Jack, More than likely, what you encountered was not at all an American Pit Bull Terrier, but an American Bully... completely different type of dog. Let me say this, pit bulls are known to be dog aggressive... this is a normal trait that is no more out of the normal than a cat that chases and kills a mouse. It’s just part of their history. Until people understand that they are dog aggressive, and prey driven, there will continue to be an outcry to “kill them all”. However, that being said, this breed should NEVER be human aggressive, and any dog that displays any amount of human aggression, if owned by a responsible person, will be humanely euthanized. This breed should love everyone that enters the house. Actually, if your home is broken into, a pit bull should be more than happy to see the robber and be willing to show them to the good china.... after a stop at the cookie jar. Pit bulls were used as the Nanny dogs in the 1800’s.... don’t believe me? Visit www.badrap.org and read up about their history with the children of the 1800’s. Also, although I strongly disagree with it, back in the days when they were used to fight, handlers had to be able to get into the pit and administer medication and check wounds of these dogs. The dogs that turned and tried to bite the handlers were oftentimes put down... why? Because they were unsound temperament dogs, and unsound temperaments toward humans was not allowed. The only ones you see that own this breed that wants the “Billy bad boy” image are the very ones that do not need to own this breed.... or any dog in my opinion. The ones that do not want to take the time to invest in their dogs, socialize them and make sure they are of sound temperament, are the very ones that should not own them. The ones that allow them to run loose so they can get in trouble are the ones that should not own them.... however, every time I hear Joe Birch tell a story about a pit bull that attacked the neighbors cat... I roll my eyes. I had a Chow that killed 2 cats, a Chow that I adopted from the Memphis Humane Society. Was I letting him run loose? No, he was chained in the back yard because I couldn’t keep him inside... the cats got too close to his dog house. Dogs kill cats... that’s just part of the dog/cat world. Cats kill birds and mice, but you never hear a story on the news about the cat that killed a poor bird. Point is, if people wouldn’t let their cats run loose, the cats wouldn’t be in danger of any dog, or car, that happens by. I have 6 dogs, and of the 6, 4 would kill cats. Why wouldn’t the other 2? Because they are 13+ yrs old and wouldn’t spend the energy chasing one. But the 2 Labs would kill a cat in a heart beat. Oh, and I have 2 cats as well... and they are house cats that are inside with my 2 pit bulls everyday. My cats are never let outside, and my pit bulls have never attacked the cats either. But I crate the younger dog when I leave. Mollie pretty much has run of the house. But the cats can get away from her, not that she will chase them, she’s too lazy and could care less what they do. I crate Bella because I’m a responsible owner and know to never leave 2 dogs loose in the house when I can’t supervise... more than likely, Bella would just destroy the house and eat the couch cushions, so I don’t take a chance. I NEVER worry about my dogs turning on me... none of them. They may turn on the cat at one point, and they have had squabbles among themselves, the 2 labs got into a squabble just last night, but the family?? I never worry about it. Why? Because if any of my dogs ever display an unsound temperament, they will be put down. There is a world of difference between human aggression and dog aggression, and it will be a good day when Joe America realizes that.
Of course dogs are prey driven. Killing cats and other animals are what they do. I’m not calling for any dog breed to be destroyed. People should educate themselves about the breed they are raising and the risks they entail having such. People should be held more responsible for the dogs they own when their dogs attack people. When that happens people will choose more wisely because of liability concerns.
“However, that being said, this breed should NEVER be human aggressive, and any dog that displays any amount of human aggression, if owned by a responsible person, will be humanely euthanized. This breed should love everyone that enters the house.”
I’m not sure if you are aware of this but pit bulls were bred for war going back to the ancient Greeks. And who fights in wars? Human beings. These dogs were bred to fight and to dominate territorially. It is quite natural for them go kill human beings since they were bred for it. Ancient Rome then used them as fighting dogs.
“The ones that do not want to take the time to invest in their dogs, socialize them and make sure they are of sound temperament, are the very ones that should not own them.”
So are you saying that people should get licenses to own certain breeds that are known to be more aggressive than others? Maybe laws should be drafted to require people who want to own dogs, such as the pit bull, presa canario and other well known aggressive dogs, should have to attend classes, problems to look out for and what to do about them, be required to take them to an obedience school, know the laws in regards to pets who have a tendency to maul people, know their history, what they were bred for, keep AKC registration papers, et cetera so it filters out the people who shouldn’t have them.
There are stories in the news where an irresponsible pit bull owner finds his pit bull(s) have gotten loose and mauled some one or killed them. How should a pit bull owner (or any breed really) be held responsible for his dog that kills or mauls some one? If some one trespasses into a yard with a dog and gets mauled or killed is a totally different story.
From what you have said you sound like a very responsible pet owner. The more aggressive the breed is the more responsibility is required. What do you suggest should occur to prevent those who are less responsible from acquiring the more aggressive breeds of dogs?