Pit-bulls - I Just Don't Get It.

[tdierikx]

Male or female... some people still look for a certain breed type to "improve" their machismo rating. It seems to be about a "tough" looking dog, rather than good stable family pet, for those types... *sigh*

Personally, I like the larger breed dogs, and bull type breeds do feature in the list of dogs I really do like the look of... but the last thing I'm looking for is a dog that will dominate me or any of my family and friends - that would be just stupid IMHO...

Anyone still doubting the nature of a well cared for and loved Pittie cross, come on over and meet my 12 year old girl Zeddy - she will help you get over the prejudices about what the "breed" is like... if you can handle 30kgs of lap dog... *grin*

T.

[rastus_froggy]

The appeal of bull breeds to me is their nature, their coat type and their muscularity. Yes I like chunky, slender, smooth coated dogs, no I am not a drug dealer and I'm not even male.

There are so many reasons to love this breed, people say they turn without warning, I don't believe this each breed and even each dog has a different method of warning that something is P!ss!ngthem off, maybe in some instances, it is that people need to be more familiar with dog language

[littlesquashyguys]

I think some people aren't psychologically suitable as Pit breed owners...just like some people shouldn't join the armed forces or own a gun.

I think there are three types of people who are attracted to Pit breeds:

1. People with an inferiority complex who feel the need to dominate other people.

2. People who are genuinely naive and aren't aware of the immense power behind the breed, ie. they think their American

Staffordshire Terrier is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. "Snuffles, why are you taking off that man's leg?"

3. People who admire and respect a Pit breeds' awesome power, see it as a thing of beauty, are psychologically balanced people, and are highly experienced dog owners who know how to handle their dog...and, most importantly, are committed to improving the breed.

ETA: some people shouldn't own a pet at all!

Edited August 31, 2011 by littlesquashyguys

[Red Fox]

Perhaps someone here can enlighten me on the joys of owning a dog that you can never let off the leash in appropriate places, and can never interact peacefully with other dogs, as I can't see it.

And enlighten me why a dog that is neither DA or HA should have to be kept muzzled and on leash? Because it 'looks' dangerous? Is it really though?

BSL is bullshit. All dogs have teeth, all dogs have the capability to bite. Shall we ban anything with teeth then?

[HugL]

While I'm another not wanting to own a bull breed, I have never met any I would consider dangerous. If anything I had to stop them trying to "kill" me with their tongue!

I currently own my 3rd GSD and regularly come across breed prejudice. My own dad asked me what I was going to do with my dog when I found out I was pregnant. That child is now 12, her sister 10 and the only "family" dog that has bitten them is their dad's girlfiend's small terrier x rehome. (Little one still has scar just under her eye but no medical attention needed so no report). Yet they can play with his large rehome labxgreatdanex??? and my GSD with no issues.

Based on my experience all small terrier and fluffy dogs should be banned. Before you attack me - I am just kidding. It is humans that created these breeds and humans that are stuffing them up. Ban the human not the dog.

[Bubitty]

What appeals with ANY breed? My dream dog may be your worst nightmare.

So very true!

Sometimes when I am witnessing my goldens in all their glorious "goldie-ness" I think "There are people who will loath you for these shenanigans my darlings"

But me? I coo and squeal and take pictures because its just so endearing and everything I ever wanted! :D

[SezzNJunebug]

Perhaps someone here can enlighten me on the joys of owning a dog that you can never let off the leash in appropriate places, and can never interact peacefully with other dogs, as I can't see it.

And enlighten me why a dog that is neither DA or HA should have to be kept muzzled and on leash? Because it 'looks' dangerous? Is it really though?

BSL is bullshit. All dogs have teeth, all dogs have the capability to bite. Shall we ban anything with teeth then?

SecretKei:

Bindo I've met dogs of ALL different kinds of breeds that shouldn't be let off lead at a park. What you just described is not breed specific so I don't see your point. I don't own a DA dog but do you seriously think someone with a DA dog gets no joy from their dog? There is a lot more to enjoying your dog than watching it run around with other dogs at a park. No responisible dog owner wants a DA dog but they wouldn't stop loving a dog because it had issues. I'd do what I could to improve them, manage them and keep enjoying life with them in whatever way I could.

Edited August 31, 2011 by Sezz

[Quickasyoucan]

Perhaps someone here can enlighten me on the joys of owning a dog that you can never let off the leash in appropriate places, and can never interact peacefully with other dogs, as I can't see it.

And enlighten me why a dog that is neither DA or HA should have to be kept muzzled and on leash? Because it 'looks' dangerous? Is it really though?

BSL is bullshit. All dogs have teeth, all dogs have the capability to bite. Shall we ban anything with teeth then?

SecretKei:

Bindo I've met dogs of ALL different kinds of breeds that shouldn't be let off lead at a park. What you just described is not breed specific so I don't see your point. I don't own a DA dog but do you seriously think someone with a DA dog gets no joy from their dog? There is a lot more to enjoying your dog than watching it run around with other dogs at a park. No responisible dog owner wants a DA dog but they wouldn't stop loving a dog because it had issues. I'd do what I could to improve them, manage them and keep enjoying life with them in whatever way I could.

Well said. A lot of breed descriptions of sight hounds, for example, say never let them off leash except in a fenced area not because they are aggressive but because they might not come back. There are a multitude of reasons why a dog owner might not let their dogs off, but it doesn't stop them being great dogs.

Besides og parks are usually a maelstrom of bad doggy manners at the best of times. Most professionals will tell you to avoid them like the plague.

Oh and being DA is not the preserve of bull breeds. I've met a fair few DA labs in fact one bit a hole in my dogs face and resulted in an expensive vet visit.

[mita]

Yes, to SK's comments, from me, too.

Just adding that all breeds, when bred, socialised and managed well, are capable of producing thoroughly nice dogs.

Once, I heard my tibbies barking near the side fence. When I looked, they were playing with a lost dog who was running up & down with them.....all tails wagging. One look at the lost dog....it was a beautiful looking female pitbull, in excellent condition.

First one, I'd seen in real life. She was with a nice looking little spaniel-type dog.....also in good condition.

Neighbours & their children had come out by then. So I leaned across the fence & held the pitbull girl by the collar while talking to her soothingly. She was, in objective terms, a sweetheart. She seemed to be very caring for her little spaniel friend. But she was so responsive to human touch and a soothing voice. Happy to be biddable with humans.

It took a while to track down the owners. So I held her for nearly 1/2 hour. Her owners had been travelling through the city & the 2 dogs had got through a gate in the house they'd been visiting. When the pitbull girl was loaded into the back of the station sedan, she wouldn't go completely in, until her spaniel friend was put up next to her.

The owners were nice people who'd owned her since she was a puppy and she was much loved & well-cared for.....alongside her little spaniel friend.

She was a delight in every way....looks, nature and with considerable grace under the stress of being lost and among strangers. The owners deserved huge credit for how they'd raised her.

[Bindo]

Perhaps someone here can enlighten me on the joys of owning a dog that you can never let off the leash in appropriate places, and can never interact peacefully with other dogs, as I can't see it.

And enlighten me why a dog that is neither DA or HA should have to be kept muzzled and on leash? Because it 'looks' dangerous? Is it really though?

BSL is bullshit. All dogs have teeth, all dogs have the capability to bite. Shall we ban anything with teeth then?

SecretKei:

Bindo I've met dogs of ALL different kinds of breeds that shouldn't be let off lead at a park. What you just described is not breed specific so I don't see your point. I don't own a DA dog but do you seriously think someone with a DA dog gets no joy from their dog? There is a lot more to enjoying your dog than watching it run around with other dogs at a park. No responisible dog owner wants a DA dog but they wouldn't stop loving a dog because it had issues. I'd do what I could to improve them, manage them and keep enjoying life with them in whatever way I could.

Well said. A lot of breed descriptions of sight hounds, for example, say never let them off leash except in a fenced area not because they are aggressive but because they might not come back. There are a multitude of reasons why a dog owner might not let their dogs off, but it doesn't stop them being great dogs.

Besides og parks are usually a maelstrom of bad doggy manners at the best of times. Most professionals will tell you to avoid them like the plague.

Oh and being DA is not the preserve of bull breeds. I've met a fair few DA labs in fact one bit a hole in my dogs face and resulted in an expensive vet visit.

You've all missed the point. I did not single out a breed and did not name the breed of dog that attacked me. If a dog (of any breed) is neither HA or DA then of course it should not be muzzled etc - that's why I don't agree with BSL, as I said in my original post.

But on the other side, HA or DA dogs of any breed are a problem and there needs to be measures in place to protect the general public, when the idiot on the other end of the lead can't (like in my situation). That dog should not have been walking in public without a muzzle. I reported it to both the police and ranger, but without a name (he wouldn't supply it and as he still had minimal control of his dog I was desperate to get away to safety)there was not much that they could do. Of course, I got the usual story of 'she's never done anything like this before' BS. Sorry, but I just can't see the joy in owning a dog like that.

For what it's worth, the dog in question was not a bull breed.

[W Sibs]

Oh.. I love APBT!!! They are gorgeous

I use to own a APBT x. He was such an awesome dog.

I will probably never own one again but I have a great admiration and love for the breed.

I have yet to meet an unfriendly APBT

[GeckoTree]

My personal onion is just too stress full to own in the current insane climate of BSL, I couldn't handle that stress and would be looking for people in dark cars wearing ninja suits let alone every council rubbish collector on the street, from the ones I have met 'dubious on purity' they have all been great dogs with a great temperament, but then again all the ones I had interaction with were owned by breed savvy people.

I did a trainee ship as a wildlife ranger and the amount of people asking me about dog issues were phenomenal just due to the uniform, even though I was trying to explain it's a completely different department.

[Bartok]

I am more scared of a snarly yappy snappy Chi then a PB

at least i can see a PB coming

I worked in a kennel facility for 2yrs and never once had an issue

with any of the bully breed dogs there

i have been bitten by a BC and a Dane and snapped up by a few littlies

included an English Foxy (mind u i put myself and dogs in stupid position, so

my own fault)

[Brennan's Mum]

I actually find it quite fascinating what draws people to certain breeds. I know with myself, I have only ever loved the German Shepherd. There are other breeds I like, but end of the day, they don't quite steal my heart the way a GSD does.

So a forum like DOL is great for me. I like to lurk in other breed threads to see photo's and try and see what it is that makes that particular breed so endearing to their owners/ breeders/ enthusiasts. It's a nice way to learn about other breeds.

[Sandra777]

I think some people aren't psychologically suitable as Pit breed owners...just like some people shouldn't join the armed forces or own a gun.

I think there are three types of people who are attracted to Pit breeds:

1. People with an inferiority complex who feel the need to dominate other people.

2. People who are genuinely naive and aren't aware of the immense power behind the breed, ie. they think their American

Staffordshire Terrier is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. "Snuffles, why are you taking off that man's leg?"

3. People who admire and respect a Pit breeds' awesome power, see it as a thing of beauty, are psychologically balanced people, and are highly experienced dog owners who know how to handle their dog...and, most importantly, are committed to improving the breed.

ETA: some people shouldn't own a pet at all!

What on earth do you mean by "pit breeds" This entire post is just bizarre to me. People think their Amstaff is a SBT??? What do you mean by all this.

Except the last bit agree that some people shouldn't own a pet at all

Edited August 31, 2011 by Sandra777

[Robbi]

Breed choice is very much a personal preference and I would never judge or cast aspersions on another persons choice of breed. I remember reading on an American Pit Bull forum site that it is ver hard to explain the great traits and special joy there is to owning a Pit Bull other than to say "it is easy to judge a breed by media hype but to really know what one is like you have to live with one.

Well I dont own a Pit Bull but I own a bull breed and I am enchanted by the joy of life my girl has, her eternally wagging tail and wiggly butt, the goofy smile that is so often on her face and how gently she plays with her brother Whippet always letting him win tug o war. I love how she loves nothing more to curl up in front of the fire with my son letting him use her as a head rest. I was instantly impressed by her ability to adapt to life on a farm with sheep, cows and horses and a very feisty black cat after arriving from Canterbury pound in Sydney.

So when you judge a breed by jaundiced media accounts remember that hysteria sells papers and advertising space the truth often gets pushed aside for the sake of sensationalism. My heart breaks for all the dogs being targeted in Victoria at the moment and I fear it is only the tip of the iceberg!

[TessiesTracey]

I think some people aren't psychologically suitable as Pit breed owners...just like some people shouldn't join the armed forces or own a gun.

I think there are three types of people who are attracted to Pit breeds:

1. People with an inferiority complex who feel the need to dominate other people.

2. People who are genuinely naive and aren't aware of the immense power behind the breed, ie. they think their American

Staffordshire Terrier is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. "Snuffles, why are you taking off that man's leg?"

3. People who admire and respect a Pit breeds' awesome power, see it as a thing of beauty, are psychologically balanced people, and are highly experienced dog owners who know how to handle their dog...and, most importantly, are committed to improving the breed.

ETA: some people shouldn't own a pet at all!

What on earth do you mean by "pit breeds" This entire post is just bizarre to me. People think their Amstaff is a SBT??? What do you mean by all this.

Except the last bit agree that some people shouldn't own a pet at all

Same questions from me too! Lol Don't quite get what this post is 'getting at'.