Breed Understanding, Not Bias

Fun fact: In two years of working at a shelter, I was never bitten by a pit bull, a German shepherd, or a doberman. I was, however bitten by a chihuahua (and clocked in the face by more than one skeptical cat). Nothing against chihuahuas - or cats - but breed bias is real and the fallout is deadly.

So what does a banned breed look like?

This is Scout. My little man, one of a litter of 11 puppies and mama that were found as strays and entered the shelter in December 2023 at 5 weeks old.

He was our test dog, because he loved everyone. Men, women, strangers, staff, volunteers, summer camp kids, puppies, other dogs (the jury is still out on cats). He was friendly, affectionate, and a wonderful copilot for dogs meeting other dogs for the first time.

He is also pit bull and German shepherd. The second photo is his beautiful mama, the most gentle soul you’ll ever meet.

Bans and breed-specific legislature discriminate against dogs of a certain or perceived breed, using bias, misconceptions, and stereotypes to define a dog and labeling them as “aggressive” and “dangerous.”They make it harder for people to adopt them, to find housing that will accept them, and continue an outdated and false narrative that exacerbates one of the biggest animal welfare crises to date.

In 2026, we begin our mission to actively advocate for education in place of ignorance, and work to bring positive change to our local legislature to support the most surrendered and euthanized breeds in U.S. shelters. If you would like to get involved, learn more about how you can help in your community, or sign up for our email newsletter, contact us at info@tailsfromashelter.org

Breed understanding, not bias.

#endBLS