The pit bull is one of America’s most controversial and misunderstood dogs. They are subject to breed-specific laws (BSL), which exist in more than 700 US cities and communities. BSL refers to laws that limit or prohibit dog ownership based on breeds due to their reputation for being dangerous and aggressive, particularly pit bulls.
Once considered great family dogs, pit bulls have become popular sidekicks The Little Rascals and even appeared in the US Patriots campaign. However, like many other dogs in American history, pit bulls have gone through cycles of stigma driven by both social and cultural forces. Before pit bulls were demonized, the first dog to terrorize the public was the Spitz—a Pomeranian-like breed now considered a “toy” dog. But back in the 19th century, they were called “venomous creatures” in their pages The New York Times.
So how did the pit bull go from family friend to national enemy? We speak to the book’s author, Bronwen Dickey Pit Bull: The Battle Over an American IconnWhich was also interviewed for an episode Today, explained. Dickey walks us through the history of their reputation, explains why the term “pit bull” is technically a misnomer, and shares how the stigma against pit bulls affects both dog owners and animal welfare.
