American Pit Bull Terriers (also known as "Pit Bulldogs") arouse strong feelings in people - love and admiration among their fans, fear and loathing among their opponents. We at the SPCA have seen many "Pits" come through our doors, and they have earned our respect, love, and support. Given their mixed reputation, it seemed best to explain why we now adopt American Pit Bull Terriers to good homes.

Pit Bulls have gained a reputation for being unpredictable and violent. Many families avoid them because they believe these dogs are especially dangerous around children. The opposite is true - Pits who are raised as pets do well around children because of their "gameness." They are intelligent, confident, friendly, and playful. They take the hard play that children sometimes dish out without complaint - a child striking or pulling the tail of another breed of dog might get bitten, whereas a Pit Bull will ignore the blow. Pits love to play tug-of-war, fetch, and other games. Their wide-mouthed grins and eager tails expressively show how happy they are. They love to lick and hug, which makes them especially endearing to people who like to be physically close to their pets. One of the common myths about Pit Bulls is that they have "locking jaws" that are more hazardous than other breeds. This is not the case.

During the 1980s a rash of negative stories about Pit Bulls, sparked by incidents where animals trained to fight did serious harm to people, caused shelters to overreact under public pressure. The result was that many humane groups, including the RSPCA, euthanized Pits as a matter of policy. Some of the public shelters in this area continue to do so. In the last two years, the staff here reexamined this policy and concluded that it was prejudicial, immoral, and ineffective at accomplishing what we believe in - finding homes for adoptable animals. We adopted the Humane Society of the United States guidelines which recommend that, rather than discriminating against particular breeds, adoption decisions should be based on whether a particular dog has been fought or shows signs of viciousness. These characteristics, rather than breed type, are better predictors of how well any dog will do as a family pet.

At the RSPCA, Pit Bulls (along with several other breeds) are subject to "restricted adoption" procedures; these require a lengthier application, neutering before leaving the shelter, and allowance for follow-up home visits. We instituted these procedures to assure that our dogs will be placed in loving homes as pets, rather than as fighting or guard dogs. Dogs with a history of fighting are not put up for adoption.

Pit Bulls often need special help - too frequently we find them in conditions of neglect or abuse. Taz is a prime example. When our humane investigator rescued her from horrible neglect, the SPCA staff was shocked by her emaciated frame, runny eyes, disease riddled coat, and ulcerated bottom. Taz was given injections and baths for mange, antibiotics for ulcers, and frequent meals to fatten her up. Now her reddish coat shines, and she frolics on her daily walks. She has responded to the first kindness in her life with tail wags, licks, and bright eyes, winning the heart of the woman who adopted her.

As with any other new member you bring into the family, Pit Bulls should be chosen with care. With their high energy level, they will probably require more attention and training than some breeds. People who know the breed say it's well worth the effort.