[Gemstone]

http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html

This kind of goes with the breed discrimation thread on the general board, but I didn't want to hijack. I thought it would be fun to test your knowledge. How many people can correctly identify the pit bull?

I have to admit it took me 3 tries.

6 tries and I got lucky because after 3 I just started clicking away. I've never heard of some of those dogs.

[therealme]

god that wasnt as easy as i thought is would be....... took me ages

That answer was definetly surprising to me.

[(JD)]

Hi Gem! While that site is interesting, it too, is misleading IMO. The heritage of the American Pitt Bull includes many of those that are also pictured. The "American" Pitt Bull is not a pure breed. IDK if the documentation against ownership of pitt bulls is reserved for "American" only...but the entire "breed."

See similar photos of pitt bulls (as in the above site) and heritage of the breed.

http://www.pitbullregistry.com/pitbullpictures.htm

http://www.pitbullregistry.com/index.html

http://[http://www.pitbullregistry.c...%20History.htm

I lived by someone with a pitt bull for many years, and the dog was sweet unless he saw a stranger, then he was very difficult to control

[Gemstone]

The APBT is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, unlike the closely related breeds the American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier (commonly also refered to as pit bulls). It is, however, recognized by the United Kennel Club.

"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. "

Above is From the UKC Site http://www.unitedkennelclub.com/RegistrationBreeds.htm

I've had quite a bit of experience with pit bulls (and the dogs commonly mistaken as pit bulls). I think it all comes down to good leadership. All dogs have the ability to be agressive or not agressive, it is all in the leadership it is given. I have fostered many bull-type dogs and have never had a human or dog agressive one.

I don't really think the test is misleading at all. Although some of the breeds are related, they are not "pit bulls". It would be the same as giving a pick the lab test and including newfoundlands, chessies, and flatcoated retrievers.

Just My opinion though.

[radio_flyer]

I have to admit, it took me several tries to find the pitt. I even have a pit bull living in my basement apartment.. But then I think the new pug is really a puppy Bullmastiff because he is so big. lol.. Goes to show what I know.. grins

Oh I have to say that I am not a fan of Pit Bulls.. I don't like them. I am sure there are owners of these dogs that swear by them. I just do not trust them. They are unpredictable. But then most large dogs can be unpredictable. The difference is Pitts can do more damage when they attack. Actually any large dog when attacking can do a lot of damage. Just seems in the news that Pits are breaking through windows to attack kids or strangers.. I think the breed should be banned in USA.. Just MHO

[Gemstone]

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I think the breed should be banned in USA.. Just MHO

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This is pretty upsetting. What do you think would happen to the dogs if they were banned in the US? If they did this it would mean a mass round up and then execution most likely. It would like ethnic cleansing, imo.

I don't think that is very likely to actually happen, but it is pretty upsetting for me to think about.

One of the first rescues I ever had was a pit. He was one of the sweetest dogs I have ever had. His previous owner had bought him as a guard dog and severely abused him when he wasn't able to do the job.

IMO, there aren't bad dogs, just bad people.

It actually used to be a popular family dog in this country. The dog from the Little Rascals comes to mind.

[skittles]

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Gemstone said:
IMO, there aren't bad dogs, just bad people.


I totally agree

[radio_flyer]

I guess I sounded pretty harsh with my comments. I would never ever want mass execution of Pit Bulls. Like I mentioned, the students renting the basement apartment have a Pit. Actually, he is very beautiful. He isn't huge like I thought Pits were. I am afraid of him and have no desire to make friends or even pet the Pit. He can smell my fear and therefore would take advantage of the situation, meaning I prob would be hurting pretty bad should he attack..

You hit the nail on the head saying "bad" or wrong kinds of people own these dogs. And many of the dogs are even abused by their owners. I think only a few select "people" should own these dogs. Because most people don't know how to control or train Pits. Pits in the wrong hands do give the breed a bad reputation.

I have read where a Pit has broken through car windows to get to his victim and tore them up pretty bad. Even read where a family with 2 Pits, broke out of the fence and attacked dogs and kids. The handyman we know, well his wife was attacked by a Pit. So many stories. Enough to make me want to keep as far away from Pits as I can get.

It seems there are more "wrong type of folks" owning these dogs and for the wrong reasons. Which to me means, I am danger. This then causes me to be fearful of Pits. Is a healthy fear IMHO....Because you never know....

You are right about there aren't bad dogs, just bad people.. There are just enough "bad people" breeding and raising these dogs giving them a bad reputation.

I will have to check that out about the dog from The Little Rascals. I had no idea he/she was a Pit. I would be very surprised if this is true.

[Gemstone]

Sorry if my response to you was harsh. I am very passionate about dogs, and I get upset about breed bashing because of the rescue work I do.

It doesn't really take a special person to own a pit, anymore than it takes someone special to own any larger / stronger dog. Its really mainly the people that get them. People get them as guard dogs and they are terrible guard dogs. They are very strong though so if trained the wrong way they can do some serious damage.

Here is a link with some info about Petey from the Our Gang / Little Rascals.

http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/pete.php

[radio_flyer]

Hi Gemstone...

Your response wasn't harsh. Just showed your compassion for all dogs. And I think it is wonderful that you do rescue work... I do believe I am the one that came across harsh, and I am sorry..

Well, looks like your right about the dog being a Pit on Little Rascals. Goes to show how much I know about dogs. I always thought that dog was soo cute..

I guess I should read up more on Pits. I am not the type of person that could ever have a Pit for a pet. And I will always keep more than a safe distance from them.

The students that rent the basement won't let their Pit run in the back yard for fear it will get out and hurt someone. They always keep him on a leash when outdoors. For safety reasons. I don't know... For me, I'd rather own a dog, being large or small that was more friendly towards people other than their owners...

Come to think of it, my German Shepherd wasn't always that friendly towards strangers. He had to check out folks first, before he would let them pet him.. And he was huge and not many wanted to get close enough to pet him..

I dunno... I guess the answer falls under how any dog is raised and/or trained. Heck, I flunked doggie school. The instructor kept yelling over the loud speaker, you are in control, not the shepherd. And he was still a puppy then. I think Big Bear really was the boss, and he let me think I was. He was a giant sweetie and very smart.. Maybe even smarter than me.. He never harmed anyone. Although he did chase a few folks out of the back yard. Other than that, one of the best dogs I ever had. And Shepherds once had a reputation of being "baby killers".. thinks cats had that reputation too. Oh dear, going off topic here...

[(JD)]

I do think there are "bad" dogs in the sense that the breeding for "badness" has beed done for so long, it has become part of their instincts?

Another part of the problem perhaps is that many ppl own dogs that must be considered pitt bulls and dangerous, just because they don't have paperwork to prove they aren't pitt bulls.

i got it in one guess, Gemstone. guess i really miss Butchie .

we can debate pitbulls til the cows come home and try to prove this and prove that.........then we could debate labs, golden retrievers, dalmations, german shepherds, rottweillers, dobermans, beagles, all terriers, etc. etc.

i thought the test was great fun. i really looked carefully and i just saw Butch standing there. those really big muscular ones didn't fool me as most pits aren't THAT tall.....

the more we educate people about all dogs, the better people will have dogs.

the press is going to take anything the least bit sensational and run with it. i'm not discounting the attacks or the deaths. i feel horrible about those. but i think certain dogs get way more press due to the way the "idiot owners" handle them.

another fact about dogs, i owned a Scottish Terrier. if you want a dog to be afraid of, run up on the wrong side of a Scottie. they have a HUGE head and a tremendous bite. Tooter was independent and sweet and we didn't have problems with her ever but i studied the breed and they can be really "bad girls and boys".

so, it all goes back to us human beings. mishandling any dog breed is a reflection of our society........oets are viewed as objects, status, and at times, manhood on the end of a chain...........

[radio_flyer]

hmmm found some interesting articles..

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/...eapon_Dog.html

http://www.wsiltv.com/p/news_details...=2608&type=top

http://www.click2houston.com/news/13488287/detail.html

Thought I would do a search on pits.. This is only a few "recent" news articles on Pits..

Please feel free to delete this if I am wrong in posting this

[ally88]

wow. that was harder than i expected. It took me over 15 tries i know!

[Sabrina]

Pitbull’s Don’t Cry

I see the children in the lane
They look like friends, we’ll have a game
They’ve got a stick, oh boy, what fun
They’ll throw it to me and I’ll run
But someone stops me,
I wonder why their mother screams
“Don’t go near those horrid dogs,
come here, come close, they’re
dangerous -I’ll tell you why,
They bite little children and they die”
All I can do is watch and sigh
Cause I now know that
Pitbull’s don’t cry.

Mom cuddles me up and says,
“My pet, we love you dearly so don’t fret “
But I love everyone out there
Why can’t they love me, I do care
I wish they weren’t made to pass me by
I’m a Pitbull, I don’t cry.

I sit behind my padlocked gate
from early morn ’til late
When I go out it’s on a lead
Is mine the only heart to bleed?
I’m held in check as the world goes by
I wish the Pitbull heart could cry.

There are some dogs, and also men
Who cannot tell a foe from a friend
So all of us must bear the blame
Expected to live a life of shame
Condemned, alas and we know not why

All we know is we will not cry!

[Gemstone]

Thanks for posting that Sabrina. It's so sad, but true.

[Rhapsody]

YES...... Correct - My Pitbull is at HOME Playing with (not eating) His Best Friend- Butch the Chihuahua.

[Sabrina]

Well, as a mother of 3 pitbulls and 1 chihuahua (with the heart of a pitbull) .... thanks for posting your pics!

[Gemstone]

Hes a cutie pie Rhap. I've always liked brindle colored dogs. It reminds me of the little house on the prairie book series, they had a brindle dog.

The only thing that all the hyped up stories do is make dogs hard to adopt. Thats why it is so upsetting to me when a good breed gets such a bad reputation.

[Sabrina]

I agree.

I am not voicing much of my opinion on this thread for personal reasons but sigh .... there is so much I could say!

[radio_flyer]

Ok I did some reading about Pits. They can be good family pets and protective of their family. They were originally bred for dog fighting. So they can be aggressive. I am sure "in the right hands" these dogs can be good pets. The issue is, how are these dogs with people and animals that are "outside' the family?

The reputation Pits are getting is a result of them breaking out of fences or however they get "free" to roam the neighborhood, and are attacking people and dogs.. And when they attack, they do serious damage. This is what concerns me with the Pits.

APBTs often display some level of dog aggression, especially towards strange dogs of the same sex or level of assertiveness. Early socialization and good training can mean that many individuals of the breed never display this trait. However, it must be remembered that this breed was traditionally developed for dog fighting purposes, and even APBTs that were previously sociable may develop dog aggression as they mature; as a breed they mature later than usual, between the ages of two and three years. A responsible APBT owner does not let their dog interact with strange dogs unsupervised, and knows how to avoid a dog fight. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Pit_Bull_Terrier

Pits are "powerful" dogs. I guess I would like to hear folks admit they can be dangerous. By what I read, it seems improper breeding is what is causing most of the problems of Pits being aggressive.

The folks renting our basement apartment are trying to move. I am kind of glad, because of the Pit. Even tho, as my son says, the dog is friendly. But you see, the owners do not want to "socialize" the dog with other dogs and people outside their family. And that concerns me. You should see me trying to work on my veggie garden, always watching the door, making sure when the door is open, the dog doesn't get past them. And I know they will have a hard time finding another house to rent because of the dog.

I don't hate the dogs. And would never want any harm come to them. Like some folks are afraid of snakes, That does not mean all snakes need to be destroyed. Because I am not comfortable with Pits does not mean I hate them. It just means I would not be a "good" owner of this type dog. I recognize that. I just wish more folks would recognize that they too would be poor owners.. maybe then the Pits might get a good reputation, instead of the bad one it now has.....

I say "thumbs up" to all the responsible owners of Pits. I think the dogs are beautiful..But as my son once said, if you know the snake bites, don't put your hand in the cage. Ooo gee, I sound soo double minded here. On one hand saying Pits can be good and on the other hand, running as fast from them as I can.

I just don't want to be thought of as a "Pit Bull" hater. I just have a healthy respect for them, which means for me, is best to stay away from them

Peace to all the Pit Bull lovers.. k
I am not debating, just expressing my concerns...

[radio_flyer]

Rhapsody, He/she is beautiful..

[Rhapsody]

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radio_flyer said:
Rhapsody, He/she is beautiful..

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Thanks to ALL............ and Yes , SHE is a BEAUTY - 3.5 years.

.... we got her as an abandoned puppy at just 3 weeks old at one of the local parks.