DAY 6 - How Can You be Afraid of THIS face?!

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I remember when I first told my mom in 2020 about adopting Indie (a pit-lab mix) she expressed concern because she, like so many others, had heard horror stories about the breed's locking jaws and aggressive tendencies.?I knew that wasn't true even then, but today, as Indie sat on my foot and inserted her cold nose under my arm for attention, I wondered how exactly this lovable, goofy breed got such an unfair reputation.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a very muscular dog breed so they were historically trained for bull and bear baiting and arena dog fighting.?This became very popular in the 90's and news stories of pit bull attacks increased -which makes sense: train any dog to be aggressive and that is what they will be.?Add that animal cruelty to their imposing physique and public fear escalated.?With the fear came breed restriction laws.?Michael Vick's arrest in 2007 brought some light to the horrible way these animals have been treated, but the stigma isn't gone yet.

The fact is, pit bulls can't lock their jaws any more than other breeds can.?They may generally like to grab something and shake it (as I have witnessed the demise of many a stuffed toy with Indie), but they aren't any more aggressive than most other breeds.

In fact, most of the pitties I have witnessed are terrified of the strangest things (like Indie's fear of the bamboo floor in the dining room or the noise a food dish makes if it is set down too loudly or the recycling bin in general). In my experience they have been nothing but loving and devoted and completely silly.

Indie is our kitchen hippo, our pork chop, and a valued member of the family.?She turned my prior "cats only" attitude around to appreciate the majesty and grace that is a pittie with the zoomies.

?https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/pit-bulls-safety

Stay inquisitive, my friends!?And consider your own kitchen hippo if you are looking to adopt!