Pit bulls have a bad reputation, but is it deserved? A group of pit bull owners and advocates in Vancouver, Canada, says the breed has been misrepresented.

HugABull Advocacy & Rescue Society works to help not only individual dogs, but the entire breed’s image. It also strives to build a community of responsible owners for dogs who often attract the wrong kind.

Many of us have the idea that pit bulls have been bred to be aggressive – and, though they can’t help it, they’re not the kind of dog you’d want to have around. News reports and breed-specific legislation, like Ontario’s restrictions on bull breeds, certainly reinforce that.

It’s true that pit bulls were originally bred to fight bulls, bears, and other dogs as a spectator sport. However, to work with their handlers, they had to be free of aggression toward humans. This resulted in dogs that need close association with their owners. HugABull’s website says:

. . . they are not a good choice if you want a very independent dog. Your pit bull can snooze away the day while you’re at work, but will definitely claim your attention – and your lap – the minute you get home.

Unfortunately, as it also says:

The pit bull’s tough reputation often draws the “wrong” kind of owners. Not surprisingly, these are the same individuals who beat, starve and neglect their animals, eventually abandoning them altogether.

Homeless pit bulls often have trouble getting adopted, not only because of their reputation, but because they’re not at their best in a shelter. Without an owner, a pit bull can grow depressed – or hyperactive.

HugABull helps out by placing pit bulls in foster homes and helping them find permanent homes. It also works to spread accurate information about the breed. To find out more, visit HugABull.com.

Pit bulls are probably the most misunderstood dog breed. Many people think that pit bulls are tough and mean, but this cannot be farther from the truth. While pit bulls are undeniably fierce compared to the furry and “cute” little dogs most seem to be fond of, they can be very loyal and devoted. It is believed that the pit bull actually got its name because this dog breed used to be put into a pit to fight.

Probably because of this training, pit bulls still retain their aggressive tendencies. For example, pit bulls have the tendency to go after another dog’s neck. They must be kept on a tight leash if they are around unfamiliar dogs. There is a way to get rid of this negative tendency, though. By training the dog while it is still a puppy, it can learn to socialize among people and other dogs. Many pit bull owners argue that the breed’s bad reputation is untrue.

It is also important to take note that there are many types of pit bulls. The most popular probably is the American Pit Bull, which stands at around 2 feet below. It can weight from 20 to 100 lbs and is characterized by a strong jaw. Most of the time, its weight does not exceed 55lbs, so the belief that American pit bulls are large is quite baseless. In addition, this type of put bull is very loyal and is eager to please its owners.

American pit bulls are very territorial. They are very intelligent and are willing to fight to protect. Aside from being a good companion, this breed is also notable for its ability to herd, guard, police, and hunt either alone or with its owner. They have a life expectancy of 12 years.