[the gillman@blacklagoon.com]

Actually the reason pit bulls are more inherently dangerous is that they have a (often, genetic) built in lack of tolerance for pain.

A slight twinge may send them into shock. Once in a state of shock, they don't feel anything but murderous rage.
it varies from dog to dog, but it is/was bred into them intentionally.

A Bouvier has far more powerful bite, so do quality Rotties and bullmastiffs. But they have far more stable personalities.

[xzins]

Thanks for the info.

My fox terrier has pretty strong jaws and is really quick laterally. It's 3 years old now and still has many of the playful characteristics of a puppy.

[CommerceComet]

I believe that Irish Wolfhounds have stronger bites than Pit Bulls as well. There may be no breed more capable of physical mayhem than an Irish Wolfhound - these dogs can single-handedly kill mature wolves in the matter of seconds. Yet, IW make wonder pets because they have had the viciousness breed out of them for generation upon generation. Most pit bulls and Rotts, even those from legitimate kennels, are not that far descended from dogs who were bred for their viciousness.

How many times have you heard the owner of a pit bull or Rottweiler who has just mauled someone claim that the dog had never shown any aggressiveness before. In a lot of cases this is probably true but the aggressive instinct is only somewhat suppressed and some stimulus triggered it. It took generations to refine the aggressive instincts of these dogs. It will not be completely breed out of them in a handful of generations.

Dogs and wolves are close relatives as shown by the fact that they can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Most locales have restrictions against owning wolves. Why? Because in most cases wolves can only be somewhat domesticated and in even the best of those situations they continue to have unpredictable, vicious behavior. Why is it so difficult to believe that some dog breeds might have similar domestication issues?

[keri]

You and xzins are both wrong. Xzin's myth is ridiculous and should once and for all be laid to rest. Pitbulls are canines, not crocodiles...their jaws do not lock, they do not exert "x" (fill in the blank) number of lbs of pressure, yadda yadda.

Actually the reason pitbulls are more inherently dangerous is that they have a (often, genetic) built in lack of tolerance for pain.

This is completely and utterly false. Pitbulls are dogs and have no such "gene." This is a myth that rivals the "locking jaw" rumor and it about as stupid. Pitbulls have certain qualities called forbearance and courage. These qualities, in certain situations, may make it seem as if pitbulls are impervious to pain, but they are not. They have nerve endings like all canines.

Sorry if I seem rude, but this crap is tiresome.