It’s unfortunate how pit bulls have been labeled as vicious dogs by society when in fact any dog can be dangerous and angry if raised to be so. Pit bulls can be just as sweet and loving as a fluffy kitten, playful and happy as a … deer? You read correctly!
Interspecies friendships are not uncommon, especially when it comes to dogs befriending other creatures. Pit bulls and kittens, pit bulls and kids, now a pit bull and a deer! Watch as dog and deer become “fast” friends as they race each other on opposite sides of a residential fence.
They appear to be completely fascinated with one another, even seemingly eyeballing back and forth as a countdown to when they will run. Pit bull Zeke is so thrilled to have found his morning running buddy.
So, what have we learned from this video and friendship stories involving pit bulls? Don’t judge a pit bull by his or her cover!
Image source: StevenW./Flickr
For any remaining pits-are-inherently-vicious folks, check out this book on the myth: _The Pit Bull Placebo_. It\’s viewable free online at http://nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/uploaded_files/publications/230603563_Pit%20Bull%20Placebo.pdf. (I found and read big chunks of it after reading some of the negative comments here and on the YouTube page for the video.) After two decades of in-depth research, this lady lays out the case well. It\’s not really a surprising argument: bad owners make for "bad dogs," the media is lazy, and lots of folks don\’t possess good critical-thinking skills. :)
Also interesting is the United Kennel Club\’s description of the American Pit Bull Terrier: "This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children. Because most APBTs exhibit some level of dog aggression and because of its powerful physique, the APBT requires an owner who will carefully socialize and obedience train the dog. … The APBT is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers. Aggressive behavior toward humans is uncharacteristic of the breed … ." http://www.ukcdogs.com/Web.nsf/Breeds/AmericanPitBullTerrier12012012)
Don\’t you think the dog is behind a "big heavy duty fence" because the people can afford it. If I was rich and had a nice house and was near wildlife, I would definitely like a nice fence to go around it. Also, if the deer felt like the dog wanted to attack it, it wouldn\’t be running back and forth with it, poking its head around a big cement block. Deer are prey animals, it is not typically in their nature to interact with wild or domestic canids (like dogs, who come from deer\’s natural predators). However there are a few examples of deer and dog forming a bond. One famous example is Kate the great dane and Pippin the deer (you can google it, it pops up right away) and there are even examples in the wild kingdom of typical rivals becoming "friends", living and interacting together, without killing each other. You have to look at the bigger picture, not paint a distorted image with your hatred for something you don\’t understand. That deer could also easily kill the dog, a healthy adult deer (even a doe) can and have killed adult wolves (albeit a singly).
I own a rescued pit that my daughter brought home. I too, had reservations about owning one so I read up on the breed. I am delighted to say that I have the sweetest, most loving dog ever. She is great with my grandson and really likes people. She has also been raised with two cats that she plays with. After 8 years together there have been no mishaps. I am a responsible pet owner so I keep her in a high fenced in yard when she is outside. I can say that she has changed quite a few family members minds about owning one.
glad, but certainly not surprised, to hear your thoughts on pit bulls, xiomara!
the reason i got my first puppy was due to the wondeful things that i had read about pits.
she was the absolute biggest lover of people, having never once barked at the front door in the 11 years i had her.
she was everything i expected from researching pits.
i would absolutely never consider another type of dog, even though my current rescued pit could never live up to the amazing nature of "my baby."