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American Pit Bull Terriers have been given such a bad rap by the media, when in fact they are some of the most loyal and compassionate dogs you will ever meet. Whenever and attack occurs that is by a dog that looks even remotely close to a "pit bull", they are automatically labeled as such. People don't realize that there are many dogs that are similar in look and so any case gets automatically placed upon the shoulders of the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT). The media also likes to incriminate certain breeds of dog from time to time, at one time it was the Bloodhound, and at another point it was the Rottweiler, at another the Doberman Pinscher, and now it is the American Pit Bull Terrier. It is unfair that they do so, but it happens and because of this criminals tap into what is supposed to be the next "big tough" breed and use them in all of the illegal activities. They train the dogs against the dogs nature and thus they perpetuate the story for the media even more.

What people don't realize is, is that APBT was raised to be extremely loyal to their owners. They were raised to never turn on their handler whether it be in the bull ring, the fighting ring or as a companion. They also have an outstanding need to please their owners and unfortunately this very awesome trait is used against them when irresponsible people get their hands on such an amazing dog. These people use the APBT's want to please and turn it around and use it to make the dog mean and aggressive as well as making them not people friendly, which is entirely against their nature. Any dog can be made mean but due to the APBT's advanced musculature, which came about from their occupation in the bull ring, their attack can unfortunately be lethal.

I've worked around American Pit Bull Terriers for four and a half years. I have grown to know them as amazing, intelligent, athletic, loyal, loving, goofy, funny, and fun. They have become my favorite breed of dog ever. Not to say that they don't have their down side, they can be stubborn and they can also be dog aggressive, but that is the only aggressiveness that you will see out of them that is natural. These dogs are not for the weak minded or hands off owner, they need a lot of attention, and often with proper socialization can even possibly overcome their natural dog aggression. Irresponsible owners are the reason people get killed by the beautiful creatures. I'm also sorry to see that the horrendous sport of dog fighting has survived the times and unfortunately these great dogs are victimized by their ignorant and criminal owners.

You are more likely to get bit by one of the smaller breeds of rat dogs who have way more attitude than is good for them. I have personally been attacked many times by small dogs, especially Chihuahuas. I have heard awful stories about dogs such as Chows, Sharpeis, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers who are extremely human aggressive and even veterinarians loathe seeing them walk into their office because of their disposition. An ex-coworker of mine's parents have a chow who has to be retrained and locked behind a door anytime anyone new comes into the house because it becomes enraged and attacks people. My parents once owned a Cocker Spaniel who attacked the kids we were baby sitting. Any dog is capable of hurting someone., but the APBT is bred not to and any human aggression is either a serious temperament and character flaw in that individual dog or is human taught and should be regarded as a serious flaw to be dealt with, as should the flaws of any other companion dog.

Learn more about this author, Ashley Bromme.
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