pit bull attack
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There are many arguments that suggest pit bulls were bred to specifically not attack humans. While this is true, I believe the key word in that sentence is WERE. The temperament of a breed of dogs can change very quickly over the course of just a few short years and the people left in charge of breeding pit bulls have done a right fine job of breeding the wrong qualities into what was at one time a superior animal. There are other arguments about what constitutes a bad dog versus a bad breed of dogs that just don't stand up to logic.
You can read pit bull enthusiasts who have written that pit bulls are less likely to attack humans than most other breeds of dogs. Again studies would prove that statement to be mostly accurate, but what is not taken into account is that when a pit bull attacks a human it is far more likely to cause serious injury or death than other breeds. It is not the frequency of attacks that is at issue like pit bull owners would like to make you think, it is the severity of the attacks. When a pit bulls instinct to attack kicks in, it knows to go for vital areas of the face and neck. Other breeds of dog may bite humans more frequently but they do it as a warning, not with the intent to kill.
Pit bull enthusiasts are quick to try to dispel the myth that pit bulls have a locking jaw or bite with any more force than any other dog. Again there has never been a study to my knowledge regarding the biting force of different breeds of dogs, and pit bulls have the same jaw structure that all dogs have. Again pointing this fact out as false is a worthless endeavor because what they know to be true about pit bulls is that they are tenacious and strong willed. When a pit bull attacks it is almost impossible to stop the attack. You have to either kill the dog, badly injure it or your life could be in danger.
Another myth that pit bull owners are quick to debunk is the myth that you should not adopt adult pit bulls. Pit bull owners will tell you that there is no study to show that an adult pit bull is any more likely to attack humans than any other breed of dog. Again the issue is not whether they are more likely to attack of not, the issue here is, are you willing to take the risk? No amount of testing a dog while it is a facility can determine what its future actions may be. Every time a pit bull attack is reported through the media the owner of the dog always confirms that the dog had no prior history of attacking anyone. When you are dealing with an unknown past of a dog that ended up in a facility like a shelter unclaimed by its owner there is probably a very good reason the owner decided not to claim the dog.
While there are reputable pit bull breeders doing a fine job or breeding the right qualities into pit bulls, the majority of the breeding done over the course of the last 30 years has been done for all the wrong reasons. Yes current breeders are taking the brunt of what was done in the past even though they are not responsible for others actions, but at some point the good of society as a whole must outweigh the desires of a few to own a very dangerous breed of dog. The motto: "punish the deed not the breed" is well past played out and it is time for society to make tough decisions before there is even one more pit bull attack.
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First it is okay if you don't understand where I was "going" with this article, I am fine with that.
No you can never guarantee the temperament of any dog because of what you don't know about it's past. That was exactly the point I made. If I were to adopt a poodle and it turned on me, I am pretty sure I would survive the attack though.
I clearly did not say that "all breeders" and I certainly didn't say they were ruputable.
I am happy for you that you love your dog and love the breed, but with 65-70% of the fatal attacks attributed to pit bulls, clearly something has gone wrong. Another fatal pit bull attack in lubbock texas yesterday an 11 year old boy. The idea of waiting until a dog has attacked someone and then punishing the owner is absurd.
I really enjoyed this article. It shows a deep understanding of the pit bull. I too, really love the breed, but I would not own one right now. My daughter has a pit bull who is an absolute joy to be around. I watched him for 6 months while she was trying to find an apartment out of state. For the first 4 months, everything was great. He was loving, comical and loved us all including all of my other animals which include 3 dogs and 3 cats.
Here's the BUT...I came in the door from shopping one day and found that sweet pit bull attacking my male German Shepherd mix. My shepherd is an older dog who had been abused for the first 4 years of his life until we rescued him. I will never know what happened to initiate the attack. You're right when you say it's almost impossible to stop the attack once it starts, but I managed to do it. His jaw was locked on my dog's head. My dog was on his back in the surrender position, but the pit bull wouldn't give. I sat on the floor behind him, put my feet on his butt, my hands wrapped around his collar and pulled with everything I had. His jaw released, but unfortunately took my dog's scalp partially off. He instantly stopped the aggression when I got him down. Yes, I was scared out of my mind that he would turn on me next, but he didn't. My shepherd got 20 stitches and is doing fine.
I guess what I'm saying is that in my experience anyway, pit bulls are pretty gentle with humans, but even the sweetest pit bull can be animal aggressive. I hate to think of what would've happened had I not come through the door when I did.
Yes, "pit bul" that is a classification of a dog that includes any MIX of an American Pit Bull Terrier, AmStaff, Bull Terrier, etc. These dogs tend to come from poor breeding, care, and health. They tend to be unstable dogs to begin will. I think that the hub would be much more accurate if you defined a "pit bull" in comparison to an American Pit Bull Terrier, as there is a BIG difference.
I do agree with the comment above that AMERICAN Pit Bull Terriers tend to be GREAT with people. They are loveable and comical dogs, but care must be taken when they are around other dogs and animals.
I bet that you didn't know that the APBT is the LEAST likely dog to bite? That they are used in search and rescue, therapy, military, and so many other great deeds anound the world. These dogs are trusting and people pleasures. They are one of the most intelligent breeds. For the most part it's all in how you raise, train, and socialize them. But, that's with every breed.
You never hear about the lab attacks but there are hundreds of them. Terriers killing babies, infants, and young children. Hounds. Retrievers. They all have the potential to attack and kill. And, no, you can't guarantee that you'll survive ANY attack whether it be from a poodle or a "pit bull," the classification as again not a breed! You can't condemn ANY breed for the acts of mix breed dogs, dogs of poor breeding, and dogs of poor health. Whether or not ANYONE can survive from an attack from ANY breed of dog depends on the individual person.
Also, I will admit that your statistic is correct, but within that 65-70% you include all your mongrels, bully mixes, purebred APBT,AmStaff,Bull Terrier, and any dog that is short haired and broad chested.
I meant to say that the statistic, also, includes any dog that is unrecognizable. It, also, includes, the reports of the media. Media gets a hold of a dog attack, and assumes it to be from a "pit bull," the statements are never retracted.
You must also consider the treatment of the dogs before the attack. I.E. little old lady gets attacked and killed by a "pit bull." That's what you hear on tv. What you don't hear is that the "pt bull" was abused, beating regularly, and starved. Now, if I were that dog, and the little old lady had a hot dog or something, I'd attack as well.
There is no scientific basis for the claim that Pit Bulls have been bred or even could be bred not to harm humans but to be aggressive only toward other dogs.
don't blame the dog, blame the owner, .....jimmy
A doggoned good hub!
Ralph the scientific evidence is from the journals of breeders who were breeding the dogs at the turn of the century when it was legal to fight these dogs. They really were very human non aggressive. The problem as I see it is that poor breeding habits by far less than qualified breeders in search of a quick buck have since allowed the trait back into the breed.
Jimmy I do blame the owners, but in many cases you hear about the family pet suddenly turning on a member of the family. I believe that in a lot of these instances it is just unfortunately a problem where the owners got a bad dog from a bad breeder that has bad characteristics. I also don’t believe that handling each case on a dog by dog basis is a solution to the problem. After the dog has killed someone it is too late.
Thank you William and thanks to your wonderful hub this one is getting a little traction again after many silent months. I am sorry that my comments on your hub were not clear that I was siding with you and not against you, but anyone who reads the entire hub will surly understand.
No need to apologize, Hoodala. Your contributions to my hub were forthright and knowledgeable and are very much appreciated.
I just want to say that pit bulls do not have "locking jaws" any more than any other dog does. Like you say, their jaws and musculature are structurally the same as other dogs. What I think you are getting at is many of the bully breeds are extremely DETERMINED animals, so if that dog thinks he should attack, he won't stop until the attack is over. But "locking" jaws really are a myth. Studies HAVE been done, though I don't have time to look for one now.
what about rottweillers, japanese akita's, preso canario, cane corsos and many more. do these dogs not have the potential to kill a human as much as a pitbull.
I have two pit bulls and they are the best ever.
They are the best ever what? Killers?
There is an element of unpredictability in the behavior of most animals in differing circumstances. The problem with pit bulls, dobermans, rottweilers and other big strong dogs, as hoodala pointed out, is that when they attack a child, adult or other dog the results are sometimes fatal and usually ugly. I don't recall hearing of anyone being killed by a pekinese, cocker spaniel, poodle or lab, but reports of fatal attacks by pit bulls and similar dogs are common, whatever the reason--bad breeding, bad training, or bad owners.
Lacretia--I wonder how you happened to choose the pit bull as a pet and why you decided to have two of them???
The results also show that when small dogs attack small children they can kill... what then... Where's your big bad dog data at that point? Cocker spaniels are the most likely dog breed to bite. Poodles are bad dogs; they're extremely jealous dogs, and have multiple reports of killing on injuring newborns after the parents bring home the baby. pekingese and other terrier dogs are the nippiest dog breeds that come. Ralph, we've discussed this. Just because you don't hear about the attacks, doesn't mean they don't exist. Read studies. You'll learn. You constantly bring up cocker spaniels. They are TOP on the dog bit list.
Lacretia- More power to you! I have an American Pit Bull Terrier and she's wonderful! I'd love to have another.
Hoodala- the breed is the best with kids, easy to train, intelligent dogs. They're not always a killer, and when you see things from a one sided view, you'll never have an open mind. Have you ever spent time with a bully breed dog? A well loved, trained, socialized, and cared for bully breed? Until you do, I don't think anyone has the right to claim them a bad breed. You can't base opinions solely from myths and media. The media is not always accurate, and they don't always retrack wrong statements.
Ralph, again, I'd LOVE to have multiple bully breed dogs in my house and sleeping in the bed with me. I haven't woke up with missing fingers or toes yet. Just bad gas and bad breath. Some kicking and major snoring, too, but nothing else. My cousin has TWO MALE Pit Bulls who live happily inside his home as a part of his family. Two unneutered males. Go figure. No fights; no attacks, just well behaved and well loved adult dogs. He's even considered adding a third, but decided that financially he didn't know if he could handle 3.
I don't doubt what you're saying. I'm willing to believe that the great majority of pit bulls, dobermans, et al, make great pets. It's the minority that worries me and how to tell which ones are okay and which ones to watch out for.
The ones in good homes are nothing to worry about. The majority of these dogs ARE in good homes.
I'm just curious why you persist to include dogs that are high rate biters when trying to make a point that you never hear about those dogs biting and attacking?
OKay Whitney, Don't you think it's time to give it a rest? If you don't I will tell everyone about your bad gas and bad breath.
Whitney said... "I haven't woke up with missing fingers or toes yet. Just bad gas and bad breath."
Whitney, did you mean "exclude dogs that are high rate biters." I won't argue with your statements about poodles or cocker spaniels, except to point out that I have never read in the newspapers about a cocker spaniel attack, let alone a serious injury or fatality. When I was a kid I can recall people being bitten and having to undergo rabies shots if the dog couldn't be caught and tested. But I don't recall any serious injuries, let alone fatalities despite the fact that dogs were allowed to run loose all over town. There was no leash law. Nor were there any pit bulls or dobermans or rottweilers that I can recall. There were German Shepherds, Collies, and other big dogs, but most of them weren't running around loose in the neighborhood. As I mentioned before, I had a cocker-springer mix who never bit anyone. And I don't recall reading about pit bull, rottweiler, presa canario, doberman attacks until fairly recently. I'm not sure why that is. I do remember hearing about people being bitten by German Shepherds who some people kept as guard dogs, usually in fenced yards and in their houses. Occasionally kids would tease one and be bitten on the hand through the fence. Dog attacks were not an issue in my memory growing up. Perhaps I have amnesia or early-onset Alzheimers!
I think PITS are great. You need to learn how to train them the right way. You got a PIT then teach them not to attack kids. This is to the idiots who think they know shit about animals.
Amber, You're a real scholar. Keep up the great work.
Amber will go far!
I think that this is one fight that will continue for many many years. I had a German Shepard when I was younger and I raised him from a puppy to about 2 years old. He NEVER attacked another dog, cat, lizard {occasionally tried to fight cayotes roaming in the woods, but that was over territory of course}. He did attack people though. He attacked room mates, and people on the street, he turned on my father and my grandmother {NEVER attacked me}. I had a pitbull when I was younger that we found on the highway as an adult. I was about 7, my step-brother was about 3 and my step-mother was pregnant. We had a rottweiler, 5 cats, a bunny, and tons of fish {step-mother was a vet, and couldn't help but rescue}. He got used to the animals in the house, but quickly became the alpha dog. He killed the poodle next door and tried to attack every dog that walked by. Now that I'm on my own, I've adopted a pit bull puppy from the shelter. He is extremely calm, and isn't aggressive towards people, or other dogs {big or small}. Now, I can't say how he will act years from now, but I am making sure to socialize him as well as I can, so that nothing bad will ever occur. Most of the time, these dog attacks occur because of various reasons. Not being neutered or spayed, females protecting their young, protecting their family, being threatened/hit, bad breeding {ie, brothers && sisters}, being abused, being introduced to fighting rings, not being trained properly, and not being socialized to other animals. It is the same thing with people in a sense. People that are abused as a child, or anti-social kids most of the time end up growing up and killing others, or abusing others. We are in a sense the strongest "breed" and therefore, when he commit an act of violence, we are bound to cause the maximan damage we can. Same with pit bull breeds. They were bred from the beginning to be muscular and strong, so when they commit an act of aggression, they do it with the maximum amount they can. I wish more people cared about pits enough to raise them correctly, but the sad fact is people don't care. People do horrible things just to get entertainment or some type of arousal. Those people need serious help. But the only thing the government can do is punish the animal, because they cannot "euthanize" bad people. They can't find the bad people, the people who are not right in the mind. These people fit in perfectly with society {why do you think it's so hard to find serial killers}. There needs to be an act that bans breeders and regulates ONLY reputable selected breeders. Instead of punishing the dogs themselves, the government and spca's need to regulate breeding of all dogs for that matter, and somehow maybe we can get all dogs back to being less animal and people aggressive {even though they never asked to be domesticated people don't ask they take and then never want to deal with the consequences}. I love my puppy and I am going to train him the be the best, non-aggressive, people/animal/thing/idea friendly dog there ever was, lol. I love APBT's and I don't want anything else to happen to them {I can't even visit Miami with my dog anymore and I don't travel without him!}. I hope something can be done soon about the pets in america. All dogs deserve owners, but not all owners deserve dogs. Good luck with all your pets and hopefully we can all make a difference one dog at a time.
By the way, I kind of doubt amber will comment back, but she is correct. You need to socialize any dog of any breed with children and peole of all ages, shapes, and colors. Children and babies look, smell, and act different, so dogs do not understand that they are still people. It is the owner's responsibility to train and socialize any dog of any breed. One should not throw accusations that people do not know anything about dogs who are defending these dogs or any dog.
The accusation had nothing to about Ambers knowledge of dogs, but you with your blinders on and completely narrow focus seemed to have missed the point once again.
Why can't I defend myself. You're a poor sport.
Ok, I'm going to try again. Maybe you won't delete it this time... What I was saying was that she seemed to accuse anyone that claims to know anything to be an idiot and know nothing. Which is not the case. I do agree that it takes training and socialization for any dog. Children are a different story as they smell different, act different, and sound different than adults, which is why dogs need to be socialized with chidren.
Cassandra F., just curious what attracted you to the pit bull at the shelter? What other breeds or mutts were available, and why did you decide on a pit bull after all the problems with the previous one that killed the dog next door, etc. Your family and you had a German Shepherd, Rottweiler and 2 Pit Bulls. What is the attraction of these particular dogs. Do you live in a neighborhood where you feel the need for protection? Or What?
Cassandra F., just curious what attracted you to the pit bull at the shelter? What other breeds or mutts were available, and why did you decide on a pit bull after all the problems with the previous one that killed the dog next door, etc. Your family and you had a German Shepherd, Rottweiler and 2 Pit Bulls. What is the attraction of these particular dogs. Do you live in a neighborhood where you feel the need for protection? Or What?
Same question for Whitney05 and lacrezia????
Just to let you know, there is equipment available to measure the jaw strength of dogs, and suprisingly, it does vary between breeds.
I'm not going to go into a whole spiel on this, but I just have two things to say:
jimmythejock is TOTALLY right that we should be blaming people for these problems, not the dogs (though Hoodala sort of gets to that with his pointing out of the way they've been bred more recently, which has been by bad people, for the most part).
Also, Ralph Deeds, I don't know why you refuse to believe this, but Human Aggression in dogs is very different than Dog Aggression. Any trainer or behaviorist, pro- or anti-pit bull will tell you the same. This is based heavily in fact. I'm very sorry that you choose to ignore it.
my pit bull puppy has begin to chew my house up i try and put it out sit and it nearly breaks my door down this is just a puppy, I have small kids do you think this will be a problem for me please send me an email at www.yahoo.com armstrongashley27
I own three pitbulls and they all have different tempermants and attitudes. I have got a tree climber, a playful fool, and a guard dog. I have had all of these since the age of 5 weeks. My guard dog made himself a guard dog, no one trained him that way. He was 5 weeks old, running to the door and barking when someone knocked, the louder the knock, the louder the bark!
I think that what's in a dogs blood line is already there and can't be changed, My tree climber had a mother that did the same thing, my playful fool had parents that were the same way. The way you raise your pit bull will determine what kind of dog it will be. I take extreme caution with my guard dog becasue thats the way he is and I love him enough to not let him be killed by animal control becasue I let him attack someone.
PUNISH THE DEED NOT THE BREED!!!!!
Just because you don't hear about small dogs attacking does not mean it does not happen . I was bit a few times growing up by dotsons and a cocker spaniel but I did not report it because they did not cause a lot iof damage . There are a ton of incidents like mine that are not reported but it does not mean they don't or have not existed . I am not for or against bully breeds but do believe their are a lot more bad owners then bad dogs . Any dog can be aggressive if given to the wrong handler . They may not cause the damage of a bigger breed but once again those stats are usually left out . I usually encounter worse experiences w/smaller breeds at the dog parks then the biiger ones mainly due to the fact that people believe their dog is too cute and may not be as assertive as they should be which usually results in the bigger dogs getting the blame .
Pitbulls are great pets. I happen to own three. My girl was an adult when we got her, I raised my male since a pup, and I love them so much that I kept one of their pups.
I have a 5 year old pit mix that I got from the county animal shelter when he was about 1 years old. I picked him cuz he had an extremely intelligent look to his face. However, he was my second choice. There was a full blooded fawn pit there that looked very handsome. He seemed very nice and let us pet him through the cage and licked our fingers. But on a second visit when we tried petting him again he snapped at us and growled and stared us all down.
After looking at everyone's comments and reading the original post, I think its safe to say that there are some pits out there that will definately bite people. But then there's also a lot that won't. It really depends on how the dog was raised and how well it was socialized. My dog was not well socialized with other dogs as a puppy and so he tries to be very dominant with other dogs he meets. However, when it comes to people, he seems just overjoyed to see them... even if they don't want to see him lol. As for all these pits you see attacking and killing folks in the news, you really have to look at how the dog was handled in the past. If these are dogs with no history of aggression that were properly socialized and trained how to behave, then I'd say there was a problem. But a lot of these attacks are made by dogs who's owners are irresponsible.
As part of the terrier group, these dogs have a lot of heart and can be pretty strong-willed. You have to know what you're doing if you have one. And as to the comment about the increased likelihood of a pit attack resulting in death or serious injury... well... maybe that's because the dog has a lot more muscle mass than a dog like a poodle. Its like comparing getting punched by a 5 year old boy vs. getting punched by a 30 year old man. The action might be the same but because of physical characteristics the 30 year old is going to hurt ya a heck of a lot more.
Ralph -
Just a quick note:
There ARE documented cases of Labs killing people, and at least ONE case of a cocker spaniel turning on and killing its owner. I used to have a great deal of trouble with the neighbor's cocker spaniel coming into my yard and attacking(!) my two APBTs when they were on their cable runs. Then the neighbor complained to the town council that MY dog's were vicious because they barked whenever her kids would walk past with the UNRESTRAINED cocker spaniel! [Not anymore though, the same neighbor who let their cocker run the neighborhood let their son burn trash in the driveway - and the house caught fire.]
I still have scars on my face caused by a tiny little Norwich Terrier that my cousin owned, who bit me when I was a teenager. My Dad had to get stitches once because a Chihuahua attacked his ankle while he was bicycling home from work. In both of those cases the attacks were UNPROVOKED.
OK FIRST OF ALL PEOPLE MISS WITH THEM AND TEASE THEM SO DONT BLAME THE PITBULL!!!!!!!!!
you said you cannot guarantee the temperament of a dog because you dont know its past???
Let me tell you something man. I own a Pitbull that I aqquired from a Pit rescue when she was 2. She had been on a chain her whole life and had no manners.
It took me all of 2 months to train her on boundaries with my kids (as jumping and rough play) and I still have her and she is the BEST DOG I have ever owned.
I can guarantee that she would never bite ANYONE OR ANYTHING. I take her out in public everyday so that people can see a well bahaved friendly Pitbull, and she has changed alot of simple minded peoples minds like yourself. I would trust my Pitbull in any situation. Also she is a therapy dog for elderly and handicapped children and they all love her.
So stop hating on the Pitbulls. You definitely DO NOT HAVE A CLUE as to anything about Pitublls.
I was searching for information for an essay when I stumbled across this. After I saw you insult lacretia's dogs I felt I should say something about what you said in your piece.
Now I bleive you said, "The temperament of a breed of dog can change very quickly over the course of just a few years..." So let the temperment change again. Help them to be the gentle animals they can be. All dogs, no matter what breed can turn on you, but with the right training and socialization they can be gentle, loving and most importantly, safe.
dnt forget the buster brown dog and the lil rascals dog were pitbulls,iys all in the upbriging.I live in the Bahamas and i have 8 of the most beautiful red pits around and whwn i take them on the beach they are an attraction,people love them,i have never had a discipline problem with any of my dogs,i have a 3yr old and he plays with all my pits.There loyalty is unmatched,they are NO RETREAT,NO SURRENDER for their masters!
I always read the same pros and cons on American Pit Bull Terriers and Mixes.We wont ever agree and im OK with that.Iown 1 purbred female and 2 mix males they love the kids horses cats and other people. If you dont like them stay off my property im on 3 acres so it shouldnt be to hard to stay away.Anywyays to each his own and to me my pit bulls .
you nit with the reason pitbull attacks are more fatal is not because they are anymore agressive it is because they are more agile and strong and use this against their opponent be it a cow a dog a small chil a grown man my point is that pitbulls are only more dangerous because of their strength and agility.
Pit bull fighting subculture spreading in Texas and northern Mexico according to the NY Times.
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If you took any other breed of dog and put them in the same situations as attacking pit bulls, you would get the same results. Yes, the pit bulls can be more dangerous because of their strength, but they're not the only ones. Take the Rottweiler. There was a rash of Rottweiler attacks in the 1980s and 1990s. Yet I don't hear you trashing Rottweilers or suggesting they should be banned. The point is this: the Number One thing these kind of breeds demand is RESPECT. Don't let kids manhandle pit bulls. Don't play tug-of-war or any other game that involves biting. Don't have them live with another dog of the same gender unless one of or both dogs have been neutered or spayed. DO get them acquainted with as many people as possible when they're young. If you are a responsible owner, you will end up with a friendly, reasonably sociable dog. I'm not saying you can make them into Labradors or something. After all, breed distinctions are breed dinstinctions. But you can make them socially acceptable just like any other breed.
Here's something to think about. We know that black people are very prone to criminal behavior. Suppose some nutcase comes forth and says that all black people are dangerous and suggested genocide as a solution. We'd all be horrified. Yet when anit-APBT activists say the same thing about pit bulls-that they are dangerous and need to be eliminated-nobody bats an eye. That's pure f**king hypocrisy. I've heard many anti-APBT activists go on about how they've been attacked or haved seen a loved one attacked. That's sad, but let me make this clear: I have NO SYMPATHY WHATSOEVER for people who turn genuine personal tragedies into idiotic sob stories in order to advance a foolish agenda. Jsut because you or your poor child got attacked does NOT give you the right to commit genocide against a breed and in doing so break the hearts of those who love and understand the breed. Who knows how many people have been psychologically scarred by having their totally benign pit bulls taken away from them by point-headed authorities pandering to fearful citizens. If you want to mess with our wonderful dogs, I suggest you go and BREAK YOUR F**KING NECK.>:(
if it wasnt for my pitbull i wouldnt have the side of my face or my arm...yes a golden retreiver...a loving family dog attacked me and i had 147 stitches on the right side of my face and 97 down my arm and my loyal lovable pitbull came to the rescue.and once he got him off of me and showed that he wasnt backing down once the golden retriever gave up my pitbull let him alone..hes a life saver.and as a obedience trainer and a researcher.id have to say its time for a history lesson.yes pitbulls were trained to fight in the 1800's not breed but trained to fight in war.against other dogs but were trained to never bit a human hand.and remember the only time they were to attack was for their masters protection. research and stastics show that 98.7% of pitbull attacks are ones that were neglected abused and fought. 97.5% of all other dogs including poodles are very well taken care of and loved family dogs are the ones to attack before loved family oriented pitbulls. also keep it in mind that a my weiner dog caused my 4 year daughter to get 5 stitches in her hand 2 years ago.and she was sleeping when it happened. And they both are very well loved dogs well taken care of. but id have to say with my own experience as a researcher and a obedience trainer pitbulls are the most loyal dog that you would ever come across.will do anything to please his owner. I myself would never choose anyother than my purebreed Rednose pitbull.(oh my goodness..did she say rednose...hurry up lets get the bsl involved her dogs gonna attack me and my kids and my animals..ha! get a grip people for real) just keep it in mind of the golden retriever and the weiner dog.so before you start talking about foolish nonsense make sure your up to date in the year of 2008 ok remember they were TRAINED in 1800's NOT breed for fighting
well it seems you have an issue with the pit bull. I say this, because you leave out sheperds, rotties and dobies.
I believe, if you do some more research, you will find that german sheperds and rotties have killed and mamed more people in the US, in the last 50 years than pit bulls. also most pittbull attacks do not end in death or permenant disfigurement. the majority of bites are no more intense than any other dog attack. you are using the few attacks that are media worthy to make your case. I believe your acting the same as the media outlets. if it is bad and shocking it is news worthy. if it is good then its hardly worth mentioning, and no one cares. if you truelly believe what you are saying about pittbulls, then you must also put sheperds, rotties, mastiffs and any other mid to large breed dog that if trainned to, could inflict severe damage to humans and animals. contrary to the beliefes of the ignorant. having a pitbull is not like leaveing a loaded gun un attended. last thing. all you seem to state are personal opinion. you have no real statistical information or studies to back those opinions. so stop acting like what you have said is fact. it is your personal opinion and conjecture. if you do the research you will find that it actualy disproves your theories.
good luck with you propoganda BLOG.
i have to say i too have a bully dog a german sheperd i would like to think he wouldnt hurt a fly but he is a dog you never know but i know he wouldnt he has been atacked by a pitbull and it was the most powerless ive ever been i could not get the pit off him the pit had him by the muzzle so my shep ripped himself away and split apart his nose bad but he was lucky he still alive two days later the pit got a hold of a little girls poodle in front of my house this time i ran outside picked the pit up by his back legs over my head he let go that poodle was lucky hurt but lucky next time i will kill it
Seriously, I am so ENTIRELY sick of people bashing on pitbulls... I know that everyone in the world cant agree on everything, but this is ridiculous. I used to work in an animal shelter and NOT ONCE did I ever come into contact with an aggressive "Pit Bull" I worked there for almost a year, and came into contact with more little dogs that WERE aggressive.. If I had a child I would put it near a Pit Bull before I EVER EVEN THOUGHT ABOUT putting my baby near a poodle or any other little dog for that matter. Pit Bulls can be aggressive in the wrong situation, but you need to UNDERSTAND THAT SO CAN ANY DOG!!! NO MATTER WHAT THE BREED IS!
I just do not understand why anyone would let that breed around thier children.
I know not all pitbulls are killers, but why would anyone even risk that breed being around a child.
doodashit dont hate on pits bitch
The point the originator was TRYING to make is ridiculous. It is the owner, not the breed. Most "pit bull" attacks are not pit bulls at all, but mere mixed breed dogs sharing pit bull features such as squared heads and stocky builds (i.e. Boxers, Cane Corsos, Presa Canarios, etc...) Also as a point of interest, Bully Breeds (lumping in American Pit Bull Terriers, English and American Staffordshires, American Bulldogs, etc...) CANNOT lock thier jaws. That is anatomically impossible! They merely have a game determination and drive to not let go. It is a testament to their will. I have owned APBT my entire life and currently have one in the house with my wife and 3 kids, ages 7,8, and 9. My dog has been nothing but loyal as have all of the other I have owned im ny time. They are the most loyal dogs I have ever come across. I am also an insurance agent specializing in homeowners insurance. I have come across many claims for dog bites in my day and not 1 has been a pit bull. Not to say they don't bite, I'm saying so do all the other breeds out there. Here's a factoid for you...every dog breed to have ever exsisted has bitten! Crazy huh?
comment to marie,
sorry to disagree with you but you endanger your kids life by excepting any kind of dog in your home not just this breed. and for all the rest of the pit bull haters, if you think pit bulls are "bad" and "dangerous" just to wake you up a little bit all DOGS can be "bad" and "dangerous" so instead of focusing on just this breed do some research on others i bet the results will shock you...
I learned to accept pit bulls in the 3 years we have lived near the beach and met several very docile ones. UNTIL- last week my bulldog was brutally attacked from behind while lying at my feet, on the ground on a leash. The attacker snuck up from behind- no leash or owner in sight- and savagely yanked my 60lb bulldog (with me in tow!) 6 feet away and "locked" on her neck for the kill. 5 strong men kicking, punching and pulling took long minutes to pullit off, only to have it relaunch in the fray and lock onto the other side of my dogs neck. It was a horrifying site. My dog will be fine- lots of puncture wounds. BUT had there not been 5 men there- I would have watched her be eaten alive. The owner? He came and got his dog after we left and refuses to talk with us, let alone pay our vet bills or acknowledge his dogs problem Animal control? they will pick up the dog ONLY if one of their officers sees teh dog out- whichit is daily- a neighborhood menace. Sad part: people are afraid to out the owner! So the blame the owner arguement is certainly valid. I am sick thinking that someones child or puppy will likely be killed ormamed if this dog is not put away. My can of mace is on the way- I'm scared to walk my dog now- that is so wrong!
I love pit bull lovers...Nobody is trying to prove a scientific theory here, where if you find an expection the theory is ruined. "I raise zebra's and lions in my back yard, I have yet to see a lion attack a zebra, so therefore I refuse believe your propoganda that lions are zebra killers". The simple fact is, if you take the popularity of a "breed" or classification of dog, their potential for severe injury and the number of cases where severe injury happens. Not bites, severe injury and death. You'll probably see pit bull "type" breeds at the top of the list, maybe it'd be rottweillers or dobermans 10-20 years ago, because those "aggressive" breeds were more popular back then. Now, Pit bull terriers are more popular, good and bad owners want these dogs more, breeders, good and bad, are making money selling good and bad dogs. So if someone here can think of a way to regulate bad breeders and bad owners and bad situation or identify every variable that goes into a pit bull attacks then more power to you...until then, we'll probably keep hearing stories of the baby who killed by the family pitbull without ever showing signs of aggression. Then you can all sing the, "not the breeds fault" song.
I've known 5 pitbulls in my life, all in small town WI (10k people or less). 2 were put down for attacking people on the side walk in their front year, which happened about 1 block from my house(they had a bad owner, some punk who though he was cool for owning "tough" dogs). My neighbors pit bull, who was a sweet dog, that I let my 10month old puppy play with, got off her leash and ran across the street one day and nearly killed a shelty (great owners, very responsible with their dog but it got off its chain) and the other was a girl at the pet store I used to go to, she was the store owners daughter and we started talking pit bulls and she, like people here, talks about how great they are and her dad has 5 of them out on the farm and never had a problem. I couldn't help to ask how she got the scare on her face from the top of her ear to the other side of her mouth and sure enough, when she was 3 she got to close to the dog's (pit bull) dish and it attacked. She went through a few facial surguries. The last story was in the small town I live in now, 2 pit bulls got out from a fenced back yard, in a nice neighborhood of a respectable couple (from my knowledge) and killed a pet bunny (any dog might do that, fair enough) and 2 family dogs, before they were caught a little while later. This isn't propoganda, these are facts. I'm sure someone could find out that the sun was in a certain ellipse and the owner let the dogs out potty 5 minutes later than usual and blah blah blah, excuse excuse excuse. Maybe those stories are just coincidence and its a coincidence I've never heard of a shepard or lab tearing some 3 year olds face up in the town I live in. As for the whole apbt vs staffordshir terrior vs the american staffordshire terrior, come on, their very very similar breeds with similar physiology, anatomy and temperments. God bless anyone who loves pit bull breeds, they do seem to be wonderful dogs, but they can be very dangerous dogs.
I have a full blooded male ABPT and a female Bullypit (half American Bulldog and half Pitbull). I also have a full blooded boxer (who I have recently seen them listed on some "dangerous" dog lists. I have a 9 1/2 month old daughter as well. My daughter can crawl over/under the dogs, pull their ears, stick her hands in their mouths, poke their eyes, bite their tails, and much more but they have NEVER tried to harm her...they don't growl, bark, nip, tense up...anything. They lie their and take it like I have TRAINED them to do. They don't chase strays, they cuddle with the neighbors cats, they don't hate the mailman, and they've never met a stranger. If my daughter is crying my pitts run back and forth from her crib to my door til myself or my boyfriend go into her room. If she goes near the stairs (even with a baby gate up) my female will lay down and block her path while the male comes and gets me to follow him. Tell me she is not safe?
Marie-you say not all pitbulls are killers right? What about labs? Or cocker spaniels? They bite more than pitbulls do. They have killed people as well. Are you not going to by your daughter that cute little cocker spaniel to play with..or that robust chocolate lab to run around the yard with your son? No. You wouldn't think twice about buying one--It's negligent owners that make vicious dogs.
Bears kill people... outlaw bears, go for guns, alcohol, and temperamental spanish women while your at it too
@Poster: If you want to have a compelling argument, cite facts, dont make them up.
its with any dog dogs and children should be supervised
i love pittbulls! i think it is the owners own fault if it attacks someone or something. when i was little i used to have a pittbull. i loved him so much. but it is still the owners fault cause of how they treated it. i mean id be mad if i was chained up all the time!
PIT BULLS HAVE A DIFFERENT METHOD OF ATTACKING.
THEY INSTINCTUALLY ATTACK TO KILL. NO MATTER WHERE THEY COME FROM, WHO RAISES THEM, OR THE DOGS PARENTS DEMEANOR,
THIS IS INSTINCT. JUST AS DOGS HAVE AN INSTINCT TO EAT,BREATH,RUN.
I HAVE TRAINED DOGS FOR OVER 25 YEARS. I HAVE BEEN AROUND MOST BREEDS. THE PIT BULL AND BULLY BREEDS HAVE A DIFFERENT INSTINCTUAL BEHAVIOR WHEN ATTACKING THAN OTHER BREEDS.
SOME PITBULLS ARE WONDERFULL FOR YEARS, BUT IF THEY ARE IN A FIGHT SITUATION,WHICH CAN BE INSTIGATED BY ANYONE,THEY WILL GO INTO ATTACK MODE WHICH IS TO LOCATE THE CAROTID ARTERY IN HUMAN OR ANIMAL.
I RECENTLY HAD TO USE A SHOVEL TO SEPERATE A PIT BULL FROM AN AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD BY PRYING THE PIT BULLS TEETH FROM THE SHEPHERDS NECK. THE PIT BULL THAT ATTACKED HAD NEVER DONE THIS AND THE OWNER HAD TWO LITTLE GIRLS THAT LOVED AND HUGGED THE DOG WHILE STILL HAVING THE BLOOD FROM THE AUSTRAILIAN SHEPHERD ON IT;S FACE.
I LOVE DOGS AND I LOOK AT THESE POOR ANIMALS AND THE ORIGINAL BREEDING TRAITS THAT WERE CHOSEN AS PITIFULL.THE IGNORANT BLOOD THIRSTY IMBECILES THAT ORIGINALLY BRED THESE ANIMALS WERE MENTALLY DERANGED.
BUT,WHO CAN BE 100% CERTAIN THAT A PIT BULL WILL NOT ATTACK, BECAUSE WHEN THEY DO IT IS ACCURATE AND DEADLY. I WOULD NOT OWN A BREED WITH THIS POSSIBILITY, MY CHILDREN, PETS AND FRIENDS ARE WORTH MORE TO ME.
Another pit bull tragedy in Michigan--Pit Bull kills 11-month old baby. http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200
Uncle recounts deadly mauling-- http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200
i would die for my am. staff. and he would die for me. i rescued mine from a fighting home, and he has never shown a bit of aggresion towards anyone or anything. he goes to the dog park 4 times a week, and plays with dogs ranging from 4lbs to 140 lbs. he is the sweetest, kindest, most cuddly dog ive ever known. i moved to another state because of my dog, and i think that they are all incredible. as far as the kids that get injured or killed from pitbull attacks, its thier dumb parents that leave them unsuperivsed with the dog.
I think that pitbulls and other known large aggressive breeds should be registered. I understand that there are people who have these dogs and they are lovable and sweet and wouldn't hurt a soul but 1) most people can not determine which are and which are before they get one and 2) most people dont know how how to handle (properly socialize and train) these animals. So I say better safe than sorry. If someone wants to own one they should be required by law to register the animal like a weapon and be told upfront that if your animal ever attacks anyone you will go to jail for 5 to 10 years no trial!
And for those of you who think that I am anti-pitbull think again. I have owned one - the same kind as the little rascals Pete. His name was Torro. I got him as a puppy 7 weeks old. He grew up with my other puppy, a shepard who was about 8 weeks old at the time we got Torro. I was a young adult, living with my parents and other family (from baby's to tots to young teens to adults) also lived in or frequented our multi-family unit, so he was used to being around lots of humans. But from a puppy he was overly aggressive when he played with the other puppy. And when they got to be about 8 months old we decided that the shepherd deserved a better life than being harrassed by Torro, and so gave the shepherd to a good home. (Yes Torro was only playing with him but his play was too rough for the shepherd.)
As Torro grew older he was always the Big Puppy with family. But he strongly disliked other dogs. We had a five foot fence all around our yard and Torro was never allowed to roam the yard without anyone being present with him. We felt we were taking all the right precautions to keep our Big Puppy safe and others as well. Until one day when he attacked a stray (mutt) and another day a short time later when he killed a neighbors dog (dob mix) both times while being walked on a leash. I saw with my own eyes my Big Puppy turn into something I never would have dreamed of: a snarling angry beast. It was horrifying. NOTHING made him turn either one of those dogs loose until he decided to do it (beating, pepper spray right in his nose, water NOTHING). All I kept thinking about was what if that had been a child!
I still love to see them. They are such beautiful strong muscled animals. But personally I dont think I would ever own one again. As much as I hated to do it, I gave Torro up. Humans themselves are unpredictable creatures and to say that anyone can predict for a certainty what any animal will do is in my opinion ludicrous. Yes all dogs can bite, a lot of dogs can maul, but as has been brought out time and time again, there are a few dog groups that can kill a human. This despite all efforts by the human to defend themself. Just the possibility of that outcome at the jaws of my dog is not something I want to have on my conscious.
I know this piece hasn't been commented on in a while so I hope this doesn't fall on deaf ears. I own a 15 month old pit mix that i got from a shelter at 8 months, he's awesome, much easier to train than my family's bichon frise and way more loyal. Like all high energy dogs they need to be exercised for about an hour of full on running every day. Most people don't realise this need when considering buying or adopting and most of the bad habits that "form over months" as far as temperment changes are as a direct result of the dog's needs not being met, ie rigorous exercise and consistent training.
What everyone here needs to realize is that there are more important things in the world to be expending your energy on than promoting a ban on pit bulls. In the end, you talking about- on average- 3 deaths by "pit bull" attacks yearly. If you do the math on how many dogs there are in this country you'll soon realize that your chances of dying by dog attack are sooooooo slim, you have a better chance of dying by slipping in the bathtub. So really while, yes it sucks if you are close to any of these attacks that do SO RARELY OCCUR, banning the "breed" in question is, on a scale of logic, lunacy in itself.
I own an american pitbull terrier and he is a stray that I found. We had him neutered and he has turned out to be a wonderful addition to the family. He lives with an older pug and he knows the pug is the boss.
I have done lots of research on this breed and have found that there are many more good pit bulls and less bad ones. If you are a first time dog owner, have little time in your hands, or a pushover, this breed is not for you. If you have many other pets and a small space, this breed is not for you either. This breed was created to be a fighter. That is why it is called a "pit, hence fighting in a pit," but it also gives him the drive to never give up. Re-directing the never give up attitude to someting positive (like swimming, agility, catch frisbee) will lead to a happier and calmer pet. Do remember, pit bull breeds love humans, but must always be supervised with children and smaller pets. Their play can be too hyper and a play bite or strong push can cut skin and be confused with an attack.
Also, an adult pit bull type dog, regardless of how friendly it is with other dogs, can spark a fight with any dog for the most insignificant reason at any given time. Pointer dogs hunt, hounds chase, herding dogs herd, and pit bull dogs can fight. Yes, not every pit bull dog will want to ever fight, but as pit bull owners, it is our responsibility to ensure our dogs do not get in trouble. It is called giving them training, lots of exposure to the outside world, patience, care and loving LEADERSHIP and yes, not running free in dog parks.
The love of a pit bull dog or any breed of dog, for that matter, is the best love a human can receive. They never judge you no matter how many flaws you have. They only want to love, be loved, and make you happy.
By the way, looking at the big picture, it is not pit bulls killing humanity, it is humans killing humanity. Humans are the best killing machines, not pit bulls. So, what shall we do about humans? Long live the Pit Bull type dog.
We just have another fatal pitbull attack in Ft Lauderdale, it's the fifth just this year that is reported in the media, one little dog killed another fighting for his life and a 25 year old lady that will need plastic surgery on her face.
Because this breed is ban in Miami/Dade County, they don't have any cases to report now a few miles away in Fort Lauderdale/Broward county we have 10 or more of this cases every year, and the pitbull owners interviewed never know what to say other that the regret what happened. Now I don't think the matter is for people in a blog to discuss, like any other matter issue with deal in this Country there's always people in favor and against. But this issue is in my opinion and after all the evidence and statistics it's just for the Authorities to do something about it. They have to stop this series of pitbulls attacks, enough with the pitbull lovers rethoric
Isnt it true that when a dog attacks, any owner will say "they have never done this before". I dont see the purpose of Pit Bull haters pointing that out. Yes, Pit Bull owners will say their dog has never been aggressive, but what they DON'T tell you is how the poor dog was abused, or chained up all of the time. When I watch the news about most family Pit BUll attacks, if you look closely at the surroundings, it is usually the ghetto, and you can usually see the big dirt filled circle where the poor dog has spent its life.
If you have never rescued an adult Pit Bull, then how do you have any knowledge about what they can and will do? I do have a rescued Pit Bull, and she IS the best dog my family has ever had. She was temperament tested (like the SPCA does on animal planet) and this dog would never hurt a soul (animal or human).
That is a fact, not hearsay.
IMO, a pit bull is like a loaded gun. All the fire power to destroy any life which it deems a threat, human or not. You fail to secure a loaded gun, "accidents" will happen. I think there should be laws in place to control the ownership of pit bulls and confine it to people who prove themselves to be responsible. In my area, there are cities that have banned pit bulls completely. However, it is becoming the trend of young people with the "gangster' mentality to own pit bulls. There have been many attacks reported, and recently, my own dog was nearly killed by my 18 year old neighbor's pit bull that got loose when we were out for a walk.
A Pit Bull is only as dangerous as IT'S OWNER makes it.I am a vet tech and I have worked with dogs for years, and I have to say that the Pit Bulls that come in our office are very sweet dogs. Only once have I saw a mean Pit Bull. And that was walking down a street in my neighborhood, it was owned by a thug black guy that doesnt take care of it.Good owner=good Pit BullBad owner=bad Pit Bull.It's not rocket science folks!
Why is it that all of the pitbull apologists have such a hard time reading and writing?
I just had an altercation with a loose pitbull--I got off easy--two sprained wrists from being thrown to the ground, some abrasions, but no bites--the owner interceded in time. It was about t he scariest thing that ever happened to me. Why would anyone be attracted to this type of dog that is capable of doing so much harm--if not to intimidate others? You want affection and companionship and like big dogs? Then I'd recommend a lab. To me, having a p.b. especially unrestrained, is like carrying a loaded weapon.I'm a dog lover. When I used to own a chihuahua,kids would always come up to him to pet him. Some asked "Does your dog bite?" My husband always replied "All dogs bite, given the right circumstances." When a dog feels threatened, it will try to bite. At issue is how much damage a dog bite can inflict. And it's proven that a pitbull can inflict the maximum damage.
This report is so bi est! It is people like you that feed the media. The only reason they report it is because people like you will eat it up. You claim that this breed is one of the worst, yet you feed into the slaughter of their kind. Do you like the labradors? German Shepherds? Pugs? Thanks to you they are all being killed for no good reason, taken from their homes, happy?
If you claim"When a pit bulls instinct to attack kicks in, it knows to go for vital areas of the face and neck." Every dog has an attack instinct and unless you train it, a pit bulls is not far from other breeds, lower than Cocker spaniels and Labradors. All animals know the vital points, it is the same on all living beings.
Still do not believe me? Pit bulls are used as rescue dogs, guide dogs, guard dogs for children. No? Helen Keller had a pit bull. Do you think she did not accidentally hurt it? The little rascals dog. Attacking children?
So go ahead, delete this. Deprive the public of the knowledge that Pit Bulls are not viscous killers, humans are. And I'll be damned if dogs killed more people than people kill people. Why don't we execute that race too?
stop breeding killing machines u fucking retards, and stop letting them near children!!!!! Problem sorted
I know that it's about the individual dog and it's training, but the truth is that they CAN be dangerous around children. I have no problem with someone keeping a pit in their own home or even on a leash, but those who insist on letting them roam to "prove that they're not dangerous" are ruining it for the rest of the responsible pit lovers.
The truth is that pitbull CAN be dangerous. I have a scar on my left forearm to prove it. I was taking a walk through my neighborhood last year with my infant son strapped in a carrier on my chest. We passed a pitbull who was roaming around in someone's front yard minding his own business. As I passed on the street, I turned to look at the dog, thinking it was pretty. I was shocked as it lunged at my chest, apparently trying to attack my baby.
I turned sideways to protect my son, and it bit my arm and wouldn't let go. I was absolutely terrified and I thought it would kill us both. I could barely fight back with my child strapped to me. Luckily the owner was home and ran out hitting it with a stick to get it off of me. She claimed that it had NEVER showed any aggression towards a human before.
It was the owner's fault for letting it loose in a neighborhood, but I have to suffer the permanant damage. A lifelong dog lover, I am not terrified of pitbulls. Logically, it's wrong to blame the breed, but it's easy to say that until your child is attacked by a dog that had never before shown any sign of aggression.
Wow, I am reading old comments. I am a teacher in a title one school with children from really poor backgrounds. I don't really worry about the children as much from people who make informed choices and take necassary precautions when owning a potentially dangerous breed. There are plenty of kids living with PB's where the owneres are neglient. I worked in one of the poorest neighborhoods in town where kids literally shrieked and ran from any stray dogs. They were used to being chased and possibly attacked. I saw them nearly everday along side the road and being a dog lover and somewhat knowledgeable could identify most as Pit-bull mixes. These kids showed terror when speaking about the stray dogs in their run down neighborhoods. I talked to kids about safety aroumd dogs and had plenty of kids tell me about the Pitt-bulls they own. I was careful not to express my opinion too overtly but cautioned them to stay clear of little fluffy when he was eating and don't be alone with more than one at a time, also don't play agressively with them especially when alone with the animal. You don't do that with any breed BUT again being nipped in the butt by a poodle while playing(Cocoa minature 30lbs. poodle 1972) was different than having my arm or lips ripped off. Anytime a newborn or helpless baby is involved all animals must be watched... even toy breeds have been known to kill... but a toy papillion is not killing a 5 or 15 year old. It's common sense!
The problem here is that people are judging an animal without the proper information about the dog. The dogs are brought up to please humans. So if the human wants the dog to be tough or mean that is what the dog is going to do. Get more information before speading the wrong information.
really dont like pitbulls, its more like a weapon rather than an animal. Ofcourse you owners like ur bull's, but once it attacks someone, u cry that it never happened before, ..., who gives a fuck, it happened now...
In my opinion I love pitbulls and I would prefer one to most other breeds...He is always around people as for kids he is very gentle and playful with them...he is always around a 6yr old. a 4 yr. old and a 5 month old baby and never once showed any aggression to them.
I would say anyone wanting to post comments on these types of dogs should only do so after spending time around them I have worked for months at my local shelter as a foster, and rescue cordinater and out of the 10 pitbulls I have fostered only 1 has ever shown any people agression, and that was towards a stranger who was yelling at my girlfriend in our yard all of the dogs I have now come from backgrounds where they were abused or neglected. and I would not hesitate to leave any of them alone with children or strangers these dogs are loyal loving and intelligent they will put up with horrible abuse from their people and still die to protect them. that is what has gotten the breed into so much trouble if you want a happy friendly, nice dog thats what they will be by the same token if you want a crazed attack dog that eats your neighbers they will be that dog they are so much more people orriented that it does all come down to the owner my dogs are an ambassider for the breed they are people and animal friendly because I have made them so and for a pitbull their owners wishes are all that matter so if the drug dealer down the street wants his dogs to fight or attack poliemen thats what they're going to do these dogs will change with their owners more so then other dogs just because a dog has been owned by someone who is an idiot and using it for the wrong reasons the dog if given to someone else can change completely
Whitney05 is a fucking mongrel breed herself. Incapable of understanding the real problem. Hoodala clearly said in his first post, it isnt the frequency of attacks being the main issue. Its the severity of the attacks. He also said that Pitbull supporters always seem to want to refer to the frequency of attacks and blind to the higher fatality of the pitbull attack. Then along comes Whitney05 and pretty much confirms his story.
Hi wow I hope that one day pit bulls become extict!
Pitbulls are extremely dangerous and vicious! 3 of them broke into my yard and chewed my poor dog to shreds! Her lungs collapsed, and has multiple bite marks all over her body!
Plus one time a Pitbull was chasing a little nine year old girl down the street, and my dad had to go help her! So you can't say that all Pitbulls are friendly!
They are also known as the worlds most dangerous dogs! So I'm not even relatively close to believing in any of yall.
I think the one fact most people have stated is that any breed of dog can act unpredictably. I'm sure everyone would also agree to the fact that it is scientifically impossible to fully predict the behavior of any animal.
This being true, I suppose the question is: if you are going to have an animal live in your home, and accompanying you in public, how effective at inflicting injury would you want that animal to be?
People's opinions will differ, due to their wide range of experiences and influences. For example, if I had to choose a bomb that I would keep with me at all times for 10 years, that had a one in 10 million chance of going off, despite the odds, I'd still pick a small one...but that's just me.
a pitbul (on a lead) killed my 9mnth old cat id kill that dog if i could
ive had german shephards my whole life and when my stepdad put my last one down when i was 16 it broke my heart. i just recently been able to open my heart again 2 another dog n i chose to get a pit. i got her at 8 weeks. shes now 8 months and the most amazing dog i could ever ask for. she has an amazing temperment is real sweet and polite. doesnt bark much. plays with my 3 adult cats and the kittens when they were around. shes extremly gentle and all around a big baby. she sleeps in bed with me even tho she has her own bed. i wouldnt trade her for the world! the chances of her biting someone are slim 2 none. heck ill bite you before she does! ive never had anything against pit bulls but i used to believe like alot of people that they are mean guard dog type dogs. NOT TRUE. i think if alot of people would open their eyes and see this breed for what it really is they would see that pits are amazing dogs. :) my milla is the best dog a girl could ask for and everyone i know that has met her knows this to be true!
No matter what, it is the responsibility of the owner to train and properly socialize their animal. Does it mean the dog will never bite? No, it simply mean being responsible and doing everything you can to prevent dog bites from occurring. Don't EVER leave children unattended with dogs (any breed), no matter how familiar the dog is. That is irresponsible of the owner and the parent. Don't let your dog off leash in public..you never know what may frighten your dog. Play it safe people. BAN THE DEED NOT THE BREED. You know most of these dog attacks that we have read about happen because a HUMAN was negligent, not the animal!! Keep it real, the truth is that HUMAN OWNERS at all times should be help accountable for their dogs actions. My Pit is very loving and loves other animals and children, but would I leave him alone with another animal or child? NO...because that can simply be an accident waiting to happen. Sending a child to play in a neighbors yard with a pit bull is another STUPID irresponsible act of the owner and the parent. Wake up...its not the dogs fault..it is the owners fault...we seem to keep forgetting that. I take full responsibility for my animal. I would never take him off leash in public or put him or anyone else in dangerous situations.
All dogs can be loyal loving and totally socialized, however, changes can frighten an animal and make them misbehave. BE RESPONSIBLE.
There is no such thing as a 'bad' dog,,just 'bad' owners!!!
Pit Bulls Are great dogs if you train them right i have a Pit Bull Named Toaby. he is a great dog and he has never tried to bite anyone or hurt anyone he is great with all Children and a just great dog. Do not Put Pit Bulls Down!!
its not the pitbulls that are a falt its the people that care for them so punish the person not the dog i have a wrotwiller and a pit bull and thay are not mean dogs
A good pitbull is a dead pitbull. Im sick of pitbull fanatics who are all either stupid or in denial. And i'm sick of the argument "its the owner not the breed". You are wrong, it IS THE DOG. Guns don't kill people, people kill people.. However this argument does not apply here. The problem is not the dog when it is with the owner but when it is left unattended or i gets loose. So maybe the dog is very sweet to you and to your kids, but really WHO CARES!! the issues is how they behave with strangers and how they behave on their own. Have you heard of the countless attacks that have severely injured or killed people? Or is it a conspiracy theory? Yes, you are in denial. And the other argument i'm sick of is that the "majority" of pitbulls are good dogs. I dont care if the "majority" WERE actually good dogs, there is no reason why should stand by and allow innocent children and adults to continue to be attacked for the sake and pleasure of a few who enjoy owning aggressive dogs. Nobody goes out to buy a pitbull because they are "sweet dogs". They buy pitbulls because they want a dog that will protect because they are secretly in fear and need of protection, or because they flat out enjoy owning an aggressive dog. If this is not the case, then why not choose from any of the other countless breeds of dogs? The appeal of the pitbull is how aggressive they are, or how agressive they can be when you want them to be.
AS the owner of a American pit bull terrier and a Rottweiler I know that these dogs are great with children in fact they are very protective of them...what you and the media are doing to the name of the pit bull type breeds is terrible.I am physical proof that those dogs are great I've had those kinds of dogs around me since i was born and I have never been hurt by one In my life but i was attacked by a beagle and you don't see me trashing the breeds name on the internet
PIT BULL IS VERY GOOD DOGS,AND VERY NICE DOG!!!I have a dog who is 7 months, was aggressive, and that's ok!
I'll I have to say: I won't own any other breed, but the APBT....if it were the only dog breed in the world....there would be no discussion.....period!!!!
not all pitbulls r mean it how u treat the dog the way the owner is to the dog not all pits r mean there r loveable pits dont blame it all on the pitbulls there put through hell every day people put them in fights for money most ppl leave there pits on the side of the road so they have to fight for there life n the dnt trust nothing or no one if people treated pitbulls better we would have les pitbull attacks there are other dogs that have acttaked ppl before n they dnt give a shit about them its not fair for pitbulls at all or for the humans that get attacked but if we treated them better they wouldnt be like that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I understand this is not a new thread. but my comment is this: if a pit bull that is poorly trained and handled attacks another dog in an uprovocked attack? Should that particular dog be euthanized? Why wait for it to attack again?
This is all bullshit i have a pitbull and a mix breed dog and my pit is scared of ever thing hes alomat 160 pounds but still wants mommy when it rain but the other dog if you even out a hand over the fence without permission she take your hand off...it not the breed it the personality of the dog...they all have total differnt ones you need to find a dog that you fix together...
i have raised a pit bull since 4 wks old. he just turned three last month. inside dog always. while laying my head on him on the couch, when i went to get up, he nailed me, eleven stiches in the face. had to start beating him. i have never spanked this dog, always treated him like a king. he turned on me. so you owners dont kid yourself, it will happen to you next
My son has a pit bull that he raised from 5 weeks old, I love the dog he is sweet to me and my son and daughter-in-law. My son did not ever fight with it, however it has killed a neighbors dog and injured 4 others. My son and daughter-in-law are having a baby in October, my son will not get rid of the dog. He says it will stay outside. I need him to get rid of the dog. After looking at some of these sites I don't feel safe. Any suggestions? Lnow of any homes for a dog like this?
wow, 'whitney' way to samefag your way with the same incorrect points through the whole comment section.
You're a disgrace who breeds violent dogs.
This article as so shortsighted its not even funny. You dont even take into consideration that out of the big breeds that have been banned in the past, APBT's have the 4rth or 5th strongest bite not even close to number 1. Its also not fair that this breed is attractive to shady people that would look to profit from its natural strength and willingness to make its owner happy. Not to mention the people who dont understand the breed and in this cant properly train one. I agree that these dogs should be licensed and breeders should look at least a little bit into who they are seeling these pups too but to eliminate the breed as a whole for a good handful of attacks is criminal and barbaric.
well i just broke up a fight betwwen my pitbulls its the son and the father the father is 4 years old the son is 13 months old all be cause my newphew was messing with the dogs so they got into it and ive dealt with the breed for 15 20 years and not 1 time did my dogs attack a child or another dog yes like i say it the people not the dog
"If you took any other breed of dog and put them in the same situations as attacking pit bulls, you would get the same results."
Not true. All racing greyhounds are forced to live in cages, they are often abused and starved, they are given very little training and vitually no socialization. Many greyhounds are adopted at several years of age and have never seen another breed of dog or a human child. They do not kill 15-20 people a year like pit bulls do. Fighting dogs have been bred to fight for no reason, to attack without warning, and to continue attacking no matter what. Other types of dogs do not do that. So I really don't care if most of them make great pets. Virtually all dogs of other breeds make great pets, are not genetically dog aggressive, and don't kill over a dozen people a year. The smart person and polite neighbor chooses one of those breeds, not a pit bull.
Pits are rotten. They shouldall be exterminated. A pack of them killed my aunt. Anyone that defends them is stupid as hell.
i think all pit bulls should be banned the damage they do to people and other animals when attacking is terrible.i watched a program last week and two pit bulls were attacking a german sheapard that poor dog wouldnt have stood a chance.
pit bull owners take on a huge liability, for the sake of ego. They are unpredictable, always. It's like a different species. I will continue to hunt them down and kill them....
You can read pit bull enthusiasts who have written that pit bulls are less likely to attack humans than most other breeds of dogs. you see pitbulls are what you make them to be. not what you expect them
I think, by now, anyone with an ear to the ground would know that pits are very dangerous and a huge liability to the owners. Owners always beleive their pit won't attack, until too late. Here's an irrefutable fact....they chose that breed of dog, over so many others, for one reason, ego. There is a common thread in these owners, lack of self esteem. I've taken matters into my own hands and now 'bait' local pits so I can gut them. The owners were even present, but what could they do. I also carry a Bersa 380, just in case. Only two so far, but I've only started hunting them in the last 3 months. This is war people, and I'm much more dangerous that any pit.
Ramon, you are very, very wrong. Pit bulls have killed more people in the last 50 years than all other dogs combined by a wide margin. This is not a recent problem, but it is getting worse. Please try doing actual research instead of pretending your opinions and wishes are realtiy.
For Jacob Stuckley, you are also wrong. There is another breed of dog subjected to abuse and neglect far more widespread than pit bulls. Racing greyhounds. Please check the stats on greyhounds and see how they compare to pit bulls. The majority of pit bulls that attack are pets, not fighting dogs. Many pit bulls that have mauled and killed were raised right, were trained, were loved, were neutered/spayed - but they still attacked. Some pits were abused and never attack. Its called genetics - in the nurture v. nature argument, nature wins out when you speficially breed animals to have certain, predictable traits.
are you pb haters so far up your own asses you cant see that your being scared into thinking the only option is killing them off how about you learn more about the animal before you just say get rid of it lets kill all prisoners as well and sharks etc anything or one that we can blame as a whole hmm u guys r fuckn retarded
I admit some of the bully breed are damaged, this is because of poor breeding standards in cases of breeding for direct sale to make a buck or breeding for a fighting blood line, anyway you look at it, stupid a** people are to blame.
My 13 lb. dog and I were waiting to cross the street. When I looked to the right to check traffic, I saw a pit-bull rushing us from behind my right shoulder. She went right for my dog and grabbed him by his front leg. I was able to snach my dog away before the pit got a good grip. The pit then started to attack me. I used my left hand to stop it and got bit. I used my left elbow and that got bit. I held my arms close to my body and every time it jumped and snapped at my face, I pivited to the left and used my right knee against it's left shoulder to knock it away. This unprovolked attack continued for about a minute. I noticed a car pulling up and the back door opening. I gave the pit my strongest bump with my knee which knocked it off balance and onto its side, giving me time to jump into the car.
I modestly propose that all pit-bull owners be hung from the neck until dead and then fed to their "friendly" doggies who would then be hung. Keep a good thought.
Lots of comments here. I've seen a Pit share its bed with 4 cats and a Pit who got loose from its owner attacked a kid causing serious injuries. Then last weekend while hiking with a buddy a Pit charged us with 3 mutts behind. Public park area and so-called responsible owners not around. But it was the Pit as the aggressor lunging within inches but we did not flinch. While I usually carry defense I had nothing this time as visiting from out of state. Eventually dogs backed down and ran back to their oblivious owners. But so much could have gone wrong -- what if we flinched, what if we brought along the wife's new puppy or what if I brought
something for target practice? All were considerations and outcome likely would have been different. So an attack was avoided this time but I'm not taking chances on the next. If I don't win then I will win in court.
Pitbulls have been bred to be attack dogs; its simple genetics. Owners who claim that they're sweet or tame or deluding themselves: pits are a timebomb waiting to go off. The sooner these breeds die off, the better we'll all be. Want protection? Buy a gun. A gun won't roam your neighborhood killing other dogs and kids.
Whitney05 Level 2 Commenter 4 years ago
I'm not really sure where you're going with this article... :-/ are you for or against "Pit bulls"? Remember that 'pit bull' is a classification of a group of dogs not a breed.
Also, in regards to adopting a 'pit bull,' when adopting any dog not just a bully breed dog, you can't 100% gaurantee the temperament and past life. I personally believe that there is one owner for every dog, and the reason many dogs surrendered to shelters is because the owner could not understand the dog or take enough time to properly fix the problem behaviors.
And, you really can't say that all breeders for the past 30 years have been breeding for viscious dogs. In most cases, many breeders just sell to the wrong person. Those breeders are not reputable, anyway. Usually their dogs are not a true American Pit Bull Terrier.
-parent to an APBT, lover of the breed, advocate to the breed... I will die with an American Pit Bull Terrier at my side... (and no, not to the cause of one.)