Jump to content

Pit bull: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
Undid revision 614222973 by 98.124.82.90 (talk)
Moeburn (talk | contribs)
Citation given only shows one page of text, and said page contains no reference to these various types of bulldogs.
Line 47: Line 47:
}}
}}


The term '''pit bull''' is often used as a generic term used to describe dogs with similar physical characteristics. The general public and news media consider a "pit bull" as one of several breeds including the [[Staffordshire Bull Terrier]], [[American Pit Bull Terrier]], [[American Staffordshire Terrier]], [[Bull Terrier]], or any mix thereof. In some parts of the world, the American Bully, [[American Bulldog]], and [[Dogo Argentino]] are also classified as a "Pit Bull-type" dog, despite major [[Heredity|genetic]] differences. Any dog that is mixed with a "bully breed"{{Citation needed|reason=Needs definition or expansion of what a bully breed is|date=March 2014}} may also be called a "pit bull" including those that are descended from the [[English Bulldog]], [[French Bulldog]] and [[Boston Terrier]].<ref name="Irrationality Unleashed: The Pitfalls of Breed-Specific Legislation">{{cite web |url=http://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?collection=journals&handle=hein.journals/umkc78&div=32&id=&page= |title=Irrationality Unleashed: The Pitfalls of Breed-Specific Legislation}}</ref> However, breed fanciers believe that using the term "pit bull" as a catch-all term for several different types of breed is incorrect due to the fact that the only breed that has the term "pit bull" in the official breed name is the American Pit Bull Terrier. The breeds often labeled as "pit bull" have their own unique histories, breed standards, and temperaments.
The term '''pit bull''' is often used as a generic term used to describe dogs with similar physical characteristics. The general public and news media consider a "pit bull" as one of several breeds including the [[Staffordshire Bull Terrier]], [[American Pit Bull Terrier]], [[American Staffordshire Terrier]], [[Bull Terrier]], or any mix thereof. In some parts of the world, the American Bully, [[American Bulldog]], and [[Dogo Argentino]] are also classified as a "Pit Bull-type" dog, despite major [[Heredity|genetic]] differences. Any dog that is mixed with a "bully breed"{{Citation needed|reason=Needs definition or expansion of what a bully breed is|date=March 2014}} may also be called a "pit bull" including those that are descended from the [[English Bulldog]], [[French Bulldog]] and [[Boston Terrier]].<ref name="Irrationality Unleashed: The Pitfalls of Breed-Specific Legislation">{{cite web |url=http://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?collection=journals&handle=hein.journals/umkc78&div=32&id=&page= |title=Irrationality Unleashed: The Pitfalls of Breed-Specific Legislation}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=June 2014}} However, breed fanciers believe that using the term "pit bull" as a catch-all term for several different types of breed is incorrect due to the fact that the only breed that has the term "pit bull" in the official breed name is the American Pit Bull Terrier. The breeds often labeled as "pit bull" have their own unique histories, breed standards, and temperaments.


The genetic similarity of bull breed dogs may make it difficult for experts to visually identify the breed,<ref name="Inaccuracy of Breed Labels Assigned to Dogs of Unknown Origin">{{cite web |url=http://nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/breed-identification-1/ |title=Inaccuracy of Breed Labels Assigned to Dogs of Unknown Origin}}</ref><ref name="Breed Discriminatory Legislation: How DNA Will Remedy the Unfairness">{{cite web |url=http://www.animalsandsociety.org/assets/303_msbaspr10310rev.pdf |title=Breed Discriminatory Legislation: How DNA Will Remedy the Unfairness}}</ref><ref name="Pit bull Identification in Animal Shelters">{{cite web |url=http://www.maddiesfund.org/Documents/Resource%20Library/Incorrect%20Breed%20Identification%20Study%20Poster.pdf |title=Pit bull Identification in Animal Shelters}}</ref> and while mixed breed dogs are often labelled a "pit bull" if they have certain physical characteristics such as a square shaped head or bulky body type,<ref name="Irrationality Unleashed: The Pitfalls of Breed-Specific Legislation"/> visual identification of mixed breed dogs is not recommended by the scholarly community.<ref name="Inaccuracy of Breed Labels Assigned to Dogs of Unknown Origin"/>
The genetic similarity of bull breed dogs may make it difficult for experts to visually identify the breed,<ref name="Inaccuracy of Breed Labels Assigned to Dogs of Unknown Origin">{{cite web |url=http://nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/breed-identification-1/ |title=Inaccuracy of Breed Labels Assigned to Dogs of Unknown Origin}}</ref><ref name="Breed Discriminatory Legislation: How DNA Will Remedy the Unfairness">{{cite web |url=http://www.animalsandsociety.org/assets/303_msbaspr10310rev.pdf |title=Breed Discriminatory Legislation: How DNA Will Remedy the Unfairness}}</ref><ref name="Pit bull Identification in Animal Shelters">{{cite web |url=http://www.maddiesfund.org/Documents/Resource%20Library/Incorrect%20Breed%20Identification%20Study%20Poster.pdf |title=Pit bull Identification in Animal Shelters}}</ref> and while mixed breed dogs are often labelled a "pit bull" if they have certain physical characteristics such as a square shaped head or bulky body type,<ref name="Irrationality Unleashed: The Pitfalls of Breed-Specific Legislation"/> visual identification of mixed breed dogs is not recommended by the scholarly community.<ref name="Inaccuracy of Breed Labels Assigned to Dogs of Unknown Origin"/>

Revision as of 20:05, 29 June 2014

Template:Redirect6

Pit Bull
American Pit Bull Terrier
OriginEngland
Scotland
Ireland
United States
Traits
Coat Smooth[1]
Dog (domestic dog)

The term pit bull is often used as a generic term used to describe dogs with similar physical characteristics. The general public and news media consider a "pit bull" as one of several breeds including the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, or any mix thereof. In some parts of the world, the American Bully, American Bulldog, and Dogo Argentino are also classified as a "Pit Bull-type" dog, despite major genetic differences. Any dog that is mixed with a "bully breed"[citation needed] may also be called a "pit bull" including those that are descended from the English Bulldog, French Bulldog and Boston Terrier.[2][failed verification] However, breed fanciers believe that using the term "pit bull" as a catch-all term for several different types of breed is incorrect due to the fact that the only breed that has the term "pit bull" in the official breed name is the American Pit Bull Terrier. The breeds often labeled as "pit bull" have their own unique histories, breed standards, and temperaments.

The genetic similarity of bull breed dogs may make it difficult for experts to visually identify the breed,[3][4][5] and while mixed breed dogs are often labelled a "pit bull" if they have certain physical characteristics such as a square shaped head or bulky body type,[2] visual identification of mixed breed dogs is not recommended by the scholarly community.[3]

History

All pit bulls were created with similar cross-breeding between bulldogs and terriers, but each individual pit bull breed has a distinct history.

American Pit Bull Terrier puppy

Pit Bull Terrier

The Pit Bull Terrier was created by breeding Old English Terriers and Old English Bulldogs together to produce a dog that combined the gameness of the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the bulldog.[6] These dogs were bred in England, and arrived in the United States where they became the direct ancestors of the American Pitbull Terrier. In the United Kingdom pit bulls were used in bloodsports such as bull baiting, bear baiting and cock fighting. These bloodsports were officially eliminated in 1835 as Britain began to introduce animal welfare laws. Since dogfights were cheaper to organise and far easier to conceal from the law than bull or bear baits, bloodsport proponents turned to pitting their dogs against each other instead. Dog fighting was used as both a bloodsport (often involving gambling) and a way to continue to test the quality of their stock. For decades afterwards, dog fighting clandestinely took place in small areas of Britain and America. In the early 20th century pitbulls were used as catch dogs in America for semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt, and drive livestock, and as family companions.[6] Some have been selectively bred for their fighting prowess.[7][8]

Pit Bull Terriers successfully fill the role of companion dogs, and police dogs,[9][10] and therapy dog.[11] Pit Bull Terriers also constitute the majority of dogs used for illegal dog fighting in the America[12] In addition, law enforcement organisations report these dogs are used for other nefarious purposes, such as guarding illegal narcotics operations,[13][14] use against police,[15] and as attack dogs.[16]

In an effort to counter the fighting reputation of pit bull-type dogs, in 1996 the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals renamed pit bull terriers to "St. Francis Terriers", so that people might be more likely to adopt them.[17] 60 temperament-screened dogs were adopted until the program was halted, after several of the newly adopted pit bulls killed cats.[18] The New York City Center for Animal Care and Control tried a similar approach in 2004, relabeling their pit bulls as "New Yorkies", but dropped the idea in the face of overwhelming public opposition.[19][20]

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier had its beginnings in the early 19th century by breeding bulldogs, mastiffs, and terriers together. The resulting offspring were originally known as the "bull and terrier dog", the "Pit Dog" and the "Pit Bull Terrier". The early bull terriers of the Elizabethan era were often used for bull baiting and with a weight of between 100 lbs (45 kg) and 120 lbs (54 kg) were significantly larger than the modern bull terrier.[21] These dogs imported to America from England as early as 1870, where they were known as the Pit Dog, Pit Bull Terrier, and later American Bull Terrier or Yankee terrier.[22] They were imported primarily, but not exclusively, for pit fighting.[23]

The dog was officially recognised by the The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom as the "Staffordshire bull terrier" in 1935.[21] Not long after, in 1936, they were recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as "Staffordshire Terriers."[22] Breeders started creating exemplars heavier in weight. Since January 1, 1972, the breed was renamed "American Staffordshire Terrier" to describe it as a separate breed from the lighter Staffordshire Bull Terrier of England.[22]

Attacks on humans

Studies

Pit bull, muzzled

A 9-year (1979–88) review of fatal dog attacks in the United States determined that, of the 101 attacks in which breed was recorded, pit bulls were implicated in 42 of those attacks (42%).[24] A 1991 study found that 94% of attacks on children by pit bulls were unprovoked, compared to 43% for other breeds.[25] A 5-year (1989–94) review of fatal dog attacks in the U.S. determined that pit bulls and pit bull mixed breeds were implicated in 24 (29%) of the 84 deaths in which breed was recorded.[26]

A 20-year (1979-1998) study by the American Veterinary Medical Association into fatal dog attacks on humans[27] concluded that "fatal attacks on humans appear to be a breed-specific problem (pit bull-type dogs and Rottweilers)," and that "pit bull-type dogs and Rottweilers were involved in more than half" (67%) of all the 238 recorded dog bite-related fatalities (DBRF) in the United States during that period, with pit bulls accounting for 66 deaths. They also wrote that:

"It is extremely unlikely that they accounted for anywhere near 60% of dogs in the United States during that same period and, thus, there appears to be a breed-specific problem with fatalities."[27]

A 15-year (1991–2005) review of dog attack fatalities investigated by the Kentucky Medical Examiner determined that pit bulls were implicated in 5 of the 11 fatal attacks (45%).[28] Another 15-year (1994–2009) review of patients admitted to a Level I Trauma Center with dog bites determined that pit bulls were most often involved in these attacks: of the 228 patients treated, the breed of dog was recorded in 82 attacks, and of these, 29 (35%) of the attacks were by pit bulls.[29] In 45% of the attacks, the dog belonged to the victim's family.[29]

A 5-year (2001–05) review of dog attack victims admitted to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia determined that pit bull terriers were implicated in more than half of the bites where breed was identified. Of the 269 patients where breed was identified, 137 (51%) were attacked by pit bulls.[30] The authors wrote:

"...the overwhelming number of bites involving pit bull terriers in this study and others certainly has some degree of validity when it comes to identifying bite-prone breeds. Pit bull terriers, German shepherds, and Rottweilers were the offending breeds implicated in our study, and have accounted for the majority of dog bites according to other investigators."[30]

A review of the medical literature found that pit bulls and pit bull cross-breeds were involved in 42–45% of dog attacks.[31] Fatalities were most often reported when children were attacked, with 70% of victims being under the age of 10.[31]

Some other studies on the number of human deaths caused by dog bite trauma have surveyed news media stories for reports of dog-bite-related fatalities. This methodology is subject to potential errors, as some fatal attacks may not have been reported, a study might not find all relevant news reports, and the dog breed might be misidentified.[32]

Courts in the United States[33][34] and Canada[35][36] have ruled that expert identification, when using published breed standards, is sufficient for the enforcement of breed-specific legislation.

Other studies

A study by Raghaven in Canada, which showed that breed specific legislation limits the number of pitbulls, and where sled dogs and free roaming packs of dogs is more common than in the United States, an electronic search of newspaper articles found that pit bull terriers were responsible for 1 (4%) of 28 dog-bite-related fatalities reported in Canada from 1990–2007.[37]

The study also noted that:

"A higher proportion of sled dogs and, possibly, mixed-breed dogs in Canada than in the United States caused fatalities, as did multiple dogs rather than single dogs. Free-roaming dog packs, reported only from rural communities, caused most on-reserve fatalities."

Several studies determined that pit bull owners, and owners of other "vicious" or "high risk" breeds (most commonly identified as Akita, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, and Wolf-mix), are more likely to have criminal convictions and are more likely to display antisocial behaviors. A 2006 study compared owners of "high risk" dogs to owners of "low risk" dogs. "High risk" dogs included “vicious” dogs by breed (e.g., pit bulls) or “vicious” actions (e.g., any dog that had bitten, attacked, or killed a person or other animal). The study determined that "high risk" dog owners had nearly 10 times as many criminal convictions than did "low risk" dog owners.[38] A 2009 study[39] and a followup 2012 study generally supported these findings.[40]

Locking jaws myth

A popular myth is that pit bulls have "locking jaws".[41] There is no physiological "locking mechanism" in the jaw muscle and bone structure of pit bulls or other dogs.[42] Pit bull-type dogs, like other terriers, hunting and bull-baiting breeds,[43] can exhibit a bite, hold, and shake behavior and at times refuse to release.[14][23][44] Pit bulls also have wide skulls, well-developed muscles, and strong jaws.[41]

Methods to force pit bull-type dogs to release their grip include breaking an ammonia ampule and holding it up to the dog's nose,[23] or using a "break stick" to lever the dog's jaws open if it is biting a person or animal.[45][46]

Blue nose pit bull puppy

Socialization

A Pit bull's genetic make up was developed so it would be a good fighting dog. However, this genetic disposition does not mean that all Pit bulls are aggressive or that they are prone to attacking other animals. Pit bulls require the same amount of socialization training as other dogs during puppy-hood, possibly more. Like any dog, a Pit bull that is well socialized is less likely to attack when it feels threatened. The Pit bull breed is known to be more “rough and tumble” during play time, but frequent socialization with other dogs can mean that a Pit bull pet goes into adulthood with a positive feeling towards other dogs.[47]

Legislation

Widely reported pit bull attacks have resulted in the enactment of breed-specific legislation in several jurisdictions. The attacks have also led to increased premiums for liability insurance.

Many of the jurisdictions that restrict pit bulls apply their restriction to: (a) the modern American Pit Bull Terrier, (b) American Staffordshire Terrier, (c) Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and (d) any other dog that has the substantial physical characteristics and appearance of those breeds. Such jurisdictions include: Ontario (Canada),[48] Miami (Florida, U.S.),[49] Denver (Colorado, U.S.),[50] and Malden, (Massachusetts, U.S.).[51] However a few jurisdictions, such as Singapore[52] and Franklin County, Ohio (U.S.),[53] also classify the modern American Bulldog as a "pit bull-type dog". In the United Kingdom, a pit bull is an American Pit Bull Terrier.[54]

All of the breeds share a similar history, with origins rooted from the bulldog and a variety of terriers, except for the Johnson line of American Bulldog (as opposed to the more pure Scott line), which come from the bulldog and a variety of mastiffs. The dogs called bull terriers before the development of the modern bull terrier in the early 20th century may also be called pit bulls.

Approximately 550 jurisdictions have enacted breed-specific legislation (BSL) in response to a number of well-publicised incidents involving pit bull-type dogs, and some government organizations such as the U.S. Army[55] and Marine Corps[56] have taken administrative action as well. These actions range from outright bans on the possession of pit bull-type dogs, to restrictions and conditions on pit bull ownership. They often establish a legal presumption that a pit bull-type dog is prima facie a legally "dangerous" or "vicious" dog.[57] In response, 16 states in the U.S. prohibited or restricted the ability of municipal governments within those states to enact BSL, though these restrictions do not affect military installations located within the states.[58]

It is now generally settled in caselaw that jurisdictions in the U.S. and Canada have the right to enact breed-specific legislation.[59] Despite these holdings by the courts, there is some public skepticism over whether the laws are effective.[60] One point of view is that pit bulls are a public safety issue that merits actions such as banning ownership, mandatory spay/neuter for all pit bulls, mandatory microchip implants and liability insurance, or prohibiting people convicted of a felony from owning pit bulls[61] Another point of view is that comprehensive "dog bite" legislation, coupled with better consumer education and legally mandating responsible pet-keeping practices, is a better solution to the problem of dangerous pit bulls than BSL.[62][63]

A third point of view is that breed-specific legislation should not ban breeds entirely, but should instead strictly regulate the conditions under which specific breeds could be owned. For example, forbidding certain classes of individuals from owning them, specifying public areas from which they would be prohibited, and establishing conditions, such as requiring a dog to wear a muzzle, for taking specific breeds of dogs into public places.[64] Finally, some governments, such as in Australia, have forbidden the import of specific breeds, and are requiring the spay/neuter of all existing dogs of these breeds in an attempt to eliminate the breed's population slowly through natural attrition.[65][66]

The ASPCA said that along with putative over-reporting, false reporting was a major contributor to public perceptions about the breed.[67]

In England and Wales the Dangerous Dogs Act prohibits the ownership of pit bull terrier along with 3 other breeds. The Act also bans the breeding, sale and exchange of these dogs.

In the Canadian province of Ontario, a pitbull ban was enacted in 2005, making it illegal to breed or import pitbull terriers, including the Staffordshire bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, American pitbull terrier, or any breed with “substantially similar” physical characteristics.[citation needed]

Commercial restrictions

Liability insurance

Dog owners in the United States can be held legally liable for injuries inflicted or caused by their dogs. In general, owners are considered liable if they were unreasonably careless in handling or restraining the dog, or if they knew beforehand that the dog had a tendency to cause injury (e.g., bite); however, dog owners are automatically considered liable if local laws hold an owner strictly liable for all damage caused by their dog, regardless of carelessness or foreknowledge of a dog's tendencies. Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically provide liability coverage from US$100,000–300,000 for injuries inflicted by dogs;[68] however, some insurance companies limit their exposure to dog bite liability claims by putting restrictions on dog owners that they insure. These restrictions include refusing to cover dog bites under the insurance policy; increasing insurance rates for homeowners with specific breeds; requiring owners of specific breeds to take special training or have their dogs pass the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen test;[69] requiring owners to restrict their dogs with muzzles, chains, or enclosures; and refusing to write policies for homeowners or renters who have specific breeds of dogs.[68]

Owners of rental properties may also be held liable if they knew an aggressive dog was living on their property and they did nothing to ensure the safety of other tenants at the property; as a result, many rental properties forbid pit bull-type dogs and any other breeds if the rental property's insurance will not cover damage inflicted by that type of dog. The dog breeds most often targeted by insurance companies include pit bull-type dogs, Rottweilers, German Shepherd Dogs, Doberman Pinschers, Akitas (Akita Inu and American Akita), and Chows.[70]

In 2013, Farmers Insurance notified policy holders in California that "it will no longer cover bites by pit bulls, rottweilers and wolf hybrids. A spokeswoman for Farmers said those breeds account for more than a quarter of the agency's dog bite claims."[71]

Air carrier restrictions

Several air carriers embargo certain dog breeds, due to the effect of high temperature and humidity on brachycephalic animals, or concerns for the safety of airline property, personnel, and passengers. The following table has a sampling of air carrier embargoes on dogs.

Airline Reason Details
Air France Safety Dogs "similar in morphology" to Staffordshire Terriers, mastiff (boerboel), tosa, and pit bulls may not be transported or shipped by air.[72]
Alaska Airlines / Horizon Air Health Dog breeds including American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, fly at their owner's risk, with no additional compensation if the dog suffers injury or dies during transit. The airline may refuse to accept the dog if it feels outside temperatures are too extreme for the animal's safety.[73]
American Airlines Health American Airlines will not accept brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs as checked luggage.[74]
Delta Air Lines Health "Snub-nosed dogs" are embargoed when the temperature at the departure point or any stop along the travel route is expected to exceed 75 °F (24 °C).[75]
Southwest Airlines Practicality Southwest only accepts small dogs and cats in-cabin, in carriers that can be stowed under their owners' seats, a restriction that would exclude most — if not all — adult pit bulls. No dogs are accepted in cargo[76]

United Airlines formerly embargoed American Pit Bull Terriers for safety reasons. However, pit bulls (along with American Staffordshires and other similar breeds) are now permitted, provided that dogs over six months old or weighing more than 20 pounds (9 kg) are transported in reinforced crates.[77]

Notable pit bulls

Pit Bull breeds have become famous for their roles as soldiers, police dogs, search and rescue dogs, actors, television personalities, seeing eye dogs, and celebrity pets. Historically, the Bull Terrier mix Nipper and the American Staffordshire Terrier, Pete the Pup from the Little Rascals are the most well known. Lesser known, but still historically notable pit bulls include Billie Holiday's companion "Mister",[78]Helen Keller's dog "Sir Thomas",[79] Buster Brown's dog "Tige",[80] Horatio Jackson's dog "Bud",[81][82] President Theodore Roosevelt's Pit Bull terrier "Pete", "Jack Brutus" who served for Company K, the First Connecticut Volunteer Infantry during the civil war,[83] Sergeant Stubby who served for the 102nd Infantry, 26th (Yankee) Division during World War I, and Sir Walter Scott's "Wasp".[84]

Contemporary significant pit bulls are: Weela, who helped save 32 people, 29 dogs, 3 horses, and 1 cat;[85] Popsicle, a five-month-old puppy originally found nearly dead in a freezer, who grew to become one of the nation's most important police dogs;[86] Norton, who was placed in the Purina Animal Hall of Fame after he rescued his owner from a severe reaction to a spider bite;[87] Titan, who rescued his owner's wife, who would have died from an aneurysm, D-Boy, who took three bullets to save his family from an intruder with a gun,[88] and Lilly, who lost a leg after being struck by a freight train while pulling her unconscious owner from the train tracks.[89]

References

  1. ^ Joanne Mattern. American Pit Bull Terriers. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  2. ^ a b "Irrationality Unleashed: The Pitfalls of Breed-Specific Legislation".
  3. ^ a b "Inaccuracy of Breed Labels Assigned to Dogs of Unknown Origin".
  4. ^ "Breed Discriminatory Legislation: How DNA Will Remedy the Unfairness" (PDF).
  5. ^ "Pit bull Identification in Animal Shelters" (PDF).
  6. ^ a b "American Pit Bull Terrier". United Kennel Club (UKC). November 1, 2008. Retrieved August 7, 2009.
  7. ^ "Pit Bull Cruelty". American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). 2013. Retrieved February 3, 2014.
  8. ^ "Dog Fighting". American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). 2013. Retrieved February 3, 2014.
  9. ^ "Cool K-9 Popsicle retires". U.S. Customs Today. 38 (10). October 2002. Retrieved August 7, 2009.
  10. ^ Lewin, Adrienne Mand (October 12, 2005). "Protecting the Nation – One Sniff at a Time". ABC News. Retrieved February 2, 2009.
  11. ^ Simon, Scott (June 21, 2008). "Trainer turns pit bull into therapy dog". National Public Radio. Retrieved August 7, 2009.
  12. ^ "Dog Fighting Fact Sheet". Humane Society of the United States. 2009. Retrieved August 7, 2009.
  13. ^ "Known prostitute' loses left arm and leg after pit bull 'viciously attacks her as she was shut inside a home with the beast". Daily Mail. London. February 17, 2012.
  14. ^ a b Swift, E.M. (July 27, 1987). "The pit bull: friend and killer". Sports Illustrated. Vol. 67, no. 4. Retrieved December 2, 2009.
  15. ^ Baker, Al; Warren, Mathew R. (July 9, 2009). "Shooting highlights the risks dogs pose to police, and vice versa". The New York Times. New York, NY. Retrieved January 7, 2010.
  16. ^ "'Dangerous dogs' weapon of choice". BBC News. December 2, 2009. Retrieved December 2, 2009.
  17. ^ Cothran, George (June 11, 1997). "Shouldn't we just kill this dog?". San Francisco Weekly. San Francisco, CA. Retrieved September 4, 2009.
  18. ^ "Bring breeders of high-risk dogs to heel". Animal People News. January 2004. Retrieved September 4, 2009.
  19. ^ Haberman, Clyde (January 13, 2004). "NYC; Rebrand Fido? An idea best put down". The New York Times. New York, NY. Retrieved September 4, 2009.
  20. ^ Laurence, Charles (January 4, 2004). "Q: When is a pit bull terrier not a pit bull terrier? A: When it's a patriot terrier". The Daily Telegraph. London, UK. Retrieved November 14, 2009.
  21. ^ a b American Kennel Club. "AKC Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed History". www.akc.org. Retrieved July 29, 2008.
  22. ^ a b c "American Staffordshire Terrier History". American Kennel Club. 2009. Retrieved July 24, 2010.
  23. ^ a b c Clark, Ross D., DVM; Stainer, Joan R.; Haynes, H. David, DVM; Buckner, Ralph, DVM; Mosier, Jacob, DVM; Quinn, Art J., DVM, eds. (1983). Medical & Genetic Aspects of Purebred Dogs. Edwardsville, KS: Veterinary Medicine Publishing. p. 27. ISBN 978-0-9641609-0-3.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: editors list (link)
  24. ^ Sacks, Jeffrey J.; Sattin, Richard W.; Bonzo, Sandra E. (1989). "Dog Bite-Related Fatalities from 1979 Through 1988" (PDF). Journal of the American Medical Association. 88 (1). American Medical Association: 55–57.
  25. ^ Avner, Jeffrey R.; Baker, M. Douglas (1991). "Dog Bites in Urban Children". Pediatrics. 88 (1). American Academy of Pediatrics: 55–57.
  26. ^ Sacks, Jeffrey J.; Lockwood, Randall; Hornreicht, Janet; Sattin, Richard W. (1996). "Fatal Dog Attacks, 1989–1994". Pediatrics. 97 (6). American Academy of Pediatrics: 891–895. PMID 8657532.
  27. ^ a b JAVMA (September 15, 2000), Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998 (PDF), Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, retrieved April 28, 2014 PDF file
  28. ^ Shields, Lisa B. E.; Bernstein, Mark L.; Hunsaker, John C.; Stewart, Donna M. (2009). "Dog Bite-Related Fatalities: A 15-Year Review of Kentucky Medical Examiner Cases". American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology. 30 (3). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: 223–230. doi:10.1097/PAF.0b013e3181a5e558.
  29. ^ a b Bini, John K.; Cohn, Stephen M.; Acosta, Shirley M.; McFarland, Marilyn J.; Muir, Mark T.; Michalek, Joel E. (2011). "Mortality, Mauling, and Maiming by Vicious Dogs". Annals of Surgery. 253 (4). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: 791–797. doi:10.1097/SLA.0b013e318211cd68.
  30. ^ a b Kaye, Alison E.; Belz, Jessica M.; Kirschner, Richard E. (2009). "Pediatric Dog Bite Injuries: A 5-Year Review of the Experience at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia". Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 124 (2). American Society of Plastic Surgeons: 551–558. doi:10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181addad9.
  31. ^ a b Bury, Danielle; Langlois, Neil; Byard, Roger W. (2012). "Animal-Related Fatalities—Part I: Characteristic Autopsy Findings and Variable Causes of Death Associated with Blunt and Sharp Trauma". Journal of Forensic Sciences. 57 (2). American Academy of Forensic Sciences: 370–374. doi:10.1111/j.1556-4029.2011.01921.x.
  32. ^ "Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998" (PDF). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. April 1, 2008. Retrieved July 8, 2009.
  33. ^ "Toledo v. Tellings, 114 Ohio St.3d 278, 2007-Ohio-3724" (PDF). Supreme Court of Ohio. Retrieved June 29, 2009.
  34. ^ "Certeriorari – Summary Dispositions (Order List: 552 U.S.)" (PDF). United States Supreme Court. February 19, 2008. Retrieved August 3, 2009.
  35. ^ "Cochrane v. Ontario (Attorney General), 2008 ONCA 718" (PDF). Ontario Court of Appeal. October 24, 2008. Retrieved July 21, 2009.
  36. ^ "Who let the dogs out?". Center for Constitutional Studies, University of Alberta, Canada. June 12, 2009. Retrieved July 21, 2009.
  37. ^ Raghavan, Malathi (June 2008). "Fatal dog attacks in Canada, 1990–2007". The Canadian Veterinary Journal (La Revue vétérinaire canadienne). 49 (6): 577–581. PMC 2387261. PMID 18624067.
  38. ^ Barnes, Jaclyn E.; Boats, Barbara W.; Putnam, Frank W.; Mahlman, Andrew R. (2006). "Ownership of High-Risk ("Vicious") Dogs as a Marker for Deviant Behaviors: Implications for Risk Assessment". Journal of Interpersonal Violence. 21 (12). Sage Publications: 1616–1634. doi:10.1177/0886260506294241.
  39. ^ Ragatz, Laurie; Fremouw, William; Thomas, Tracy; Katrina, McCoy (2009). "Vicious Dogs: The Antisocial Behaviors and Psychological Characteristics of Owners". Journal of Forensic Sciences. 54 (3). American Academy of Forensic Sciences: 199–703. doi:10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01001.x.
  40. ^ Schenk, Allison M.; Ragatz, Laurie L.; Fremouw, William J. (2012). "Vicious Dogs Part 2: Criminal Thinking, Callousness, and Personality Styles of Their Owners". Journal of Forensic Sciences. 57 (1). American Academy of Forensic Sciences: 152–59. doi:10.1111/j.1556-4029.2011.01961.x.
  41. ^ a b D. Caroline Coile (April 18, 2011). Pit Bulls For Dummies. Retrieved March 31, 2013.
  42. ^ "Toledo v. Tellings, -REVERSED-, 2006-Ohio-975, ¶25" (PDF). Court of Appeals of Ohio, Sixth Appellate District. Retrieved October 2, 2009.
  43. ^ "The Truth About Pit Bulls". American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. 2013. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
  44. ^ "Breaking up a fight". Pit Bull Rescue Central. 2008. Retrieved August 16, 2009.
  45. ^ "Break Stick Information". Pit Bull Rescue Central. 2008. Retrieved August 16, 2009.
  46. ^ "Pros and cons of owning a pit bull". Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit bulls (BADRAP). 2007. Retrieved August 16, 2009.
  47. ^ ASPCA. "The Truth About Pit Bulls".
  48. ^ "An Act to amend the Dog Owners' Liability Act to increase public safety in relation to dogs, including pit bulls, and to make related amendments to the Animals for Research Act". Government of Ontario, Canada. August 29, 2005. Retrieved July 5, 2010.
  49. ^ [1][dead link]
  50. ^ "Revised Municipal Code – City and County of Denver, Colorado". City of Denver, Colorado. May 19, 2009. Retrieved July 5, 2010.
  51. ^ "Council amends dog ordinance calling for definition of dangerous dogs". Retrieved April 5, 2012.
  52. ^ "Veterinary Conditions for the importation of dogs/cats for countries under Category A (1/4)" (PDF). Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore. August 4, 2008. Retrieved August 4, 2009.
  53. ^ "Pit Bull Information". Franklin County, Ohio. Retrieved July 30, 2010.
  54. ^ Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (March 2009). "Dangerous Dogs Law: Guidance for Enforcers" (PDF). Retrieved May 20, 2011.
  55. ^ "Garrison Policy Memorandum #08-10, Mandatory Pet Micro-Chipping and Pet Control". US Army Installation Management Command, Fort Drum, NY. February 3, 2009. Retrieved August 3, 2009.
  56. ^ "Marine Corps Housing Management" (PDF). United States Marine Corps. August 11, 2009. Retrieved November 16, 2009.
  57. ^ Palika, Liz (January 31, 2006). American Pit Bull Terrier: Your Happy Healthy Pet. Howell Book House. ISBN 978-0-471-74822-9. Retrieved March 1, 2010.
  58. ^ "States prohibiting or allowing breed specific ordinances". American Veterinary Medical Association. October 2007. Retrieved July 12, 2009.
  59. ^ Campbell, Dana (July–August 2009). "Pit Bull Bans: The State of Breed–Specific Legislation". GP-Solo. 26 (5). American Bar Association. Retrieved July 30, 2009.
  60. ^ "Why Breed Specific Legislation Misses the Mark and Doesn't Work". Pitbulls.org. 2010. Retrieved March 1, 2011.
  61. ^ Nelson, Kory (2005). "One city's experience: why pit bulls are more dangerous and why breed-specific legislation is justified" (PDF). Municipal Lawyer. Vol. 46, no. 6 (published August 2005). pp. 12–15. Retrieved July 11, 2009.
  62. ^ "HSUS Statement on Dangerous Dogs". Humane Society of the United States. 2009. Retrieved July 11, 2009.
  63. ^ "A community approach to dog bite prevention" (PDF). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Vol. 218, no. 11. June 1, 2001. pp. 1731–1749. Retrieved July 11, 2009.
  64. ^ Phillips, Kenneth (October 10, 2008). "Breed Specific Laws". dogbitelaw.com. Retrieved July 11, 2009.
  65. ^ Barlow, Karen (May 3, 2005). "NSW bans pit bull terrier breed". Sydney, Australia: Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved December 23, 2009.
  66. ^ Hughes, Gary (October 20, 2009). "Pit bull bite prompts call for national approach to dangerous dog breeds". The Australian. Sydney, Australia. Retrieved December 23, 2009.
  67. ^ ASPCA. "Pit Bull Bias in the Media".
  68. ^ a b "Dog Bite Liability". Insurance Information Institute. September 2009. Retrieved September 24, 2009.
  69. ^ "Homeowners Insurance Available to Breeds Previously Excluded with CGC Certification". American Kennel Club. October 1, 2004. Retrieved February 4, 2009.
  70. ^ Sodergren, Brian. "Insurance companies unfairly target specific dog breeds". Humane Society of the United States. Retrieved August 12, 2009.
  71. ^ Gephardt, Bill. Some dog breeds too risky for insurance companies. KSL.com, May 8th, 2013
  72. ^ "Frequently asked questions". Air France. Retrieved July 10, 2013.
  73. ^ "Traveling with pets". Alaska Airlines. Retrieved August 12, 2009.
  74. ^ "Traveling with pets". American Airlines. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
  75. ^ "Pet Travel Requirements and Restrictions". Delta Air Lines. Retrieved September 7, 2010.
  76. ^ "Pets". Southwest Airlines. Retrieved July 10, 2013.
  77. ^ "Pet restrictions". United Airlines. Retrieved July 10, 2013.
  78. ^ "Famous Women and Their Dogs: Billie Holiday and Mister". Urban Hounds. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
  79. ^ "Famous People". All About Pit Bulls. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  80. ^ "Buster Brown and Tige". Stubbydog – Rediscover The Pit Bull. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  81. ^ "American Pit Bull Terrier ( APBT ) breed History". American Pit Bull Registry. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  82. ^ "The Pit Bull—American's Sweetheart". A Brief History of the American Pit Bull Terrier. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  83. ^ "Jack Brutus". Encyclopedia of the American Pit Bull Terrier. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  84. ^ "A Popular History of the Pit Bull in America". Adams Red White & Blue Kennels. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  85. ^ Green, Ranny (March 13, 1994). "Can Weela's Heroics Change Pitbull Image? Can Weela's Heroics Change Pitbull Image? Pit Bulls have been used for advertisement such as the case of Spuds McKenzie of the laste 80's Bud Light commercials". Seattle Times. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  86. ^ "Kool K-9 Popsicle retires". US Customs Today. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  87. ^ "Inductee: Norton". Purina Animal Hall of Fame. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  88. ^ "Family Dog Takes Bullet to Save Family". News 9 Oklahoma. By Amy Lester, NEWS 9. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  89. ^ "'Hero' pit bull Heads Home to Recover". Retrieved November 7, 2013.

Further reading