How to Rescue a Pit Bull

Pit Bulls are easily the most misunderstood and mistreated breed of dog. They have a reputation for being vicious, yet are no more prone to viciousness than any other breed. Only difference is: they are stronger than most breeds.

In spite of their unfair reputation, dog experts find that pit bulls are one of the most loyal, people-friendly and children-friendly breeds, as well as tend to score higher on temperament tests than most breeds. In fact, if you talk to people in cat and dog households, you often find out the dog is a pit bull, since they tend to get along well with cats.

Yet tragically, because of their undeserved reputation and the fact that many are turned in by irresponsible owners, shelters are filled with pit bulls that would make loving family pets--but due to their sheer numbers--are never given the chance.

This is why it's so important for people to consider pit bulls when wanting to add a dog to their family. If you are one of those wonderful people--here are some ways to go about it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Do some online research and educate yourself about pit bulls. A good place to start is a pit bull rescue group's website. These websites normally have information about the breed based on their experience with placing a variety of pit bulls in compatible homes.

2. Check your local animal shelter if you decide you are ready to adopt a pit bull. Chances are your local shelter will have a few to choose from. If you have a hard time entering an animal shelter (which many people do), most shelters list their available dogs online along with pictures and descriptions. In many cities, animal shelters will hold offsite mobile adoptions at places like pet supply stores and parks for people who would rather not visit the shelter (chances are you will find a pit bull or two or three). Shelters always do temperament testing before they adopt out an animal.

3. If you can't find a pit bull from the shelter, check with a local pit bull rescue group. If you don't have one in your immediate area, chances are there will be one not too far away; just search pit bull rescue along with your city or state. Pit bull rescue groups do behavior testing and will make sure a specific dog you have in mind is right for your family, home and lifestyle. They will also come out and do a "home check" to ensure that your home is right for the dog and vice versa. And rest assured, adopting a pit bull from a rescue is making room for them to save another pit bull from a shelter's "death row."

4. If you are more specific in the pit bull you are looking for, PetFinder.com is a great place to look. This website lists thousands of dogs up for adoption at shelters and rescue groups throughout the United States. You would just need to choose pit bull as the breed of dog and enter your zip code to search. You can also search by age group including "Baby," "Young," "Adult" and "Senior," as well as by gender if you like.

5. Once you have a pit bull in mind, ask a lot of questions. Start with the basics such as whether the dog is people-friendly (most dogs that are up for adoption are), likes children, is dog and cat friendly and what they know of the dog's background. Some are taken in as strays, but often times, dogs (especially pit bulls) are turned in to the shelter by their owners who may not be the most responsible. Many pit bulls are bought to breed, and some to fight, and when they are done serving their purpose, are given up. Also, people often buy pit bull puppies to be "cool" or seem "tough" and when the novelty wears off, they no longer want to keep them. For this reason, there are plenty of younger pit bulls available for adoption that are a year or two old. Also, be sure to find out if the pit bull may have been abused in the past, and keep in mind, most dogs that have been abused come around with just some love and patience, or perhaps need to work with an animal behaviorist or trainer that is experienced with the breed. Consider if you are in a situation to offer this.

Tips & Warnings

• If you live in a rental property, check with your landlord or property manager to see if they ban specific breeds like pit bulls. Sometimes insurance is an issue.
• Pit bull mixes are very common and just as in need of homes. If you are considering adopting a pit bull mix and are required to specify what breed your dog is on your lease or verbally to your landlord, just go with the other breed. For instance, if it's a boxer/pit bull, say the dog is a boxer; if it's a lab/pit bull, say the dog is a lab—you get the idea.
• Famous people who have lived with or live with pit bulls include: Humphrey Bogart, Fred Astaire, Fatty Arbuckle, Mel Brooks, Jon Stewart, Alicia Silverstone, Michael J. Fox, Brad Pitt (makes sense), Madonna, Linda Blair, Jan Michael Vincent, Ken Howard, Mary Tyler Moore, James Caan, Barbara Eden, Orlando Bloom, Rachel Bilson, Jamie Foxx, Vin Diesel, Rachael Ray, Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, Shannon Elizabeth, Bernadette Peters, Pink, Usher, Kevin Federline, comedian Sinbad, Cesar Millan and Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker Joey Porter. Oh, but then there was also John Steinbeck, James Ellroy, President Woodrow Wilson, General George Patton, Helen Keller and Thomas Edison (inventor of the light bulb, not too shabby).
• "Petey" from "The Little Rascals" was a pit bull and so was "Buster Brown's" dog "Tige."
• Pit bulls may be targets of breed-specific legislation in certain cities and towns, not permitted in certain rental properties and cause their owners to be charged higher insurance rates.
• Some shelters will require that you have the proper homeowner's insurance and screen you before they will let you adopt a pit bull.