On many occasions we have heard about a pitbull that, without provocation, has attacked another dog with whom it was living peacefully. And we asked ourselves, What happened to it? Why did it do that? Although we cannot generalize, as always there exist many variables in each situation, it is very important to know the characteristics of this breed.
The United Kennel Club (UKC) of the United Status recognizes these dogs as excellent companions for families, as they are affectionate, active, and sociable. Anyone who has lived with one knows this very well.
However, unluckily for the pitbull, its characteristics of strength and perseverance have caused it to be chosen for many years as a combatant in dog fights.
The breeders and fanatics of the breed developed dogs with characteristics that served their ends. Thus, the pitbull was bred selectively to conceal warning signals before an attack. Usually they do not growl, or show their teeth, or stare directly at their adversary before attacking it. That is why the attacked dog is taken by surprise, does not present signals of submission, or withdraw before an attack. The pitbull also has a high tolerance for pain; it bites and maintains its bite, shaking its head indefinitely.
Pitbulls were bred selectively to conceal warning signals before an attack.
Not all pitbulls are going to attack suddenly, but which ones will do it, and which ones will not, cannot be predicted with certainty. Dogs are not programmable machines; the behavior of a dog has a genetic component, but that is not the expression of a predetermined program. In the field of animal behavior, much is still not understood.
Well, then, what can we do?
First, it is the responsibility of those who breed pitbulls to reproduce only those with amiable, social characteristics. They should avoid breeding those with tendencies to attack suddenly, in order to eliminate that undesirable trait.
Second, it is necessary to pass laws that regulate the possession of pitbulls. In some countries you must obtain a permit to have one of these dogs, you must pass a psychological and physical exam, you must not have a criminal record, and you must have liability insurance to cover injuries that at any moment it may cause.
Dogs of this breed, like many others, must be exercised regularly and for considerable periods of time, they must always walk on a leash when they go outdoors and, and their behavior must be supervised when they play with companions at home.
The problem is not the breed, rather what humans have done with it. The problem is not the pitbull that you have at home; it is the breed’s instincts in the wrong hands. If pitbulls become hard to obtain, dogfighting fanatics will find another breed to achieve their purpose.
A lot needs to be done. The dogs and other animals on this planet do not belong to us. We are not the masters of the world, and we must learn to live with them, without harming others.
This article originally appeared in the May 2015 issue of our newsletter.