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: