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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Why is the entire shelter full of pit bulls?[/quote]

Because a lot of people who prefer pit breeds refuse to get them fixed, because they are selecting the breeds specifically for their aggression and getting dogs fixed can diminish aggression. Also pits are common breeds in illegal dog fighting and those dogs are often bred on purpose for cash by unscrupulous people (again, specifically for their aggressive behavior) and then the off spring can wind up discarded or seized when dog fighting rings are shut down.

The sorts of people who get pit bulls for status reasons also tend to be crap dog owners and are more likely to abandon them or have them taken away.

It's not the fault of pit bulls themselves but it is an extension of the breed's physicality and aggression. Pits wouldn't be so popular among owners who refuse to spay and neuter, who get dogs for "security" purposes, and who participate in illegal dog fighting behavior if the breed was not already bread for aggression and lethality. Some people get large dog breeds for security reasons even when those dogs aren't particularly aggressive, because they are physically imposing -- having a Great Dane or a black lab can make you feel safer and might serve as a deterrent by someone trying to break in or attack you but not wanting to deal with 80-100 lbs of dog. But you don't see a million Great Danes or black labs in shelters because the people who get these dogs for protection are not actually choosing a dog for aggression, just for size (as well as qualities like loyalty and pleasant disposition that you often find in labs in particular). Whereas pits are selected FOR their aggression and refusing to fix them feeds directly into the preference for an aggressive dog.

A lot of first time dog owners also don't recognize the sign of pits in pit mixes, will adopt a dog, then discover they are part pit and give them back. Good shelters will disclose this info up front specifically to avoid this outcome. Bad shelters will blame these owners for the surplus of pits on their hands, ignore the perfectly reasonable preference that for instance people with kids have for a dog without the potential aggression (and jaw strength) of a pit. I have met pits I really liked with great dispositions but I would NEVER adopt a pit bull or pit mix into a house with children no matter how great because all it takes is that dog being startled or alerted one time and responding with an inbred response to attack a vulnerable point and not let go.

People are so so stupid about pit bulls. It makes me tired.[/quote]

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