THE DEVIL‟S LAPDOG: THE HISTORY AND IMPACT OF THE AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER

Abstract

The American Pit Bull Terrier, otherwise known as the “pit bull”, has become one of the world‟s most notorious dog breeds, due to its perceived aggressive temperament and relation to dogfighting and gangs. This paper looks to examine the history of the breed and how its creation and involvement with dogfighting influenced the general public‟s negative perception of the breed throughout the end of the 20th century. By understanding how the breed‟s violent history influenced its negative reputation, it can be determined how the breed became targeted by breedspecific legislation. Additionally, this paper addresses the history of breed-specific legislation, and how it specifically relates to the American Pit Bull Terrier, and how the stereotypes of the breed influenced the enactment of breed-specific laws. This paper will also address the issues with breed-specific legislation and why such laws are not beneficial for the community, and will also introduce alternatives that are safer and more reasonable for the community and the dogs.