Anonymous
02/11/2012 19:53
Subject: Re:Why do people still think that these ferocious dog breeds are safe and should be tolerated?
Anonymous wrote:pit bull type dogs are nowhere close to the most popular dog breed in the US, yet they dominate the serious attack and mauling statistics. get one if you want, if you are that foolish. certainly I don't want one in my neighborhood near my kids. anyone who had one I would immediately think much less of and probably wouldn't let my kids at their home.
I'm still waiting for the reputable evidence to this claim, as well as many others on this thread. I googled, and only got these from reliable sources which does not list bites by breed and is just general info: http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/stop-animal-abuse/fact-sheets/dog-bites.html and http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/dog-bites/biteprevention.html
Anonymous
02/11/2012 18:22
Subject: Why do people still think that these ferocious dog breeds are safe and should be tolerated?
Just want to say thanks for some of the insights on this thread. There has been a lot of foolishness but I've also learned a lot about dog breeds and statistics on dogs. I realize now that my pit mix is an American pit mix and that's why she doesn't look all chunky like the Staffordshire. I've also had a chance to read about the strengths and weaknesses of the data out there on dogs and their temperaments. (Researcher here.) This is why I like DCUM despite the fact that people can be so nasty and why I like living in DC. There's a lot of smart people in this area who work with data and actually can address these issues with some depth.
Anonymous
02/11/2012 18:19
Subject: Re:Why do people still think that these ferocious dog breeds are safe and should be tolerated?
pit bull type dogs are nowhere close to the most popular dog breed in the US, yet they dominate the serious attack and mauling statistics. get one if you want, if you are that foolish. certainly I don't want one in my neighborhood near my kids. anyone who had one I would immediately think much less of and probably wouldn't let my kids at their home.
Anonymous
02/11/2012 18:11
Subject: Re:Why do people still think that these ferocious dog breeds are safe and should be tolerated?
Ha ha! Really? I can't imagine anyone asking such a silly question after the discussion we've seen so far. Lefty, granola-crunching, nonviolence advocate here! As I and others noted earlier, the shelters have lots of pits and pit mixes, so anyone who wants to adopt a dog in DC is going to be more likely to find a pitbull than previously. I see more and more white middle class gentrifiers (such as I) with pits now. I don't think they have weapons but then I never did ask. I shouldn't make assumption about their politics!Anonymous wrote:Legit question here: Are you pit lovers also gun owners? I associate pit bulls with people who are into weaponry.
Anonymous
02/11/2012 17:35
Subject: Why do people still think that these ferocious dog breeds are safe and should be tolerated?
Oh, MD, if only you were smart enough to use the part of your brain that makes informed decisions based on actual experience, looks at research and facts (please read back through these posts and see the factual research) and did not rely on sensational news reports or "group thought" mentality. By all means, please don't get a pit bull. You sound like a angry man/woman who would not be a responsible dog owner.
Look around, you will see pit bulls and pit mixes are insanely popular. I wonder how many pit bulls you have met, and didn't even know it. Then again, you probably don't like dogs and have very little interaction with them.
Now, go prescribe yourself a chill pill!
Look around, you will see pit bulls and pit mixes are insanely popular. I wonder how many pit bulls you have met, and didn't even know it. Then again, you probably don't like dogs and have very little interaction with them.
Now, go prescribe yourself a chill pill!
Anonymous
02/11/2012 17:20
Subject: Re:Why do people still think that these ferocious dog breeds are safe and should be tolerated?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:unfortunately i know a good bit about dogfighting. Pit bulls are used because of what is called gameness. Same sort of concept in cockfighting or even greyhound racing. They do not quit, ignore their pain, and have an incredibly high kill/prey drive. Compared to other dog bites, a pit bull bite looks more like a shark attack. No, they don't have a "locking" jaw in the sense that the bones are different, but because they refuse to let go compared to other dogs we call it a "lock". Like an alligator locks onto its prey. No, they are not responsible for most bites, but they are responsible for most SERIOUS bites and maulings.
you want facts? From 1982 to 2011, pit bulls and their close relatives were responsible for:
77% of attacks that induce bodily harm
73% of attacks to children
81% of attack to adults
68% of attacks that result in fatalities
76% that result in maiming
http://www.dogsbite.org/
"Pit bulls and their close relative"...um, do you think research like this is problematic?? First, what breeds are they classifying as "pit bulls"? APBT, Staffies, American Staffies? Don't even get me started on throwing in "close relatives" - mastiffs, bull dogs, boxers...??? That is about the worst implementation of fidelity I have seen (and I am a scientist). If someone can show me research the looks specifically at the percentage of APBT bites or Staffie bites, then you might have an argument. However, it is important to understand the extreme popularity of the Pit Bull and pit bull-type breeds. By some estimates, numbers-wise they are the most popular of all dog breeds. It
is only logical to assume that the breed with the higher number of individual dogs would be represented with a higher number of bites. Viewing older statistical reports for the Center of Disease Control, one will see that trends in breed popularity reflect in the number of bites attributed to a specific breed during a specific period of time.
Btw, how do you claim to know so much about dogfighting? And, have you ever owned a pit bull type dog as a pet and had experience with that? Also, why do you think shelters are filled with pit bulls and why Vick killed his? Maybe it is hard to get them to fight...just saying...
FYI: That website you referenced was once reported because someone gave instructions on how to kill a neighbors' dog. It is not a reputable site.
And, in case you missed it before:
Bite statistics are difficult to obtain accurately. Dogs that are referred to as “pit bulls” in
statistical reports actually are a variety of breeds and mixes all lumped
together under the “pit bull” heading. Also, many people have a difficult
time properly identifying a true Pit Bull, so added to the statistics are
those dogs that have been misidentified. Considering these factors, the
actual number of attacks attributable to American Pit Bull Terriers is
considerably lower than represented.
Look scientist.
Pit bulls are not the most popular breed, but there are many out there, too many.
They bite a lot.
So, I will not get one.
Signed, MD and former statistician who does not want to get bitten or sued.
In the future, consider also using the part of the brain that helps you with past experiences and instincts, not just the cortex, it can let you down.
Anonymous
02/11/2012 16:40
Subject: Re:Why do people still think that these ferocious dog breeds are safe and should be tolerated?
Anonymous wrote:unfortunately i know a good bit about dogfighting. Pit bulls are used because of what is called gameness. Same sort of concept in cockfighting or even greyhound racing. They do not quit, ignore their pain, and have an incredibly high kill/prey drive. Compared to other dog bites, a pit bull bite looks more like a shark attack. No, they don't have a "locking" jaw in the sense that the bones are different, but because they refuse to let go compared to other dogs we call it a "lock". Like an alligator locks onto its prey. No, they are not responsible for most bites, but they are responsible for most SERIOUS bites and maulings.
you want facts? From 1982 to 2011, pit bulls and their close relatives were responsible for:
77% of attacks that induce bodily harm
73% of attacks to children
81% of attack to adults
68% of attacks that result in fatalities
76% that result in maiming
http://www.dogsbite.org/
"Pit bulls and their close relative"...um, do you think research like this is problematic?? First, what breeds are they classifying as "pit bulls"? APBT, Staffies, American Staffies? Don't even get me started on throwing in "close relatives" - mastiffs, bull dogs, boxers...??? That is about the worst implementation of fidelity I have seen (and I am a scientist). If someone can show me research the looks specifically at the percentage of APBT bites or Staffie bites, then you might have an argument. However, it is important to understand the extreme popularity of the Pit Bull and pit bull-type breeds. By some estimates, numbers-wise they are the most popular of all dog breeds. It
is only logical to assume that the breed with the higher number of individual dogs would be represented with a higher number of bites. Viewing older statistical reports for the Center of Disease Control, one will see that trends in breed popularity reflect in the number of bites attributed to a specific breed during a specific period of time.
Btw, how do you claim to know so much about dogfighting? And, have you ever owned a pit bull type dog as a pet and had experience with that? Also, why do you think shelters are filled with pit bulls and why Vick killed his? Maybe it is hard to get them to fight...just saying...
FYI: That website you referenced was once reported because someone gave instructions on how to kill a neighbors' dog. It is not a reputable site.
And, in case you missed it before:
Bite statistics are difficult to obtain accurately. Dogs that are referred to as “pit bulls” in
statistical reports actually are a variety of breeds and mixes all lumped
together under the “pit bull” heading. Also, many people have a difficult
time properly identifying a true Pit Bull, so added to the statistics are
those dogs that have been misidentified. Considering these factors, the
actual number of attacks attributable to American Pit Bull Terriers is
considerably lower than represented.
Anonymous
02/11/2012 16:10
Subject: Re:Why do people still think that these ferocious dog breeds are safe and should be tolerated?
unfortunately i know a good bit about dogfighting. Pit bulls are used because of what is called gameness. Same sort of concept in cockfighting or even greyhound racing. They do not quit, ignore their pain, and have an incredibly high kill/prey drive. Compared to other dog bites, a pit bull bite looks more like a shark attack. No, they don't have a "locking" jaw in the sense that the bones are different, but because they refuse to let go compared to other dogs we call it a "lock". Like an alligator locks onto its prey. No, they are not responsible for most bites, but they are responsible for most SERIOUS bites and maulings.
you want facts? From 1982 to 2011, pit bulls and their close relatives were responsible for:
77% of attacks that induce bodily harm
73% of attacks to children
81% of attack to adults
68% of attacks that result in fatalities
76% that result in maiming
http://www.dogsbite.org/
you want facts? From 1982 to 2011, pit bulls and their close relatives were responsible for:
77% of attacks that induce bodily harm
73% of attacks to children
81% of attack to adults
68% of attacks that result in fatalities
76% that result in maiming
http://www.dogsbite.org/
Anonymous
02/11/2012 16:03
Subject: Why do people still think that these ferocious dog breeds are safe and should be tolerated?
^^ "their rights." Oops.
Anonymous
02/11/2012 16:03
Subject: Re:Why do people still think that these ferocious dog breeds are safe and should be tolerated?
Anonymous wrote:Legit question here: Are you pit lovers also gun owners? I associate pit bulls with people who are into weaponry.
This kind of made me chuckle. I am a rooting tooting gun carrying bad ass momma! Don't mess with my pits or my guns!!!
Actually, I am not a fan of guns, but would not deny someone there rights. I've never held a gun and am quite suburbanized and own two pit bull type dogs.
Anonymous
02/11/2012 15:46
Subject: Why do people still think that these ferocious dog breeds are safe and should be tolerated?
Not that Staffies' aren't equally as adorable as APBTs.
Anonymous
02/11/2012 15:38
Subject: Why do people still think that these ferocious dog breeds are safe and should be tolerated?
Ha - I bet most of these people wouldn't recognize an American Pit Bull Terrier if it licked them in the face! They probably assume all "pit bulls" look like Staffies and have cropped ears.
Anonymous
02/11/2012 15:03
Subject: Why do people still think that these ferocious dog breeds are safe and should be tolerated?
Here, I'll do your homework for you. Pit bulls are determined, that can be an appealing characteristic for dog fighters, and search and rescue teams. Here's is more info since you don't seem very good at researching things:
Why are so many Pit Bulls aggressive? So many Pit Bulls being aggressive is a myth. According to the 2008 testing of 218 dog breeds by the American Temperament Testing Society, the passing rate for American Pit Bull Terrier 85%, American Staffordshire Terrier 83.9%, Staffordshire Bull Terriers 88.0%. Last years testing also showed that out of the 218 breeds tested 119 breeds scored lower than 83.9% (the Bully low) and only 69 breeds scored better than the Bully’s 88.0%. Mixed breeds came in at 85.4%. Breeds that scored lower than 83.9% include, Beagle, Border Collie, Dalmatian, Greyhound, Caviler King Charles Spaniel, and Toy Poodles.
If Pit Bulls are not aggressive why are they used so often by dog fighters? Dog fighters exploit several breeds of strong, medium to large dogs. Many dog fighters choose “Pit Bulls” because they are quick to learn, eager to please and easy to handle. Once a Pit Bull accepts you as their master, they will gladly lay down their life to please you. These breeds have an incredible sense of determination, once they begin a task, they will not give up unless they can not physically continue or you step in to stop them. This holds true whether you force them to fight or ask them to pull a car. Their un-relentless desire to complete a task combined with their unshakable sense of loyalty makes them easy targets for cruelty by cowards and criminals alike.
Why are so many Pit Bulls aggressive? So many Pit Bulls being aggressive is a myth. According to the 2008 testing of 218 dog breeds by the American Temperament Testing Society, the passing rate for American Pit Bull Terrier 85%, American Staffordshire Terrier 83.9%, Staffordshire Bull Terriers 88.0%. Last years testing also showed that out of the 218 breeds tested 119 breeds scored lower than 83.9% (the Bully low) and only 69 breeds scored better than the Bully’s 88.0%. Mixed breeds came in at 85.4%. Breeds that scored lower than 83.9% include, Beagle, Border Collie, Dalmatian, Greyhound, Caviler King Charles Spaniel, and Toy Poodles.
If Pit Bulls are not aggressive why are they used so often by dog fighters? Dog fighters exploit several breeds of strong, medium to large dogs. Many dog fighters choose “Pit Bulls” because they are quick to learn, eager to please and easy to handle. Once a Pit Bull accepts you as their master, they will gladly lay down their life to please you. These breeds have an incredible sense of determination, once they begin a task, they will not give up unless they can not physically continue or you step in to stop them. This holds true whether you force them to fight or ask them to pull a car. Their un-relentless desire to complete a task combined with their unshakable sense of loyalty makes them easy targets for cruelty by cowards and criminals alike.
Anonymous
02/11/2012 15:01
Subject: Re:Why do people still think that these ferocious dog breeds are safe and should be tolerated?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:the pit bull defenders here are in a state of denial.
why do they think dogfighters choose that breed? a german shepherd or even a wolf wouldnt last two minutes in a dogfight with a pit bull - something about the breed makes it very effective when provoked to attack or defend. i imagine it is some combination of jaw strength, instinct, tenacity and build, so i tend to dispute the jaw strength "research". look at the size of their head and jaw compared to similar dogs - much bigger.
anyways, again, there is no need for these breeds. despite whatever you want to say, they WERE designed to fight and they are the best at it. why try to defend something so pointless? there are hundreds of other dog choices.
You dispute National Geographic's research and choose to go on your gut instinct that a bigger head means a stronger bite...okay. Um, do you know what National Geographic is ??? Seriously!! I guess bigger heads mean bigger brains too. So, based on your logic, pits much be the smartest dog too. Something we agree on!!
Do your research (wait, "research" is silly, according to you!), pit bulls love humans and are eager to please and train, that is why dog fighters use them. They were breed to be easily handled and are not human aggressive. Low life idiot dog fighters wouldn't mess with a breed that actually challenged them and would turn on them. Did you even read about why they are great search and rescue dogs? Of course not, you ignore research on jaw strength and choose to be blissfully ignorant when it comes to facts about pit bulls. Based on your outrageous statements and out right willingness to ignore "research," I have to assume you are a troll and I will no longer feed you. Move along, troll. Go find a bridge to guard
hah, yes. the reason dogfighters use pit bulls is because of their loving nature and eagerness to please.nothing to do with certain favorable physical characteristics that were selectively bred into them over dozens of generations.
Like a weaker jaw bite with less PSI than the average dog?? What are these favorable characteristics, and this time, with research and facts. I have given you fact after fact after fact. Do your homework, for once.
Anonymous
02/11/2012 15:00
Subject: Re:Why do people still think that these ferocious dog breeds are safe and should be tolerated?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Legit question here: Are you pit lovers also gun owners? I associate pit bulls with people who are into weaponry.
WTF?
No. I do not own guns. I'm also a white female, in case you have anymore odd stereotypes.
Notice how the anti-pit bull people are not only stereotype dogs, but people to? Cognitive economy - too little space in their brains and too hard for them to think, do research, etc. They'd rather just make blanket judgements.
Racism is the pits.
Not ONE has given concrete evidence that pitbulls are inherently bad dogs. Stereotypes and over-hyped media reports don't make the whole breed bad. If we rely on stereotypes and the media we also can develop a lot of bad stereotypes about groups of people as well.