Once seen as one of the meanest and most aggressive dog breeds, the pit bull continues to  change its reputation. Due to the history of pit bulls being used as a fighting dog, many people still view them as a dangerous breed. This is a stereotype that actually comes from bad choices made by a few people. The only time a pit bull is an aggressive dog is when they are trained to be one and when a human trains them as a fighting dog.

If you type pit bull into any search engine, you will immediately see results such as, “Scared of Pit Bulls? You Should Be!” and “Why Pit Bulls are Such a Dangerous Breed.” These articles make anything a pit bull does into a big deal, just to relate it back to pit bulls being “aggressive and dangerous.” The truth of it is, however, any dog breed can attack and can be dangerous if they want to be. Everyday, there are dog attacks by breeds that are not just pit bulls.

People need to learn the truth about this loving, loyal, caring breed. One thing that needs to be cleared up is the ongoing myth that pit bulls have locking jaws. According to PetFinder.com, “Pit Bulls do not have any special physical mechanism or enzyme that allows them to ‘lock’ their jaws. If you compare a pit bull’s skull to a skull of any other dog breed, you can see with the naked eye that both skulls share the same characteristics and general bone structure.”

All of my life, I have grown up around pit bulls, and not once have these dogs turned on me. In fact, just a few weeks ago, we had to say goodbye to our pit bull, Spike, who has been our best friend for 10 years. He was the best dog anyone could ask for. Spike never barked, caused any trouble, or showed aggression towards anyone.

Spike was great around all other animals, children, and anyone he came in contact with. He didn’t have an aggressive bone in his body. However, taking him on walks or to the dog park, it still was evident that people did not want themselves or their own dogs around him. People would avoid us at all costs, walking the other way or complaining that Spike shouldn’t be allowed at the dog park to play just like any other dog.

Just like Spike, all pit bulls are loving and loyal dogs. They will care for you and never turn on you. PetFinder.com also mentioned, “Unless a Pit Bull has been poorly bred or purposefully trained to attack humans, they generally love people. They are, in fact, one of the most loving, loyal, friendly and dedicated companions you can have.”

I hope that people will stop being so prejudice toward these animals when they see them and will even consider owning one of these sweet dogs. They are the best pets, and more importantly, the best friends you will ever have.

Want to spotlight your pets? Send in pictures of your furry friends with their names to The Prowler email: [email protected] or to The Prowler Instagram: cfhs.prowler.