The Decline of Strong Dog Breeds: Demystifying Stereotypes and Promoting Canine Responsibility
I have always liked dogs, and as soon as I had the opportunity to have one under my responsibility, guaranteeing all its needs, I set out to get one. After analyzing what I was looking for, I concluded that in addition to the company, I wanted a dog that would protect me and my house, so I started looking for breeds that could provide me with those characteristics. I came to know the Italian Mastiff or Cane Corso. When reading about this dog, I liked that they enjoy excellent health, as well as their loyalty; however, I made the mistake of watching content from people who breed and market with this this type of dogs, and I consider that it is a mistake because this type of people, most of the time, what interests them is selling. They only provide you with some of the critical information. Finally, the puppy arrived at my house, so I began to prepare by reading books to educate him the best.
As my doggy grew up, I got to know my dog’s character, and I noticed how overprotective he was, so I started working on it early to avoid future problems. So, I worked with him on bite inhibition, among other things.
On one occasion, with my dog, who was around one year old, I went to a large park that I had discovered, where I let him loose, and he ran and played without any problem. This time, I went to the park very early; there were very few people, so I let him go with the electronic collar that I always used outdoors; I proceeded to sit on a small log that was there in what seemed like It was going to be a tranquil morning.
A few minutes later, I noticed how a man came jogging along a path, and when he got very close to where I was, he observed my dog at a short distance. Given the size of my dog, he perceived it as a danger, so he asked me from a distance. (yelling loudly, of course) to hold my dog because it could be dangerous.
Since nothing had ever happened and my dog had his electric collar, I took the situation calmly and gave him a command, leaning on the collar. Still, it was not enough, and the dog instinctively perceived that the man who was jogging could be a threat and bit him on the hand.
I felt terrified because something like this had never happened to me. I couldn’t blame the dog because it had acted consistent with what it felt then. Because of this situation, this person was agitated, so I tried to calm things down, apologized, and was ready to collaborate in whatever was necessary to solve the unforeseen situation.
This experience taught me many things; above all, it highlighted the responsibility I should have with the people around me and my dog because I am my dog’s guide.
In recent decades, we have witnessed a worrying decline in the popularity and acceptance of so-called “strong breeds” of dogs. This phenomenon is rooted in various factors, with stigmatization derived from its historical use in illegal fights being one of the main drivers.
In the past, certain dog breeds were selected and bred for their physical abilities and tenacity, intended for roles that included protecting homes and flocks. However, the dark turn towards dog fighting has left a lasting mark on the public perception of these breeds, leading to their stigmatization.
Fake news and incomplete information play a crucial role in perpetuating prejudices towards these races. The irresponsible dissemination of isolated incidents with strong-breed dogs contributes to a distorted image, generating unnecessary fear and rejection.
It is essential to emphasize that the responsibility falls on those who decide to have strong-breed dogs. These animals are not for beginners and require proper training in dog behavior instruction. Lack of preparation and understanding of your needs can trigger dangerous situations. Although accidents can occur with any dog, if they occur with a strong breed dog, the consequences can be disastrous for the people around them and the dog itself since animal control could request euthanasia of our dog, which would be very painful.
Despite their physical strength, these dogs are, for the most part, affectionate and loyal. They become beloved family members when given the right environment and responsible handling. Their protective disposition and loyalty are qualities that, in the right hands, can strengthen family ties.
In conclusion, demystifying strong dog breeds involves addressing deep-rooted prejudices and fostering a deeper understanding. The key lies in education, promoting responsibility in the ownership of these animals, and recognizing that, beyond their physical robustness, these dogs provide exceptional value as loyal and protective companions within the family.
Finally, I want to echo the words of all the real experts in this type of dog: Only acquire a specimen of these dogs if you have the minimum necessary training or experience in training dogs. It could result in a bad experience for you or your dog, and even without realizing it, stretch marks increase a terrible reputation for a breed, which is unfair to the dog itself.
It is also not good to make these dogs look like adorable and perfect pets, with impeccable behavior in every home where they go; in the end, they are strong dogs with genetic characteristics that provide protective traits, which can lead to aggression at any moment. Indeed, many have excellent behavior; however, behind that behavior, there are many hours of training and a lot of knowledge of the breed, which is rare in society, and it takes time to acquire this skill.
