The term "Pit Bull" and what it means to RPB

RPB uses the term "Pit Bull" as a nickname for the breed American Pit Bull Terrier and its derivative the American Staffordshire Terrier (which can be registered as an APBT with the United Kennel Club).

The public, the news media, legislators, and some rescue/advocacy groups often use the term (arguably incorrectly) to reference the following additional breeds: Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Bull Terrier, and mixes containing these breeds, etc. Each of these breeds has its own rescue and advocacy group(s), has fewer numbers than the APBT, and are not referred to as "Pit Bulls" by their own fanciers and breed clubs. RPB does not consider these breeds to be "Pit Bulls", and as such, these breeds are not the organization's focus. The broad use of the term "Pit Bull" to refer to these other "bull breeds” is a recent development.

RPB’s goal is to help end the confusion surrounding the term "Pit Bull", and accurately identify TRUE Pit Bulls while sorting through related breeds. We aren't ashamed of the term "Pit Bull", in fact, it has historically been the nickname used by APBT fanciers. As an organization, RPB embraces the term "Pit Bull" for the APBT as we strive to accurately define and identify the breed.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs, et.al., are affected by the same or similar problems that so seriously effect the APBT; we believe that the work we do specifically for Pit Bulls can only help further the cause of ALL those working for ANY breed that may be mislabeled a "Pit Bull". For breeds commonly mislabeled "Pit Bulls", RPB will attempt whenever possible to offer assistance and/or referrals.

RPB supports the use of the term “Bull Breeds” when referring to that group of breeds that includes the APBT, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, and other breeds of bulldog ancestry.

Dog-Aggression In Pit Bulls

RPB recognizes that dog aggression is a known trait or inclination of the Pit Bull, and we do not suggest penalizing dogs for exhibiting behavior that may be labeled “dog aggression”.

For the purposes of rescue and rehoming, a Pit Bull that exhibits dog aggression to such a degree that it is difficult to house and/or handle according to recommended protocols may be a less-than-ideal candidate for adoption program inclusion. It is prudent that each dog be taken on a case by case basis. The recommendations for management, training and potential adoption program suitability will vary depending upon the dog as well as the resources available.

RPB always recommends the following steps be taken to keep Pit Bulls safe and help them succeed in a given environment: 1) Proper, thoughtful socialization, 2) Training (contact us for tips on socializing and training your Pit Bull!), 3) Management that involves separating a Pit Bull from other animals when careful supervision is not possible, 4) Leash used when off of property and/or outside of home/yard (the Pit Bull should not run or roam loose), and 5) Avoidance of off-leash dog parks.

Human-Aggression in Pit Bulls

Pit Bulls are a human-social and -friendly breed. They are not "guard", "attack" or "protection" dogs. The 'temperament correct' Pit Bull is friendly, deferential, and even submissive towards all humans indiscriminately.

RPB does not promote the placement of Pit Bulls that have been accurately diagnosed as human-aggressive, nor the long-term kenneling/fostering of unadoptable human-aggressive Pit Bulls. We believe such dogs have unstable temperaments that are uncharacteristic of the breed. Such dogs are a danger to society as well as a detriment to the breed in general and our goals, and therefore we recommend humane euthanasia by a veterinarian.

As for human-aggressive Pit Bulls already in a permanent home, we support behavior modification, adequate containment of the problem, and, as a last resort, humane euthanasia by veterinarian.

RPB never supports the re-homing of the human-aggressive Pit Bull.

Breed Specific Legislation

RPB does not support any proposed legislation or current law with breed-specific language. We are opposed to insurance companies that discriminate based on breed ownership. And we do not support any state or local licensing law that requires owners of Pit Bulls to pay fees above and beyond those which owners of other breeds are required to pay.

Spay/Neuter

RPB supports and encourages spay/neuter. We recognize that certain ethical and qualified breeders or dog show exhibitors may keep intact dogs and we do not oppose this practice (please see "Breeding" below). RPB strongly believes that the majority of dogs today should be spayed/neutered due to the overwhelming numbers euthanized annually due to lack of appropriate homes. RPBF believes no dog should be placed or re-homed before being spayed/neutered.

Spay/Neuter Ordinances

As an organization, RPB supports dog licensing laws and intact-dog surcharges, except where such laws and/or surcharges single out and subject Pit Bulls to different laws and/or higher surcharges. We encourage enforcement of current laws instead of new, harsher laws. The negligent owners that harsher laws would target will continue to evade enforcement; any imposed higher fines, stricter licensing requirements and/or penalties for intact dogs would burden responsible owners while failing to address real problems. RPB believes in education and enforcement of current laws as a means to end the problems associated with the excessive numbers of homeless dogs and irresponsible breeding.

RPB does not support mandatory spay/neuter.

Breeding & Breeder Licensing

Breeding: As an organization, RPB does not promote breeding. We feel there are far too many Pit Bulls in compromised situations and in need of rescue. Most homeless Pit Bulls will never find the love and care they deserve. We encourage adoption instead of purchase. For those seeking a pet, rescues and shelters can be the best source for obtaining a Pit Bull. (RPB can help you locate your Dream Dog...please contact us for more info.)

In general, RPB is not opposed to ethical breeding practices. (Think you're ethical? Find out for sure read this).

Licensing: RPB is opposed to laws requiring of all breeders licensing & payment of high fees. Such laws make it easy for large-scale puppy farms and unethical breeders to comply, while ethical/small-scale show and hobby breeders would be forced to end their commitment to producing only one or two small, high-quality litters every few years. Ethical breeders do not consider dog breeding a "business" and in effect usually do not make a profit (and in fact usually operate at a loss). The large-scale breeders that sell wholesale to brokers/stores or retail to the public in many cases are already licensed. Licensing does not prevent such breeders from recklessly selling puppies that many times end up in abusive situations or in shelters.

One of the biggest concerns of RPB are owners of intact Pit Bulls who may not even consider themselves breeders (and hence would not comply with licensing, or may not even be effected). Such owners casually allow their pet to produce only one or two litters. These litters very often are difficult to sell and go from the owner's home directly to the shelter. Those pups that are purchased go to homes that haven't been screened, and may end up abused, producing more puppies, or dumped in shelters. RPB is dedicated to finding meaningful, realistic solutions to this problem. Solutions include large-scale education campaigns, low cost/free spay & neuter programs, and more.

Dog Fighting

RPB is strongly opposed to the illegal, unethical, and brutally inhumane "sport" of dog fighting. We encourage and support prosecution of anyone involved in such a crime.

However, RPB wishes to end the propagation of harmful misinformation about fighting dogs themselves. Common misinformation presented about fighting dogs include: