In popular culture, pit bulls and bully breeds are portrayed as vicious, unpredictable, dangerous animals. And virtually any solidly built dog with a broad jaw is lumped into this category, regardless of actual breed.
The stereotyping of an entire group of dogs based on appearance has had dire consequences:These dogs are the most commonly euthanized in shelters today. Half the bully breed dogs that end up in the Chicago city pound do not get out alive.
PAWS Chicago devoted its Winter 2016 magazine to the bully breed challenge, which requires both a long-term plan and immediate adoption opportunities for those animals already in the shelter system. Read more:
Chicago Bears' Matt Forte: A Force for Bully Breeds
“Everybody thinks bully breeds are mean, vicious dogs, which they aren’t."
Profiling Bully Breeds
While critics of bully breeds argue that they are involved in a disproportionate number of attacks against people, studies show that these dogs have no more incidence of aggression than other groups.
Tough Odds
In the first half of 2015, 50.8 percent of bully breeds survived the pound; up from 39.2 percent in the first half of 2013.
Quiz: Can You Pick Out the Bully Breed?
Test your ability to accurately identify breeds.
Ask the Trainer
We all know that the media portrays bully breeds differently, but when it comes to owning one, how different are they from other dogs? Is there anything potential adopters and dog lovers need to know?
PAWS Bully Breed Alumni
Many bully breeds have passed through PAWS Chicago on their way to loving, permanent homes. We checked in with a few to see how they are doing.
