"No, both are dominance, and the only difference is where you are in the pecking order."
If that were true there would be no difference in our ability to train wolves and dogs.
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"The dog that we now recognize as the APBT was originally bred in the British Isles early 1800's to 'bait' bulls. These matches were held for the entertainment of the struggling classes; a source of relief from the tedius and brutal way of life suffered by many commoners during that time. In 1835 bull baiting was deemed inhumane and became illegal, and dogfighting became a popular replacement. The best fighters were made heroes and the trait for aggression towards other dogs began to be selectively bred into their genetic make up. At the same time, a very strong bite inhibition towards humans was also bred into the APBT lines so handlers could lean over into the fighting pits and pull their battling dogs apart without worrying about receiving a redirected bite. Partially because of this selective breeding which culled out "man biters", this breed became well known for its loving devotion and trustworthy nature with humans."
'snip'
The APBT was also a favorite dog among politicians, scholars, celebrities. Helen Keller, Theodore Roosevelt, and the "Our Gang" Little Rascals all had APBTS. Many reading this website may have grandparents and great grandparents who kept a favorite APBT as a pet. Today, this tradition continues with tens of thousands of Amercians who love and cherish their family pit bulls.
'snip'
Why Would Anyone Want a Pit Bull?
The fun loving, spunky and affectionate attitude of the APBT is what most admirers come to love best about these dogs. We like to say "To know them is to love them". Pit bulls are impressively loyal, bold and courageous animals. They are natually clownish, alert and intelligent .. in other words, a whole lot of fun to have around! Many participate and excel in various dog sports and activities, including Obedience Trials, Search and Rescue work, Agility Trials, Flyball and Frisbee Competitions, and Weight Pulling events. With their tenacious work drive and strong desire to please their owners, they are natural competitors and win impressive titles wherever they're worked.
http://www.badrap.org/rescue/breed.cfm
Not relevant at all... dogs are wolves that have been selectively bred over thousands of generations for their ability to handle domesticated life.
The marketing crap they have on pit bull excuse and marketing sites is just that. It's a nice pitch. Doesn't make it ~true~. If you look on the American Kennel Club - Staffordshire Bull Terrier page... it says they are "particularly good with children". Just think about that for a minute.
It's propaganda. It's the political correctness of the dog world. They are trying to change the dog through better marketing. And it's dangerously and knowlingly false.
Partially because of this selective breeding which culled out "man biters", this breed became well known for its loving devotion and trustworthy nature with humans."
While some truly whacked out dogs that were too viscous to handle were culled for management reasons, that doesn't mean dog aggression is a different instinct. Only that some are too aggressive to even manage well enough to fight. The dogs were not loyal loved companions, they were expendable pawns.
Many participate and excel in various dog sports and activities, including Obedience Trials, Search and Rescue work, Agility Trials, Flyball and Frisbee Competitions, and Weight Pulling events.
They don't 'excel' as a breed, in any of these sports, they are not easier than a Golden in obedience, they are not better able to search and rescue than a GSD or a Lab, they are not near as fast as a Border Collie, and they can't pull as much as a Malamute or a Greater Swiss.
The only thing they're really the best at is what they were bred for. Fighting.
Well, at least some1 finally pointed out they weren't JUST for DOG fights. They were for BULLS too (and a nastier animal you'll never meet!).
Which may indicate they won't discriminate much between species.