ATTENTION pit bull lovers and owners !!!!!!!!!?

Question

ATTENTION pit bull lovers and owners !!!!!!!!!?

Answer 1

The term Pit Bull is to loosely used. Their are about 3 or 4 different breeds of dogs that get termed as a 'pit bull'. So of course people are going to say that statistically pit bulls harm more people than other breeds, because of the number of dogs that are considered 'pit bulls' even though probably half of them aren't a true pit. I too don't agree with them taking away a person's right to pick what kind of pet they have. I've also read somewhere that a Cocker Spaniel has a high rate of turning on their owners, are we going to start telling people they can't have cuddly little fluffy spaniels?? I have a pit mix and she is absolutely wonderful and she is my 9 month old son's best friend!!!

Answer 2

Here's the thing. The average person is not a good candidate to own a Pit Bull. Period. I've met plenty of these dogs and I think that they can be great dogs, but sadly most people--and I'm not including you people who are educated about this breed--don't know what they're getting into. These guys can be great family pets, but unfortunately their tough reputation makes them appealing to people who have no business owning a dog let alone a Pit. I think that the problems you hear about in the news have more to do with the kind of owners this breed tends to attract then the breed itself. I have had several breeds of dogs with this type of reputation and what I've learned is that no matter how good your dog is, this stereotype will always exist because stupid people will continue buying the breed who don't know what they're doing. Rather than have a ban on the breed or require a license to own one, I think that people should be required to get a license to have ANY dog. That license should require obedience classes, suitable living conditions, enough time to take care of them, etc. As an owner of some of these hated breeds I sympathize, but we'll never change people's minds about them until idiots no longer can raise dogs.

Answer 3

A LOT of the garbage that is said about Pit Bulls is just that-garbage. It's spread by people who have little if any experience with the breed, and by the media, who mainly just wants to sell stories and will literally make up lies in order to do so! Furthermore, there is a STRONG push by Animal "Rights" groups like PeTA and the Humane Society of the United States to end the keeping of ALL animals as pets, and they find it a lot easier to start with the more "controversial" ones. A lot of the push to get rid of certain breeds also involves not only stereotyping the dogs, but their owners-claiming, for instance, that all Pit Bull or Rottweiler owners are gang members, drug dealers, thugs and criminals, and trying to convince the public that dog attacks, dog fighting and other criminal activity by the afore-mentioned groups will miraculously cease overnight if the dogs just disappear! As an educated, middle-class female professional educator, I find that extremely offensive. You must remember that there are a lot of Animal "Rights" supporters infiltrating animal-based professions, and they believe that it's wrong to have ANY animal, and they simply cannot keep from spouting whatever garbage they feel will accomplish that agenda. The media often goes further by misrepresenting dogs that have attacked or bitten people, by calling ALL of them "Pit Bulls" or "Pit Bull mixes", regardless of the dog's appearance or ancestry; I have seen purebred COONHOUNDS, as well a Chow-mix(with the thick fur and purple tongue), a Border Collie, a Jack Russell and a Plott Hound all called "Pit Bulls" after they were involved in a serious attack on a human. "Mutt Bites Kid" does not sell papers or ratings, but "KILLER PIT BULL MAULS HELPLESS CHILD!!" does.

Answer 4

I read her question last week and answered it!! As a matter of fact I ended up with 5 thumbs up so it must have been a decent answer!!! You should have figured she'd pick the answer that agreed with her. If she was at a vet that my daughter takes her dogs she'd be changing vets!!! I feel that anyone who works with animals should love them all. But then again I have seen nurse aides that don't even like people. Those people ar simply looking for a pay check & that is all.The people that usually puts down a certain breed has probably never owned one!!! Like any breed Pits are what humans turns them into!!!!!

Answer 5

It is in their breeding to be more aggressive. Just like some breeds are more active, some breeds are more laid back, some breeds require special grooming, some breeds have stronger herding instincts, and some breeds are more aggressive.



It doesn't make them "evil dogs", but people need to be aware of this trait and handle to dogs appropriately. I wouldn't approach a pit bull the same way I would approach a golden retriever. And by the same token, I wouldn't approach a chihuahua the same way I would approach a toy poodle. Different temperaments need to be handled differently! Just like in people, depending on their temperament, you'll get better results if you deal with them differently.



If you ignore the breed traits (ANY breed traits, not just aggressiveness; in ANY breed of dog), that is showing much ignorance and it's a recipe for disaster.



(And 'disaster' doesn't have to mean someone gets bitten or attacked; it could be a person just can't handle an active dog or a dog that requires special grooming, so the dog is not cared for correctly or gets dumped at the shelter.)

Answer 6

Oh My Dog! Is she ignorant or what!!!!!

I get that pit bull type dogs are not for everyone.

I get that people are scared of them (even if they've never met one)

I get that people believe everything they watch on TV whether it is true or false (That can be the only explanation for the popularity of that moron, Cesar Millan)



Here is an excellent book that dispells a lot of the hype and myths surrounding dog bites in general, and pit attacks:

"Dogs Bite but Balloons and Slippers are more Dangerous" by Janis Bradley

http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=dtb859



But she is a racist. Pure and simple. 1% of the pit bulls existing do any harm. 1%



So, we should kill all the wonderful ones because of that?



http://www.goodpooch.com/BSL/cdnbsl.htm





That is like saying we need to hunt down and execute every member of the Virginia Tech slayers family and kill them, because they must have that bad blood, too.

Answer 7

Freedom when it comes to dogs we have to care about what others think. Pittys are being banned from many many citys alot with dobermins and rotties. Some places have banned many many breeds including cattle dogs, hunting dogs and any larger breed.



If we let them take away pittys my boston can be next. Most people dont know it but bostons were oregonaly fighting dogs.



Pittys are not bad dogs. They are loving kind sweet dogs. they problem is they have a bad rep, and on top of that they are being bred by bad breeders and owned by bad owners. Instead of banning the breed ban the bad breeders and owners then there would be no problem.

Pittys should NOT have human agression. The fighting pits dont, they cant because people need to step in at some point. many are being bred with out dog on dog agression.



I have a story for you. We saw a man sitting on the side f the road with a big pitty. this guy was bigger then a mastif, he was one of the mutant pittys that have been bred up, anyway I had my husband stop because i had to see this dog. I asked if I could play with him and I got the go ahead. This dogs mouth was so big my head would have fit in it. I go up to him and im looking at him talking to him and just thinking how wonderfull this guy looked. Hubby was looking at him thinking the dog could pop him like a pimple. All of a sudden the pitty opens his mouth and heads for hubbys face, he didnt move, He flops his big tongue out and slobbers all over him. It was Fab. I wish i would have had a camera.

he had pups to and they were just as loving.



I have never ran across a mean pitty, I have come across some pittys with idot owners

Answer 8

It is such a damn F**king shame these dogs earned a notorious reputation. I have never owned a pit bull, but have been around a few who have yet to harm a sole. I believe the problem comes from young men who own them and force their dog to wear heavy chains "to make their necks stronger." Most of these men keep their dogs locked in a basement for about year to make them aggressive. With this, I understand they will "PUNCH" the dog in the face regularly to prepare the dog to fight. Sadly, this is why people are afraid of pit bulls. As with most dogs, if provoked (even chihuahuas, pekingese, shi tzus) they will attack. However, some horrible people are preparing pit bulls specifically for wrong doings.



I went to the SPCA where they had pit bull pups. No one was allowed to adopt them because they had to be put down after a pending court case against their mother. It was so sad.

Answer 9

Of course she picked the person that agreed with her.



It's much easier to live in a cloud of ignorance that to open your eyes and find out that you are completely wrong.



It's also very obvious that the thread started has no knowledge of dogs, genetics, or common sense....



But you have to remember - when you're dealing with someone like this on the internet, it's often best to just walk away. People have a way about them to completely disregard any form of fact, and only see or believe what they want when they're behind a keyboard. And continuing the arguement past the point of logic often blurs the line that seperates them and people who honestly want to obtain factual, correct, helpful information.

Answer 10

I know how you feel!!! I dropped a few lines on her garbage remarks. I don't believe anything she said. If she does work around animals who is allowing it???. I would hate to think they allow pitbull haters be employeed there. I have 2 pitbulls that I treat as if they were my own kids. They have never harmed me nor my family. And it is all in how you raise them and it is ashame the one's that raise them for the wrong reason we the one's that raise them right get looked @ funny.As for the remark above me it is in the papers only because of what dog it is. And that is not fair to not see any other dog in there when they bite someone. So don't get it twisted it is all for publicity is why they stress it when a pitbull does it!!!!!.

Answer 11

WOW! Some people are so ignorant it makes me sick! That person obviously has NO f***ing idea what they are talking about! Haha! I honestly feel sorry for people like that! Its such a shame!.. Okay sinse that thread is closed to new answers I am going to say what I would have said to that person right now....



First of all, "pit bull" is NOT a breed! "Pit bull" is a term that some people use to group 3 breeds.. The American Pit Bull Terriers, the American Staffordshire Terriers and the Staffordshire Bull Terriers. If that person had owned "pit bulls" and had alot of experiance with them, that person would know that and wouldnt have kept calling them "pit bulls" and pit bull terriers... those are not breeds!



As far as "pit bulls" attacking more than any other breed, thats not true! The statistical data on dog bites and attacks are inaccurate. Many dog bites are never reported. There is nothing in place to track dog bites in the US accurately. There are 25+ breeds that are commonly wrongly identified as "pit bulls", Those of us who have been involved with the breed for years have trouble identifying them 100% of the time, so, we certainly cant expect inexperienced people to be able to properly ID a dog. That said, it leads us to believe that many of the bites that claim to be from "pit bulls" are in fact, inflicted by other breeds. It is readily acknowledged by anyone familiar with handling a variety of dogs and mix breeds (animal control officers, veterinarians, shelter workers, etc.) that accurate identification of a dog's breed or mix is virtually impossible without registration papers or a pedigree at hand. Considering how rarely an animal control officer (ACO) catches a dog wearing tags, how often do you think an ACO lassos a stray dog that happens to have its pedigree papers? Funny thing, genetics. It causes dogs to come in all shapes and sizes and colors - especially the mixed breeds.



Okay.. Now, this is what pissed me off the most!.. This ignorant f***ing b**** said.. "I want to know why all of the owners of pit bulls and other know aggressive breeds feel they need to change every one's veiws on the fact that they are breed to attack and kill other dogs and small animals. Hence the ability and desire to attack children."... Well, as for that comment! "Pit bulls" were NEVER bred to be human agressive and more often than not "pit bulls" LOVE people, ESPECALLY CHILDREN! "Pit bulls" DO NOT HAVE A DESIRE TO ATTACK CHILDREN AND THAT IS ONE OF THE MOST SAD, DISTURBING AND IGNORANT THINGS I HAVE EVER HEARD! Here are the FACTS!...



For hundreds of years "pit bulls" were bred to fight dogs, certain traits were bred into the bloodlines for that purpose, high pain tolerance, high prey drive, etc. However a quality that was never bred into "pit bulls" was human aggression. Human "aggressive" dogs were undesirable as these dogs required extensive handling prior to and during their fights AND most of these dogs were also family pets so no human aggression was ever tolerated. Dogs that exhibited human aggression were typically killed, meaning that only human friendly lines were perpetuated and desired. It has been said that a "pit bull" never met a stranger. They love and adore humans. They want so much to be apart of your family and spend time with you watching tv, walking, driving, etc. I have seen severely abused and neglected "pit bulls" who see you coming and they can't wait to be petted and loved. Even after the abuse, they want nothing more than to be with a family of their own! As with any breed there are exceptions to the normal temperament and behavior. We see this in humans as well, there are good ones and bad ones.



"Pit bulls" like all other breeds, are not born inherently mean or bad! They can, like any other breed, become mean through lack of training, abuse, neglect and irresponsible ownership and breeding.



As for this person saying that because "pit bulls" are know to be animal agressive they have a desire to attack children.. That is crap!... Animal aggression and human aggression are 2 completely different things! There are many types of aggression in the canine world and they are all very different. "Pit bulls" are no more inherently dangerous to people than other dog breeds. People often assume that "pit bulls" are human aggressive because they were bred to fight animals. This is simply not true! If that were the case then Irish Wolfhounds, Anatolian Shepard's, Great Pyrenees, etc should be considered dangerous to humans as well.



"Pit bulls" are not for everyone, just like any other breed of dog. Research should be done on any breed prior to making a decision. The best place for responsible pit bull information is Pit Bull Rescue Central www.pbrc.net. The American Pit Bull Terrier was the #1 family dog in the US during first part of the 20th century. They are Loyal, loving, devoted, funny, and almost human like in their emotions and expressions! Pit Bulls are one of the most stable people-friendly dogs in existence. The National Canine Temperament Testing Association tested 122 breeds, and Pit Bulls placed the 4th highest with a 95% passing rate!... The American Temperament Testing Society does temperament testing throughout the year at breed clubs and compiles the statistics. Their overall pass rate for breeds is 80%, and in the 2002 statistics, APBTs, AMSTAFFs, and Rottweilers were all in the 82 percentile, meaning 80+% of the dogs tested passed the temperament test. That is a very high percentage, especially when comparing to breeds which are common family dogs, such as, Golden Retrievers and Bichon Frise tested at 77%, Chihuahua at 71%, Greyhound at 81% and Lhasa Apso at 71%. These test results are available at www.atts.org... Many of these so called "dangerouse" breeds are WONDERFUL breeds to have around children! "Pit bulls" have enjoyed a long history as favorite childrens companions and family pets! When well socalized and properly raised, they are the PEFECT breed to tolerate the rough and tumble play a child can dish out! "Pit bulls" tend to be drawn to the joyful optimism of children and LOVE to meet them with tail awaggin'!



As for this person saying "There is alot of evedince backing what I'm saying.I do have alot of common SENSE with all dogs"... That is crap too! There is NO evedince backing up ANYTHING that person said and that person must not have ANY common sense to sit there and say what they said and think that they know what they are talking about! Haha!



It is ignorant people like that, that believe these crazy MYTHS over the FACTS!... As long as we are on this topic I would like to take a min. to dispel some of these myths and talk about some commonly asked questions about "pit bulls"....



FACT VS. MYTH:



-"Pit bulls" have locking jaws. NO! The "pit bulls" jaws are the same as any other breed of dog! Any Veterinarian can verify this is simply a myth. "Pit bulls" have been bred to not let go, however, their jaws are not locked.



-"Pit bulls" have a 1800 PSI Jaw Pressure. Wrong again. Dr. Brady Barr of National Geographic (Dangerous Encounters: Bite Force, 8pm est 8/18/2005) – Dr. Barr measured bite forces of many different creatures. Domestic dogs were included in the test. Here are the results of all of the animals tested: Humans: 120 pounds of bite pressure Domestic dogs: 320 LBS of pressure on avg. A German Shepard, American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) and Rottweiler were tested using a bite sleeve equipped with a specialized computer instrument. The APBT had the least amount of pressure of the 3 dogs tested. Wild dogs: 310 lbs Lions: 600 lbs White sharks: 600 lbs Hyenas: 1000 lbs Snapping turtles: 1000 lbs Crocodiles: 2500 lbs



-"Pit bulls" are born to be mean. (I already talked about this, but I am going to say it again!) Not True! "Pit bulls" like all other breeds, are not born inherently mean or bad! They can, like any other breed, become mean through lack of training, abuse, neglect and irresponsible ownership and breeding.



-Will a pit bull that shows aggression towards a dog, go after people next? (again, I have already talked about this, but I am going to say it again!) No! animal aggression and human aggression are 2 completely different things! There are many types of aggression in the canine world and they are all very different.



-"Pit bulls" attack more than any other breed. (and again.. lol.. I already said it, but I am saying it again!) No, the statistical data on dog bites and attacks are inaccurate. Many dog bites are never reported. There is nothing in place to track dog bites in the US accurately. There are 25+ breeds that are commonly wrongly identified as "pit bulls", Those of us who have been involved with the breed for years have trouble identifying them 100% of the time, so, we certainly can’t expect inexperienced people to be able to properly ID a dog. That said, it leads us to believe that many of the bites that claim to be from "pit bulls" are in fact, inflicted by other breeds.



Okay.. Now for some Q & A...



-Question: Are "pit bulls" good with children? Answer: Properly raised and socialized dogs are great with children! They are able to stand the rough and tumble play of a toddler. As with other big dogs, "pit bulls" can accidentally knock kids over during play, etc so they should always be supervised. Dogs of any breed should never be left alone with children.



-Question: Why do we hear so many negative "pit bull" stories in the Media and are they true? Answer: There are a few things that contribute to the negative stories on the news. As often the case, negative stories always seem to get National coverage, where the positive stories only make the local news. The Media is not always very responsible with their stories! I have seen news reports of a dog attack by another breed and, yet the media had a picture of a "pit bull" on the TV while reporting this story. I’ve read many stories where the reporter obviously hadn’t done any research, when I asked about their statistics they choose not to reply.



Every 10 years or so a new breed of dog is victimized by irresponsible owners, breeders, bad media coverage, and now it’s the pit bull’s turn. In the 70’s it was the German Shepherd, the 80’s was the Doberman’s turn, the 90’s Rottweilers and "pit bulls" had all the bad press, and now it’s the "pit bull’s time" to suffer again. And, unfortunately, in a few years it will be another breed that will be in the spotlight.



-Question: Do "pit bulls" make good pets? Answer: (I have already said this too...) Yes, but "pit bulls" are not for everyone, just like any other breed of dog. Research should be done on any breed prior to making a decision. The best place for responsible "pit bull" information is Pit Bull Rescue Central www.pbrc.net. The American Pit Bull Terrier was the #1 family dog in the US during first part of the 20th century. They are Loyal, loving, devoted, funny, and almost human like in their emotions and expressions!



"Pit bulls" bond very fast and very strongly to their humans and need to spend a lot of time with you. If you are not home a lot or plan on keeping the dog in the yard, etc, then a "pit bull" isn’t for you! "Pit Bulls" are a dominant breed and require a strong pack leader who is always in control. Obedience and socialization is mandatory with this breed and should be with any breed.



~Miscellaneous Information on Bully Breeds~



-The second Petey (Lucenay's Peter) from the Little Rascals was a UKC registered APBT, Lucenay's Peter. In 1936 he was cross registered with the AKC as a AMSTAFF.



-The WWI Poster dog was a pit bull.



-Staffordshire Terrier, Sergeant Stubby was decorated WWII war hero. He sought out wounded soldiers and caught enemy snipers.



-Popcicle, the Number 1 US Customs dog is a rescued pit bull, that was left to die in a freezer.



-During the 40's and 50's the American Pit Bull Terrier was the number 1 family dog.



-Pit Bulls are a bad choice for guard dogs due to their love of humans.



-Pit Bull make WONDERFUL search and rescue dogs, service dogs, police dogs and therapy dogs!



OH, and one more thing! I think that I forgot to say this when I was talking about the myths.. but, "pit bulls" do not just turn on people! In fact, no breed of dog does. Dog aggression is nearly always preceded by some kind of warning, and there is always a reason behind the attack. However, many inexperienced owners do not recognize the dog's behavior as aggression, or refuse to acknowledge it as a warning sign. The only exception I can think of is Springer Rage, a rare and controversial neurological condition that manifests itself as a spontaneous attack, followed by confusion, and then a return to normal behavior. "Pit bulls" are NOT prone to this condition. There are individual dogs of any breed that may be more aggressive to others.





So as for that person wanting to know why "pit bull" owners feel the need to "change everyones views" on these breeds... It should be pretty obvious if you just read everything I wrote! Because they are WONDERFUL breeds! lol... We arent trying to change their views on these breeds.. or atleast Im not... I just want to educate people on these breeds! I want them to hear the FACTS instead of just the MYTHS that ignorant people like that person want people to believe! When faced with the facts you really have no choice but to like these dogs (well, atleast not hate them)... and if you still dont like them, I am sorry for you! You are missing out on three of the best breeds in the world!.. So anyway! Like I said, I am not tryig to change everyones view! Everyone has their own opinion and that is fine with me! lol.. I just want people to have an educated opinion on these breeds!



I just wanted to thank all of the good "pit bull" and other "dangerous" breed owners, and all the people that continue to stand up for these wonderful breeds and try to educated people on them! Thanks and keep up the good work! : )









HAHAHAHAHA! I gues read Lillys comment! wow! All I have to say to you is German shepherds are considered "dangerous" breeds and if this BSL s*** happens you can say bye bye to all of the German Shepherds! OH and I have never met a mean "pit bull" I have met a mean chow, 2 really mean labs, 2 really mean german shepherds and alot of mean smaller breeds!



If you think only "pit bull" owners need to be concerned about breed specific legislation ("BSL"), the following list should shatter your illusions:



American Staffordshire Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Boxer

Saint Bernard

Great Pyrenees

Dogo Argentino

German Shepherd

Akita

Husky

Wolf hybrids

Bull Mastiff

Chow Chow

Dalmation

Doberman Pinscher

Dogue de Bordeaux

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rottweiler



Just thought I would let you know, since you seem to feel that German shepherds are somehow above my dogs! : )