Is there truth to these stereotypes?
Storified by kollajea ·
Fri, Apr 11 2014 20:06:53
How do we define stereotypes?
Stereotypes are defined as an often unfair belief that all people or things with a particular characteristic are the same. Although stereotypes can a positive or negative effect, negative stereotypes often lead to unequal treatment of members of the stereotyped group. Usually we associate stereotypes with race and ethnicity, but some individuals may not realize that we often have received ideas about animals.
What caused these stereotypes to form?
Dog breeds are often characterized by certain behavioral traits, and many breeds were developed to perform a particular job. The name of the Bulldog breed originated from its use at the time, which was to bait other animals and to hunt. Even before the 1800's in England, "bull baiting" was used for entertainment, which is the setting of game dogs against a chained or confined animal for sport. After bull baiting was banned in the 1800's, dogfighting had developed and Pit Bulls were bred for the purpose of fighting each other. The stereotypes surrounding these breeds may have originated from their physical attributes and behaviors that were developed by humans.
The media has a significant influence over our beliefs, and it may be responsible for certain stereotypes surrounding dog breeds. In 2012, McDonald's released an advertisement that said eating a chicken McBite was less risky than petting a stray Pit Bull. After many complaints and a campaign against the ad was formed through social media, they apologized and took it down. Even though many Pit Bull owners found this advertisement offensive, it may have changed people's opinions on the breed and made them seem dangerous.
Another aspect of the media that establishes stereotypes surrounding animals is animated films and television shows. Even as children, our perspectives on particular dog breeds may have been impacted tremendously. One animated film involving animals is the 2009 film Up, which portrays Golden Retrievers as gullible yet loyal and lovable. The film also portrays Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, and Bulldogs as menacing and dangerous by making them the "villains" in the story. Up encourages the stereotype that Golden Retrievers are "family friendly" and that Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Bulldogs are more aggressive than other breeds.
Dug, the Golden Retriever, greets one of the main characters of the film and instantly shows his affection towards him.
What are the positive and negative results of stereotypes?
Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) is a law or ordinance that restricts individuals from keeping dogs of a specific breed. In some areas, BSL has implemented a complete ban, and some regulations include mandatory muzzling, special licensing, confinement requirements, and breed-specific pet limits. Many breeds have been either banned or restricted in the United States, such as the American Pit Bull Terrier, Chihuahua, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, and wolf-hybrids. Some studies have found that BSL has not been successful in reducing dog-bite related injuries. The National Canine Research Council examined a study from the Journal of Veterinary Behavior (2007) and discussed how they compared medically treated dog bites in Spain prior to and following a BSL law, and found that the law had no significant effect on dog bite incidences. Another disadvantage with Breed Specific Legislation is that it is very costly and has additional expenses for enforcement, kenneling, and euthanasia. The ineffectiveness of BSL is due to the fact that it focuses on the breeds of dogs rather than the real cause of dog related injuries, which is the interaction between dogs and humans.
Misidentification also plays a significant role in the stigma attached to Pit Bulls and other particular dog breeds. According to an article from SALON, a study from the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that "87.5% of the dogs identified by an adoption agency as having specific breeds in their ancestry did not have all of those breeds detected by DNA analysis." Many people have difficulty identifying dog breeds, which leads to stigmatized dog breeds being blamed for dog-related injuries. In the years between 2002 and 2005, it was found that eleven dogs that were involved in attacks were counted as Pit Bulls, even though they had no characteristics of the breed. In the same period, three dogs were identified as Rottweilers and their true breeds were not reported. When these dog-related injuries are publicized, people begin to perceive Pit Bulls and Rottweilers as threatening and the stigmatization of certain breeds increases.
In defense of the pit bull - Salon.comFeb 5, 2013 ... AlterNet For most of the 114 years since the American pit bull terrier was first
recognized by the United Kennel Club, the breed was rightly seen ...
Stereotyping also leads to euthanizing certain dog breeds in animal shelters, because some are seen as a threat to humans and other species. The American Humane Association made a rough estimate about the statistics behind euthanasia in animal shelters, and found approximately 3.7 million animals were euthanized in 2008, and 56% of dogs that enter shelters are euthanized. Animals are put down if they are sick, aggressive, or injured, or because of overcrowding. Since Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are thought to be aggressive, these breeds are euthanized more often than others.
Even though stereotypes are often thought of as having a negative impact, the result can also be favorable for the targeted group. The breeds that are stereotyped as "family dogs," obedient, and friendly are more likely to be adopted and less likely to be euthanized in shelters. Such breeds include Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Beagles. According to the American Kennel Club, the most popular dog breed of 2013 was the Labrador Retriever, and it had taken the top spot for the 23rd year in a row.
What do certain organizations say in defense of specific breeds or say to argue against them?
The stigma surrounding specific dog breeds may also draw in people with violent tendencies, so the dogs that are negatively stereotyped are more likely to be trained as aggressive.
