Why are so many Pit Bulls in shelters?
Some people say it’s because the breed is misunderstood, while others claim that Pit Bulls are simply too dangerous to have as pets.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the reasons why Pit Bulls end up in shelters and what can be done to help reduce the number of these dogs that need homes.
Why Are so Many Pit Bulls in Shelters?
There are currently more Pit Bulls in shelters than any other type of dog.
This overpopulation has several causes that we’ll discuss below.
1. They Are Seen As Dangerous Or Aggressive
Because Pit Bulls are seen as dangerous or aggressive, they’re often thrown to the streets to be picked up by animal control or left at shelters.
The problem is that Pit Bulls are often used as fighting dogs, and are responsible for over half of all fatal dog attacks, which has given them a bad rep.
As a result, they are often the victims of abuse and mistreatment, leading to higher rates of homelessness.
In addition, many shelters do not adopt Pit Bulls due to their reputation, which means they’re more likely to be euthanized.
2. Poor Treatment By Past Owners Cause Behavior Problems
Unfortunately, Pit Bulls often end up in shelters because their previous owners didn’t treat them well.
They are often neglected, abused, or not given the same level of care as other breeds, leading to behavior problems, including fearfulness, aggression, and anxiety.
If you’re thinking of getting a pit bull, especially from a shelter, it’s important to provide plenty of love and attention, as well as training and socialization.
With the right care, a Pit Bull can make a loyal companion.
3. Their High Energy Instincts Require Special Training
Pit Bulls are high-energy dogs that need a lot of exercise and stimulation as they can be very active and playful, which can sometimes result in them getting into trouble.
They also require a lot of patience and attention, as they can be easily distracted.
Training is essential for Pit Bulls, as it helps to channel their energy in positive ways and teaches them how to behave properly.
This is not something that all potential adopters are willing or able to provide, which contributes to the number of Pit Bulls in shelters.
4. They Frequently Suffer From Health Problems
Pit Bulls are a type of dog that has been bred for fighting for generations.
Unfortunately, this has led to many health problems due to inbreeding and poor nutrition.
As a result, they can be expensive to care for and less desirable to adopters.
Some of the most common health problems include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart conditions
- Skin allergies
Because of all these health problems, it is important to make sure that you are prepared financially and emotionally before adopting a Pit Bull.
5. Lack of Knowledge
Due to the public’s lack of understanding of pit bulls, many of these dogs wind up never being adopted.
Pit Bulls can be friendly, devoted dogs that make wonderful pets and companions.
A lot of people employ them as therapy dogs or assistance animals because of how kind and devoted they are.
However, due to their bad reputation, many people are afraid of them and they often end up in shelters.
Read our related article, Why Are There So Many Huskies in Shelters? Huskies are another breed often surrendered. Learn more.
What You Can Do for Shelter Pit Bulls
If you’re looking to help out Pit Bulls in shelters, here are some things you can do:
1. Educate yourself and others about the breed. Pit Bulls can make good companions for certain personalities.
2. Share adoptable Pit Bulls stories on social media. By increasing visibility, you can help them find forever homes more quickly.
3. Donate to or volunteer at a local shelter that takes in Pit Bulls. These organizations are always in need of resources to care for their dogs.
4. Speak up when you see someone discriminating against Pit Bulls. Showing others that you’re an ally can help change perceptions of the breed.
5. Consider adopting a Pit Bull yourself! They make loyal, loving companions and are sure to bring joy to your home.
Read our related article on Toys for Pitbulls. These toys are the PERFECT donation for heavy chewers.
Final Thoughts
The number of Pit Bulls surrendered to animal shelters each year is in the thousands.
Many of these dogs are well-mannered, but they still experience discrimination due to their reputation.
