Pit Bull Rant

A Pit Bull is an American Pit Bull Terrier

I have something to say about the definition of Pit Bull and the direction that Pit Bull advocacy is taking these days. Too many Pit Bull Advocacy groups have taken a step in the wrong direction. They have gone the way of redefining the term "pit bull" to mean any dog that someone thinks is a "pit bull." By improperly using the term "pit bull" these groups are adding to the problem. If "pit bull" means whatever you want it to mean then those driving BSL can continue to use "pit bull" to mean anything that they want it to mean. These groups have just given up and said, "We can't control what others say and do so we're just going to go along with it." Because of this, we are losing the breed and I really wish these groups would try and change things.

As Pit Bull Advocates, we need to take back "Pit Bull" so that it has meaning again!! We need to educate people so that they know that a Pit Bull is an American Pit Bull Terrier and not just any blocky looking short haired dog! If we tried harder to educate people, we might be able to make a difference in these dogs lives!! But if we continue to blur the lines between Pit Bulls and dogs that some people call "pit bulls," we will lose our beloved breed and we will lose the fight against BSL.

So many of these groups spout breed specific traits and facts and then say that a "pit bull" isn't even a breed. You can't say "pit bulls are great with children" or "pit bulls make terrible guard dogs because they love people so much," because while that is true of Pit Bulls it may not be true of some of the breeds or mixes that are being called "pit bulls." If "pit bull" isn't a breed then how can these groups say that they have breed specific traits? If there is "no such thing as a pit bull," then how can every dog that has been called a "pit bull" have the same or similar behavioral characteristics or temperaments? They CAN'T!!

Pit Bull still means something to some of us and by using it in this way these groups are insulting and destroying the REAL Pit Bulls out there. Obviously their missions have changed and they no longer advocate for Pit Bulls. So, I say that these groups should stop using the term Pit Bull (even lowercase and in quotes) to describe their mission!! Why not say what they really are? It looks to me like most of them have become organizations "advocating for dogs that are being discriminated against" or "advocating against BSL." Which is great, but it isn't Pit Bull or even "pit bull" advocacy. It is a different thing all together and they should call it what it is.

For a great group that is still advocating for Pit Bulls, check out The Real Pit Bull.