Here’s the thing about “pit bulls” - the "breed" doesn’t exist. In fact, the American Kennel Club does not recognize “pit bull” as a breed because it is a mixture of breeds. “Pit bull” is a slang term that has been used loosely and taken advantage of by the media to describe a dog with a big head and muscular build. When a dog has been labeled a “pit bull” it is based simply on their look and not on; personality, traits or DNA. Even we at the Bickell Foundation are guilty of calling a dog a “pit bull,” but we are ready to stop.  

 

The American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bulldog and Miniature Bull Terrier are recognized dog breeds but are mislabeled as “pit bulls” everyday. Dogs comprised of multiple breeds, aka mutts, are mislabeled a “pit bull mix” because of certain features like a large head or body.  

 

Labeling dogs a “pit bull” and enacting bans on this nonexistent breed is discrimination and makes no sense. When humans judge each other based on looks alone they’re being discriminatory. Humans do the same thing to “pit bulls” except these dogs are banned, abandoned, killed, abused and misused because of the way they look - something they didn’t choose. Discrimination and mislabeling these dogs must come to an end.