Topic: Those nasty vicious pitbulls, again!
Dragoness's photo
Wed 02/03/10 02:00 PM


Twelve countries in Europe, Australia, Canada, Ecuador, New Zealand, Puerto Rico , Singapore, and Venezuela have enacted some form of breed-specific legislation on pit bull-type dogs, including American pit bull terriers, ranging from outright bans to restrictions and conditions on ownership. The state of New South Wales in Australia places restrictions on the breed, including mandatory desexing, in order to ensure the eventual extinction of the breed in that state. The dogs are often considered to be "dangerous" or "vicious".


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Pit_Bull_Terrier
only because they have dangerous and viscious owners. A good dog owner or breeder simply will not have a viscious dog.


I disagree a small bit on this.

My dog was the sweetest dog until I got her fixed. She is still not vicious but she is more likely to bite strangers now than ever before. I have to watch her very very carefully around people now. Of course being a dog owner before I have always watched my dog carefully no matter how much I felt they were gentle because like all animals we do not know all there is to know about their triggers.

So a physical or psychological event in the dogs life can change them. It is still the owners responsibility to be vigilante to their dog at all times. Accidents are just not acceptable when it comes to biting or hurting someone.

CatsLoveMe's photo
Wed 02/03/10 02:06 PM
Interesting that she is more aggressive, i.e. prone to bite or jump upon someone now that she's been neutered. I would have thought she would have been more aggressive before the surgery. Now, did you choose this dog for companionship or aesthetic qualities first? Or is this a guard dog?

Jill298's photo
Wed 02/03/10 02:12 PM
Edited by Jill298 on Wed 02/03/10 02:17 PM






Yes that pitbull in the story was obviously a mean pitbull, but pitbulls in general are nice loving dogs it all depends on the owner. I had a pitbull before and it was the sweetest dog Ive been around. So please do not refer to all pitbulls as nasty and vicious.


Maybe you did. But it's my opinion, and I think "they" are. They are capable of such terrible violence, and we see stories of pitbull attacks all of the time. So some would say, either ban the breed, or pay careful attention and responsibility when training this breed.
You think they are an aggressive dog because that's all the media ever shows is how aggressive and harmful they can be. I'm not denying a pitbull attack can be disasterous. As far as dog fighting, people mainly use pitbulls which also lead to their bad rep. It's a powerful dog. ANY dog can be viscious. ANY. I think pitbulls have a very unfair reputation.
I wouldn't trade my pitbull for any other dog. He's wonderful. However, I trained him. I discipline him. I learned how to handle a powerful dog and keep him under control.
People generally underestimate dogs of all breeds. If you don't train them and work with them, they can ALL be dangerous.



Fair enough. Now, one simple question. Why did you choose a pitbull? Knowing what you know about their reputation, and what society at large thinks of them. I really hope you say companionship and not security.
We kind of chose each other to be honest.


Now Jill, don't get me wrong here. I have had friends that own PB's and I have played and interacted with them. I had this friend that had a PB that could tear through a rawhide in under 30 minutes. Have you ever seen your dog engage in aggressive or destructive behavior? I totally agree, that it's how you train the dog, but so many are either incapable or unwilling to make that effort, and hence, pitbulls wear the mark of shame. And we see stories like this.
My dog doesn't need 30 min to tear thru a rawhidelaugh He was destructive as a puppy, like most puppies. Tearing up shoes, chewing on things, that kind of stuff. It took alot of work to get him to stop. He is a very stubborn dog.
I love this dog tho. I chose him because I could almost feel his loyalty to me, if that makes any sense? I love that he loves me so much. He has a great personality and temperment. However, if he feels you as a threat, he will let you know you need to back off and go away.
I'm a single woman that lives alone and sorry but my cat just isn't going to protect me laugh I purposfully wanted a bigger dog. But not just for protection, I just have always had a soft spot for big dogs. I grew up with my smallest dog being a german sheppard.
I also have a cat and 2 ferrets. He has never once even tried to attack them. In fact, the ferrets sleep with him.

Jill298's photo
Wed 02/03/10 02:23 PM
Edited by Jill298 on Wed 02/03/10 02:24 PM
Pits have their bad rep because they can do an incredible amount of damage in a short amount of time compared to other dogs.
It's kinda like driving.
A semi barrling down the road at you is far more likely to kill you than say a smart car going the same speed. Both can kill you, both can be dangerous but the semi is a far bigger threat.
In this case it's who's behind the wheel that can make all the difference.

EquusDancer's photo
Wed 02/03/10 02:28 PM



Very smart answer. Me likey. :thumbsup: The owners are at fault. Yes, I've heard all of the exceptions that some people own pit bulls, and "they're such sweet loveable dogs." But yet, we keep hearing about these pit bull stories, maulings. Seems to me, this is an unpredictable, agressive breed of dog. I am curious to know, given the 100s of dog breeds out there, why does someone choose a pitbull for a pet? The reputation precedes them. And if it's for protection, a guard dog, you will pay the price when your pitbull pooch attacks someone innocent.


Why does anyone choose the breed they do? Each person has their own reasons to like the breeds they choose. My mom choose Japanese Chin this time around because she enjoyed the long-haired breeds without the facial hair of a Shih-Tzu. We've had, and would willingly have English Mastiffs again for their gentle giant size and attitude. A fighting Mastiff is harder to break apart then a pit bull. Been there, couldn't do it, and there was a 2X4 involved.

People aren't very good with choosing interesting and odd breeds because many go for what's cheap and easy and mass produced. Gee, sounds familiar.

Dad's got a nice scar on his arm from the neighbors Rottie. Bled like a stuck pig, and by rights, he should've gone to the doctor. The dog is dangerous when you are near the house, and the neighbors don't care.

Rotties, Dobies, Shepherds, have all been on the chit-list for the bad things they've done. Dog breeds cycle, and now it's the pitties turn sadly. There's been in increase in Cane Corso, Presa Canario, Tosas, Fila Brasileiros and other breeds along that line that were bred for agression. They're starting to become popular, and I'd safely say, in a decade it'll be we hear about.


A bull terrier mix is THE most decorated dog in US history.

Pit Bulls were family dogs originally. They were bred as guard dogs, cattle catchers, livestock drivers and companions. They are willing to do anything, and have fun while doing it.


CatsLoveMe's photo
Wed 02/03/10 02:46 PM




Very smart answer. Me likey. :thumbsup: The owners are at fault. Yes, I've heard all of the exceptions that some people own pit bulls, and "they're such sweet loveable dogs." But yet, we keep hearing about these pit bull stories, maulings. Seems to me, this is an unpredictable, agressive breed of dog. I am curious to know, given the 100s of dog breeds out there, why does someone choose a pitbull for a pet? The reputation precedes them. And if it's for protection, a guard dog, you will pay the price when your pitbull pooch attacks someone innocent.


Why does anyone choose the breed they do? Each person has their own reasons to like the breeds they choose. My mom choose Japanese Chin this time around because she enjoyed the long-haired breeds without the facial hair of a Shih-Tzu. We've had, and would willingly have English Mastiffs again for their gentle giant size and attitude. A fighting Mastiff is harder to break apart then a pit bull. Been there, couldn't do it, and there was a 2X4 involved.

People aren't very good with choosing interesting and odd breeds because many go for what's cheap and easy and mass produced. Gee, sounds familiar.

Dad's got a nice scar on his arm from the neighbors Rottie. Bled like a stuck pig, and by rights, he should've gone to the doctor. The dog is dangerous when you are near the house, and the neighbors don't care.

Rotties, Dobies, Shepherds, have all been on the chit-list for the bad things they've done. Dog breeds cycle, and now it's the pitties turn sadly. There's been in increase in Cane Corso, Presa Canario, Tosas, Fila Brasileiros and other breeds along that line that were bred for agression. They're starting to become popular, and I'd safely say, in a decade it'll be we hear about.


A bull terrier mix is THE most decorated dog in US history.

Pit Bulls were family dogs originally. They were bred as guard dogs, cattle catchers, livestock drivers and companions. They are willing to do anything, and have fun while doing it.




Very nice answer again, Equus. You know your dog breeds. I may be a cat owner, wrangler, handler. But I am surrounded by dogs every day. So I know something about dog breeds and behaviors. My ex bought a chow mix for protection first, then companionship. I got along fine with "Boomer" but I felt she adopted him for all the wrong reasons, and now sadly she has had to give him up, because she can no longer afford to take care of him.

EquusDancer's photo
Wed 02/03/10 02:56 PM





Very smart answer. Me likey. :thumbsup: The owners are at fault. Yes, I've heard all of the exceptions that some people own pit bulls, and "they're such sweet loveable dogs." But yet, we keep hearing about these pit bull stories, maulings. Seems to me, this is an unpredictable, agressive breed of dog. I am curious to know, given the 100s of dog breeds out there, why does someone choose a pitbull for a pet? The reputation precedes them. And if it's for protection, a guard dog, you will pay the price when your pitbull pooch attacks someone innocent.


Why does anyone choose the breed they do? Each person has their own reasons to like the breeds they choose. My mom choose Japanese Chin this time around because she enjoyed the long-haired breeds without the facial hair of a Shih-Tzu. We've had, and would willingly have English Mastiffs again for their gentle giant size and attitude. A fighting Mastiff is harder to break apart then a pit bull. Been there, couldn't do it, and there was a 2X4 involved.

People aren't very good with choosing interesting and odd breeds because many go for what's cheap and easy and mass produced. Gee, sounds familiar.

Dad's got a nice scar on his arm from the neighbors Rottie. Bled like a stuck pig, and by rights, he should've gone to the doctor. The dog is dangerous when you are near the house, and the neighbors don't care.

Rotties, Dobies, Shepherds, have all been on the chit-list for the bad things they've done. Dog breeds cycle, and now it's the pitties turn sadly. There's been in increase in Cane Corso, Presa Canario, Tosas, Fila Brasileiros and other breeds along that line that were bred for agression. They're starting to become popular, and I'd safely say, in a decade it'll be we hear about.


A bull terrier mix is THE most decorated dog in US history.

Pit Bulls were family dogs originally. They were bred as guard dogs, cattle catchers, livestock drivers and companions. They are willing to do anything, and have fun while doing it.




Very nice answer again, Equus. You know your dog breeds. I may be a cat owner, wrangler, handler. But I am surrounded by dogs every day. So I know something about dog breeds and behaviors. My ex bought a chow mix for protection first, then companionship. I got along fine with "Boomer" but I felt she adopted him for all the wrong reasons, and now sadly she has had to give him up, because she can no longer afford to take care of him.


Now see, I presonally don't care for Chow-Chows, as I find them far more aggressive then any pits I've met up with. And more secretive in their attacks as well.

The majority of people don't research their dog breeds very well. That's why there's so many in rescue.

A Yorkie group mom works with was discussing the fact that some woman called in because her Yorkie had attacked and killed the kids hamster. The women going out to get the dog told the women that that IS what they do. Yorkshire Terriers were bred as ratters. This woman got all upset and started screaming that she had a Yorkie, not a Yorkshire Terrier and Yorkies are not supposed to kill animals. So the dog essentially gets thrown away because it did what it was bred for and the woman never read up on the breed.

CatsLoveMe's photo
Wed 02/03/10 03:09 PM






Very smart answer. Me likey. :thumbsup: The owners are at fault. Yes, I've heard all of the exceptions that some people own pit bulls, and "they're such sweet loveable dogs." But yet, we keep hearing about these pit bull stories, maulings. Seems to me, this is an unpredictable, agressive breed of dog. I am curious to know, given the 100s of dog breeds out there, why does someone choose a pitbull for a pet? The reputation precedes them. And if it's for protection, a guard dog, you will pay the price when your pitbull pooch attacks someone innocent.


Why does anyone choose the breed they do? Each person has their own reasons to like the breeds they choose. My mom choose Japanese Chin this time around because she enjoyed the long-haired breeds without the facial hair of a Shih-Tzu. We've had, and would willingly have English Mastiffs again for their gentle giant size and attitude. A fighting Mastiff is harder to break apart then a pit bull. Been there, couldn't do it, and there was a 2X4 involved.

People aren't very good with choosing interesting and odd breeds because many go for what's cheap and easy and mass produced. Gee, sounds familiar.

Dad's got a nice scar on his arm from the neighbors Rottie. Bled like a stuck pig, and by rights, he should've gone to the doctor. The dog is dangerous when you are near the house, and the neighbors don't care.

Rotties, Dobies, Shepherds, have all been on the chit-list for the bad things they've done. Dog breeds cycle, and now it's the pitties turn sadly. There's been in increase in Cane Corso, Presa Canario, Tosas, Fila Brasileiros and other breeds along that line that were bred for agression. They're starting to become popular, and I'd safely say, in a decade it'll be we hear about.


A bull terrier mix is THE most decorated dog in US history.

Pit Bulls were family dogs originally. They were bred as guard dogs, cattle catchers, livestock drivers and companions. They are willing to do anything, and have fun while doing it.




Very nice answer again, Equus. You know your dog breeds. I may be a cat owner, wrangler, handler. But I am surrounded by dogs every day. So I know something about dog breeds and behaviors. My ex bought a chow mix for protection first, then companionship. I got along fine with "Boomer" but I felt she adopted him for all the wrong reasons, and now sadly she has had to give him up, because she can no longer afford to take care of him.


Now see, I presonally don't care for Chow-Chows, as I find them far more aggressive then any pits I've met up with. And more secretive in their attacks as well.

The majority of people don't research their dog breeds very well. That's why there's so many in rescue.

A Yorkie group mom works with was discussing the fact that some woman called in because her Yorkie had attacked and killed the kids hamster. The women going out to get the dog told the women that that IS what they do. Yorkshire Terriers were bred as ratters. This woman got all upset and started screaming that she had a Yorkie, not a Yorkshire Terrier and Yorkies are not supposed to kill animals. So the dog essentially gets thrown away because it did what it was bred for and the woman never read up on the breed.


Agree again, dog whisperer.

HuckleberryFinn's photo
Wed 02/03/10 03:10 PM
Even the most friendliest dog can become a killer if provoked, dogs are loyal, and very protective of their envioronment, and there are rules in this dog eat dog world, don't abuse them, don't put your face in theirs when they are pre occupied especially while eating, and don't challenge them, you'll lose...Here is the list of the top most dangerous dogs in america, was surprised the King Corgi wasn't among this list, but I own two of the dogs on this list and my akita is definitely a killer of other animals but she loves people, my rottie/dob mix doesn't like anyone including me, but he tolerates me because I pay the bills. I took him as a pup from some idiots who put gun powder in his dog food to make him vicious, it worked, but I have only had one other dog more loyal then him....

11. was Dalmatian, has been replaced by the akita
10. St, Bernards
9. great danes
8. chow chows
7 doberman
6. alaskan malamute
5. husky
4. German sheps, usually the king shepard
3. Rotts
2. Pitbull
1. Man

yellowrose10's photo
Wed 02/03/10 03:12 PM
I've never owned or even been around PB, but I know
Chihuahua are mean little boogers at times lol

CatsLoveMe's photo
Wed 02/03/10 03:15 PM
The five most popular vicious guard dogs in America are:

•Doberman Pinscher: Bred as guard dogs in Germany, these dogs are common in the hands of police departments and protection units.
•German Shepard: These extremely popular working dogs are used by police and security departments around the world.
•Rottweiler: This ancient breed, first developed during the Roman Empire, was used to herd and protect cattle and other livestock as the legions marched.
•Bull Mastiff: This canine is extremely powerful and vicious, and does not get along well with other breeds or people it does not know.
•American Pit Bull: This notoriously vicious dog is responsible for the most human deaths of any other dog in America.

http://www.resource4dogbitelaw.com/viciousdogs.html

Jill298's photo
Wed 02/03/10 04:19 PM
The majority of people don't research their dog breeds very well. That's why there's so many in rescue

That is so, so true and sad.

HuckleberryFinn's photo
Wed 02/03/10 04:52 PM
Why does anyone choose the breed they do? Each person has their own reasons to like the breeds they choose

^I've had twelve dogs in my life time, I never choose them, they choose me, all were either abandoned or abused, and hopefully they'll all be in doggie heaven playing poker saying I gave them a good life, but the funny thing is, they all gave me far more than I could ever give them....their loyalty.

motowndowntown's photo
Wed 02/03/10 05:23 PM
Pits have become the status breed to own by the young and tattooed. Unfortunately most of these folks have no idea how to properly train and handle any dog. Like any dog they can be loyal well mannered companions, but poorly bred and in the wrong hands they can be a loaded gun.

Dragoness's photo
Wed 02/03/10 05:28 PM

Interesting that she is more aggressive, i.e. prone to bite or jump upon someone now that she's been neutered. I would have thought she would have been more aggressive before the surgery. Now, did you choose this dog for companionship or aesthetic qualities first? Or is this a guard dog?


She was for companionship, I live alone. I wanted a dog that was big enough to be a deterrent for anyone with not so pure thoughts but I haven't trained her to be mean. I have encouraged her to bark at the knock on the door though.

I have the gran baby at the house so I wanted a mild mannered dog.


She didn't get fixed until she was 5 years (our years) old and I wouldn't have fixed her at all if it wouldn't have been for her getting sick.


Dragoness's photo
Wed 02/03/10 05:38 PM

Pits have their bad rep because they can do an incredible amount of damage in a short amount of time compared to other dogs.
It's kinda like driving.
A semi barrling down the road at you is far more likely to kill you than say a smart car going the same speed. Both can kill you, both can be dangerous but the semi is a far bigger threat.
In this case it's who's behind the wheel that can make all the difference.


Any big dog can do the damage of a pit.

A pit attacked my dog and I had to put my finger nails into the inside of her mouth into her gums with all the force I could to get her to let go of my dog. I got bit in the process but when the dog bit me I was able to get my dog away from it. I did not know the owner of this pit had been fighting her. My dog wears the torn ear and scars from the attack. I wear the hole in my arm. The pit did not really want to hurt me though because she let go of me as soon as she realized it was me.

The owner of the pit needed his *** kicked and I would have obliged if he would not have already been dead, that is why his dogs were at my house.

EquusDancer's photo
Wed 02/03/10 09:29 PM


Agree again, dog whisperer.


I whisper but they don't always listen! laugh

And the white dog is deaf, so hers is a legitimate excuse! Haha! :tongue:

EquusDancer's photo
Wed 02/03/10 09:33 PM

Even the most friendliest dog can become a killer if provoked, dogs are loyal, and very protective of their envioronment, and there are rules in this dog eat dog world, don't abuse them, don't put your face in theirs when they are pre occupied especially while eating, and don't challenge them, you'll lose...Here is the list of the top most dangerous dogs in america, was surprised the King Corgi wasn't among this list, but I own two of the dogs on this list and my akita is definitely a killer of other animals but she loves people, my rottie/dob mix doesn't like anyone including me, but he tolerates me because I pay the bills. I took him as a pup from some idiots who put gun powder in his dog food to make him vicious, it worked, but I have only had one other dog more loyal then him....

11. was Dalmatian, has been replaced by the akita
10. St, Bernards
9. great danes
8. chow chows
7 doberman
6. alaskan malamute
5. husky
4. German sheps, usually the king shepard
3. Rotts
2. Pitbull
1. Man



Have a link on this?

I've seen rankings where pitties were ranked down around 15-20 with labrador retrievers, and several small dogs higher up.

EquusDancer's photo
Wed 02/03/10 09:39 PM

The five most popular vicious guard dogs in America are:

•Doberman Pinscher: Bred as guard dogs in Germany, these dogs are common in the hands of police departments and protection units.
•German Shepard: These extremely popular working dogs are used by police and security departments around the world.
•Rottweiler: This ancient breed, first developed during the Roman Empire, was used to herd and protect cattle and other livestock as the legions marched.
•Bull Mastiff: This canine is extremely powerful and vicious, and does not get along well with other breeds or people it does not know.
•American Pit Bull: This notoriously vicious dog is responsible for the most human deaths of any other dog in America.

http://www.resource4dogbitelaw.com/viciousdogs.html


With regards to this, while pretty good, still doesn't show where in rankings they actually fall. They're just listed as popular vicious. And some of it... that website is stretching thin, especially with the timeline/time frame.

My other issue with a lot of this is with the mix breeds. A lot of dogs are being labeled as "pit mixes" without really knowing whether they truly have pit in them to begin with. There's a lot of dog, just by breeding alone, that can come up with similar features, and it have absolutely no pit in it. Unless people are going to DNA the dogs for absolute veracity, then there's no telling what it might be.

Heck, I get seriously irked with the local SPCA here and in Dallas, as they can't even do a decent job of guessing. They guess mix breeds based on maybe a grouping of 30 dog breeds, and call it good.

HuckleberryFinn's photo
Wed 02/03/10 11:25 PM
Edited by HuckleberryFinn on Wed 02/03/10 11:28 PM
http://www.petsdo.com/blog/top-ten-10-most-dangerous-dog-breeds

^there's your link, funny though the doberman is also number 1 in the most amazing dogs.....they are far too intelligent for theire own good.....I think mine uses the computer when I'm at work, every time I come home the mouse is on the floor:)

I've seen rankings where pitties were ranked down around 15-20 with labrador retrievers, and several small dogs higher up

^and don't think labs can't hold their own either....you know chows are nasty and can actually dominate most pits, except those trained to fight....wonder here they rank the delaware blue hen.....lmao