Allison's Book Bag

Did you know that according to Petfinder that two of the dog breeds with the highest numbers available for adoption are Chihuahuas (over 13,000) and pit bull terriers (over 17,000)? Other than the Labrador retriever, which also runs around 17,000, the closest that any other breed numbers is around 5,000.

My heart sinks to see those astronomical numbers. Some other breeds, such as English shepherd, Irish setter, and Japanese Chin each have fewer than a hundred in need of adoption. It’s difficult for me to envision how thousands of Chihuahuas and pit bulls could possibly get adopted. Yet there is something that all of us can do to help.

To read more, check out my post The Mighty and The Tiny Project. I wrote this post for Lincoln Animal Ambassadors, a volunteer organization committed to improving the lives of animals and alleviating cruelty in the local community where I live. Some of their offerings include a low-cost spay/neuter program, temporary assistance pet food bank, and education about being responsible pet guardians. The latter is where I mostly help.

Although The Might and The Tiny Project is a local initiative only, you can still help by educating yourself about the plight of Chihuahuas and pit bull terriers. Below you’ll find links to series of posts I wrote on the topic.

• The Tiny Breed
• The Mighty Breed
• Should We Fear the Pit Bull?
• Is the Pit Bull One of the Most Aggressive Breeds?
• Should Pit Bulls Be Subject to Breed Specific Legislation?
• How Can You Help the Pit Bull?

I ended with three posts wherein I interviewed local owners and rescue groups.

Abby & Aishan

Described as “a graceful, alert, swift-moving, compact little dog with saucy expression and with terrier-like qualities of temperament,” the Chihuahua is ranked as the 24th most popular breed by the American Kennel Club. At the same time, Petfinder reveals more than 13,000 Chihuahuas are in need of homes at the time of this article. Over-breeding has saturated the demand for these tiny dogs.

Life with the Tiny Breed

Dina & Nala: “When I have been gone too long, she lays on top of me to keep me home.”

According to the United Kennel Club, the essential characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier are confidence, strength, and enthusiasm for life. Due to extreme friendliness, even to strangers, UKC does not recommend the breed as a guard dog. In addition, UKC notes that American Pit Bull Terriers make excellent family companions and have been well-noted for their love of children.

Life with the Mighty Breed

Experiences of Dog Rescue Groups with The Mighty/Tiny Breeds

You can also help by ensuring your own pets are spayed/neutered. If they already are, please help groups within your own region who offer low-cost spay-neuter. Thanks!

This post is part of the Small Victories line-up. Check out others by clicking on the below graphic.