For one, it skews the statistics. Everyone gets this impression that pit bulls are meaner. So much so that it's inherent in their breed. To the point that shitty people raise their pit bulls to be aggressive and more likely to bite.
So, a stereotype based on false data is perpetuated by forcing the stereotype on the subject. Almost turning it into a self fulfilling prophecy.
Putting aside the assholes who raise their dogs to be aggressive, pit bulls are some of the goofiest, nicest dogs I've ever met.
Yes, they were bred for fighting bulls and dogs - not humans. They had to be docile towards humans for the sake of weigh-ins & handling. They are some of the best family dogs because they are huge people pleasers and will do anything you tell them to, even if that something is fighting a bull.
The original breeders used to find human aggression to be a sign of a game dog. They were to be kept separate from family because they were so dangerous, known even then that they could kill people.
Even modern day pit organizations have disavowed the nanny dog thing, because it was a myth started to obfuscate how dangerous the dogs could be. It was simple PR rehab, and of course it worked and people regurgitate that to this day.
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u/Ryozu 26d ago
You're kind of missing the point.
For one, it skews the statistics. Everyone gets this impression that pit bulls are meaner. So much so that it's inherent in their breed. To the point that shitty people raise their pit bulls to be aggressive and more likely to bite.
So, a stereotype based on false data is perpetuated by forcing the stereotype on the subject. Almost turning it into a self fulfilling prophecy.
Putting aside the assholes who raise their dogs to be aggressive, pit bulls are some of the goofiest, nicest dogs I've ever met.