By: Eleanor Valentine

The adoption and euthanasia of stereotypically aggressive dogs is a nationally debated issue. On one hand, it is believed that these dog breeds are just in need of a loving home and that they are able to be rehabilitated. On the other hand, there is a stereotype that these dogs are unsafe to be around, regardless of their background. According to an article found in the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, dog breeds such as Pitbulls, Rottweilers, and Chow Chows have higher rates of euthanasia than dogs that are not labelled as stereotypically aggressive.

Studies reported by the Public Library of Science showed that the stereotypically aggressive dogs typically have a lower adoption rate than that of dogs deemed less aggressive. This same study estimated that thirty percent of 3.9 million dogs that are put into animal shelters are euthanized every year. It was shown that Pitbulls were shown in a more negative light than less aggressive dogs. Although this issue has been seen in the past, it has been gaining more attention recently due to restrictions placed on Pitbulls and their owners in places such as Canada and Eugene.

This issue of these dog breeds showing aggression is not just showing up recently. In the studies looked at by the Public Library of Science, it was stated that because of Pitbulls’ bullbaiting and dogfighting history, the breed has often shown a more aggressive nature. It was also stated how some dogs weren’t able to be looked at for adoption in the past because they were euthanized based on the shelters’ policies.

One of the positive viewpoints on this issue is about how these aggressive dog breeds should be able to be shown in a more positive light. Rehabilitation and adoption programs can help them adjust to new homes. One adoption program shown in a second article published by the Public Library of Science gives the dogs a chance to be in a more home-like environment for longer before their adoption. In a study done in Ankara, Turkey, it was shown that rehabilitation programs can help social constructs. One of the negative viewpoints stated by the Public Library of Science on this issue is that perceptions of aggression are likely due to the demonstration of aggression towards other animals and people.

 

http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0146857

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1558787816301812

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14976625

http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0091959