Covering The Subject Of Pit Bulls, The Stigma That Surrounds Them, And The Holiday That Promotes Them
When it comes to the category of “scary dogs,” one of the first breeds that people think of is the pit bull. But why is that? Overall, pit bulls get a bad wrap because they can be ferocious dogs, not necessarily because they are ferocious dogs. Pit bulls actually make wonderful pets and are usually very trainable. October 28th is annually celebrated as National Pit Bull Day! In honor of this awareness-based pet-themed holiday, this article will cover everything you need to know about pit bulls, why they make great pets, and the holiday that celebrates them.
What Is A Pit Bull?
Surprisingly enough, the term pit bull does not describe a specific dog breed. According to Shaw Pit Bull Rescue, the term pit bull refers to a type of dog, similar to how shepherds, retrievers, and spaniels describe types of dogs. Simply put, there is no clear cut definition of what a pit bull is because the term encompasses a large and variable group of dogs.
However, there are certain dog breeds that are considered “core breeds” of pit bulls. These include the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier. These two breeds encompass the major characteristics of what a pit bull should look like to most people. Additionally, two closely-related breeds of pit bulls are the Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Lastly, there are also some dog breeds that have similar looking characteristics to the pit bull. These breeds include the American Bulldog, Boxer, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Presa Canario, and the Dogue de Bordeaux. These are just a few examples of the various dog breeds that fall under the umbrella of pit bull. However, these breeds only fall under the category of pit bull due to their physical traits and characteristics. What a pit bull truly is is subjective.
Why Are Pit Bulls So Feared?
Pit bulls get a very bad reputation as being mean, aggressive, and dangerous. Most of this stems from their muscular physique and intimidating appearance. Additionally, pit bulls are often used in underground dog fighting due to their strength and fighting skills. However, pit bulls are not inherently vicious dogs. All dogs are born innocent. How a dog is raised will define their character, temperament, and personality.
There is no denying that pit bulls have the strength, physique, and capability of being dangerous dogs. However, that doesn’t mean every pit bull is necessarily dangerous or ferocious. Truthfully, any dog can be ferocious & dangerous if they are raised to be that way. National Pit Bull Awareness Day aims to encourage people to be more open minded about pit bulls. Just because there are a few scary pit bulls, doesn’t mean you should fear all of them.
Why Pit Bulls Make Great Pets
As intimidating as pit bulls can be, they truly do make great pets. Pit bulls can be just as loving, affectionate, and playful as any other breed of dog. As long as they are raised to obey and respect people, they will not be dangerous dogs. Additionally, they look intimidating. So, just because you know your pit bull isn’t dangerous, doesn’t mean other people don’t. Pit bulls are great for protecting you from potential attackers and deterring would-be burglars from your home.
How You Can Observe The Holiday
There are many different ways you can celebrate National Pit Bull Awareness Day this October 28th. One great way to observe this holiday is to spend some time with a pit bull you know. It could be a friend, neighbor, or co-worker’s pit bull. Spending some quality time with them might help change your perspective on pit bulls and break the common stereotypes surrounding them.
If you own a pit bull, then you can celebrate this holiday by showing them off via social media! Be sure to mention that it’s National Pit Bull Awareness Day in your post and share this article too! Lastly, you can celebrate this amazing holiday by sharing your personal experiences and stories about pit bulls with others. Whether it’s through social media or just via conversation, your positive pit bull stories can help educate people about what wonderful dogs pit bulls really are.
Looking For A Pet Sitter Or Dog Walker?
Dogs need routine stimulation and social interaction in order to stay happy & healthy. If you don’t always have the time to play, walk, and socially interact with your dog, then you should hire a pet sitter! Long Island Pet Services is the best place to turn to for professional, quality pet sitting services. We offer a wide variety of services including dog walking, drop-in visits, overnight stays, pet taxi, and more! Click here to become a client today or give us a call at 516-247-6976. We look forward to hearing from you and happy National Pitbull Awareness Day!