Hate-Love #2: Dog Breeds

I hate...

...When people assume that all dogs of one kind of breed are "bad dogs". I ascribe to the idea that there is no such thing as bad or evil dogs, just bad owners. Yes, some dogs are far more powerful then others (like Dobermans, Pitbulls, and Rottweilers) so if they do bite they pack quite a harmful punch, but that doesn't automatically mean they're going to chew your leg off, eat your child, or go for your Labradoodle's jugular. No breed is exempt from turning out a "bad dog": I have seen a Labrador, a breed many consider to be a docile family breed, attack my own puppy as he ran for cover, and he's got the scar to prove it. I have met many wonderful Pitbulls, Dobermans, Terriers, Labradors, etc. and many not so wonderful versions of of these breeds as well, and they all had one thing in common: owners. The "bad dogs" had inattentive owners who didn't understand either how to train their animal or what the needs of their specific breed are in order to provide proper care. The "good dogs" all had kind, attentive owners who clearly understood their dog, his or her specific needs, and how to enforce proper behavior. I hate that these stereotypes abound, and that because they do, breeds with wonderful members, like Pitbulls, get such a bad rap. I hate that people cross the street when they see my dog and I walking toward them, that I have been yelled out of the dog park for no reason other than the breed of my dog, and that people feel the need to give me unsolicited and misguided advice like, "Well, he should really wear a muzzle at all times." Again, just because of his breed.

but then again....

I love...

...That my amazing Pitbull, Buju, proves the skeptics wrong every time. Buju (pictured above) is just about as sweet as it gets. He is fiercely loyal, loves to play with big and small dogs alike (he's a hit at daycare!) and lives for attention from, well, anyone (he once got in someone else's car because he wanted to play with their dog; he just hopped right on in and sat down, like, "Ok, I'm ready, let's go to your house and play!"). He loves children, I'm guessing largely because they usually have food on their faces and hands for him to lick off. He likes to be tucked in at night, and no, I'm not kidding, he just really likes to be warm. He's been bitten, scratched, and barked at by other dogs, though he would never return the favor: his usual reaction is to look at the other dog confused, and then run away. He likes cats. He doesn't bark. He's extremely obedient and gentle, except when he gets hold of one of my shoes :(. Pull his ears, take things out of his mouth, kiss him, hug him, play tug of war with him, he loves and handles it all with a big doggy smile on his face. So take that, people who think all Pitbulls are evil killers, I have at least one that defies the stereotype, and know many others who do as well. Hating an entire breed is like hating an entire race, it's ridiculous, closed minded, and just plain mean. Open your hearts to all the wonderful puppies of the world!