By Lalinda De La Fuente

I resent the term “pit bull.” In was in the late 1800s that the name “pit bull” was coined when the breed gained popularity for their fighting ability. Let’s access the state of the American union in the late 1800s. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 sought to stop the arrival of Chinese immigrants into the country. Plessey vs. Ferguson in 1896 established the policy that was to legalize segregated schools. And American garment and industrial workers were battling sweatshop like conditions on a day-to-day basics.

Over a hundred years later, and at the opening of the 21st century, immigrants from all cultures are allowed to cross our borders, children enjoy an inclusive education and workers an environment that is worlds away from any sweatshop. Dogfighting is now a felony in all 50 states, a historic event, and yet the typically docile, playful, intelligent and loyal dog still carries with it the stigma of the “pit.”

American Staffordshire terriers (yes that is their real breed name) are more than fighters. In fact, to erase the stigma surrounding the breed, we need to see them as not fighters at all. The Staffordshire terrier is strong, tenacious and fearless yes, but those traits are coupled with a fun-loving and playful nature. In fact, these dogs are typically great with children and despite their tough guy persona, seek a life of affection with their owners.

It was Paul Berry, CEO of Best Friends Network that said, “The pit bull is easily the most misunderstood breed of dog in the U.S. Unfortunately, it is the very loving and loyal nature of these dogs that makes them prone to exploitation.”

The Staffordshire terrier, the dog at the center of the breed-specific law controversy, has been robbed of their rightful place as one of America’s most loved FAMILY breeds. Because many choose to see these dogs only as fighters, the breed has endured a backlash of bad press and first and foremost, a bad rep.

Give these dogs back their dignity. Give these dogs back their rightful name. I refuse to use the term “pit bull” anymore because to me, these misunderstood dogs belong nowhere near a dogfighting pit.