• About
    • About Us
    • Board Members
    • Meet the Volunteers
    • Our Finances
    • Data & Statistics
    • Events
  • Adopt
    • Adoptable Animals
    • Adoption Process
    • Apply to Adopt
  • Volunteer
    • Get Involved
    • Events
    • Volunteer Application
    • Is Fostering Right for Me?
    • Volunteer Forms
  • Programs
    • Avonlea’s Angels
    • Safe Haven Respite Care
    • Trap Neuter Return
      • Assistance Request
  • Resources
    • Helpful Links
    • Lost & Found
    • Rehoming a Pet
    • Recommended Alternative Rescues
  • Spay & Neuter
    • Why Spay and Neuter?
    • Local Low Cost Spay & Neuter
  • Events
  • Sponsors
  • Donate
    • Ongoing Fundraisers
    • PayPal
  • Contact

Central Virginia Regional Rescue

Hope for today. Home for tomorrow.

  • About
    • About Us
    • Board Members
    • Meet the Volunteers
    • Our Finances
    • Data & Statistics
    • Events
  • Adopt
    • Adoptable Animals
    • Adoption Process
    • Apply to Adopt
  • Volunteer
    • Get Involved
    • Events
    • Volunteer Application
    • Is Fostering Right for Me?
    • Volunteer Forms
  • Programs
    • Avonlea’s Angels
    • Safe Haven Respite Care
    • Trap Neuter Return
      • Assistance Request
  • Resources
    • Helpful Links
    • Lost & Found
    • Rehoming a Pet
    • Recommended Alternative Rescues
  • Spay & Neuter
    • Why Spay and Neuter?
    • Local Low Cost Spay & Neuter
  • Events
  • Sponsors
  • Donate
    • Ongoing Fundraisers
    • PayPal
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Blog / Stereotypes Hurt

Stereotypes Hurt

February 4, 2016 by CVRR

breed

Sometimes the retriever doesn’t retrieve, the family lab bites the neighbors kid, and the collie doesn’t care if Timmy fell in the well.

I am here to talk about breed based stereotypes.

As a vet tech I hear it all the time and it makes me cringe…a family had a golden and he was flawless…never chewed ….probably pooped out nutritious meals for the hungry and in need.
Now they have the NEW golden. He didn’t read the breed book!! Shame on him.

He ignores the kids in favor of slobbering on the cat, he doesn’t give two craps about their food lure for training, and he really just wants to spend his days chasing his tail and systematically devouring all the legs off the new dinning room table.

This dog may be gold in color and have super floppy ears, but he is nothing like the internet says he is supposed to be!!!

He is himself. And the sooner the family accepts that, the sooner they can fall in love with who he IS.

It’s as if owners expect the formula to be as simple as a cake mix. Two parts flower, some sugar, and egg and BAM! Cake!!

My sisters and I all have genes from the same mom and dad and yet we could not have ended up more different. Yes, we all three may LOOK like a golden but Kim is a basset, April has the heart of spaniel and I am 100 percent border collie.

I have said it a million times….when I die I want it etched on my tombstone….ok probably not, but seriously. Stop getting stuck on the stereotypes. Judge a dog NOT on his breed, but by the content of HIS character.

Love or hate…..adopt or pass him by based solely on who he is …..Not on what he is SUPPOSED to be.

Bully breeds so frequently fall victim to stereotypes.

How many APBs die in shelters because they have a bad reputation???? The truth is that so many make amazing family Dog!!

Here’s something to think about. In 2012, 23 people in the US died of a pitbull attack. Might sounds bad but consider this….

6,000 people die from texting and driving.

Hippos slay 2,900 people annually in Africa.

Falling out of bed kills 450 people.

Death by icicle is the sad ending to the lives of 100 very unlucky people annually.

Ok how about this perspective….61 percent of fatal bites are from APB’s. That’s a fact. Of course they are also the breed most broadly abused, neglected, under socialized, chained, left unneutered, and owned by those with a criminal history. Probably not a coincidence.

And let’s keep numbers in prospective….

92 percent of the homicides and violent crimes in 2012 were committed by MEN. Does that mean all men are villains? Killers? Murderers? I think not.

Stereo types hurt…. They may deprive you of your canine soul mate. They lead you to be blind….. To see only the APBs huge head and miss his equally gigantic heart.

“Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity” -Marian Luther King

-Laura

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: blog, breed, laura, stereotypes

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Central Virginia Regional Rescue

23 hours ago

Central Virginia Regional Rescue
**Bella - SPICY Diva**Bella is a 2-year-old chorkie (Yorkie + Chihuahua), which basically means she comes pre-loaded with confidence, loyalty, and just a touch of “I run this house.” 😄 Please DO NOT APPLY FOR HER WITHOUT READING HER FULL PROFILE. Yorkies were bred to be bold little hunters, and Chihuahuas are famously devoted to their person—so when you combine the two, you get a dog who is loving, alert, and… >>>very selective.Bella doesn’t do “strangers.” She does “approved guests only,” and even that list can change without notice. One person walks in? She’s in love. The next? She’s launching a full investigation… starting with your shoes. And yes—we mean that literally--a full on attack of the shoes! If Bella doesn’t like you, your shoes are not safe. 😅There is no clear pattern to who she chooses. Bella simply loves who she loves—and if she doesn’t, she will let you know quickly. ***She may also go after another small dog if she’s not pleased, so she will need careful management, slow introductions, or to be the only pet in the home.***Now the flip side—when Bella chooses you? She is all in. 💛You’ll have a fiercely loyal, ride-or-die cuddle buddy who will happily claim her spot next to you on the sofa and take her job as your personal security system very seriously.The fine print (because Bella insists):! Must be willing to actively socialize and manage her OR! Be comfortable crating her when guests visit! Must understand she may be protective, reactive, and unpredictable with new people! Must be prepared to manage interactions with other small dogs! Must accept that Bella is the one conducting the interviewsThe perks:✔️ Crates like a pro✔️ Loves snuggling (on her terms, of course)✔️ Enjoys chasing tennis balls and chewing on Kong toys✔️ Big personality in a tiny, scruffy packageBella isn’t just looking for a home—she’s looking for her person.And trust us… she will let you know if that person is you.Apply if you’re ready to be chosen.Because Bella? She ain’t playin’. 😎🐶 ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Central Virginia Regional Rescue

1 week ago

Central Virginia Regional Rescue
Apply for him at cvrrescue.org 💕 ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Central Virginia Regional Rescue

2 weeks ago

Central Virginia Regional Rescue
We're celebrating two adoptions this week! 🥳 Happy tails to Truffle and Twix, and congratulations to their new family. 💕 ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email


Categories

Ties & Tails 2026: Moonlight Masquerade

RescueFest 2025

Ties & Tails 2025: Timeless Tails

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
Mailing Address:
Central Virginia Regional Rescue
P.O. Box 2172
Forest, VA 24551

Tax ID: 81-1158479

Please call/text, email, or message us on Facebook, and one of our volunteers will get back to you asap.

info@cvrrescue.org

(434) 856-2676

facebook.com/CentralVirginiaRegionalRescue

ADOPT
Adoptable Animals
Adoption Process
Apply to Adopt

VOLUNTEER
Get Involved
Adoption Process
Apply to Volunteer

PROGRAMS
All Programs
Avonlea’s Angels
Safe Haven Respite Care
Trap Neuter Return

Copyright © 2026 | Central Virginia Regional Rescue