It’s wrong to stereotype dogs by their breed. Dogs’ behavior is more about their environment than their genetic makeup… but that hasn’t stopped many dogs from suffering from negative stereotypes.
The bad reputation pit bulls have had for being vicious and aggressive has had a real negative impact: pit bulls are the most commonly rescued dog breed.
However, pit bulls don’t deserve this. They are as sweet as any other dog, can be good with kids and other animals, and are loyal to their owners.
After one “arrest,” one police officer saw firsthand how people stereotype these dogs.
Officer Travis Frost of the Texarkana Police Department received a call in 2018 regarding a “vicious dog” on the loose nearby. He found the dog on a lawn. He expected the dog to chase him or attack him.
The officer wrote that Travis left the door of his patrol unit open so he could jump back in quickly if the dog was vicious.
Despite running towards him, the dog was happily wagging his tail and accepted the officer’s assistance with open arms.
The dog jumped into the patrol car, happily taking the front seat.
He and the dog got along like old friends, taking photos together, and the dog enjoyed the ride while looking out the window.
However, Frost realized that someone automatically assumed this dog was “vicious” because of his appearance, and felt bad that such a sweet dog had been stereotyped.
According to a Facebook post by Officer Frost, “You shouldn’t automatically assume that all pit bulls are bad dogs.”
Like this guy this morning, they might be really loving.”
It turns out that this pit bull had just gotten out of the shelter and has a family of his own.
Despite the dog’s microchip, the owner’s information was out of date, making it harder to find him. Nevertheless, he was picked up by a local animal shelter soon after.
There’s no doubt that this dog has a caring owner who raised and trained him correctly.
