Daxton’s Friends, five years after trusted pit bulls killed a toddler

Animals 24-7 ^ | March 7, 2018 | Merritt Clifton

[avenir]

Pits are like Mommy’s Boyfriend. They really, REALLY love you and your kids. Until they don’t.

[unread]

"They were never bred to be pets."

Yeah... I can see that.. Tabby and tuxedo cats are pets.. Lions and tigers, not so much....

[metmom]

Beyond the Interview: Father of Child Killed by Babysitter’s Pit Bulls Speaks Out After Attack

http://blog.dogsbite.org/2013/07/beyond-the-interview-essay-of-a-fatal-pit-bull-mauling.html

[TheNext]

PSYCHOLOGY OF BULL DOG OWNERS

That is where the problem lies.

Power fantasies of the dog’s onwers, a sense of inadequacy, feeling insecure, buried hatred of a parent, for starters.

Social friendly harmless dogs exist for children, and then killer protection dogs exists for business yards, not neighborhoods.

A harmless friendly dog will bite or nip, but does not maul your children.

[Qiviut]

Just ‘up the road’ (10 minutes away) a 22 year old woman was killed by her two pitbulls while taking them out for a walk back in December. Pretty gruesome - they tore her up & actually fed on her body. She was blamed for ‘neglecting’ the dogs & there was the usual ‘don’t blame the breed’ & this horrific scenario was also blamed on ‘misplaced energy’. Those ‘excuses’ don’t give me any comfort at all - I would never own a pitbull or pit mix & the two across the street make me very nervous, especially since I’ve seen them ‘escape’ & run loose at least twice.

https://nypost.com/2017/12/19/cops-saw-dogs-eating-ribcage,-of-suspected-mauling-victim/

[DefeatCorruption]

People like to deny a breed’s genetic traits...

---

It’s totally terrifying when owners post photos on Facebook of their “gentle” pit bulls loving on their cats, kittens and human BABIES.

[Norski]

It would probably help if you posted images.
Pit bull owners are calling their dogs American Bulldogs, too.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

They are incorrect. I’ll see what I can do.

[lastchance]

Oh I was not thinking of you, when I posted. All dogs are not the same. All dogs are not suitable for all owners. Dogs will react by instinct. That can’t be bred out of a dog. Pits are supposed to be working dogs (even if originally bred to be fighters). This means their temperament may not be what you look for in a household pet. No matter how benign they are in general.

They are good hog dogs. Not to put to fine a point on things but what we humans may see as a bundle of squealing joy some dogs view as prey. That is not a good situation. Add to that the fact most children have no idea how to properly behave around a dog (not faulting the baby who was mauled and killed) you have a disaster waiting to happen.

[Norski]

I try never to count any dog as friendly and harmless.

I try never to assume that any human is friendly or harmless.

I like dogs; have lived with or raised or cared for or shared office space with many.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

Norski,

Here is some information about the American Bulldog - brought from England and other countries in Europe with our pioneers.

The section I am quoting is from Lemuel Miller, who I have met and corresponded with and purchased an American Bulldog puppy from.

Lem is also the author of the book, American Bulldog. This book was used in (If I remember correctly) the UK in a court case that accepted it as evidence that the American Bulldog is not a Pit Bull Terrier.

He has been involved with American Bulldogs for his entire life and I judge him to be an honest a man as I've met. He is also a pastor. For anyone who is interested in pure American Bulldogs, Lem is as trustworthy as can be... and knows more than most.

HISTORY OF THE OL’ SOUTHERN BULLDOG

We at Joshua Kennels believe the American Bulldog (southern Style) is the truest continuation of the original Bulldog bred in England. Due to the early settlers this bulldog found a new home in the deep South of the United States.

If you study the history of the bulldog you will find there are many different views and opinions. However, a careful look at any of the paintings and prints of bullbaiting during the 1700 - 1800's you will see basically the same dog that is now called the American (Performance) Bulldog. This name has only in the past 30 years or so been used to separate it from other strains of bulldogs and terriers. Prior to that time this same bulldog was called, White English, Ol' Country White, Southern Catch Dog, Ol' Time Bulldog and just Bulldog. The American Bulldog for the most part migrated to the southern states, Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Carolina's. In this area the bulldog proliferated in the 1 800 - 1900's.

In the state of Florida (of which my family has lived for 6 generations) cowboys known as "CRACKERS" (a term given because of their use of long bullwhips which they would crack over the heads of cattle) would use these bulldogs to help head and drive the cattle through the flat woods and swamps of Florida. These cattle now known as "CRACKER CATTLE" still a pure breed of cattle in Florida, were very wild, so a tough, hard dog was needed in order to herd these cattle and keep them bunched up. The way this was done, when cattle would break and run the cowboy would send his bulldog on the cow and the bulldog would catch the cow by the nose or ear and toss the cow. When the bulldog was called off, the bulldog would drive the cow back to their herd and the bulldog would then circle and bay the herd while the "Crackers" would push the cattle on horse back from behind to the desired location.

Written records of this Southern Bulldog are indeed rare, however, stories of legend proportion were widely told. Stories of confrontation with bear, wild cats, coyotes, wild hogs etc. were passed down from generation to generation. It should be noted that the American Bulldogs were and are genuinely used as working and hunting dogs, which produced the reputation of being true stock dogs. The farmer would use these bulldogs not only for cattle but also to catch and hold wild hogs in order to mark the hog, (usually a notch in the hogs ear) to declare ownership. . No breed of dog is more adept at this type work than the American (Performance) Bulldog. It is one of the very few breeds that has the speed, power and tenacity to consistently catch and hold a bad boar hog.  These same qualities known as "Bulldog Tenacity" are prerequisites for success in Schutzhund, ring sport and protection training. (Schutzhund and ring sport are the two most demanding systems by which protection dogs are tested for breeding qualities.) These qualities also ensure a healthier, longer living companion.

In giving a brief historical sketch of the bulldog allow me to go to the year 1632 and the writings of COTGRAVE. "They have great heads and great lips with such, men helped him at the baiting of the bull and at hunting of a wild boar. They hold fast at the catching of each". He continues by saying, "the true and most common, should be white with a black spot about the ears or eyes. Any beast that he might come to he should hold with his Seizure and naught leave it". Cotgrave described 3 characteristics which distinguish the American Bulldog of the present day. He had a large, short and thick head and short muzzle; he was remarkable for his high courage and when he attached an animal he hung on. It is also proved that he was used in bull-baiting and the hunting of wild boar.

Writing in 1792 Osbaldeston described the bulldog as: "one of the most fierce and strong of his canine race, having a nose short, and the under jaw larger than the upper. Such is the strength and ferocity of these animals, that four of them have been known to master a lion, and when they are turned loose on a bull, and have once properly seized him, nothing short of the loss of life or the giving way of the part can disengage them". Taplin writes eleven years later: "A bulldog, though inoffensive and harmless when properly domesticated, forms to the eye of timidity a most terrific appearance. The breed is by no means so numerous as formerly, in consequence of the gradual decline of bull-baiting and the GREAT NUMBER TAKEN ABROAD. for many of which very great prices were obtained".

In the world of the contemporary American Bulldog you'll find many different sizes, forms and colors. Joshua Kennels is committed to producing a true working bulldog that we feel will closely resemble the original. Although we raise strains of working bulldogs popular to the modern bulldogger, we also have a very old line of bulldog that we still call "White English", that has no Johnson, Scott, Williamson, Painter, Tate etc, in it.

This particular line comes from an old friend who was born in the deep south and has raised these bulldogs all of his 85 years. He asked me to keep his "White English" pure. It is the goal of Joshua Kennels to ensure that this original style of bulldog survive, and its true qualities retained. The popularity of the American Bulldog has grown rapidly in the last few years. Partially because of the roll of "Chance a.ka. Rattler" in the Disney movie "Homeward Bound" and that of "Petey" a.k.a "Screamer" on "The Little Rascals". Both movies portray the American Bulldog in its true to life role of the faithful companion. Along with its many talents of being a true working bulldog, its most beloved position to his master is that of a friend and protector.

In closing, please allow me to insure, this bulldog is not a Bull or Pit Terrier, this bulldog is the original stock dog. This is a true working "stock" dog. It is my privilege to introduce you to: "THE AMERICAN PERFORMANCE BULLDOG"

Here are pictures of Lem's American Bulldogs...

---

Now, some pictures I randomly pulled off Google images of pit bull terriors... which have a very different conformation, as you would expect, given the addition of terrier bloodlines.

Best to you.

[Norski]

Sorry; the configuration and bloodlines appear too similar for me to count it as anything but a “pit-bull-type” dog at this time.

I do see that the general shape of the nose is more like a boxer than the current “classic’ american pit (the pit bull images you posted are very like the famous huge “Hulk” dogline), and that the chest and shoulder slope, shape, and musculature are different enough to call it a bulldog rather than a “pitull terrier”, but it is still a “pit-bull-type”, and from the same lines that Johnson used to breed fighters in the 40s.

The bullbaiting dogs.

And any time I am talking business or politics and someone talks about being a Pastor, a Deacon, a Sunday School Teacher, etc., I check my wallet and assume they want something from me.

You posted an advertisement.

[redangus]

My friends bother lives in rural Georgia and owned a pitbull. Raised the dog from a puppy. One day the dog turned on his wife and daughter while he was on his way home from work. His wife and daughter managed to get in the house. She called him so he was expecting something when he got home. As he got out of his truck the dog came after him. He jumped back in he truck, but the dog just kept coming, jumping on the hood and tried to get in the window. It took three shots from his 357 to put the dog down.

I don’t care what anyone says these dogs are walking time bombs and it is not if, but when they’ll go off.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

“You posted an advertisement.

I posted my life experience with this man.

“Sorry; the configuration and bloodlines appear too similar for me

Head shape is different. Body is different. Bloodlines go back hundreds of years. Also, American Bulldogs do not have terrier bloodlines mixed in.

“I check my wallet and assume they want something from me.

This may be your reaction. Maybe you were taken advantage of or abused.

Lem pastors a poor, mostly black church as a gift.

As for your opinion, I provided a history and a book that goes more extensively into the history when terrier blood was mixed to create pit bulls.

All that said, I wish you the best.

[Norski]

I will read the book. Thank you.

[familyop]

The deadly threat from bad dogs is one of the reasons so many people in the U.S.A. need to carry concealed weapons, especially in rural areas for healthy walks, vehicle failures, criminal-minded owners of bad breeds, etc.

[familyop]

For walks that might possibly take you by places harboring *dogs that look like any of the dangerous breeds*, do concealed carry if legal in your state and if it’s legal for you to do so, safe and compatible with you. And walk with family or friends whenever possible (armed family and friends, if feasible, safe and legal).

* Always bring a smartphone or flip phone and digital camera.

* Concealed carry insurance with a company or organization like USCCA, CCW Safe or ACLDN (and consider insurance with NRA for extra coverage).

* Also carry pepper spray and/or taser, in case a bad dog owner is not armed and acts like a rabid coyote, or in case a bad dog is ambiguous about whether or not it wants to attack you (i.e., in case it acts like a rabid coyote, too).

* Get training! Get a permit for your state if needed (if not a constitutional carry state).

* Get training! Do it! Training is very important, especially training routines for many possible situations. In a bad situation, your actions should be second nature—not decisions that take too much time. Use your imagination for bad situations regularly. What would you do, if...?

* Get very familiar with your weapons. Be safe! Make double sure that the weapon is empty if used in non-range practice. Also make sure that you’re not pointing your weapon at another person, at the neighbor’s house (even through the wall) or at anything that you don’t want to shoot!

* Continue learning about laws and getting advice on what to do.

* If an incident occurs, corroborate with those who walk with you!

Don’t risk the life of a human being for the sake of an animal! And don’t argue with shady characters who want to argue about their bad breeds or bad breed religion.

[familyop]

Thanks for your comment #25. Maybe some of the information in comment #37 will be helpful.

[Norski]

Thank you for the excellent suggestions; they are applicable at any time.

I would like to add that a very small pull-trigger fire extinguisher has been recommended by some First Responders, who found that they work almost (70% vs 75%) as firearms. Spray into mouth and nose to obstruct breathing and encourage release of victim. Also, animals seem to be wary of the hissing noise - it may sound like a snake.

[packrat35]

Anti-freeze hotdogs will do the trick for escaped menacing dogs. Just saying!!