In 2013, pits accounted for more than 90% of the dog fatalities. Mauling rates were almost as bad. (Mauling means massive hospitalization, trauma surgery, and life-time disability. Not a joke.)
And yet, all I see on Craigslist are pit puppies for sale. No labs. No poms. Just more pits. They’re being bred for money, not for quality dogs. And people feel sorry for them and think “I can raise them right” so they adopt them and keep the chain going. So sad.
Yes, the shelters are full of pits, far disproportionate in number considering how many are pets. Gee I wonder why?
I know a guy, a well-educated professional acquaintance that I thought highly of until he told me that one of his three rescues was a pit. As if that weren't bad enough, he went on to tell me about his two-year old granddaughter, that I'm sure visits his house all the time. From now on I don't I'm keeping my distance from this guy -- he's a low-information dog owner! It's a disaster waiting to happen. How do I tell him nicely, "YOU'RE A MORON"?
From now on I'm keeping my distance from this guy.
“They’re being bred for money, not for quality dogs.”
And that is why I only buy from reputable kennels, taking a year if I must, to save the money for a well bred, show quality dog-we traveled to another state to a reputable kennel for my Husky. Any time there is a heavy demand for a dog breed, careless breeding results, and the worst genetic traits seem to be emphasized.
German Shepherds-my favorite breed-are an example of breeding for money-inbred, increased health problems like hip dysplasia, shortened lifespan, uncertain temperament, etc. I found kennels offering guarantees for both of mine, but their lifespans are so short-12-13 years if you are lucky-that I will likely not buy another.
A pet is not a fashion accessory-it is a living, breathing creature.