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Re: Should Pit Bulls be Outlawed?

katielee116 — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:09:46 GMT

Although I respect peoples opinions I feel that many people who target "pit bulls" are misguided. First of all most anti-pit and even many owners of pit bulls would not be able to pick out a pit bull from a line up of other similar non pit bull terrier breeds. http://www.understand-a-bull.com/Findthebull/findpitbull_v4.swf. Try it out, I guarantee you will misjudge the breed based it on its appearance. It's irresponsible for people to say that a certain breed should eradicated based on media coverage or a past experience. I was mauled by two German shepherds as a child who attacked me as I was walking by there yard. It costs my parents thousands and I still have large scars on my neck. Guess what, I don't hate German shepherds. it's an animal. I have been bitten more times by smaller dogs as an adult than any larger dog, Pit bull or not. Maybe we should outlaw all dogs? Just kill em all and be down with it? I can't believe people would be okay with trying to wipe out an entire breed. If pit bulls are going to be outlawed then all dog breeds should by outlawed and that will obviously never happen. I hate that people think just because they have a "family" dog that it can run anywhere it pleases. My dog is always leashed. I was attacked by a gorgeous retriever that came into my yard two weeks ago, minor abrasions but I'm a college grad student with no insurance. Also I think some people fail to understand math here, "Any popular breed is more likely to show up with more attacks because there are simply more dogs, just as a less popular breed will show up as having a higher percentage of attacks because there are simply fewer dogs" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_attack.
According to a 27-year study of dogs in the New York City area made by Dr. Robert Oleson, of the U.S. Public Health Service, these are the 9 dogs most apt to take a nibble out of a human being. They are, in the order of their aggressiveness:

1. German shepherd

2. Chow chow

3. Poodle

4. Italian bulldog

5. Fox terrier

6. Mixed chow chow

7. Airedale

8. Pekingese

9. Mixed German shepherd

http://community.kmtr.com/forums/4/4192583/ShowThread.aspx

Guess what you tiny dog owners, the dachshund, Chihuahuas, and Jack Russell terriers are some of the most hostile dogs out there. Dr. James Serpell, a University of Pennsylvania researcher who worked on the study, said smaller breeds might be more genetically predisposed towards aggressive behavior than larger dogs.Most research into canine aggression up to now has focused on dog bites, but researchers said that data (pit bulls aren't at the top of that list either) is misleading. Most dog bites aren't reported, and because the bites of big dogs are more likely to get reported, they are generally viewed as more aggressive.Now I will give that any larger dog can inflict more damage so it's okay that tiny dogs go around attacking people right? A tiny bite is just a tiny bite. It's America, speak up say whatever the hell you want to say. But people try to educate yourself. I am so tired of people generalizing things. I respect opinions from well informed people who educate themselves, even if it is not an opinion I agree with. Be wary of letting the government dictate which breeds are acceptable to own because according to CBS and other media news outlets these are the top most dangerous dogs and you can be sure that if pit bulls could somehow be magically wiped out then these dogs will be next.Also can the people who feel that pit bulls should be outlawed please explain to me which dogs would fall under that category? There is no such thing as a "pit bull". So I'm interested to see what you educated anti-pit bull people think would be the solution. I mean if your stating that we basically need a modern eugenics movement to eradicate an entire non specific breed of dog I am sure you have made a well thought out opinion of what the solution would be aside from the enlightened views that "you would shoot it" really thought out, Bravo. As well as that would work out, and trust me how could it possibly go wrong? I mean I can then shoot any of those top aggressive breeds right? And those three napoleon dogs with there very tiny albeit sharp teeth? An eye for eye right? Also I'm glad your keeping up with the news, all those horrible pit bull attacks. How about these http://www.understand-a-bull.com/Articles/OtherBreedBites/AllDogsBite.htm. Also I don't own a pit bull, I own a wonderful "tiny" beagle but have encountered them over the yrs, I'm not biased just educated, try it. I don't let tucker off his leash, I don't leave him around children and I never trust him with other dogs. If a pit bull attacks that just the breed, If a family dog attacks thats just a rare instance that doesn't get any media coverage, but most people are attacked by family pets and most people do not own pit bulls. Leash your dog and keep him out of my yard, no matter what your breed is and I'll do the same, deal? I don't dictate which dog you can own, please don't dictate which dog I can own. Be RESPONSIBLE. I know its easier to blame a breed, but it doesn't even make sense.

aggressive breeds according to study done by CBS

Llasa Apso: can be cranky with kids
Toy poodles: bite out of self defense
Dachsunds: not very patient
Rhodesian Ridgebacks: very dominant breed
Miniature Pinschers: "big dog" mindset in little body
Pekinese: intolerant
Chihuahuas: prefer adults, not tolerant of kids
Chow Chow: one-person dogs, bite without warning
Giant Schnauzers: very dominant breed, will even challenge adults
Old English Sheep Dog: very protective of owner
Cocker Spaniel: very protective of owner
Rottweilers: very protective

Typically gentle breeds that have "bad boy" reputations:

German Shepherd: great with kids
Bulldog: gentle, playful
Rottweilers: can be gentle, affectionate
Great Danes: gentle, affectionate
Boxers: good with kids
Mastiffs-very docile

"Pit bull" is a bit of a misnomer. There really is no such breed. Generally, "pit bulls" are a cross between a "bulldog" breed and a terrier. They are also known as American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/07/10/earlyshow/contributors/debbyeturner/main514774.shtml

Re: Should Pit Bulls be Outlawed?

chersull — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:59:57 GMT

Yes, they should be outlawed. If you have ever seen first hand the damage these dogs can do to a child, you would agree. Make all the arguments you wish about "responsible ownership", but the overwhelming majority of people who choose this breed are reckless by nature and quite frankly probably don't have a lot to lose. And I agree, a small dog can be just as vicious, but cases such as these are MUCH less common than those involving pit bulls. And most smaller breed can be deterred by a good kick, or simply picked up and thrown across the room by a nearby adult if need be. Why do you think people don't DIE or aren't MAMED by chihuahua attacks? What a ridiculous, desperate argument to make.

I was just in Petco with my 10 pound Papillon and there was a couple in there with a pitbull. The dog was dragging them around and they had almost no control over it. I respectfully asked that they keep the dog away from me, explaining as gently as I could that I had seen one of these dogs attack and I had a fear of them. The man was fine with this and understanding, the woman, however seemed to think she was going to act as Ms. Pitbull Advocate and try to change my mind about the dog. Well, there is nothing in this world that will change my mind about these dogs. The 6 year old girl whose wounds I saw was attacked by a family pet while she colored on the living room floor. It took over 200 stitches to put her face back on. She was not even looking in the dogs direction when she was attacked. Just google Pit Bull Attacks. You get nearly 2 million hits. Compare this with 350,000 Rottweiler Attacks. These dogs attack much more often than other breeds.

The funny thing after the Pitt Bull couple FINALLY realizes I won't leave the back corner of the store until they drag Fido kicking and whimpering back outside, in walks ANOTHER pit bull, this one dragging a 90 pound latino teenager. Fortunately, he wasn't the advocate type and allowed himself to be dragged to the back of the store, as I ran up a parallel aisle threw the flea collar I needed to buy at the clerk and said "Get me OUT OF HERE."

Ontario has the right idea, banning these dogs. Once again Canada shows better judgement in protecting it's citizens than does the US. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2009/06/11/ontario-dogs.html

Re: Should Pit Bulls be Outlawed?

JTMTM — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:16:11 GMT

Just a quick reminder, they are actually called Pit Bull Terriers. Hundreds of years ago, terriers (believed to be the now extinct English White Terriers) were breed with bulldogs to form what we now know as the Pit Bull Terrier. The terrier was chosen for its speed, agility and tenacity; the bulldog chosen for it's gameness. They were breed specifically for bull-baiting. Any aggresive trait shown towards man were continuously bred out to achieve a dog who was kind to man but would show the will to keep going back for the bull or bear.

We have a 3 yr old pit bull terrier/rottweiler mix. He is the biggest baby you could ever meet who still would love nothing better than to crawl onto your lap and lick your face. Such a big baby that he hates to be left out of anything. He sleeps inside usually w/ one of our 3 kids. We also have 5 indoor/outdoor cats, one of whom he picked out as a young kitten to mother while we were fostering. They are the best of buddies and are frequently found sleeping together. Right now they are both at my feet curled up with each other. We also have a bunny who frequently comes indoors and hops right in front of our "rott n pit". We also have a cockatiel who likes to walk on the floor, again right in front of the dog. He just lays there watching them.

We have 2 boys who have both been bitten by dogs. Our oldest son was bitten on the face by a friends "mutt" when he was reaching out to pet the dog. He had to have 3 stitches, which may not seem like a lot but on a 3 yr old it is. He still has a scar and it's been almost 20 yrs ago. Our youngest son was bitten several times on the backs of his legs by a Blue Heeler that belonged to our neighbors. He was playing with their children on the swingset when the dog rushed over from across the yard. He received deep punture wounds on both his calves that have left depressions on his legs.

Our neighbors have 2 Chinese Cresteds who behave way more "dangerous" than the Pit or Rot. One of them constantly charge our shared fence whenever we are out at the same time. It snarls and barks and sounds like it's going to come right through. This same dog got out and came into our front yard and bit our Pit /Rot, who was just standing silently in the driveway minding his own business.

So which dog is more dangerous? Personally I think most small dog breeds are more dangerous and likely to bite than most large dog breeds. Think of all those snarling little chihauhau's, toy poodles, poms etc. that are just waiting to take your finger off! They scare me a lot more than some big ole gentle giant.

Re: Should Pit Bulls be Outlawed?

baldy — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 03:02:24 GMT

I say no way in hell . it all depends on how you the owner raise the dog. i got a 2 year old female. and she is the most loving baby you could have. people don't say anything about the german shepards!!!!! i got bitten by one and another tried to attack me. or black chows are known to bite. what about the poodle dam ankle bitters.......

Re: Should Pit Bulls be Outlawed?

BuddyG — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 06:08:43 GMT

I really dont know if outlawing a specific breed of dog is going to work. IT is usually the owner's actions that shape a dog. I live in junction city and a man was walking his dog (not a pitbull) down the street when a pitbull came running out of the yard and attacked the other dog, causing almost $1,000 in damages. The dog also bit the owner of the other dog when he tried to seperate the dog's. The pitbull has been put to sleep because of it's actions. I think if you train a dog to be vicious it will be that way. I have friend's with pitbull's and they are the most loving dog's you have ever met so it's mostly the owner's to look at

Re: Should Pit Bulls be Outlawed?

redcity8 — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 23:57:40 GMT

ANY cat, dog, cow, horse or person can 'turn on you in an instant' - that's how critters (that can't talk) express their dislike of an situation: they 'snap' at you/ it. People need to learn to differentiate between a 'bite' and an 'attack'. One bite is NOT an attack, well, one small bite anyway. If it leaves a mark, but not a 'wound', and is not one of many, then it was probably just a critter saying, "Leave me alone".

Re: Should Pit Bulls be Outlawed?

Wayho — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:34:37 GMT

I agree with the "how they were raised theory'' but you have to admitt ANY dog can turn on you in a heartbeat.

Re: Should Pit Bulls be Outlawed?

anne campbell — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:48:57 GMT

I have owned many various breeds over the years. I believe owners know when an animal is dangerous. I was given a pitbull once because it ate the backseat out of a newly restored 57 Chevy. The dog was agressive & eventually had to be destroyed. I once owned a Great Pyraneese I rescued. She was 8 & had been chainned all her life. She bit 2 people & had to be put down. She was the 1st recorded Great Pyrneese dog bite in Douglas County. Any dog will bite in the wrong situation. I think it is the responsability of the owner to recognise the reality that owning a dog is a major responsability & the personality your dog displays when you are around may totally change when you are not. We all want to think the best of our pets. There are owners who enjoy & encourage agressive behavior in their dogs only to have them bite an unsuspecting victim. Did the owner know this dog would bite absolutely. Oregon has a repeat offender law for biting dogs. They are requirred to be destoyed. I think that ownership of dogs should be the same. If an owner has more than 1 dog who bites his ability to be a dog owner should be in question. I think this would make it more likely that owners would do more to restrain their pets. Breeding & temperment have a lot to do with dog behavior. Personally I would never own another Pitbull but I don't think outlawing the dogs is the answer. I believe outlawing irresposible pet ownership is.

Re: Should Pit Bulls be Outlawed?

valleygirl — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 23:20:30 GMT

Everyone needs to visit www.atts.org , which shows national temperament ratings for dogs of all breeds. Pits pass at 84.3%, better than the collie at 79.4%, and the australian shepherd at 81.7%. They are right on par with a basset hound, of which 84.8% passed. The problem is that violent and criminally minded people aren't buying basset hounds. They are attracted to the power, and are not looking to raise a cuddly dog. My pits are goofy and sweet, just like the rest of my family!

Re: Should Pit Bulls be Outlawed?

sillyme — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 19:08:38 GMT

If simple leash laws were used by all, we wouldn't have this problem. Owners needs to be held accountable for the action of their dog.

Simply put: your dog attacks a person...you get charged with assault. Perhaps this would make owners take mre responsibility.

Re: Should Pit Bulls be Outlawed?

Ria Dia — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:45:45 GMT

NO! Yes the breed isn't the best breed, but it's not the animals fault it's all in how they are raised! The owners should be the ones getting in trouble for training their animal corectly. Thats the first thing you do when you get a dog, start it's training & rules.

Re: Should Pit Bulls be Outlawed?

rgl1345 — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:55:12 GMT

The only good ones are dead ones!!

Re: Should Pit Bulls be Outlawed?

woody — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:20:35 GMT

All of these statement's about Pit bull's. I havent heard anyone discuss the SO CALLED GOOD ONES, That have attacked thier own family members! where there are many cases, They are simply a very aggressive animal that should in my opinion never be trusted along with a few other's,

Re: Should Pit Bulls be Outlawed?

ba2dbn — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 03:03:49 GMT

Insurance requirements, as good as they might sound, likely won't work. The current state of Car Insurance is a good example. Those that can afford it, do. If you can't afford it, or don't want to pay it, many just don't. As long as they don't get stopped or in an accident, all is ok. But as soon as something like an accident happens, it's too late. Anyone hit by an uninsured, or underinsured, had better have good insurance themselves.

It likely would be the same with pet insurance. Those that can afford it are likely responsible folks to begin with, and would likely be more apt to keep thier pets on a leash, etc. Those who could not afford insurance would not give up a family member (thier pet), but instead would simply not pay the insurance. Again, when disaster hits, no insurance.

I'm sure there would be responsible pet owners who would NOT pay insurance, and there would be irresponsible pet owners who WOULD pay insurance, but that would not be the norm, I feel.

Owning a pet, like driving a car, is a priviledge, not a right. And both come with responsibility. But requiring insurance to own a pet makes it too easy to remove responsibility of pet ownership where it belongs: with the pet owner.

I own dogs, drive, and have recently been involved in an accident with an underinsured motorist (lost work hours, lost the vehicle - totalled, and have had 3 surgeries so far - at least I have decent health insurance that has helped ). I feel the actions of my dogs are my responsibility, and it's my duty to ensure they don't bite, attack, or otherwise harm a person. And my homehowner insurance WOULD kick in if a person was injured on my property by one of my dogs.

Please be responsible for your pets, and try to do the right thing. I think that specialized pet insurance being required for particular breeds is not the answer.

Re: Should Pit Bulls be Outlawed?

Phoenyx — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 06:46:03 GMT

I have read all of the previous entries about this and I agree with the majority of them. As I see it the only way to prevent pit bull attacks is to prevent people from owning them who are not willing to deal with the breed's obvious - and well known - "quirks". New laws are not the answer. We can't prosecute for the laws we have now. Insurance for dog attacks would be useful for the dog owner to be able to pay for any damage the dog does.

I have never handled pit bulls but I have raised and trained most of the common large doge breeds including Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Labs. I actually had more trouble with the Labs than with the other 3. I have also trained and boarded representatives of most of the other breeds and crossbreeds in the last 40 years. The only dogs that I have ever had consistant trouble with were Terriers and Chihuahuas. I have been bitten several times and it was always by one to those breeds.

I am wondering if anyone has ever done a study to see which dog breeds bite the most? I am willing to bet that most people do not report getting bit by a small dog - just the large breeds.

Back to the subject - Pitt Bulls are a formable breed and I pray to God that the dog fighters do not find a stronger, more ruthless breed of fighting dog. If they do things will just go from bad to worse.