Pitbull Awareness Month
October is National Pitbull Awareness Month.
History of Pitbull Type dogs.
Did you know that a Pitbull is not actually a dog breed in itself, but an umbrella term used for dogs who descend from Bulldogs and Terriers?
Pitbull-type dogs are a crossbreed between a bulldog and a terrier originally bred in England in the early 19th century (then called "Bull and Terriers") to be working dogs on farms to herd, protect, and manage livestock. While their early history is complex and includes herding cattle and protecting homesteads, it also unfortunately includes the cruel sports of bull-baiting and dog fighting. However, these cruel "sports" were not specific to today's pitbull-type breeds. Many different breeds were subjected to these activities which are now illegal almost everywhere.
During the 20th century, pitbull-type dogs quickly became one of America's most popular family dog, to the extent that they became national mascots and were used on recruitment posters for World Wars 1 & 2 and were proudly called "America's dog". More recently, their popularity has continued to grow to an estimated 20% of the total dog population in the U.S. (all "pitbull-type" dogs and mixes combined) and are successful as service dogs, as therapy dogs, as K9 police dogs, as family pets, and consistently achieve excellent temperament scores.
They adore humans and crave their company. They are particularly fond of children, hence the nickname, “the nanny dog”.
Is it legal to own a Pitbull in Canada?
Canada does not have any laws regarding ownership of Pitbulls, but each of our Provinces do have laws, bans or restrictions in place.
In Ontario, the Dog Owners’ Liability Act was amended in 2005 to ban ownership of a Pitbull. The legislation outlawed the breeding and importing of Pitbulls in a bid to eradicate them from the Province. If you already owned a Pitbull at the time of the legislation change, you were bound by law to follow the new laws laid out for restricted Pitbulls. In November 2019 a private member’s bill was introduced to repeal the ban on Pitbulls in the Province. It is still under review.
What makes Pitbull Type breeds amazing dogs?
Nanny Dogs. Back in the days, Pit Bulls were recognized to be trustworthy and reliable with kids and they were often called nanny dogs and nursemaids.
Not so great guard dogs. Despite their reputation as "aggressive dogs", Pit Bulls do not make great guard dogs since they trust people too easily and may consider an intruder a friend. Awwwwww!
People-pleaser. Pit bulls love to please people, especially their pet parents. They are enthusiastic to do anything in exchange for praise. They are also attention-seekers and are very faithful to people they fully trust.
Mental health advocate. Pit Bulls have a bubbly personality and an infectious, beautiful smile and just by looking at them, they can be great stress-relievers and will definitely make you smile, too!
How to Celebrate?
Here are some of the best ways you can celebrate:
Post it. Religiously dedicate your social media accounts to post positive information and facts about Pit Bull types of dogs. It's a good idea to tear down negative stereotypes and let other people know how amazing these dogs can be.
Teach. Educate your family, friends, and fellow pet parents on how to treat Pit Bulls with wariness and kindness. Like with any dog breed, make sure they are able to identify signs of a dog that's okay/not okay to approach, a dog's boundaries and what triggers his anxiety and sudden mood changes.
So that future Pit Bull interactions will be something to look forward to and not be an episode of avoidance and fear.
Volunteer at a Pit Bull Rescue Shelter. One of the noblest and most beautiful things you can do to celebrate National Pit Bull Awareness Month is volunteering at a rescue shelter, particularly of Pit Bulls. If you are not able to volunteer, you can foster a Pit Bull while the dog waits for his forever home or even donate pet supplies like toys, dog food, crates, chews, dog diapers, belly bands, pee pads, and things you think are useful for shelter dogs to use.
Here is a website that contains a list of Canadian Pitbull rescues
Be open-minded. A person with an open mind does not judge so easily. This is how you should be with Pit Bulls. Due to the negative things shown about Pit Bulls, people have generalized Pit Bulls to be bad, dangerous dogs. Never judge because of ignorance and of what others want you to believe. Help promote open-mindedness by being an example yourself.
Keep calm and hug a Pit Bull. Let Pit Bull pet parents know that you support them in making the world a lovelier, safer and more accepting place for their misunderstood dogs. What else can you do to celebrate National Pit Bull Awareness Month? Let us know!