Nanny Dog
Tyler Richards
Professor Clara Blenis
English 101 TTH
2 May 2013
Research Paper
Nanny Dog Considered to be aggressive, and with jaws that lock without release until the victim is tired of fighting or dies from blood loss, it would seem that pit bulls are bred for combat. In fact, it may appear as such because pit bulls were bred to “bite and hold bulls, bears and other large animals around the face and head” (“Pit Bull”). As a result, breeding an animal like this drew people who enjoyed watching animal fights, which eventually gave the misconception that pit bulls are a dangerous breed. This misconception, along with irresponsible owners who didn’t socialize their dogs properly and/or wanted a dog that had a tough look, resulted in pit bulls becoming victims of the media, which portrays the dogs as vicious monsters that have one mission: to kill. The media releases stories of pit bull attacks on a seemingly bias basis, which has destroyed the dog’s original reputation as a family dog. During the early 1900’s, pit bulls were the face of the military and America as a country and were used as family dogs for the protection of children. For example, a pit bull named Sergeant (Sgt.) Stubby is the most decorated dog in military history and the only dog to have been promoted during battle. He fought in 17 battles in the trenches of France during WWI for 18 months (“Stubby”). Unfortunately, stories like this were drowned out by negative media reports, and society has turned on the once beloved dog. Even though there are many reports of vicious dog attacks that have lead to pit bull specific bans across the country, pit bulls should not be banned because they are misrepresented due to irresponsible owners, victims of pit bull hysteria, and they have one of the best rated temperaments.
The amount of media reports of pit bull related attacks gives the appearance that pit bulls are an unpredictable and ferocious dog. As a result, a website called dogbite.org written
Professor Clara Blenis
English 101 TTH
2 May 2013
Research Paper
Nanny Dog Considered to be aggressive, and with jaws that lock without release until the victim is tired of fighting or dies from blood loss, it would seem that pit bulls are bred for combat. In fact, it may appear as such because pit bulls were bred to “bite and hold bulls, bears and other large animals around the face and head” (“Pit Bull”). As a result, breeding an animal like this drew people who enjoyed watching animal fights, which eventually gave the misconception that pit bulls are a dangerous breed. This misconception, along with irresponsible owners who didn’t socialize their dogs properly and/or wanted a dog that had a tough look, resulted in pit bulls becoming victims of the media, which portrays the dogs as vicious monsters that have one mission: to kill. The media releases stories of pit bull attacks on a seemingly bias basis, which has destroyed the dog’s original reputation as a family dog. During the early 1900’s, pit bulls were the face of the military and America as a country and were used as family dogs for the protection of children. For example, a pit bull named Sergeant (Sgt.) Stubby is the most decorated dog in military history and the only dog to have been promoted during battle. He fought in 17 battles in the trenches of France during WWI for 18 months (“Stubby”). Unfortunately, stories like this were drowned out by negative media reports, and society has turned on the once beloved dog. Even though there are many reports of vicious dog attacks that have lead to pit bull specific bans across the country, pit bulls should not be banned because they are misrepresented due to irresponsible owners, victims of pit bull hysteria, and they have one of the best rated temperaments.
The amount of media reports of pit bull related attacks gives the appearance that pit bulls are an unpredictable and ferocious dog. As a result, a website called dogbite.org written