A breed by any other name...

Recently I have been working with a Pit Bull female, Ruby (below), that is in a rescue kennel until a new home is found for her. I have absolutely fallen in love with her but she is not cat friendly and I feel that it would be too distressing for my aging, three legged cat to have a lively young dog chasing after her so she will not have her forever home with me - as much as it breaks my heart.

Even if I didn't already have a soft spot for bull-breed dogs, (I have worked with and handled Bull Mastiffs and Bull Terriers in the show ring over many years) Ruby would have sold me. She is super sweet, lively, responsive, highly trainable, very smart, soft, great with people...the list of good things about her goes on and on. She needs some work on dog to dog friendliness, basic manners and obviously the cat issue would need to be managed but no dog is perfect.


What is even more upsetting to me about Ruby's case and that of many other 'bullies' and so called "vicious" dogs in Ireland is that despite rock solid, bomb proof temperaments they suffer abuse, ignorance and a pitiful existence because of an absolute lack of understanding of these breeds, dog aggression and dogs in general.

I see this with my own fur-baby who, because of his size, soft nature and unusual appearance gets a lot of attention from strangers (he has literally stopped traffic several times!).

This is a running joke among my friends - they count how many people stop me to ask about the dog, and suggest that he should wear a sandwich board with details about him for passers-by! On average half of the people, once told that he is half Rottweiler, shy away, back up and/or make remarks along the lines of "having to be careful with him" or "lucky that he has Airedale Terrier (the other part of the mix) personality!" This is after they have just hugged or kissed him, or allowed their small children to do so without asking my permission.

I had an experience recently in a park where we were walking one evening. Rufus was on leash and we met another walker with three Labradors of varying ages, one on leash and two off leash. In fact I heard one of them before I saw them! On approach two of the dogs off leash ran up to mine, barking in his face, signalling with very assertive body language; the other on leash pulled and strained and growled at my dog. I asked Rufus to walk close and watch me - when I first got him he had a dog-dog aggression issue so it is one that we have worked very hard on. The Lab owner asked about him, I said "Airedale cross Rottie" and the reply was along the lines of "oh we better not mess with HIM so".

I walked off very quickly so as to cool myself, wanting to remark that it was their dogs that were doing the barking and pushy dog act, not mine!


This level of ignorance is rampant even among so called dog-lovers. It is perpetuated by an overall poor attitude toward dogs in this country and poorly designed and enforced doggie law, particularly our BSL (breed specific legislation).


What is BSL?

Breed Specific Legislation is particular law that covers and/or restricts the actions and movement of specific breeds of domestic dog.

In Ireland our BSL is covered in the Control of Dogs Act, amend. 1998.

Breeds listed are the American Pit Bull Terrier*, Bull Mastiff, Dobermann Pinscher, Bull Terrier, German Shepherd, Japanese Akita**, Japanese Tosa, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or any dog referred to as BanDog or of cross or strain of any of these breeds.

These dogs must be muzzled and on a leash of less than 1m while in public. They must be under the care of someone over the age of 16 and capable of controlling the dog.

*The term 'American Pit Bull Terrier' is often used interchangeably to describe a number of different types and breeds; particularly the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Pit Bull Terrier and in many cases any number of different mixes and other breeds and types - usually mistaken.

** The Japanese Akita, no longer exists under the Irish Kennel Club. Two breeds have been recognised in its place: the Akita (Inu) and the American Akita.

Recently Dublin City Council has implemented a ban on these breeds being kept by their tenants.

What's the problem with BSL?

Where do I start?!

Pet Central is strongly opposed to BSL in Ireland or anywhere.

Studies have shown that BSL in various countries is not effective because pointing the finger at specific breeds is not the answer when dealing with dog aggression.

Does the Dangerous Dogs Act protect against animal attacks: a prospective study of mammalian
bites in the Accident and Emergency department - a UK study, if you would like the complete work let me know.

Dutch government to lift Pit Bull ban

'Pit Bulls' bite less than 'family dogs' - the only Irish dog bite study ever carried out

Please read Janis Bradley's book "Dogs Bite but balloons and slippers are more dangerous" for down to earth, realistic information on dog bites and statistics. Dog bite incidents are well recorded in US due to the rabies issue.


BSL suggests that the only dogs to worry about are those listed - this is not true. ALL dogs bite and ALL dogs are capable of aggression.


BSL lifts the responsibility off irresponsible breeders and owners and puts it squarely at the paws of dogs of certain breeds.


BSL relies on witnesses to identify breeds involved in incidents - this is a major flaw as the majority of people find it difficult to identify breed accurately.
Try this quiz: Find the Pit Bull Not as easy as you thought, right?


BSL leads to a large number of dogs of these breeds or mistaken for these breeds being surrendered, strayed, euthanised or worse. This puts pressure on rescue groups, pounds and rescue staff - this is an area that cannot take any more pressure.

Like other dog control legislation, BSL is poorly enforced which makes it even more ineffective and more frustrating for responsible owners.

What's the alternative to BSL?

Well there are probably lots of alternatives and indeed the following is by no means a definitive list of things that could and should be done to reduce aggression and improve dog welfare but some suggestions.

• revision of all dog related legislation and enforcement of newly revised legislation
• legislation should be developed in consultation with a knowledgeable working group
• microchipping of ALL dogs regardless of breed and maintenance of a data base of owners and their dogs
• regulation of breeding establishments (legislation in relation to this has been in development for some time but we are yet to see it)
• education, education, education
• animal welfare education for primary school children
• safe dog education for children and adults of all ages
• national education campaigns on dog behaviour, dog care and dog safety
• county council supported socialisation and/or training classes delivered by approved trainers
• education of breeders and pressure put on kennel clubs to look at breed standards

Dog Aggression:

Aggression is probably the most misinterpreted and most misunderstood of all dog behaviour. Despite what popular TV trainers tell you, aggression in most situations is a way of the dog asking you to give him some distance.

Dog behaviour is full of ritualised aggressive displays. This means that they use a large number of signals asking others to give them space. Dog signalling is very subtle and humans often miss these early signals or misinterpret them as "dominance" or some other rubbish.

This is one of the main reasons that humans get bitten - we don't respond to signals that are to the dog the equivalent to us shouting at one another.

Understand that:

• all dogs show aggression and all dogs bite
• aggression in dogs is normal, doggie behaviour

Here we are talking about ritualised aggressive displays which are an important part of doggie communication. We usually refer to aggressive behaviour as the really obvious, conspicuous signalling such as growling, snarling, snapping, biting, lunging etc. However, the 'give me space' message began minutes earlier - we just miss it. It really is a wonder that we don't get bitten more often.

When someone asks "does your dog bite?" I always say yes. Then I ask them to remember the last time they went through a day without losing their temper, swearing under their breath or getting annoyed or irritated with someone. But, we don't ask eachother this when we first meet - that's because we understand this is normal, everyday behaviour for people. Well it's normal behaviour for dogs too.

Just as it is important for people to learn to control their temper and remain polite with other people it is important for dogs to learn this too.

The vital point here is that we must socialise and train dogs to cope with human life so that they learn to avoid expressing aggression toward humans. This is a serious and difficult challenge.

What can be done to prevent aggression?

Socialise, socialise, socialise, socialise and then socialise some more.

Train your dog to cope with human society using positive methods only

Learn to read doggie signalling - and then respond appropriately. Calming signals, such as those shown at this link are used to ask the other participant to slow it down, take it easy - that is the polite doggie way of asking for distance and to get out of this pressurised or intimidating situation.

Supervise children and dogs ALL the time

Educate yourself about child/dog safety

Educate children how to behave around dogs or in situations that may involve dangerous, boisterous or strange dogs

Breed safer dogs

Revise breed standards so as to select for 'pet suitable' traits.

Think long and hard before getting a dog - do research, talk to breeders, see both parents, enroll in a training class (yes, before you get the dog!), avoid puppy farms or back yard breeders, only select well socialised puppies, educate yourself and hire a professional

Dangerous Dogs?

Are dogs really dangerous? Are there certain breeds more dangerous than others?

If you were to read a newspaper you would probably believe these statements to be true. However, the real life story is very different.

For the amount of contact we have with dogs in our daily lives, dog bites or serious dog bites rarely occur. That doesn't mean something can't be done. When someone is bitten or indeed seriously injured this is an awful and usually preventable situation.

Any dog, regardless of breed, age or sex, if socialised and trained appropriately for its breed, condition and living situation is safe providing that precautions are still taken (particularly the supervision of kids and dogs) and their boundaries respected.

Breeds such as Pit Bulls or Pit Bull types are in my mind great pets - providing they are responsibly bred and cared for, but that is the same for any breed or individual dog.

Pit Bulls have been bred for a long time for dog fighting - that means they need extra special socialisation with other dogs and other animals, it also means that they need special management around other dogs - but this is the same for many dogs with 'blood-sport' history. The same way that care with terriers and small animals is important, the same way retrieving breeds will pick up all sorts of potentially dangerous things in their mouths so this requires mangaement, the same way herding breeds have a tendency to chase things even cars or children, in an attempt to 'round' them up. Of course each individual dog is slightly different and any individual dog will have his little 'quirks' - this is why training and socialisation is sooooo important.

Pit Bulls are one of the only breeds where special emphasis has been placed on friendliness throughout their development.

In early dog fights, owners were in the ring with their fighting dogs, they would have to separate their dogs and then a stranger would usually stitch them back up. Any dog that was aggressive towards humans even in those high stress situations was culled. Aggression towards people was not an option for founding stock of pit bull types. Being aggressive toward other dogs is very different from showing aggression toward humans.

If I were to describe Ruby's temperament and personality to someone without telling them her breed I could have organised several homes for her. If I misled people further and told them she was a Cocker Spaniel, they would be drooling in anticipation of taking her home.

But, unfortunatley, for Ruby she is a pit bull and that makes her difficult to home despite her wonderful, loveable disposition. To me Ruby is a dog, and a great dog at that - if only we could call her something else...

The point of all of this is to raise awareness so that aggression can be prevented and to eradicate ignorance so that we can put aside our misinterpretation and begin to actually do something about dog aggression.

The breeds that I see most often for aggression related beahviours are Labradors, Cockers, Border Collies and Jack Russels. I am also beginning to see a lot more Yorkies than before too. This report regards a Pomeranian that killed a young baby. I do not want to label these breeds as 'vicious' or 'dangerous' but I do want people to be aware that Pit Bulls or Rottweilers or any of the others are no more dangerous or vicious than any dog. Nor do I want to suggest that aggression towards humans is acceptable - it is not and it is an awful tradgedy when someone is injured by a dog. (It is also vital that people begin to understand and respect doggie communication.)

Socialisation and training, education and awareness - these are the keys to improving dog welfare and human welfare.

If you have any questions or concerns about dog aggression, choosing the right breed for you, complying with dog legislation, help with training or socialisation please contact Pet Central. These are urgent matters and the sooner they are dealt with the better.

Interested in possibly giving Ruby a home? - contact us, we would love to discuss her details with you.

Want to learn more about Pit Bulls, these links are a good place to start:

East Galway Animal Rescue

For the love of pet bulls...

PitBullLover.com: What can you expect from a Pit Bull Terrier?

Save a Bull.com

Remeber to come back here for positive training advice - positive reinforcement training has also been shown to help prevent aggression!