The Power of Paws: Uncovering the Love and Loyalty of Bully Breeds

The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too.
– Samuel Butler

The Journey of acceptance existing opinions surrounding pitbulls and their reputation vary greatly. No, we’re not even asking you to revise your entire perception of pit bulls. Not at all! It’s like trying to convince a cat person that dogs are better – or vice versa. Newsflash: Ain’t happening.  

The goal here is simple: we are shining a light on the ground realities and wonderful attributes of pit bulls that often get overshadowed by the negative press. So buckle in, because we’re off to a canine-fueled journey to the furry side. Remember, no need to pick a side, all we ask is for some open-minded reading. 

I never set out to own them but rescued our first, Trixie, in 2004. My daughter picked her out at a rescue and she was one of the best dogs we ever owned. Trixie is shown below, we had her 14 years.

I typically love the underdog. People and things that others dismiss. I divorced in 2020 after 23 yrs and honestly related well to them. Neither of us chose “our brand”. I have heard the remarks about “single women with pitbulls trying to prove a point”. I resonated with them, it wasn’t related to being single. Misunderstood and reflected poorly due to preconceived ideas of what people thought. Honestly rescuing them was therapeutic. Something not everyone was willing to give a chance but perfect in their own way.

Some people view pit bulls as aggressive and dangerous dogs, often associating them with negative incidents such as dog fights or attacks on humans or other animals. This perception has led to breed-specific legislation in some areas, which restricts or bans ownership of pit bulls. These opinions are fueled by media coverage that tends to focus on the negative aspects of pit bulls, further perpetuating the stereotype of them being inherently aggressive. I get it and will never dismiss the horrible attacks. Pit bulls have a strong desire to please their owners. Unfortunately many undesirable people have exploited this loyalty. 

Pit bull is not a specific breed, but rather a term used to describe several different breeds that share similar physical characteristics and traits. The term is often used to refer to the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. These breeds are often grouped together due to their common breeds, such as the Bull Terrier and the American Bulldog. 

Now, let’s talk about the ‘Pit Bull’ stereotype. Yes, you’ve probably heard all the stories – the face-licking nanny dogs turned ferocious beasts. Many are probably a tad bit guilty of crossing the road when you see one coming down the sidewalk, tail-wagging like a furry windmill. As an owner I do understood the fear. I never force my dogs on anyone. I avoid dog parks and always ask guests if they are afraid to be respectful. If you are staying at my house long term than you are stuck with them. The way to win people over is not by forcing them on anyone. No one ever changes opinions by shoving it down their throats. I just present mine in a postive light to maybe counteract some of the media constant negativity.

Pit bulls can be gentle and affectionate with proper training and socialization. The American Pit Bull Terrier, one of the breeds commonly referred to as a pitbull, has a rich history. Originally bred in England for bull-baiting and later used for dog fighting, these dogs were brought to America by immigrants. Over time, they became popular as working dogs on farms and as family companions. The American Pit Bull Terrier is known for its strength, loyalty, and intelligence. Despite their controversial reputation, many pitbulls have proven to be loving and gentle pets when properly trained and socialized. It’s important to remember that a dog’s behavior is influenced by various factors, including genetics, environment, and individual temperament.One of the most well-known roles for pit bulls is as a hunting dog. Their strength, agility, and determination make them excellent at tracking and capturing game. 

Let’s change up the gear here a bit, fellow dog enthusiasts. We shouldn’t forget the many pitbulls who have served in search and rescue operations – their drive and determination make them exceptional at these tasks. Remember the heart-warming tales of pitbulls who astonishingly located missing persons or sniffed out survivors in disaster-struck areas.

Oh, and did you know that pit bulls have also been stellar actors in the past? Petey, from The Little Rascals fame, was a pitbull and his charm stole many scenes (and hearts!). Their expressive faces can truly do wonders, can’t they? Will Rogers wasn’t lying when he said, “If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” 

Alright, let’s get a bit factual here. Studies have shown that pit bulls tend to exhibit less aggression toward humans than many breeds and have a high tolerance for pain, which can make them seem more resilient than the average dog. Plus, pit bull breeds consistently achieve excellent temperance test scores.

However, please don’t get me wrong here. I’m not stamping pitbulls as the poster children for peace and tranquility. Just like us, they have their own personalities and quirks. They can be perfectly harmonious one minute, and a whirlwind of energy the next. But isn’t that the joy of any canine companion? Another common misconception about pitbulls is that they have locking jaws. This belief stems from the idea that pitbulls possess a unique anatomical structure that allows them to lock their jaws in place. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Pitbulls have the same jaw structure as any other dog breed, and their bite force is comparable to many other breeds as well.

All right, I’m nearly done, but before we wrap this up, it’s worth noting that pitbulls are not for everybody. They are energetic, powerful dogs that require a committed and responsible owner, just like any other breed. They need trained and need an owner that takes charge. They need exercise. They aren’t a breed to be tied up or left inside all day. In the right hands, the breed can be loving, loyal, and yes, even cuddly as a warm, comforting blanket on a chilly winter day.

Finally, I am not here to change your outlook on pitbulls or persuade you into sharing my love for them. I am simply shedding light on the positive aspects of these beautiful animals. So, the next time you see a pit bull, maybe, just maybe, you’ll spot the twinkle in their eye that says, “Hey, I’m not so bad! Give me a chance?”

They told me..

That my house smells like dog…

And I asked them…

Do they know what a dog smells like?..

A dog smells like:

Gratitude…

Loyalty…

Nobility…

Honey…

Pure and Unconditional Love…

and despite all they have suffered they don’t smell a grudge….

So…I feel blessed my house smells like dog 

Credit: unknown