Being an animal advocate and animal lover, it infuriates me how people classify certain animals in certain breeds as all being the same. I am sorry but that could not be further from the truth. It is just as ignorant as when people are all classified the same as if we are white, black, Asian, Mexican, a certain “label” makes us all the same.
Are we not all individuals? No two people are the same no matter what color or nationality. The same goes for animals. Most breeds of dogs have certain reputations and to some degree, they do carry certain traits and characteristics true to their breed. It is not fair to say that a whole breed is bad or mean or destructive because of one poor defenseless animal who was probably trained to be that way.
One breed that gets an awfully bad rap is the pit-bull breed of dog. They are definitely a very stocky, very solid breed of dog with a more serious look to them. They seem to be more of a man’s breed of dog because of their masculine, muscular look. It is so unfortunate that so many of them are trained specifically to be mean and/or trained as fighting dogs. If they (or any dog) are trained to be mean, they will be mean. I, on the other hand, know and have met some pit bulls raised by owners who love and baby them, spoil them rotten, and they love people, are very friendly loving pets.
We have Chihuahuas and love them dearly. I can tell you, they are very babied and very very spoiled. They do not have any of the mean traits that are the characteristic of their breed. I do admit that sometimes they do bark a little more than I would like though that is not fully true either. Our youngest, 9 months old, only barks at his “sisters” to get their attention to play. We do know some other people who have Chihuahuas who do live up to their reputation as mean little ankle biters. It is all in how they are raised and trained. Ours would lick you and love you to death.
I just wish people would not judge but give these poor animals the chances they deserve. It is just like with the Doberman and Rottweiler Breeds. As a groomer I have worked with all breeds and I am telling you some of these larger breeds that have been labeled as the mean breeds were by far the biggest babies I ever worked on.
Unless your dog/pet was from an abused situation, when you get a new pet, give them as much love and attention as you possibly can. They depend on us for care and deserve to be spoiled. Even if you have a dog that is to be a watch dog, they can be trained to be weary of strangers until you let him know it is OK. It is all in the training, loving and care they get from their devoted owners as to how they will treat others. Don’t label them all the same as they too are individuals in their breeds.
About Susan Lee Susan Lee holds a certification in dog grooming and pet care, and has worked in the pet industry for more than 25 years. Susan is also the Rockford Pet Care Examiner for Examiner.com and writes articles for various other internet sites. You can reach her at pupelv7@charter.net for any of your pet related concerns.
