Stephanie Diani/Animal Planet
Recently, Rossi spoke with Paw Nation about his new show, why he loves pit bulls, and what you should know about little people.
How did the show "Pit Boss" come about?
The producers always saw that I had a compassion for dogs. This is something that hasn't been done before and Animal Planet took the chance. It's been one of the most amazing things because it's about my two passions: rescuing dogs, and my entertainment company.
What is your real name?
My real name is Luigi Francis Shorty Rossi. That's what's on my passport. I changed it years ago while in the entertainment business. When I check into hotels or go on the airplane, my ticket is under Shorty Rossi.
How many pit bulls do you have and what are their names?
I have six. My newest is a bull Staffordshire terrier, and his name is Valentino. My dogs are called Hercules, Geisha, Mussolini, Bedi -- which means 'baby' in Swahili -- Dominico and Valentino.
What attracted you to the breed?
I liked the breed so much because of the loyalty and dedication they have. They're short and stocky and didn't want to listen to nobody. And during that time [growing up in a Los Angeles housing project], I was short and stocky – well, I'm still short and stocky – so I understood the breed, and the breed understood me.
Are you in favor of spaying and neutering your dogs?
I want everyone to do it. Unless there is a medical reason, there is no reason they should not be fixed. All my dogs are fixed except for Hercules. it's not that I don't want Hercules to be fixed, but he's allergic to anesthesia. He had an operation when he was young and almost died. The doctor said he can't be put under anesthesia because it may happen again. So he's the only one that's not neutered. We get a lot of flack for that because people don't understand the reason.
What would you say to people that think pit bulls are vicious?
People who think that probably have never really been around pit bulls, never really owned them. My dogs can go out in public and promote the breed, and go to convalescent homes and high schools and be entertainment dogs and service animals. We try to show people and try to change the perception. That's the only way we can do it.
You have said, "I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for the pit bulls." What did you mean by that?
Throughout my life, whatever I did wrong or did right, the dogs were always there for me. They don't judge you. Going through a lot of rough things in my life, they were always there to bring me happiness. And I understand their grief because little people are misunderstood in the public eye to an extent, just like pit bulls are. So I understand what they're going through.
What do you wish the public realized about little people?
Not every little person is a circus act. We're doctors, lawyers, business owners, and so forth. We're not all the same.
It seems that your show is about second chances.
Everyone deserves a second chance at life – as long as they change. [Laughs.] I got mine. Now the pit bulls need theirs.
"Pit Boss" airs Saturdays at 10 p.m. on Animal Planet.
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I watched his show last week, and I don't see how you can say he's the newest animal planet star. He's a bully, doesn't know anything about actually training an animal, he committed a breaking and entering during the show. Now that's a great thing to show our children. If you don't like what's going on just break the law. He could have gone through the court system to get his dog back. I don't like the way he controls people, I don't like the show, I won't be watching it.
dugandob, if you ever watched SNL, just apply the exact comments Ackroyd would respond to Jane when they played newscasters. If I put what I felt about your comments, animal planet people wuld have to edit it out.
Are you actually talking about "Pit Boss" show? Then you are a complete and utter --------------( fill in the blanks please}. This show is charming and wonderful and again and again all I can say about little people is that they seem much more interesting and likeable than most of the tall people in millions of boring shows that pollute the earth with pointless and tasteless waste of good air time.
Enough. I think you get my drift. I was very offended by your stupid take on a great show which I look forward to seeing more of.
One more part of the freak show I used to have pay two bits to see. And this particular one has monstrous mental problems.
I don't know if I should thank AP or feel sorry for their lack of intelligence.
Well, I love animals just as much as the next person. What i think that Dugandob is getting at is the fact that he did not take the proper channels to aquire the dog. The fact that he unlawfully entered into someone elses property to rescue the pooch is the issue. Not the rescue it self. He is not an officer of the humane society and it would have take just a call to get them there possibly. Do i think that it is a noble thing to do to help out the said animal. With out a doubt yes. However, the legal penalties he could incour "could" seriously hinder him from being able to rescue more animals just because he did this. Acting simply on a passion does not make this correct. You take somethig that is not rightfully yours it is considered stealing in the eyes of the law.
Thanks Jane I'm so glad you said about Dugandob. Pit boss is a good show. If shorty would of went through the courts the could've been dead or put in a fight, so think before you speak.
do you actually think he broke the law ? it seemed that under his contract he had been given the right to retrieve the dog by whatever means necessary. he didnt seem too worried about any consequences and he mentioned a contract.
this little guy breaks into my home and steals my pits hes gonna get a load of 00buckshot, hes a convicted felon breaking into private property on national tv, wheres his parol officer
This is my FAVORITE show since Steve Irwin passed away!. I just love the sensitivity that Shorty has with his staff as well as with his Pits. This is a funny story - All of my friends know that I am a sap for any animal that needs a home - especially since mine (had her for fifteen years) passed away due to a vet's mistake.
Two guys bring me this "pit bull" puppy. He really was cute - looked JUST like a Pit Bull . . . . . but his legs are only about four inches - toe to chest!!! I HAVE A DWARF PIT BULL. .. And of COURSE I named him Shorty.
He is the BEST dog! Listens to me. Loves me. Plays - you know - just like a regular pit. So when I heard about this show I just had to watch! Me and Shorty are watching right now. He loves it too!
I just saw the episode with Ed and his dog. He is coming East and needs a hand. I wish there was a better way to get a hold of you. Any time you need a foster home in Pennsylvania I am your gal. As a matter of fact - if I was 20 years younger I WOULD be your gal.
Keep up the good work. I think your receptionist is great - and very loyal to you. Your sister is beautiful and I hope that you read this Shorty. I wish I had a picture of my Shorty. You would love him!
It's called reposession, which is something he's entitled to do under the contract. If they want him to buy a new lock to replace the one he cut, I'm sure that wouldn't be a problem.
I totally agree. He bullies his staff members a lot. He just acts snotty, like he RUNS LA>>lol Badgirls saying.
But anyway, he never trains his own dogs, like Gasha, he has his staff members do it for him. I think he is just a great big ole Snot head Bully.
Breaking into someones home, and takes there Dog??? It is totally against the law. Police can't even do that without a warrant. I'm surprised they showed him doing that on TV. Isn't he still on probation?
I ENJOY THE SHOW I LIKE PEOPLE WHO CARE
I watch the show and yes Shorty can be a bully.
On the show when he went to save his dog Dominico by breaking into the yard was wrong. He should have waited till the owner came home. I can see his resons--no food, no water and no shelter from the sun and being tied to a tree.
I watch because I also love pit bulls.
I rescued a puppy that was being abused by a neighbor. When I got to vet and had the puppy treated I asked what breed it was and he told pit bull/chow, I will admit I freaked because of their reputation. I have to say that he is a great dog and gives me love and laughter. With my other two dogs, the three of them have me in stitches.
I also promote the pit bull breed. My friends can't believe how loving and funny he is. They are not afraid of him and they love him. He is a great ambassador for the breed.
dugandob you obviously don't understand the love that some of us have for our animals, they are like our children. I think Shorty had every right to go in and save Dominico because he was being mistreated. If ever there is a child or precious animal being mistreated or even drowning remember to go to court first and just hope that they are still alive months later when a decision is made.
I understand the love that people have for animals. We have three dogs of our own and a cat. We foster dogs until they find homes for them. And for JANE HAFKER: I have no problem little people or for that matter any people. I never mentioned that in my comment, so I don't know what you read, but it wasn't what I wrote.. To BELLACATS, & TANIAEBA what I saw was he broke the law, when he could have contacted Animal Welfare and gone through the proper channels to rescue this dog. We all don't agree and that's fine. I live in America where we have freedom of speech. PEACE TO YOU ALL
I agree with Bellacats: dugandob you obviously don't love animals the way we do.
I have seen two episodes of this show and I love it. I was so happy when Shorty was able to get the dog he had placed back from his neglectful owner. People need to be responsible for their animals and care for them properly. Luckily there are people in this world like shorty for stick up for animals that are not being cared for. I have and will continue to watch this show!
I think it is awesome, someone to get out there and make a stand for these animals. So many people see them as mean dogs, I believe it is the way you raise them that makes them one way or the other. Keep up the good work.
Punish thr deed not the breed.!!!!!!
I'm sorry but I did not enjoy this show at all..
I too have watched the show. I also volunteer with canine rescue. I admire what Shorty is doing in terms of changing the perception of Pit Bulls, but I do not agree with his actions on taking his dog back. He could have called out the Police or Animal Control, shown proof of ownership and reposessed the dog by legal means. I am really surprised that Animal Planet showed that happening. I would think that would be good evidence for the property owner to file charges. I also don't like the way Shorty treats his employees. Although it may all be part of the "act" for this show.
I agree with you. We all love animals or we wouldn't be blogging about it. I blogged earlier and people called me names and said I hated short people and that I didn't love animals like they did. It's not about all that, it's about how he went about getting the dog. You just can't break the law because you want to. He should know this because he's been in prison. You have to go about things in a legal manner. I'm sure he loves his animals, like all of us do. The message he sent especially to young viewers is, you can do anything you want to get anything you want, including breaking the law.