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This show goes into detail about the practice of labeling the suspected breed of dogs by visual inspection, and other factors that can shape how we think about dogs’ personalities.
First up was Victoria Voith, Professor at Western University of Health Sciences. Voith’s research concerns the limitations in labeling of dog breeds and the consequences of applying these labels which are often incorrect.
Then, Diane Summers, Program Manager of the Communications Team at Orange County (Florida) Animal Services appeared. Orange County Animal Services took the bold step of removing breed labels of dogs housed in the shelter, in concert with other operational changes. The result was increased rates of adoption and shorter stays for dogs. It’s a great story, and shelters around the country are taking note.
To conclude the show, researcher and PhD candidate Lisa Gunter joined Lori to review a few of her fascinating studies on breed labels and how our perceptions about the characteristics of individual dogs can be influenced by many factors.
There is great interest and new exciting research about the limitations of visual breed identification and how mislabeling can be a detriment to adoptions, as well as the factors that form our perceptions about the behavior and temperament of dogs. This knowledge is just beginning to be applied to increase adoptions and promote more successful long term adoptions. Please enjoy this show!
I hate the way every vicious mixed breed dog is labeled a “Pitbull” by the media. If a child, elderly person, etc. is attacked or mauled; it seems the dog is automatically labeled a “pitbull”. Especially if it is a MIXED BREED dog! I just think the media is playing a large part in the hysteria attached to the genuine Pitbull breed. These sweet dogs, and I Do own one, are taking such a bad wrap. The media needs to report these kinds of stories genuinely and honestly. It would be a great help, of monumental proportions to “Pitbulls”. As most people that watch and listen to these news reports take them as the absolûte, undisputed truth.
I have been trying to tell people this exact thing. I am not a researcher, but I have read and talked to others who know much about dogs and pit looking dogs. I was told that there is no such thing as a true Pit Bull and that DNA proves that fact. I even read that many towns are banning what THEY deem to be a “pit bull” based on hearsay and fear mongering by town councils, mayors, chiefs of police, etc. who are ignorant about dog breeds. They don’t know nor do they want to know. They think that making these preposterous rules most of their constituency believe these dogs are bad and instead of searching for the truth, the political machine feed into public fears in order to garner larger voting bases. .This often leaves people with special needs children or veterans with PTSD no option for mental and psychological healing that these special dogs bring to them. as these rules leave them little options for guide dogs or special needs dogs. many people who have “Pit Bulls” as special needs dogs, etc… These governmental entities base their judgement on size and/or shape of their heads, the length of their legs, etc.. This might be comical if it weren’t so scary and dangerous for many innocent dogs. In many animal control shelters they purposely promote this kind of thinking. This gives them reason to euthanize bully breeds first.. It seems to make citizens who base their fear on what people tell them, feel safer. The “pit” looking dogs are usually classified as bully breeds. Many dogs fit this broad category, such as bull dogs, terriers, rottweilers, and others.. I have come to see and understand that Pit Bulls are taught to be mean. They are not inherently mean. They are not born mean. They are taught to be vicious and mean by vicious and mean owners.
Actually, there is a true pit bull. It’s called the American PIT BULL terrier, it has been a recognized breed for a long time.
http://www.ukcdogs.com/Web.nsf/Breeds/Terrier/AmericanPitBullTerrier