Posted on 02/18/2009 11:45:26 AM PST by Chet 99
We all know there are two sides to every story. The pit bulls story is no exception. Some say Dont blame the breed, blame the owner. Some say a news story about dog maulings always includes a pit. So whats the real deal behind the threat of a pit bull attack?
You may have heard that a dogs behavior reflects upon the owner. This is true, to a degree. Much like children, an unruly dog usually indicates a spoiling owner or an owner weak on disciplinary skills. If an owner mishandles, teases, and tortures a dog, he will usually be viewed as vicious. Environment also plays a role in a dogs behavior. Medicines, food, the air they breath, exercise or lack there of, all affect a dogs behavior. But it is in fact fact, that there are standard behaviors that are typical of each breed. Some breeds can be more hyper, like my moms Boston Terrier, Sofie. This is typical Boston Terrier behavior. Some dogs can be very sweet and loving to all they encounter. A Labrador Retriever is a great example. Some dogs are genetically predisposed to be malicious. A pit bull, though not the only breed, is one example of such an animal.
(Excerpt) Read more at examiner.com ...
True, but that can be done with any breed of dog.
Meanest dog breed I’ve every come across are poodles. Snap happy, bi polar breed in my honest opinion.
I don’t dispute these facts. What breed is TRAINED most often to fight and attack? Pits and Rotts.
Now, I know people killed by a horse kick, gored by a bulls horn, and other assorted farm animal induced injuries. So should we not have livestock on farms?
People need to be educated and aware and in control of their pets/livestock to the best of their ability. There will always be instances of animal attacks. Just like there are instances of serial killers, drive by shootings and road rage amoung the humans.
I agree with the ‘not in condo’s, or apartments’ piece of your post, and the ‘exotic’ animals you list.
That said, you’ve never had a Rott obviously, nor seen how they are around kids. If you did, and you had a kid, you’d seriously consider one.
Trust me, nobody screws with the kid that has a Rott as its best friend.
Ever. They aren’t ‘mean’ just real alert. Til you put your hand on the child...then they explain in a low voice ‘You do understand I’m a Rott, and the child is with me, doncha?” as only that breed can.
Its very similiar to the effect one gets when you ‘rack the slide’ on a 870 pump shotgun in the middle of the night when an intruder is in your home. Everybody that hears it understands clearly somebody’s dying in the next few seconds if the ‘intruder’ doesn’t stop.
My Rott will lick you to death, love on you forever if I let her. But put your hand on my should, even at age 13 (very old for the breed) she’ll come up off the floor, bark once (all conversation stops when this happens...come to think of it so does movement) and just look at you with the question ‘Are you really an insane human? I’ve heard of your kind...’
Best damn dog I’ve ever owned, and I say that with fifty years of experience, more or less.
Sorry you had that experience. Personally, even though they are in fact good with kids, you don’t let a three year old ‘play’ with such a animal.
Hell, I wouldn’t let a three year old play with a cat.
You just described my daughters Pit - lick you to death, just don’t tough the babies in the house without permission.
tough = touch.
Duh!
‘One of many reasons I suspect any animal owner who thinks their pet wouldn’t hurt a fly, is an irresponsible owner’
Great point. I know any of our dogs will attack if seriously provoked. The Rott, the yellow lab, the small mix breed we call ‘warpig’ in jest...dogs are pack animals, and you are the Alpha Male in their lives. Attack the Alpha, meet the packs response.
Its always ‘on the owner’. Which is why we have a large split rail dog wire lined yard, and when we take them out for a walk they are always on a long leash, even though we are in a remote rural county with more cattle than humans, and more horses than sports cars.
—Meanest dog breed Ive every come across are poodles. Snap happy, bi polar breed in my honest opinion.—
Lousy breeding (by “mills” for example) can do that. An uncle of mine had a poodle that was fiercely possessive of objects. If any of my dogs snapped at me when I took something from them, they’d get a one way trip to the vet (if they were lucky). Cocker spaniels and chows were notorious bad tempers; again, due to indiscriminate breeding.
That list accepts the description ‘pit bull’ without question, which is why many disregard it.
Just an FYI, not an attack on you. The AKC can’t make up its pea brain about it.
I understand what you are saying. I’ve been lucky most of the time in that respect, the exception being our beloved Lucy, who we mourn to this day, and always will.
‘Lousy breeding (by mills for example) can do that. An uncle of mine had a poodle that was fiercely possessive of objects. If any of my dogs snapped at me when I took something from them, theyd get a one way trip to the vet (if they were lucky). Cocker spaniels and chows were notorious bad tempers; again, due to indiscriminate breeding.’
Yep. too many breeders out there, thats all I’ll say to that aspect of your post.
My neighbor last month had to shoot a dumped Chow that attacked his harmless Lab mix breed. I wouldn’t own one, and I have decades of experience with dogs, large, medium and small.
—Just an FYI, not an attack on you. The AKC cant make up its pea brain about it.—
The AKC recognizes a breed called “American Staffordshire Terrier”. This breed looks a lot like what most people think of as a pitbull, but is probably a much better risk as a pet. I imagine these “amstaffs” get unfair blame for the damage caused by true pitbulls.
My brothers friend got a rottie as a puppy....took that dog everywhere with him in his truck. Then one ride, when he was about 7,,,he snapped and attacked the owner and ripped up his arm while driving. The dog was destroyed.
You want a reply from Chett, or me?
Yes...but if you wait ten minutes, the AKC will change its mind again...(chuckle)
Neighbors had a rottie; she was a sweet girl. Then one day she wasn’t around. Turns out she got agressive (and these people had a little girl in the house). Fortunately no one was hurt AFAIK, but the dog was put down.
Large dogs cause large problems on occasion, no denying it. But the devil is in the details as they say, and I’d have to know a lot more about the specifics in the incident you related here.
I can only say my Rott/Shepard mix has been magnficent in all aspects. Then again, I recognize she’s a ‘work dog’ and treat her as such. She’s not ‘cuddly’ except with me, for exmaple.
Irks my wife a tad....(chuckle)
I thought you said there were no vicious breeds.
We've had this conversation before. I took up your challenge then and I asked my vet. He said that there are definitely breeds which are much more likely to attack with little or no provocation and less likely to break off the attack once it starts. Although he was generally opposed to a breed ban, he said that there are some breeds of dogs that he would hope his neighbors don't get and he wouldn't be that upset if his homeowner's association banned those breeds.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.