Why Would Anyone Choose a "Pit Bull"?

Too many times, I've seen the following sentiment proffered by people totally ignorant about pit bull type dogs: "There are hundreds of other breeds of dogs to choose from; why do people keep choosing to own this breed?? It says a lot about them that they want a dog with the reputation a pit bull has"

By its very structure and content, this question is illogical. The suggestion is blandly hypocritical that a preference for another breed is fine while a preference for a bully breed qualifies as the eighth deadly sin. While I cannot speak to all the reasons people choose "pit bulls," as they are potentially endless and peppered with subtleties, I will speak here on the major factors I've found when talking to folks via my rescue and advocacy work.

1. There are an awful lot of "pit bulls" in shelters.
There is a huge need for people to give "pit bull" type dogs good homes! Some shelters are identifying over 50 percent of their adoptable dogs as "pit bulls"; thus, statistically, you are more likely to enter a shelter and have a positive experience with a "pit bull" type dog. Of course, most of the "pit bulls" adopted from shelters are mixes, and very few people who adopt "pit bulls," have adopted purebred American Pit Bull Terriers or American Staffordshire Terriers.

2. Personality first, then "pit bull."
Believe it or not, many people are smart enough to look for a personality match rather than a breed preference - or at least prior to determining a breed preference. And it's hard to resist a tail-wagging, face-licking pit bull type dog flashing you that ear-to-ear "pit bull" grin. As is often said, "my dog picked me, not the other way around!" Most "pit bulls" are very endearing dogs, and they will wiggle their way right into your heart - and home. I know many folks who discovered after adopting a pit bull type dog the ostracizing effect that owning one can have; generally, though, this hateful backlash caused these owners to become breed advocates. How can you not fight for an animal you know personally and love deeply?

3. A preference for a "pit bull" is just like a preference for a "poodle."
 I like tall dogs. On exterior alone, I'd adopt a well-conformed standard poodle or doberman pinscher before any other dog. So? It's not a sin to like a blocky head, a solid body, or a gorgeous, short-haired coat. Of course, I am a realist, and pick tall dogs that have personalities that fit my lifestyle and family dynamic. But, if you don't like the look of a poodle, or a pit bull, or a golden retriever, then you're probably not going to go out of your way to choose one.

4. You can't have just one.
 Due to one of the reasons above, or perhaps a different one, many people have adopted a "pit bull," loved that dog, and had that love returned a hundredfold. So, when it is time to adopt a new dog, they want another dog just like the first. So they gravitate toward the same breed. I grew up with two brittany spaniels - the first one worked for our family, so we didn't mess with a good thing.

5. Bad intentions are not specific to "pit bull" type dogs.
Unfortunately, there will always be individuals who purchase dogs to keep socially isolated at the end of a chain, or to fight, or to cram in their purses as little status symbols. But these people are not necessarily drawn only to pit bull type dogs. And it certainly is not the fault of any breed that it is chosen to be abused and tormented.

On a final note, I do agree that it says a lot about a person when that person chooses to adopt a "pit bull." When folks come looking to adopt a "pit bull,"  I see generous, kind human beings willing to give a dog a chance who was not given a chance right from the start. I see people not afraid to battle stereotypes and rude remarks, and to stand up for what they believe is right. I see canine advocates, loving parents, intelligent professionals. I see myself.

I love all dogs. When folks come to me and describe what they're looking for in a dog, I usually suggest considering a pit bull type dog. They need adopters, and they, like all breeds, are flexible and varied in their personalities. A "pit bull" isn't always the best match for a family, and I will always respect that. But when people ask me: Why a "pit bull?" I always answer:

"Why not?"