July 22, 2025
By: Sarah A. Neikam, SPCA Albrecht Center Marketing Director

Jean is sweet and silly and will roll over for belly rubs from anyone willing to give them.

Last week, our weekly Animal Connection article and blog post featured three of our adoptable dogs: Jean, Lola, and Tybalt, all of whom happen to be of the blocky-headed, stocky-bodied, short-haired variety commonly referred to as “pit bulls.” Shortly after publication, we received a voicemail from a concerned reader who expressed fear about promoting pit bulls for adoption, particularly into homes with children. The caller, who identified themselves only as someone over the age of 70, stated that they had “watched enough animal shows on TV, talked to vets, and had dogs myself” and so believed that pit bulls are “extremely, extremely dangerous.”

While the caller did not request a reply, we’d like to offer one anyway — for them and for the many others who may still share those same concerns. We don’t take it personally. In fact, we see this as an opportunity to educate, open dialogue, and shed light on what science and experience have shown to be true.

So, let’s start with the big question: Are “pit bulls” dangerous? The short answer is: No – not inherently.

In fact, “pit bull” isn’t even a breed. It’s a broad, informal label typically used to describe dogs that share certain physical traits, usually including American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and mixed-breeds. It’s a label, loosely based on appearance; not genetics or behavior.

Tybalt is a big, blocky goofball who loves attention and has done beautifully with other dogs in playgroups.

We know from decades of research, animal sheltering experience, and behavior science that a dog’s individual temperament, socialization, upbringing, training, and environment all matter far more than their appearance or breed label. The ASPCA states that breed alone is not predictive of behavior. The Humane World for Animals, formerly the Humane Society of the United States, also affirms that there is no scientific evidence that one breed is more likely to bite or injure someone than another. The AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science) states that “aggression — a trait unfairly linked to some breeds, like pit bulls — has more to do with the environment in which a dog is raised than its genes.”

In other words: a pit bull-type dog is no more dangerous than a Lab, a Golden Retriever, or a Shih Tzu. And if you’ve worked in animal rescue for more than a minute, you’ve probably met one of each with behavioral challenges. So where did the fear come from?

The stigma surrounding pit bull-type dogs can be traced back to a mix of sensational media coverage in the 1980s and 1990s and irresponsible breeding and ownership. During that time, “pit bulls” became associated with illegal dogfighting and were often portrayed as inherently aggressive; even though the vast majority of these dogs were and still are gentle, family-friendly companions. You just don’t hear about the friendly dogs because the norm doesn’t make headlines.

Unfortunately, those negative headlines stuck, and many people have carried that fear with them for decades. But we believe it’s time, past time, to move beyond outdated stereotypes.

At the SPCA Albrecht Center, we evaluate every dog that comes into our care individually. We know these dogs. Jean, Lola, and Tybalt aren’t just “pit bulls” – they’re unique dogs with distinct personalities.

Lola was adopted last week and was known by staff to be friendly, playful, snuggly and “squishy”.

Jean is sweet and silly and will roll over for belly rubs from anyone willing to give them. Tybalt is a big, blocky goofball who loves attention and has done beautifully with other dogs in playgroups. Lola was adopted last week (hooray!), but she was known by staff to be friendly, playful, snuggly and “squishy”.

SPCA adoption staff matches each pet to a person or family thoughtfully, with guidance and post-adoption support provided. Our job is not to push animals into homes where they don’t belong, it’s to find the right home for each one, and that includes many loving homes where kids and dogs grow up together.

Are pit bulls good with kids? That depends entirely on the individual dog and the individual child, just as it would with any other dog breed, and any cat for that matter.

Instead of judging a dog by their appearance or a misleading label, we invite you to meet them. Talk to the people who know and care for them daily. Ask questions. Spend just five minutes with one of these incredible dogs, and you’ll understand why we advocate so strongly for them.

Like people, dogs should be seen as individuals, not as stereotypes, headlines, or hype.

Thank you to the caller for sharing their concern, and for giving us this opportunity to speak up on behalf of these often-misunderstood dogs. Because right now, far too many loving, loyal, goofy, affectionate dogs are waiting in shelters – some for far too long – simply because of the way they look.

Below are just a few of these wonderful “pittie” dogs, living loved, family lives thanks to their adopters who saw the love they were so eager to give.

If you’re not already involved in the SPCA Albrecht Center’s lifesaving mission, please join us! Visit LetLoveLive.org, follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Tiktok @spcaalbrechtcenter or meet us in person at 199 Willow Run Rd, in Aiken SC.

Consider sustaining our efforts all year long by becoming an Albrecht Ally! Your steady support ensures we’re always ready with open arms, full bowls, warm beds, urgent medical care, and second chances. Join today and be the reason we can save more animals in need—every single day of the year. Visit LetLoveLive.org/GiveMonthly to sign up. 🐾

Sarah Neikam is the Marketing Director for the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken, SC. She has been with the organization since 2012, holding various roles including Volunteer Coordinator and Director of Operations & HR. A Certified Animal Welfare Administrator as of 2022, Sarah is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She resides in Aiken with her husband, Tom, and several beloved cats.