Why do people still think that these ferocious dog breeds are safe and should be tolerated?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Omg I can't believe some of the crap I'm seeing on here. I have owned several pitt bulls for
Years. My oldest is 10! I also own an Italian mastiff. So some of you are saying that my sweet babies,
Whom have never caused harm to anyone their entire lives, should be euthanized just for being a certain
Breed, never mind that they have never caused another person or dog any harm, well you all can just kiss my butt, for thinking that way! Punish stupid dog owners, not my innocent dogs!

Let me ask you a few questions. 1. Are your dogs spayed/neutured? If not then why? 2. Do your dogs get regular excersise? 3. Have your dogs ever killed a cat or other small animal? 4. Do you have small children visit you home frequently? 5. Does your house have a foundation or can it be moved with a Chevy and a few of your kin?

Ok smart ass, I used to be a vet tech, yes, they are all spayed and neutered, they get daily 3 mile walks...together, on leash, they have never killed any animal or cat, the get along w cats as a matter of fact, yes, my neighbor who has two young children, under the age of 4, visits frequently, and yes, my home is 2,000 heated sq. ft. Built on a concrete slab with a fenced
in two acre yard. I am originally from Boston, highly educated, and a former U.S. Marine, who served my country honorably, who just happens to be a strong minded woman, not an ignorant hick like you are presuming! Now don't you feel like an asshole? So, remember who you are talking to the next time you come at me with that type of presumption![/qu


My most sincere apologies Colonel. Semper Fi -

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I completely admit to not having a source to my post, but I remember hearing that pure bred dogs are more aggressive than mutts. Examples - standard poodles, dalmations, scottish terriers, german shepherds, american pit bull, the list goes on and includes your precious little teacups.

I have neve met a mean standard poodle. However, I have seen mean pit bulls. I don't understand why anyone would purchase a dog that has a reputation of being mean when there are so many other breeds to choose from EXCEPT if they want to appear tough or something. For all those pit bull advocates, why did you choose pit over another breed if you are looking for a baby sitter? Collies have a great reputation as baby sitters, so why a pit and not a collie or another shepherding type of dog which is bred to baby sit animals (translation, carry over to kids) - Oh, because you want to feel cool or something. that's why.

[Anonymous]

People take Pit bulls home not to appear "cool" but because they are frequently the only dogs at the pound. They are left behind because people have associated them with being vicious. It's sad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm guessing you are a troll OP. But I'm biting anyway (no pun intended).

Dogs are as good as their owners. Bad owners = bad dogs. The breed is fairly irrelevant (in fact, small dogs like Chihuahuas can be pretty volatile if they aren't trained correctly).

I've known many good dogs who happen to be pitbulls, Rottweilers, etc.The issue isn't with the breed, its with the owners who don't know how to train dogs correctly (or who train them to be aggressive).

A mastiff with a bad owner can inflict more damage than a pomeranian with a bad owner. True or false? I am not in favor of banning ownership of this kind of dog, but I think restrictions on who can own them, where you can keep them and where you can bring them are not unwarranted.

PP here.

True. Just like a 18 wheeler is capable of inflicting more damage then a Fiesta. And a Fiesta is capable of inflicting more damage then a bicycle. Point is?

Ill trained dogs are ill trained dogs. Blaming the breed is irrelevant and wanting to prohibit and/or kill the entire breed is ridiculous.

As for another poster's point about herding dogs and terriers - well trained dogs can be trained not to nip at people's heels and kill small rodents. Yes, often breeds have some tendencies. Training is key. I also disagree that pitbulls, Rottweilers, etc have "aggressive tendencies" - they really don't. Just because we see stories about people training their dogs to fight does not mean the entire breed is aggressive. Just because a pitbull bites someone it does not mean the entire breed is aggressive (I've seen Chihuahuas bite more, actually).

And about tendencies - pitbulls tend to be very loyal. They also can be very hard headed. If you train them correctly so that they don't think they are the boss (this is true of any dog) there will be no issues.

And darn this evil pitbull! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUV1oTciznE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75GEzD6wh8o&feature=related

You do know you need a special license to drive an 19 wheeler right? That is my point. I rest my case.

[Anonymous]

bah, *18* wheeler. though I'd love to see what a 19 wheeler looks like...

[Anonymous]

This is a nasty and mean-spirits thread. The people who are railing against these "killer dogs" have probably never truly known one, and that's a shame. Full disclaimer. I've never owned any of the breeds in question. I have owned Pomeranians, which, unless I'm mistaken, hardly qualify. They are often referred to as "yippy" and "high strung" which is unfortunate, since I have owned 4 and none has been that way. They don't bark, don't jump, and have all been exceedingly well trained. As a responsible dog owner, that is my JOB. My sister has owned 3 Rottweilers. (not all at the same time) 2 males and 1 female. Her first came to her by way of a friend who was moving and couldn't take it with him (long story) and he begged her to take his dog. She did, fell in love with the breed, end of story. She didn't buy them to be "cool" as suggested. She is an excellent dog owner, takes training EXCEEDINGLY SERIOUSLY, and her dogs have always been the kindest, sweetest dogs I've ever known. I've never so much as been growled at by her dogs. The Yorkie down her street is the nastiest little dog I've ever met, however, and it actually ran up (off leash) and bit my ankle (from across the path). Bad owners, not bad dogs. My sister's dog stood there and didn't even react. So really? You'd euthanize my Sister's dog because he's big and a "killer dog" and let that Yorkie run around terrorizing the neighborhood because he's small? Stop blaming dogs. Force owners to learn how to train their pets. I train mine. It's not a choice. Killing them for what they are isn't, either.

[Anonymous]

Stupid people should not own dogs. Period. It has nothing to do with the breed. Ask anyone familiar with large dogs. [Note: small dogs are not really dogs.]

[Anonymous]

If you think a Rot is not more dangerous than a Pomeranian, you are deluded. I absolutely the love the breed but I am not in denial about the damage a dog of that size can do when mishandled. That is all people are saying here. It is much more risky to own a "dangerous" breed. I don't think pitts, rots, and mastiffs are any more aggressive than golden retrievers (well, maybe a little), but they can really f*ck a person up. Why is that so hard to admit? I do not think killing the breed off is necessary, but I also don't think just anyone should be able to buy/adopt onei and it irritates me to see people treating their pitbulls like they're lap dogs. They aren't. It is just a fact that these dogs cause more serious injuries to people more often than others. Fact, not myth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, to be fair, a lot of the people you see with them didn't purchase them...they rescued them. That said, I think you should have to have a license to own a "dangerous" breed. This is the case in Germany. To many stupid owners out there that don't take proper precautions with animals that are essentially as dangerous as handguns.

Not quite true. It varies by state in Germany. In Switzerland, all dog owners (regardless of breed) need one.

Yes, and I don't think that is unreasonable. Someone who is caring and knowledgable about the different breeds will gladly get the papers, it is positive for the dogs and the public.

[Anonymous]

What upsets me is when owners do NOT take the proper precautions, are overconfident that they know there dog, or simply don't care.

My father was a trauma surgeon and had two horrible cases of a dog attacking an infant, and a toddler. Both were fatal. The dog went right for the neck of the toddler. In both cases these were pedestrians who crossed the paths of the dog and owner for the first time. There was no playing with the dogs. It happened so fast they said. The owners both said their dog 'would never do that', and were shocked. Noone knew what had set them off.

Dog owners need to have their dogs on a short leash at all times in public, and *they* are the ones who have to make sure their dogs are never within striking distance of bypassing small child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here. I think pit bulls and bull terriers are often confused. They are different dogs. The more posts, the more amazed I am at how truly ignorant so many are here - blissfully so, unfortunately.

I tend to see that people are either dog people or not. Those I know who do not like digs really don't like people, either.

Actually I love dogs. I have an airedale terrier. They can be aggressive. I have to be careful with him. he wears a muzzle in public. He is never off leash in public. But pit bulls and the others on the list? Put them down and ban 'em I say. The mixed breeds will eventually die out. I don't like people that put dog's rights ahead of people's. I think that is just wacko. You're wacko if you can't see the public safer imperative of this. Priorities people. You want to ban SUVs too? Oh brother, get a grip.

Not the PP. But the SUV poster may have been sarcastic.

Do you mind elaborating your reasons for wanting to ban pitbulls, Rottweilers, etc? And why that does not apply to your dog's breed? And why allowing them infringes on people's rights? How does a stereotype about a breed infringe on people's rights?

There is a spectrum of aggressiveness, it's not black and white. Airedales will be aggressive but by and large they don't have it in them to fight and kill another dog or certainly not a person whereas a pit or root goes into a killing zone pretty easily and has to be shot to get it to stop. That's the difference for me. In America, we have gone to for in "humanizing animals and there are many otherwise sane people who have become almost cultish in their devotion and defense of each and every dog on the planet--like a misplaced dog 'civil rights crusader' or something. These people are well meaning but seem to be making up for some kind of bottomless void in their personal lives but shoving their mania for dogs down everyone else's throat. It's just too much! The breeds on the UK list are bad breeds and need to be done away with. I'm not willing to have people repeatedly mauled while these unbalanced dog fanatics whine on about how peaceful their personal, anecdotal experience with these breeds has been. No one is calling for a ban of Airedales because Airedales aren't in the habit of mauling and killing other dogs and people. Pitbulls, mastiffs, etc,. too frequently are. Move to Mexico or Brazil or wherever they allow people to have any insane animal they want on their property.

Do you have evidence that pitbulls/rottweilers/etc are more aggressive and have a "killing zone" and are insane? Aside from stereotypes and overhyped media reports?

[Anonymous]

for the most part I agree that it is the dog, not the owner.

but the problem is that some of these dogs can become too dangerous in the right (wrong) circumstances. a cocker spaniel can become aggressive too, but it is not going to cause much damage. a pit bull can easily kill given its strength and tenacity.

german shepherds were bred to watch sheep, not fight in pits.

you cannot unchange hundreds of years of selective breeding.

so ban the breed and just get a collie or something. there is no need to have these dogs on the planet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I completely admit to not having a source to my post, but I remember hearing that pure bred dogs are more aggressive than mutts. Examples - standard poodles, dalmations, scottish terriers, german shepherds, american pit bull, the list goes on and includes your precious little teacups.

I have neve met a mean standard poodle. However, I have seen mean pit bulls. I don't understand why anyone would purchase a dog that has a reputation of being mean when there are so many other breeds to choose from EXCEPT if they want to appear tough or something. For all those pit bull advocates, why did you choose pit over another breed if you are looking for a baby sitter? Collies have a great reputation as baby sitters, so why a pit and not a collie or another shepherding type of dog which is bred to baby sit animals (translation, carry over to kids) - Oh, because you want to feel cool or something. that's why.

Some may do it to appear "cool". Often they are the same ones who are the bad dog owners.

I don't want a pitbull to appear cool. I want one because there are a lot of pitbulls at shelters and they need a home. And I, unlike a lot of the other ignoramuses on this thread, see past the"evil" stereotype and know just like any dog as long as they are given the proper training they are incredibly sweet and loyal dogs.

I don't know about this babysitter thing that you're going on about. You never leave young kids alone with a dog unsupervised, regardless of the breed. Yes those breeds used to be referred to as "babysitters". That doesn't mean we want one to watch our kids for us.

[Anonymous]

Definition of BIGOT
: a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance

When my sweet beagle died, I went to a rescue dog adoption event to find another sweet, happy-go-lucky dog that would be good with children (I have 13 nieces and nephews who visit frequently) and would tolerant of my diva lab/whippet mix. My husband and I saw the cutest little black dog. He was wagging his tail, kissing every dog and child that walked by him. I wasn't sure what his breed was, but I knew he was the one for us. As it turns out, he is an American Pit Bull Terrier and he is one of the sweetest, child friendly, dog friendly pups I have ever met.

I did not get him to "look cool."

I now also have a Staffordshire Terrier (a pit bull). There is a problem with him though... he tries to cuddle in the lap of everyone who comes to my house. Vicious, I tell you!


The ignorance on this page is beyond infuriating. This is the kind of ignorance that leads to Breed Specific Legislation and the banning of pit bulls. Because of narrow minded, uninformed, bigoted people, caring family dogs are ripped away from their families - this includes disabled adults and children who use them as service dogs. These dogs are then killed. Millions of pit bulls also sit in shelters and are eventually killed because people are ignorant of the fact that they make incredible family dogs. 100% of people I have met who think pit bulls are vicious have never met one. This means, you are being an uninformed bigot. Stereotyping/prejudice is a form of cognitive economy - you don't have the cognitive capacity to evaluate the person or dog on an individual level and instead make a blanket judgement.

If you conducted even cursory research on the breed, you will see an abundance of information indicating pit bulls are people friendly family dogs. From Badrap.org:

"Pit bulls have enjoyed a long history as favorite children's companions and family pets. When well socialized and properly raised, they're the perfect breed to tolerate the rough and tumble play that kids can dish out. Pit bulls tend to be drawn to the joyful optimism of children and love to meet them with tails awaggin'!"

Remember Petey from the Little Rascals? He was a pit bull. Scary, right?

Want an objective measure of pit bull temperment? From http://mrpitbull.com/PitbullTemperament.html:

A few years ago I was introduced to an Organization called the “ATTS”. The American Temperament Test Society, Inc. (ATTS) which is a national not-for-profit organization for the promotion of uniform temperament evaluation of dogs. It was established in 1977 and has tested (as of June 2010) 28,010 dogs. Each dog tested is evaluated in a 10 step process, after which the dog receives either a passing or failing grade. The result of over 20 years of temperment testing has yielded some surprising and not so surprising results. To no one's surprise the Labrador Retriever stands alone at the top of the heap as the dog with the best temperament (with100+ tested) with a passing grade of 92.3%. Interestingly, the American PitBull temperament as measured follows not far behind with a passing grade of 86.0%. A close examination of the testing reveals some interesting facts: The American Pit Bull Terrier consistently demonstrated equal or better temperament than many of the most trusted breeds, including the following: Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel and Collie.

For a complete report see: http://www.atts.org/index.html

Know why Michael Vick killed so many pit bulls? Because it is HARD to make them vicious, fighting dogs. He had little success with this, despite all of his effort and money, and viciously murdered pit bulls that were just being pit bulls - loving, good tempered dogs. If you STILL doubt this, get off your butt and stop blogging about how evil pit bulls are and go to a rescue group and meet one yourself. Education is power!

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”

~Mahatma Gandhi

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Definition of BIGOT
: a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance

When my sweet beagle died, I went to a rescue dog adoption event to find another sweet, happy-go-lucky dog that would be good with children (I have 13 nieces and nephews who visit frequently) and would tolerant of my diva lab/whippet mix. My husband and I saw the cutest little black dog. He was wagging his tail, kissing every dog and child that walked by him. I wasn't sure what his breed was, but I knew he was the one for us. As it turns out, he is an American Pit Bull Terrier and he is one of the sweetest, child friendly, dog friendly pups I have ever met.

I did not get him to "look cool."

I now also have a Staffordshire Terrier (a pit bull). There is a problem with him though... he tries to cuddle in the lap of everyone who comes to my house. Vicious, I tell you!


The ignorance on this page is beyond infuriating. This is the kind of ignorance that leads to Breed Specific Legislation and the banning of pit bulls. Because of narrow minded, uninformed, bigoted people, caring family dogs are ripped away from their families - this includes disabled adults and children who use them as service dogs. These dogs are then killed. Millions of pit bulls also sit in shelters and are eventually killed because people are ignorant of the fact that they make incredible family dogs. 100% of people I have met who think pit bulls are vicious have never met one. This means, you are being an uninformed bigot. Stereotyping/prejudice is a form of cognitive economy - you don't have the cognitive capacity to evaluate the person or dog on an individual level and instead make a blanket judgement.

If you conducted even cursory research on the breed, you will see an abundance of information indicating pit bulls are people friendly family dogs. From Badrap.org:

"Pit bulls have enjoyed a long history as favorite children's companions and family pets. When well socialized and properly raised, they're the perfect breed to tolerate the rough and tumble play that kids can dish out. Pit bulls tend to be drawn to the joyful optimism of children and love to meet them with tails awaggin'!"

Remember Petey from the Little Rascals? He was a pit bull. Scary, right?

Want an objective measure of pit bull temperment? From http://mrpitbull.com/PitbullTemperament.html:

A few years ago I was introduced to an Organization called the “ATTS”. The American Temperament Test Society, Inc. (ATTS) which is a national not-for-profit organization for the promotion of uniform temperament evaluation of dogs. It was established in 1977 and has tested (as of June 2010) 28,010 dogs. Each dog tested is evaluated in a 10 step process, after which the dog receives either a passing or failing grade. The result of over 20 years of temperment testing has yielded some surprising and not so surprising results. To no one's surprise the Labrador Retriever stands alone at the top of the heap as the dog with the best temperament (with100+ tested) with a passing grade of 92.3%. Interestingly, the American PitBull temperament as measured follows not far behind with a passing grade of 86.0%. A close examination of the testing reveals some interesting facts: The American Pit Bull Terrier consistently demonstrated equal or better temperament than many of the most trusted breeds, including the following: Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel and Collie.

For a complete report see: http://www.atts.org/index.html

Know why Michael Vick killed so many pit bulls? Because it is HARD to make them vicious, fighting dogs. He had little success with this, despite all of his effort and money, and viciously murdered pit bulls that were just being pit bulls - loving, good tempered dogs. If you STILL doubt this, get off your butt and stop blogging about how evil pit bulls are and go to a rescue group and meet one yourself. Education is power!

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”

~Mahatma Gandhi

but why have a dog breed that was selectively bred over many many generations to have a huge powerful jaw and an unyielding tenacity? There is no need for those characteristics in a family pet. Just get a collie.