• Military Base Breed Ban
• Apartment/Housing Breed Ban

The breeds and types of dogs that are commonly affected by breed-specific legislation (BSL) are the Pit Bull class of dogs, American Bull Dogs, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Dalmatians, Chow Chows, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers or any dogs that happen to be mixed with these dog breeds.

 

What is being done to help?

• Pet owners who live in areas that have BSL laws are encouraged to call their elected representatives to express their opinion on the law.
• Pet owners who have these breeds or dog types are encouraged to take part in making sure their pets are trained. This helps break the stigma.

 

How to Get Involved

A way to help these breeds would be to join organizations that support equal treatment to all dog breeds and dog types.

Pit Bulls Organizations

• The American Pit Bull Foundation
• My Pit Bull Is Family

Rottweiler Organizations

• American Rottweiler Club
• Rottweiler Rescue Foundation

Doberman Pinscher Organizations

• Doberman Pinscher Club of America
• Houston Area Doberman Rescue