[CampDoha]

I don't understand why Pit Bulls are always getting such terrible press, because if they are raised properly, they are very friendly, very sweet dogs. They're not any more vicious naturally than any other breed of dog.

This is a good flash movie about Pit Bulls. Includes a lot of well-researched statistics as well.

http://www.deviantart.com/view/11454716/

[sinkspur]

I don't understand why Pit Bulls are always getting such terrible press, because if they are raised properly, they are very friendly, very sweet dogs. They're not any more vicious naturally than any other breed of dog.

You forgot the /sarcasm tag.

If pits aren't vicious, why are there over 50,000 hits on Google for "pit bull attacks"?

[HairOfTheDog]

I don't understand why Pit Bulls are always getting such terrible press

Cuz they kill people, and people getting killed is still news in most markets.

because if they are raised properly, they are very friendly, very sweet dogs.

They usually aren't raised by people who want sweet dogs. If they wanted a sweet dog, they'd get a golden retriever.

They're not any more vicious naturally than any other breed of dog.

Unfortunately, selective breeding actually works. They are naturally built and tempered to be exactly as aggressive as they often end up. It's no accident... it's design.

[BJungNan]

I don't understand why Pit Bulls are always getting such terrible press, because if they are raised properly, they are very friendly, very sweet dogs. They're not any more vicious naturally than any other breed of dog.

Every story I read about a pitt bull that mauled someone has a quote from the owner, "I just don't understand. He is such a friendly dog."

[Ex-Dem]

They get bad press because most people don't understand the difference between a pit bull raised for illegal dog fights and criminal purposes, and those raised by reputable breeders as pets. The breed was originally designed with dog fights in mind, but aggression towards humans was specifically NOT part of the pedigree (it would have made them harder for the handlers to approach). This just shows what can happens when criminals get ahold of them and instill aggressive behavior.

[Bellflower]

I took my dog to a doggie park and someone there had a pit bull. They were cutting the dog on the neck and making it bleed. They apparently thought it was cool to keep there dog mean. I wish I had my cell phone with me. I got my dog away fast.

[Protagoras]

I don't understand why Pit Bulls are always getting such terrible press, because if they are raised properly, they are very friendly, very sweet dogs.

And if not, they have the capacity and the inclination to kill people.

[Scoutmaster]

Please help me clear up some confusion. I know there are (English) Bull Terriers (like General Patton had) and Staffordshire Bull Terriers -- and these are different breeds. Is either one of these considered a "Pit Bull"? In DeKalb County (part of Atlanta) it is now illegal to own a pitbull, a Bull Terrier, or a Staffordshire Bull, and there's a bill pending in the Georgia legislature to outlaw all three breeds in the entire state.

Even if pit bulls are getting painted with too broad a brush, aren't legislators going way overboard by including Bull Terriers?