[Miud]

I like them.

[The Fox & the Hound]

First of its Pit Bull, not Pitbull. Don't worry, many people get that wrong.

What do I think?

There driven, intelligent, loyal, beautiful, biddable,sweet , goofy, I could go on for hours on how great they are.

They are dog aggressive(DA). It's not because it has bad genetics, it isn't because it was poorly bred, it's in the nature. It's like how Border Collies were breed to herd sheep. At American Pit Bull Terriers(APBT) fought Bulls(AKA bull baiting). That became illegal,& they fought dog-on-dog. They kept on breeding for this trait(aggression). Eventually it was made the breed today- The American Pit Bull. You can't breed it out, you can't prevent it. You can control it.

There lovely dogs, don't get me wrong. I love them loads. And not all APBTs will be dog aggressive& there are ones in shelters that are not DA. Some lines tend to be less DA.

Research , research, research if your ever considering the breed. They are NOT a breed for everyone.

I think they should be outlawed and the breed terminated. Why do you ask about them?

[Miud]

Originally Posted by George H.

I think they should be outlawed and the breed terminated. Why do you ask about them?

Why do you say that? I'm always interested in seeing why people have such opinions .
I was just wondering, what others thought that's all

[DogTrainingLove]

I personally like Pit Bulls and have considered them for my next dog. Though as said, they are prone to dog aggression and owners need to know how to handle this before getting a Pit Bull. They certainly aren't a dog for everyone.

I'm very against them being outlawed and terminated but I also don't agree with the people who try and sugar coat them as being amazing dogs that could never do any wrong.

Here's a very interesting link that shows both sides: Pit Bull Facts and Myths – Infographic – 1800PetMeds

Here's the ATTS temperment test scores for different breeds, Pit Bulls actually did better than many other breeds including Chihuahuas, Dalmatians, Standard Poodles, and Golden Retrievers: ATTS Breed Statistics | American Temperament Test Society, Inc.

That whole "Locking Jaw" thing? Not true. It used to be used to describe a dogs determination to not let go of something: Pit Bull Myths

[Maven]

I love pit bulls, just as I love all dogs. I'm also against them being outlawed and terminated. What matters is that the owner loves them and trains them properly. Ban the deed, not the breed!

[Yoda]

My son was bit on the leg by a friend's Pit Bull dog when he was four years old. I am not fond of them.

[TheOriginalMe]

There is no such thing as a bad dog, just a bad owner. Maybe it is the dangerous owners that should be outlawed and terminated.

We're getting tougher sentencing in the UK on dangerous dog legislation, but personally I think that will stop people keeping dogs they can't manage or control.

Originally Posted by TheOriginalMe

There is no such thing as a bad dog, just a bad owner. Maybe it is the dangerous owners that should be outlawed and terminated.

We're getting tougher sentencing in the UK on dangerous dog legislation, but personally I think that will stop people keeping dogs they can't manage or control.

I agree with this! Pitt bulls are great dogs if they go to the right owners.

Originally Posted by Miud

Why do you say that? I'm always interested in seeing why people have such opinions .
I was just wondering, what others thought that's all

Because they are dangerous, unpredictable in behavior, and unnecessary. I've heard all the reasons and rationalizations posted here. They don't hold up if you examine them. I have a friend who owns several dogs including a pit. When kids play near the fence that contains him he goes crazy trying to get at them. And yet he will come to me and lick my hand. But I still don't trust him.
I have another friend who owns rent houses. She can't rent to anyone with a pit. Her insurance company will just cancel her policy. That's pretty telling evidence that owning one of these dogs is very risky..
Beyond the Interview: Father of Child Killed by Babysitter's Pit Bulls Speaks Out After Attack - DogsBite.org
I could go on... and on. I could post pics of some of the children mauled and killed by pit bulls and links to the reports and news articles but I'm sure the mods would delete them because they are graphic and disturbing. There are so many myths. Dog-aggressive? No. That's a phrase used to defend and confuse.
If only qualified and responsible people owned them there would be very little risk. The problem is, anyone can get one. To me the risks aren't worth the life of even one child.

It's not their fault they were bred for such aggression, but then again it's not the fault of all the people (including children) who've been mauled and/or killed by one ... In light of statistical FACTS that back up the unpredictable and especially vicious nature of the breed, I'm for outright banning ownership of the breed here in the USA ... With stiff, heavy fines and penalties for anyone who even attempts to own one ... Purebred or Mixed!

[lizardlady]

I have mixed feelings about them. I've known some really sweet Pits. On the other hand there are plenty of stories of vicious attacks on people. On the third hand dog attacks of humans is not limited to Pits. A young girl was severely injured in a dog attack locally. The dog pretty much ripped her face off. The dog was a Lab! They are supposed to be sweet, gentle dogs.

The same thing has happened to Pits that happened to other breeds. Idiots bred them indiscriminately (sp?) focusing on creating badA dogs. Blame the bangers who picked them as the dog of choice. They did the same thing with Rotties. I don't know that outlawing the breed will solve the problem It seems the idiots will just find another breed to breed to be badA.

It's interesting that Pits have the reputation they do. Statistically German Shepherds are responsible for more dog bites than Pits.

I believe this document speaks for itself ...

http://images.bimedia.net/documents/...breed+2012.pdf

Pit Bulls aren't the only dangerous breed out there, but they far outrank many of the other ones (none of which I have any desire to be around) still.

This issue is kind of like the gun control issue with hard lines drawn on both sides, so I will not be contributing more to the conversation so as to not allow myself to get triggered and start responding inappropriately from that place.

I will close by saying that I was attacked by a friend's Chow - out of the blue and for no reason - when I was 17 years old ... I still have a healthy fear (trauma based) and avoid getting anywhere near that breed - as well as any other breed that has been specifically bred to be violent and aggressive - to this very day!

Come to think of it, I avoid people like this too!

Y'all try to keep it (the discussion) civil and respectful ...

,
Pfrog!

[doyoutrustme]

There's a couple of documentaries on netflix debunking all the pit bull demonizing that goes on. They are a wonderful breed and if I were to get a dog it would likely be a pit.

tapatalk post.

[DogTrainingLove]

Originally Posted by George H.

Because they are dangerous, unpredictable in behavior, and unnecessary. I've heard all the reasons and rationalizations posted here. They don't hold up if you examine them. I have a friend who owns several dogs including a pit. When kids play near the fence that contains him he goes crazy trying to get at them. And yet he will come to me and lick my hand. But I still don't trust him.
I have another friend who owns rent houses. She can't rent to anyone with a pit. Her insurance company will just cancel her policy. That's pretty telling evidence that owning one of these dogs is very risky..
Beyond the Interview: Father of Child Killed by Babysitter's Pit Bulls Speaks Out After Attack - DogsBite.org
I could go on... and on. I could post pics of some of the children mauled and killed by pit bulls and links to the reports and news articles but I'm sure the mods would delete them because they are graphic and disturbing. There are so many myths. Dog-aggressive? No. That's a phrase used to defend and confuse.
If only qualified and responsible people owned them there would be very little risk. The problem is, anyone can get one. To me the risks aren't worth the life of even one child.

"unpredictable in behavior" No more so than any other breed of dog. Dogs very clearly can communicate with body language, but if you don't understand it than yes, dogs in general are unpredictable. Just the same as a human speaking a different language will be unpredictable to you. If you take the time to learn dog body language you will see that dogs "Say" quite clearly when they are happy, sad, nervous, uncomfortable, want you to back off, ect. The only time I've seen a dog be truly unpredictable was do to a medical or mental issue.

"unnecessary" I know quite a few Pit Bulls that have very important jobs such as being a Service Dog, Therapy Dog, and even a Police Dog. They also do well in many sports such as weight pulling (You can find Pit Bulls in really any sport) Along with just being great pets for some people.

"They don't hold up if you examine them" which ones? I posted some very reliable information.

I wouldn't count an insurance company as any sort of "Evidence" Nor are news paper articles which report anything that gets them readers. News articles often get things wrong.

If you talk to anyone involved in the Pit Bull breed (Breed rescues, breeders, trainers, ect) most will agree that they are prone to dog aggression. They were bred to fight dogs, just like Retrievers were bred to retrieve.

Honestly, though it many sound harsh, we can't bubble wrap children. There are many dangers in this world and we can't possibly ban everything that might be a danger. I've been attack by dogs a few times actually (None of them Pit Bulls) yet I have no desire to ban any specific breed or dogs as a whole. The only issue I have is with owners who can't control their dogs.

[The Fox & the Hound]

Originally Posted by DogTrainingLove

"unpredictable in behavior" No more so than any other breed of dog. Dogs very clearly can communicate with body language, but if you don't understand it than yes, dogs in general are unpredictable. Just the same as a human speaking a different language will be unpredictable to you. If you take the time to learn dog body language you will see that dogs "Say" quite clearly when they are happy, sad, nervous, uncomfortable, want you to back off, ect. The only time I've seen a dog be truly unpredictable was do to a medical or mental issue.

"unnecessary" I know quite a few Pit Bulls that have very important jobs such as being a Service Dog, Therapy Dog, and even a Police Dog. They also do well in many sports such as weight pulling (You can find Pit Bulls in really any sport) Along with just being great pets for some people.

"They don't hold up if you examine them" which ones? I posted some very reliable information.

I wouldn't count an insurance company as any sort of "Evidence" Nor are news paper articles which report anything that gets them readers. News articles often get things wrong.

If you talk to anyone involved in the Pit Bull breed (Breed rescues, breeders, trainers, ect) most will agree that they are prone to dog aggression. They were bred to fight dogs, just like Retrievers were bred to retrieve.

Honestly, though it many sound harsh, we can't bubble wrap children. There are many dangers in this world and we can't possibly ban everything that might be a danger. I've been attack by dogs a few times actually (None of them Pit Bulls) yet I have no desire to ban any specific breed or dogs as a whole. The only issue I have is with owners who can't control their dogs.

This. So much this.

Dogsbite.org is biased,& there is some absolute crap on there.

I'd also like do add, that it isn't just always the owner. A lot of it has to do with genetics.

Debunking is kind of in the eye of the beholder I'm also aware of the propaganda to make the dangers of pits look overblown. Service dogs? For a small fee you can get papers saying any dog is a service dog. It's a pretty common practice for pit owners. It is also detrimental to people who need real service dogs because sometimes it goes very wrong: Yakima Herald Republic | Pit bull service dog attacks three people in Yakima
I'm not here to change anyone's mind. It's hard to overlook that bubblewrap children comment. There is a huge difference between protecting children from unnecessary dangers and bubblewrapping them.

[doyoutrustme]

I'm not talking about fake service dogs, that's a whole separate issue, and also pertains to all dogs. There is a media bias with pits. Its much more likely for the breed to make headlines when it's a pit. Anything else and it's just 'dog' or not even newsworthy.

tapatalk post.

[DogTrainingLove]

It's true horrible people can fake SDs, however and doesn't change the fact that some people have Pit Bulls that are real Service Dogs.

[BlessedRhiannon]

As a breed - I'm indifferent But, I'm not really a terrier person. I prefer dogs from the sporting and herding groups. Just a personal preference.

There is nothing inherently wrong with the breed itself. I do disagree with the statement that there are "no bad dogs, only bad owners." There most certainly are dogs that have issues, have a screw loose, or are just unsafe to be around, but that's not limited to the APBT. It is true for every single breed. In rescue work, I've had to put down a couple of Brittanys due to behavioral issues - it's incredibly rare, but happens. It's also true that every single breed has the potential to bite, given enough provocation. Terriers in general are more prone to biting than other breeds. It's a terrier thing. Terriers in general are also more prone to being dog aggressive than other breeds. The Pit Bull is a terrier, so you're going to get a terrier temperament. They are overbred, so it's not likely you're going to get a solid temperament without going to a reputable breeder. They can be very nice dogs when bred correctly - just not my type.

However, what really bugs me about the hype around how dangerous the APBT is, is that often a dog is mis-identified as an APBT. Most folks couldn't pick a Pit Bull out of a group of dog, if asked to do so. Anything that looks remotely like one of the bully breeds and attacks either a human or person, is instantly labeled a Pit Bull by the media, whether it is or not. I always find this little quiz interesting to present to people: Pick the Pit - Can you find the Pitbull? Folks are often surprised that they really can't pick the pit out of the photos.

[Maven]

Other dogs are commonly known to attack children, people and dogs. There are many humans who attack children, people and animals. Blame all for the comparative few? I've known several pit bulls who are full of love, well-trained and under the control of their owners. Swimming pools are known to be very dangerous when not properly guarded. Shall we get rid of them, too? Animals don't deserve to be killed if they've not shown themselves to be harmful or aggressive. Not all pit bulls are aggressive.

[pudica]

I don't see the appeal of this breed . Appearance wise, they look like dogs injected with steroids lol...Why do you like them? Do you feel vulnerable and want protection? Googled pit bulls and saw a pic of man attacked by a pit bull - half his face bitten off, flesh hanging all red and bloody . Wouldn't be happy to see this dog around even if it has a good owner, it could escape and go beserk seeing neighbours that it's not familiar with.

[Maven]

Some people find their appearance very beautiful. But owning a dog isn't about how it looks, unless you're raising a show dog. Saying, "...it could escape and go beserk (sic)" shows how unfamiliar you are with the breed. It's the same way people act about things they don't understand...they fear it, and come up with things they think are likely to happen, even when science shows those fears are unfounded.

The problem with pit bulls is that many people obtain them to engage them in dogfighting. It's despicable, abusive and sick. Putting these dogs in rings to fight, kill and entertain people who are demented and sick, IMO. I feel sorry for the dogs, who are not given a choice, who people judge based on looks and what they've heard and seen in the news, rather than looking at the whole and judging the whole. They usually don't put the pit bulls on TV that have done good things. Pit bulls have attacked people, but they've also saved people. Some of them are true heroes.

[pudica]

I don't think it's coming up with reasons when the dog is actually banned or restricted in a lot of countries showing that there are significant number of reported cases of serious attacks caused by the breed. What's sad is that it's usually other innocent people that get attacked, not the owner. I'm sure the people that decided to get the pit bull that attacked others thought they could handle and control it. Really, I don't see why people would choose this breed even if they find it appealing appearance wise, there are other breeds that look similar but with better temperament.

[DogTrainingLove]

Everyone has different lifestyles along with wants/needs (Size, coat type, coat length, weight, energy level, biddability, ect) and things they can't tolerate in a dog which is why we have so many breeds.

While a Lab might be perfect for someone, for another it might be a nightmare.

Also as I said before, Pit Bulls can do great in many different areas of work and sports. I encourage you to look at my first post on this topic where I put a link to the ATTS temperament test results for different breeds, Pit Bulls did better than many other breeds.

Those super muscular dogs you see? Most aren't American Pit Bull Terriers and are badly bred by people trying to make money. That game someone else posted is good...Here's another with some interesting facts:

findpitbull_v4

And here's one more:

MISSOURI PIT BULL RESCUE