Pit bulls

“Pit bull” refers to several breeds of dogs, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Bull Terrier. Pit bulls are often cast as vicious or aggressive animals. This image has been perpetuated because some individuals exploit these athletic dogs for dog fighting. In some situations, generations of in-breeding have left the offspring unsuitable for human companionship. The stigma attached to this breed of dog has put them at risk. In some areas, these breeds have been banned completely, even though many dogs of these breeds have wonderful temperaments. It has become increasingly difficult for responsible families with good-natured pit bulls, along with several other breeds, to obtain homeowners insurance.

For quite some time, many insurance companies have been denying homeowners liability insurance coverage to people with certain breeds of dogs. Targeted breeds include Rottweilers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Dalmations, Akitas, Doberman Pinschers, Chow Chows and German Shepherds and sometimes mixes of these breeds. If guardians of these breeds are able to obtain homeowner’s insurance, it often comes with a high premium. Because of this discrimination, people are often given the difficult choice of buying a home or keeping their beloved family dog, even if that dog is well-trained and has never shown any signs of aggression.

This breed discrimination does not take into account each individual animal and makes it difficult for certain breeds to find homes, regardless of their disposition. Breed discrimination is built on anecdotal information that certain breeds are more dangerous and more likely to bite than others.

The truth is that any dog can bite. The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is not in favor of using a breed-specific approach when discussing dog bites. They note that dog-bite data has a number of inaccuracies, that dog breeds (especially mixed breeds) can be difficult to identify and that as certain breeds are regulated, those who exploit dogs by making them aggressive will simply turn to other breeds.

Assembly Bill 363, introduced in 2006 by Representative John Lehman (D-62), would prohibit insurance companies from denying liability coverage or setting premiums based upon the breed of dog. It will, however, allow insurance companies to deny coverage or increase premiums based on past behavior of the dog.

Although this bill did not come up for vote, we hope you will continue to tell your legislators that you support legislation that will protect dogs and families from breed discrimination and allow each dog to be judged on his or her own merits. Send your state legislators an email in opposition of breed-based discrimination.

Canine Good Citizen program

The Canine Good Citizen program was developed by the American Kennel Club in 1989. It stresses responsible guardianship and the importance of a well-mannered dog, regardless of the dog’s breed. In 1999, the AKC modified its program to include a database of CGC certified dogs and a certificate of accomplishment for framing. In recent years, it has become an increasingly popular evaluation to determine good manners. This test is a great way to show that your dog has good manners and it is especially important if your dog is a pit bull or another breed attached to stigma. By training your dog and receiving the CGC certification, you and your well-behaved dog can be good ambassadors for the breed itself.