Protect your pet from being labeled "Bad Breed"

Thanks very much, Varda.

If they were selecting for unusual instinct of this kind the breed in general would have this trait.

That is why I asked the question I asked about the "killer" instinct. I define instinct a bit narrower than most folks, and don't use the term synonomously with trait. (wrong as it might be) Although traits and instinctive behavior are both genetic, I think of instinct as specie behavior on the whole. Bees dance and bats echo-locate; something they cannot avoid. At any rate, I believe I understand what Jeff is saying now about killer instinct.

This would mean that owners of PB could never own more than one dog at a time because they couldn't safely put them with another dog.

Exactly. I shouldn't be, but am always surprised by the number of people who believe pitbulls come into the world as "natural born killers." The truly sad part is the ignorance on both sides. A lot of good hearted souls as well as the scum that dogfight really believe this.

Thank You Keri, I think that was what I've been trying to say but couldn't find the right choice of words!

I guess I equate trait with "characteristic". I was using it as a general word for any distinguishing property. Instincts I see as as inate factors that motivate behavior.

I agree with you about the number of people who believe the natural killers thing. I think it has to do with the shrinking numbers of people who deal with animals. I live in the suburbs now and I'm amazed at the number of people who have irrational fears about animals. These good-hearted souls and the dogfighter-scumbags get their information from the same places.

It's a difficult subject for me, Alylonee. In more ways than one...

Complicated factors exist on both sides of the equation. Media induced hysteria and the animal rights orgs (especially whacked out PETA) add fuel to the fire. It's hard for me to find any words, much less right ones. I guess we do the best we can:-) Anyway, you're welcome.

Jeff, I thought this might help also, it's from the UKC web sight. Note how it specifically states that the American Pit Bull Terrier is good with children and people, making excellent family dogs and somewhat explains where the dog came from (notice it doesn't say anything about being a killer!).

Sometime during the nineteenth century, dog fanciers in England, Ireland, and Scotland began to experiment with crosses between Bulldogs and Terriers, looking for a dog that combined the gameness of the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the Bulldog. The result was a dog that embodied all of the virtues attributed to great warriors: strength, indomitable courage, and gentleness with loved ones. Immigrants brought these bull and terrier crosses to the United States. The American Pit Bull Terrier's many talents did not go unnoticed by farmers and ranchers who used their APBTs for protection, as catch dogs for semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt, to drive livestock, and as family companions. Today, the American Pit Bull Terrier continues to demonstrate its versatility, competing successfully in Obedience, Tracking, Agility, Protection, and Weight Pulls, as well as Conformation.
The United Kennel Club was the first registry to recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier. U.K.C. founder C. Z. Bennett assigned U.K.C. registration number 1 to his own APBT, Bennett's Ring in 1898.

GENERAL APPEARANCE

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, solidly built, short-coated dog with smooth, well-defined musculature. This breed is both powerful and athletic. The body is just slightly longer than tall, but bitches may be somewhat longer in body than dogs. The length of the front leg (measured from point of elbow to the ground) is approximately equal to one-half of the dog's height at the withers. The head is of medium length, with a broad, flat skull, and a wide, deep muzzle. Ears are small to medium in size, high set, and may be natural or cropped. The relatively short tail is set low, thick at the base and tapers to a point. The American Pit Bull Terrier comes in all colors and color patterns. This breed combines strength and athleticism with grace and agility and should never appear bulky or muscle-bound or fine-boned and rangy.

CHARACTERISTICS

The essential characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier are strength, confidence, and zest for life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children. Because most APBTs exhibit some level of dog aggression and because of its powerful physique, the APBT requires an owner who will carefully socialize and obedience train the dog. The breed's natural agility makes it one of the most capable canine climbers so good fencing is a must for this breed. The APBT is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers. Aggressive behavior toward humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and highly undesirable. This breed does very well in performance events because of its high level of intelligence and its willingness to work.
The American Pit Bull Terrier has always been capable of doing a wide variety of jobs so exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog's versatility.