precaution, these breeds should be restricted or banned. Advocates of breed
banning assert that genetics shape the animal as naturally aggressive, and
potentially dangerous or fatal to humans.
Even though some people insist that aggression is part of a specific
breed's nature, others believe that dogs are not naturally aggressive, but it is
humans who teach aggression. Just as some people choose cars or clothing to
represent an image of youth or wealth, dogs may also be used as status
symbols. For example, people who want to appear strong and potentially
dangerous may be attracted to specific types of dogs because of the breed's
perceived strength and aggression. In order to correspond to the desired
image, the dog owner may then train the dog how to act aggressively; these
owners teach the dog that good behavior includes barking, growling, and in
some cases, attacking. People opposed to breed-banning believe that it is not
the breed that must be banned because bad owners would produce bad dogs,
regardless of the breed. Many breed-banning challengers claim that owners
(5)
should be required to obtain a license before owning and training a dog.
It is safe to say that dogs will live alongside humans for many years to
come, regardless of breed-banning debates. Dogs serve humans in many ways;
they are friends, hunting tools and assistants, as well as sources of
entertainment and realizations of a desired image. Beyond service, human
adoration and love for this animal ensure the dog's current place in human
society as "man's best friend".
Some people claim that banning specific breeds would not prevent