My daughter-in-law has several pit bulls, and although I don’t visit often, I make sure to establish a friendly connection with them. This applies not only to pit bulls but to any dog I encounter because I understand that I am entering their territory. Dogs are naturally bonded to their owners, whom they will protect. However, if I were to take them out alone, they would quickly recognize that I am temporarily in charge.

I trust them, as they are loving animals. Throughout my life, I have been around various breeds of dogs, and interestingly, the so-called ankle-biters tend to be the most challenging. Pit bulls, on the other hand, are not high-strung like Chihuahuas and Poodles.

I have had the pleasure of sharing my life with Beagles, Rottweilers, Boxers, Collies, and Mutts. Each breed has its own protective instincts and characteristics. Pit bulls were not originally bred for fighting; they were bred to confront and overcome animals much larger than themselves.

Rottweilers were bred to be working animals, used for pulling wagons and guarding livestock. Beagles have an incredible sense of smell, which has come in handy when dealing with the occasional mice intruders in my house or chasing squirrels and rabbits. (Although my Beagles never harmed them, they certainly enjoyed slobbering over them until I intervened.)

My Collie had a natural herding instinct and would often attempt to corral my kids. Poodles were originally bred as squirrel hunters, and my Poodle excelled at chasing them away.

In the 1970s, Dobermans were often portrayed as the “bad dog du jour.” However, when raised properly, they are not inherently dangerous. Unfortunately, the same cannot always be said for the people who sometimes own them.

Overall, my experiences have taught me to approach each dog with an open mind and a friendly demeanor, recognizing that breed stereotypes do not define their individual personalities.