National Pit Bull Awareness Day — 2023

October 28 is National Pit Bull Awareness Day (NPBAD). This day is dedicated to those who own a pit bull — or a purebred American pit bull terrier — and to educating others about these lovable dogs.

What Is NPBAD?

National Pit Bull Awareness Day is a day of appreciation and education designed to change perceptions and stereotypes about bully breed dogs — commonly referred to as “pit bulls.”

National Pit Bull Day was also established to develop more positive experiences and communications within the communities where these dogs and their owners live. This day is dedicated to restoring the public image of the American pit bull terrier.

The annual event was started in 2007 by Jodi Preis of Bless The Bullys, a pit bull rescue and education group based in Tennessee.¹ The goal of Pit Bull Awareness Day is to promote the breed’s truth through positive media attention, education, and advocacy.

The truth can ultimately save lives by preventing pitties from ending up in shelters due to fear, bias, and breed-specific legislation (BSL).²

Quick Facts About Pit Bulls

There are about 18 million pit bull-type dogs and pit bull mixes in the U.S.³ And of the 3.1 million dogs who go into shelters each year, about 6% are pit bulls.^3,4

Pit bull-type dogs are often the first to be euthanized in shelters due to overcrowding, lack of adopters, and restrictive breed bans. It’s estimated that 1 million pit bulls are euthanized every year in the U.S.²  Nonetheless, they’re among the most overbred dogs.

Pit Bull History

Technically, the pit bull is not a breed — rather, it’s a generic term used to refer to a group of dogs based on their physical appearance. This includes dogs who resemble a crossbreed between a bulldog and a terrier, like the American bully, American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, and Staffordshire bull terrier.⁵

Pit bulls have been known for their loyalty, affection, and penchant for children, earning them the nickname “the nanny dog.” Many decades ago, “bully breeds” were bred to protect livestock because of their strength. Unfortunately, this strength and build led some people to begin using pit bulls for protection and fighting. Pit bulls unwittingly became a status symbol for those who chose to use their physical attributes as a means of intimidation.

But it’s time to leave the unwarranted negative perceptions of these dogs in the past. On this National Pit Bull Awareness Day, here are some ways you can help the breed.

What You Can Do To Get Involved

• Get to know a pit bull: If you don’t know a pit bull, the easiest way to change your perception is to get to know one. Visit your local animal shelter and ask to meet a pit bull, or ask a friend who has a pittie if you can bring a dog treat for NPBAD.
• Show off your pitties: If you have a pit or pit mix, post pictures or videos of them on social media and tag them with #pitbull.
• Adopt a pittie who needs a home: Shelters are full of pit bull-type dogs looking to find loving homes.
• Search social media for #nationalpitbullawarenessday: Double tap to show some love on any cute pittie pictures that come up! Or share your own images with #pitbullawarenessday.
• Share your positive pit bull stories: Most people only hear about pit bulls when there’s a negative story in the news. You can help turn that around. Contact your local TV stations, radio stations, newspapers, and magazines, and share your positive pit bull stories. Or share them on social media!
• Write to your city and state officials to end breed-specific legislation (BSL): Do you live in a city or state with some form of BSL on the books? You can take this National Pit Bull Awareness Day to write to your mayor or city council members and ask that they work to change this legislation.

Take some time this National Pit Bull Awareness Day to give your pit bull some extra love! Or maybe, take some time to learn more about pit bulls and how you can help your local community.

Consider Investing in Dog Insurance

Have your own pittie or another kind of pup? Find more ways to keep them happy and healthy by investing in a dog insurance policy with MetLife Pet Insurance. Check out a few real-life claims of pit bulls and their owners we’ve covered to get an idea of how you could save on pet care costs.

Gemini was a young pit bull who suffered some vehicular trauma. His exam cost $225 and was covered entirely by his family’s MetLife Pet policy. They were able to focus on Gemini’s well-being instead of stressing about the vet bill.⁶

Then there’s Luke, a 9-year-old pit bull who ingested a corn cob and had to have surgery to remedy the situation. The procedure cost about $3,500, but thanks to his family’s MetLife Pet policy, around $2,400 was covered.⁶

When American pit bull Belle had to have a cyst surgically removed, her owners were reimbursed over $650 thanks to MetLife Pet Insurance. Now, Belle is able to run and play, pain free.⁶

Our dog insurance policies can provide the coverage and care your furry family member deserves. Get your free personalized quote today.