Anonymous wrote:When we adopted our dog, he was listed as a lab/hound mix. We did a DNA test and it turns out he is a Pit Mix. Does anyone know of this will be an issue since we live in PG County?

"Pit" is not a breed. It is a designation based on physical characteristics.

Just refer to it as a "terrier mix" as "Pits" are usually that (e.g., staffordshire terriers, bull terriers.)

OP, your DH either needs to stop telling people you have a Pit Bull mix, because the dog obviously doesn't look like a pit bull.

If he won't stop telling people, you need to surrender the dog to a rescue so you won't be breaking the law. Hopefully, this will encourage DH to stay quiet or surrender the dog.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My PG County rescue mix is 1/2 German Shepherd and 1/2 Belgian Malinois. Pit mixes are common, but you can find other rescues from time to time. However, it is beastly (pun intended) trying to adopt a non-Pit mix. There were hundreds of apps for my doggy. I’m lucky to have her.

Isn't a Belgian Malinois a dangerous breed?

Any large dog can be dangerous in the wrong situation.

But dangerous breed is different than potential to be dangerous if in just the right situation.

That breed is a guard/police dog breed. It is not like a golden or a beagle.

You sound like you'd be afraid of the shepherd half as well, then. Clearly not the dog for you, but not inherently any more dangerous than any other dog. The most dangerous dogs are those with clueless owners that fail to train/socialize them.

I like German Shepherds, but here's a horrible story of a woman who was mauled to death by six of them.

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article226987909.html

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think you are all misunderstanding OP's original question. PG County has breed-specific legislation, meaning pits are banned from the county.

I'm so sorry you are running into this OP. BSL is horrible, unjust, and - studies show - leads to communities being less safe, not more. Breed is just not a good proxy for dangerousness. All dogs are individual, and breed-neutral dog regulations are more fair, more just, and lead to safer communities. That is just a fact.

Basically, at this point you have three options:

1. You can keep your dog and just hope that animal control or the police never come to take him away. Try not to go out in public too much, or to dog parks in the county. Don't post photos on FB. The chief animal control officer in PG County is very pro-pit but unfortunately can't choose not to enforce the law. The shelter there does its best to get pits and pit mixes out of the county and into homes in other communities, where pits are legal. And in all likelihood you would also be given the opportunity to help find your dog a new home, if it comes to that. That said there are thousands of pits living in PG County - many will live their whole lives there, but always with the risk that they might be seized for no reason at all other than because of this awful law.

2. Return your dog to the rescue group, explaining why you have to do this. It will be heartbreaking to do, but it might be the best option given the circumstances. You should understand that pretty much any time a rescue or shelter gives you a breed description - especially with mixes - they are just giving their best guess. Unless they know the parents, or have done genetic testing, there's just no way to know for sure. They aren't trying to mislead you. This is just how it is. It's why many shelters and rescues no longer identify dogs by breed - because it's misleading and also doesn't really give the info you actually need in most circumstances: whether the dog's personality will be a good fit for your family.

3. You can move to another county, which doesn't have BSL. PG County is the only community in the DC metro area with BSL. You have a lot of options.

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I hope you will speak out against PG County's terrible law, and how it is affecting your family. Lawmakers need to know that they are literally tearing families apart for no good reason at all.

I can point you to more resources if you want. I am really frustrated with the rescue group that adopted this dog to you, for putting you in this situation - all the area rescues and shelters know that you cannot adopt blocky headed dogs to families in PG County.

The bolded is another myth.

It's really not

https://www.snopes.com/news/2016/10/25/bsl-and-dog-bites/

https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/dog-bite-reports-show-slight-uptick-years-after-pit-bull/article_fc19f9bd-8875-5453-9db2-8894cc2fe4b5.html

https://www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/sites/default/files/Dog-Bites-Problems-and-Solutions-2nd-Edition_0.pdf

https://www.aspca.org/about-us/aspca-policy-and-position-statements/position-statement-breed-specific-legislation

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/pit-bull-ban-toronto-dog-bites_us_56c8cd2ce4b0928f5a6c218e

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5521144/

https://www.avma.org/public/Pages/Why-Breed-Specific-Legislation-is-not-the-Answer.aspx

etc

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no identifiable breed of "pit bull." There are collections of characteristics that people call "pit bulls" but the distribution and prevalence of characteristics is not uniform. OP, you adopted this dog and you have a responsibility to him/her. You are the dog's whole life. Try to be kindly if that's what you'd like back.

That is true and one of the reasons why pit bull bans are so idiotic. But at the same time PG County has a definition of pit bull that is extremely expansive:

https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/74/Animal-Management-Division-PDF

Pit Bulls include any and all of the following breed
of dogs: Staffordshire Bull Terrier; American
Staffordshire Terrier; American Pit Bull Terrier;
or dogs that exhibit the characteristics of a Pit Bull
more than any other breed of dog

You are spreading lies.

Pit bull advocates are dangerous people.

Anonymous wrote:I think you are all misunderstanding OP's original question. PG County has breed-specific legislation, meaning pits are banned from the county.

I'm so sorry you are running into this OP. BSL is horrible, unjust, and - studies show - leads to communities being less safe, not more. Breed is just not a good proxy for dangerousness. All dogs are individual, and breed-neutral dog regulations are more fair, more just, and lead to safer communities. That is just a fact.

Basically, at this point you have three options:

1. You can keep your dog and just hope that animal control or the police never come to take him away. Try not to go out in public too much, or to dog parks in the county. Don't post photos on FB. The chief animal control officer in PG County is very pro-pit but unfortunately can't choose not to enforce the law. The shelter there does its best to get pits and pit mixes out of the county and into homes in other communities, where pits are legal. And in all likelihood you would also be given the opportunity to help find your dog a new home, if it comes to that. That said there are thousands of pits living in PG County - many will live their whole lives there, but always with the risk that they might be seized for no reason at all other than because of this awful law.

2. Return your dog to the rescue group, explaining why you have to do this. It will be heartbreaking to do, but it might be the best option given the circumstances. You should understand that pretty much any time a rescue or shelter gives you a breed description - especially with mixes - they are just giving their best guess. Unless they know the parents, or have done genetic testing, there's just no way to know for sure. They aren't trying to mislead you. This is just how it is. It's why many shelters and rescues no longer identify dogs by breed - because it's misleading and also doesn't really give the info you actually need in most circumstances: whether the dog's personality will be a good fit for your family.

3. You can move to another county, which doesn't have BSL. PG County is the only community in the DC metro area with BSL. You have a lot of options.

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I hope you will speak out against PG County's terrible law, and how it is affecting your family. Lawmakers need to know that they are literally tearing families apart for no good reason at all.

I can point you to more resources if you want. I am really frustrated with the rescue group that adopted this dog to you, for putting you in this situation - all the area rescues and shelters know that you cannot adopt blocky headed dogs to families in PG County.

The bolded is another myth.

Anonymous wrote:There is no identifiable breed of "pit bull." There are collections of characteristics that people call "pit bulls" but the distribution and prevalence of characteristics is not uniform. OP, you adopted this dog and you have a responsibility to him/her. You are the dog's whole life. Try to be kindly if that's what you'd like back.

That is true and one of the reasons why pit bull bans are so idiotic. But at the same time PG County has a definition of pit bull that is extremely expansive:

https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/74/Animal-Management-Division-PDF

Pit Bulls include any and all of the following breed
of dogs: Staffordshire Bull Terrier; American
Staffordshire Terrier; American Pit Bull Terrier;
or dogs that exhibit the characteristics of a Pit Bull
more than any other breed of dog

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:why risk it. take it back to the rescue...

Agree.

Return it.

I'd take it back. But I have to say that I'm surprised that no-one has said that "A pet is a lifelong commitment. If you take the dog back you should never have another dog again etc". That's usually the sort of advice given on this forum.

OP here. I am struggling with this because honestly I am one of those “A pet is a lifetime commitment” type people. I am also the poster who is grappling with giving up my dog because I am allergic to him. More and more this is feeling like it was never meant to be.

Please don't blame yourself. You can't help that PG County has BSL. It is a terrible law - and not one you are responsible for creating, but one you have to live with.

Your husband is being an idiot telling people that your dog is a pit - you are right about that. Police can literally come to your house and seize your dog, even if he hasn't done anything wrong. All it takes is one phone call from a neighbor who doesn't like you.

Pets are a lifelong commitment. But it is very reasonable not to want to put your pet at risk by keeping him in a place where he can be seized by police at any time.

I think you are all misunderstanding OP's original question. PG County has breed-specific legislation, meaning pits are banned from the county.

I'm so sorry you are running into this OP. BSL is horrible, unjust, and - studies show - leads to communities being less safe, not more. Breed is just not a good proxy for dangerousness. All dogs are individual, and breed-neutral dog regulations are more fair, more just, and lead to safer communities. That is just a fact.

Basically, at this point you have three options:

1. You can keep your dog and just hope that animal control or the police never come to take him away. Try not to go out in public too much, or to dog parks in the county. Don't post photos on FB. The chief animal control officer in PG County is very pro-pit but unfortunately can't choose not to enforce the law. The shelter there does its best to get pits and pit mixes out of the county and into homes in other communities, where pits are legal. And in all likelihood you would also be given the opportunity to help find your dog a new home, if it comes to that. That said there are thousands of pits living in PG County - many will live their whole lives there, but always with the risk that they might be seized for no reason at all other than because of this awful law.

2. Return your dog to the rescue group, explaining why you have to do this. It will be heartbreaking to do, but it might be the best option given the circumstances. You should understand that pretty much any time a rescue or shelter gives you a breed description - especially with mixes - they are just giving their best guess. Unless they know the parents, or have done genetic testing, there's just no way to know for sure. They aren't trying to mislead you. This is just how it is. It's why many shelters and rescues no longer identify dogs by breed - because it's misleading and also doesn't really give the info you actually need in most circumstances: whether the dog's personality will be a good fit for your family.

3. You can move to another county, which doesn't have BSL. PG County is the only community in the DC metro area with BSL. You have a lot of options.

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I hope you will speak out against PG County's terrible law, and how it is affecting your family. Lawmakers need to know that they are literally tearing families apart for no good reason at all.

I can point you to more resources if you want. I am really frustrated with the rescue group that adopted this dog to you, for putting you in this situation - all the area rescues and shelters know that you cannot adopt blocky headed dogs to families in PG County.

Anonymous wrote:My PG County rescue mix is 1/2 German Shepherd and 1/2 Belgian Malinois. Pit mixes are common, but you can find other rescues from time to time. However, it is beastly (pun intended) trying to adopt a non-Pit mix. There were hundreds of apps for my doggy. I’m lucky to have her.

Your dog sounds like a good mix. In a few years I'll be adopting another dog. Would love to find something like yours.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My PG County rescue mix is 1/2 German Shepherd and 1/2 Belgian Malinois. Pit mixes are common, but you can find other rescues from time to time. However, it is beastly (pun intended) trying to adopt a non-Pit mix. There were hundreds of apps for my doggy. I’m lucky to have her.

Isn't a Belgian Malinois a dangerous breed?

Any large dog can be dangerous in the wrong situation.

But dangerous breed is different than potential to be dangerous if in just the right situation.

That breed is a guard/police dog breed. It is not like a golden or a beagle.

You sound like you'd be afraid of the shepherd half as well, then. Clearly not the dog for you, but not inherently any more dangerous than any other dog. The most dangerous dogs are those with clueless owners that fail to train/socialize them.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:why risk it. take it back to the rescue...

+1

Visit www.dogsbite.org

Also, search this week's Washington Post for the recent article about the woman in NC and her two "boxer 'mix'" dogs. "Mix" is what rescues and shelters say to get these dogs adopted. But you know it's a way to deflect from their pit bull lineage.

And the PP mentioning your insurance raises a good point. Go to www.thelawdictionary.org and search on: "How will owning a pit bull affect my homeowners' insurance." Yes, there are insurers who will still insure you but do you really want risk the liability even with insurance?

Very true about many mixes being promoted as “hound” or “Boxer” mix. I’d love to adopt a boxer, but so many are obviously pits. I know realize if I really want a boxer, I will need to find a good breeder.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:why risk it. take it back to the rescue...

Agree.

Return it.

I'd take it back. But I have to say that I'm surprised that no-one has said that "A pet is a lifelong commitment. If you take the dog back you should never have another dog again etc". That's usually the sort of advice given on this forum.

I am surprised also, but the OP is breaking the law and got duped into doing so. This isn’t her saying she got a dog and changed her mind. This is her taking a chance on future lawsuits and insurance coverage.

Anonymous wrote:There is no identifiable breed of "pit bull." There are collections of characteristics that people call "pit bulls" but the distribution and prevalence of characteristics is not uniform. OP, you adopted this dog and you have a responsibility to him/her. You are the dog's whole life. Try to be kindly if that's what you'd like back.

Myth and distortion perpetuated by the crazy extreme pro pitbull folks.

That is right up there with "pitbulls are gentle nanny dogs"

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My PG County rescue mix is 1/2 German Shepherd and 1/2 Belgian Malinois. Pit mixes are common, but you can find other rescues from time to time. However, it is beastly (pun intended) trying to adopt a non-Pit mix. There were hundreds of apps for my doggy. I’m lucky to have her.

Isn't a Belgian Malinois a dangerous breed?

Any large dog can be dangerous in the wrong situation.

But dangerous breed is different than potential to be dangerous if in just the right situation.

That breed is a guard/police dog breed. It is not like a golden or a beagle.