Too many times pit bull terriers make headlines for all the wrong reasons. However, Selma breeder Chad Mitchell is doing his part to remove the negative stereotypes associated with the breed.

Mitchell, who operates Mitch’s Elite Blues, recently garnered top prize for one of his newest additions. At an American Bully Kennel Club show in Birmingham, Jan. 15, his blue American pit bull Rakim took first place in the standard 9-month-old class. The award, which was both the dog’s and Mitchell’s first, came as a surprise.

“I was really just there trying to get some experience,” he said. “I never expected to win. We had no idea what to expect when we got there.”

Leading up to the competition, Mitchell said he spent lots of time with the dog “through rain, sleet and snow” and made sure he was properly groomed.

Fortunately, the opponents were friendly.

“Some of the people who had been there before gave me a couple of pointers that helped,” he said.

During the competition Mitchell said the judges checked the dog’s bite, physical characteristics and tail. One of the biggest tests, Mitchell said, was the dog’s mental state.

“First and foremost he had to have great temperament,” he said.

Mitchell said he knew Rakim was a special dog, but he had no idea he would win his first competition. Other people he talked to felt he might have a champion.

“Listening to what people said about how nice he looked encouraged me to show him,” he said.

Rakim scored nearly flawlessly in his class and will compete in another Atlanta show in March.

Mitchell said the shows are a great way to meet people and to help the breed put its best foot forward. He said when he has puppies for adoption he is proactive in making sure the dogs will be cared for.

“I am heavily against fighting dogs,” he said. “Before I make a sale, I ask people to sign a contract agreeing not to fight or abuse the dogs. I haven’t had one (fought or abused) yet.”

In the next month, Mitchell said he and Rakim will have to put in several hours of practice.

“There are still some things we can tighten up on,” he said. “But we’ll work on those.”

Win or lose, Mitchell said he will enjoy being around other breeders to learn how to better care for his dogs.

“I’ve enjoyed meeting the other breeders and finding out some of their secrets,” he said. “We all pick each other’s brains about breeding and other things like the best foods.”