More About Jasmine the Pit Bull

In my research, I discovered that, unlike the Bernese Mountain dog's basic black,  Pit Bull noses come in lots of colors -- pink, red, brown, black, and (!) blue.  Who knew?

Also, as a breed they are not recognized by the AKC unless they are Staffordshire Bull Terriers.  American Pit Bull Terriers, like Jasmine, are recognized by the United Kennel Club and are described as "excellent family companions" and characterized by a love of children.  They are further described as "eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm," but not a good choice for guarding because they are "extremely friendly, even toward strangers."


There is a rather large caveat, however: "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."  I suppose this is why I don't see a lot of them at the dog park.  But according to Pit Bull Rescue Central: "While pit bulls do carry the potential for dog aggression, the vast majority of pit bulls are very far from 'fighting lines,' and many are not dog aggressive at all."

It seems to me that this would be a really good dog for a woman who lives alone.  I know there are stupid criminals out there, but not many would be foolish enough to mess around with a large dog -- however "friendly" it appears.  Thus, anybody with one of these dogs would be safer with than without.  I always feel safe walking around with big Rosie -- even though anyone who knows anything about her would agree that she is the Gandhi of our neighborhood.  


Also, if lots of young women have these dogs, they might become known as "chick-dogs" (like "chick-flicks," "chick-cars," and "chick-tunes") and lose their cachet for dog fighters.  With this new tag, pits would then receive a certain amount of derision by the same reprehensible element that is likely to try to train these dogs to kill each other for "sport."  Therefore, that element would be forced to pick a more "manly" breed, such as the dachshund or Bichon Frise, to train for this disgusting endeavor and then might be frustrated with the results and desist altogether.  


As my kids say, "just sayin'."