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Severe Dog Attacks and Pit Bulls
Understand the Attacks
Excerpts from Pit Bull Placebo
"How has the landscape of America and the mindset of Americans changed so dramatically in only a few decades? Is it canine behavior that has changed so drastically? Or have we, with our growing ignorance of dogs, become so unreasonable that any flaw found in an individual dog is taken as ample justification for vilifying all their innocent brethren? Have we, in morbid fascination, concentrated so intensely on emphasizing the bad that some dogs do that we can no longer recognize the myriad of good and positive things that most dogs contribute to our lives? Or, as some lawmakers and the media would have us believe, are some dog breeds inherently more dangerous and aggressive than others? Are Pit bull- type dogs becoming increasingly more dangerous than they were a century ago? Are most such dogs wonderfully tolerant and manageable or are these dogs unpredictable and untrustworthy, waiting to explode in a fury of aggression against everyone and anyone?
"For those interested in understanding canine behavior and the forces which contribute to severe attacks, modern-day media sources are sorely lacking in vital information surrounding these events." This is what increases the public's fear of certain dog breeds, mainly those surrounding the pit-bull type dogs. What you hear, "Pit bull attacks and kills a 7 year old boy. The dog was owned by the child's neighbor." What you don't hear, "Prior to the attack the dog was beaten, served a dose of rat poison, and was found to be severely malnourished." If you were to hear that, would you still have the same opinion about the dog?
Previously Feared Dog Breeds
Around the 1900s the Newfoundland, Bloodhound, Mastiff, and Bulldog, were the feared. They were the breeds to avoid. They were the cause of nearly all dog attacks. But, they were replaced by other dogs with just as bad temperaments. The German Shepherd was just one of the dogs that replaced the first set of vicious terrorizors and baby-killers.
They were a fairly new breed to America, and were most commonly used as guard and protection. The breed of yesterday, is not the breed of today. The old German Shepherd was rebuilt by media. No longer do we see them as the killers they once were.
By the 1920s, the German Shepherd was gaining in popularity as a "bad dog." It already had several years of killings and fatal attacks behind its paws, and it was not getting any friendlier.
Slowly the vicious image of the German Shepherd was beginning to rebuild and reshape. Rin Tin Tin featured a friendly, fun-loving German Shepherd dog. Police began using the dogs. People began using them as seeing eye dogs; The German Shepherd was the first seeing eye-dog in the US.
About 10 years after the height of the German Shepherd fear, they had been reshaped into a heroic and courageous breed.
But, the German Shepherd isn't the only dog breed to have been reshaped by media. The Great Dane is another dog breed that is now seen as the gentle giant, but was once feared. The Doberman Pinscher has, also, been slightly reshaped by media, but not nearly as much as the German Shepherd or Great Dane.
Note- This does not mean that the German Shepherd or Great Dane are not responsible for a portion of the dog attacks and fatal killings of today. It just means that yesterday's fear can be tomorrow's love and joy.
Also Note: The first breed ban was for the German Shepherd. Not many people know that, but, it sure tells you a lot about the dog who is now seen as a hero.
- The Good Dog
Inspiring stories of Pit Bulls in history. Myths. More
Common breeds that attack:
- Bloodhounds- (various breeds of bloodhounds- Cuban, Siberian, Russian, British, etc; during 2nd half of 19th century frequently the cause of severe and fatal attacks)
- Newfoundlands- (latter part of 19th century, predominate cause of severe, fatal attacks)
- Siberian Huskies
- Eskimo dogs
- Alaskan malamutes
- Labrador retrievers
- Arctic Sled dogs
- Alaskan huskies
- Spaniels
- Mastiffs- (used as guard dogs, they are common for severe and fatal attacks, but currently, the attacks have virtually disappeared)
- Collies- (numerous severe attacks in the first few decades of 20th century)
- Mix-breeds (IE Mutts and any dog that is unrecognizable to a breed)
- St. Bernard- (sporadic episodes of severe, fatal aggression at the beginning of the 1900s and again in 1970s)
- Fox terriers- (severe attacks to young children)
- Boston terriers
- Airedale terriers
The more popular a dog breed, the likelihood of an increased number of attacks by that dog breed.
Guess the dog breed in the following situations:
- Drug agents drove to a house, suspecting an arrest. The suspects rushed out of the house, loosened and ordered their dogs to attack the officers.
- A pack of dogs terrorize schoolchildren, chasing and biting three of them.
- A police officer mounted on his horse shoots a dog attacking his horse.
- Owner arrested for releasing and siccing his dog on a police officer.
- Police officer was able to barricade an attacking dog inside his doghouse, but the dog tore through the wood and lunged at the officer, who had to shot the dog.
- Dog shot twice after attacking 2 children and biting a police officer.
So, what type of dog was reported in each of those incidents?
Pit bull? .... No...
Rottweiler? ... No...
Poodle? ... No...
Mix-breed? ... No...
German Shepherd... Yes...
- What is Breed Specific Legislation and Who Does it Affect?
Breed Specific Legislation is not the way to go to prevent dog bites and attacks. Find out why and where the flaws lie.
Media Reports
Media likes to portray dogs with human emotions, frequently being described as jealous, lonely, depressed, enraged, angry, and frustrated, but dog's do not have human emotions. Dogs don't think like humans. Dogs think in the here and now. So if you leave the dog at home alone for the day and come home to find your new shoes torn up; the dog didn't do it out of spite. They don't know or understand what spite is. The dog did it out of boredom and well your new shoes probably tasted good.
Here's a common story you may read in the paper or see on television:
"The beloved family pet, who never once showed signs of aggression viciously attacked the young 17 year daughter of Mr. John Doe. The girl, innocently rocking in the rocking chair, and calling the dogs name, never expected the dog to begin attacking her face, chest, and arms."
What you won't hear:
"The 17 year old was rocking in the rocking chair, when she accidentally rolled the leg of the rocker on the dogs paw. The dog went darting around the room in pain, and when the 17 year old called the dog, he responded by lunging at her."
That attack was out of pain, injury, and confusion. Not an innocent attack by a beloved family dog. It was a reaction to having his paw squished under a large wooden rocking chair.
This is a true story from 1897 of a Newfoundland.
- Pit Bull Myths
Some of the more common myths about "pit bull" dogs. Some of them are actually humorous. I'd say if these were true, even some of them, breeders have created a sub-human dog.
What they show you
What they don't show you
Pit bulls and Media
The media has bashed the pit bull type dogs since the 1970s. Most reports claim that a pit bull was (1) bred to kill, (2) non-human aggressive, and (3) have locking jaws.
- Well, they were bred to kill dogs, not people; human aggression and dog aggression are completely different types of dog aggression. One would not claim their dog food aggressive if the dog is only toy aggressive, so why would I claim a dog who is only dog aggressive as being human aggressive?
- The pit bull type dog breeds, which include the American Pit Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, English Bulldog, and any dog that may resemble a Pit Bull, were never bred for human aggression. Even in the height of dog fighting, dogs that showed signs of human aggression were culled from the breeding programs, meaning they were either put down or just removed from the breeding program but still kept as a pet.
- Pit bull type dogs are built like any other dog, but with the frequent reports of, "the pit bull locked his jaws around the child's neck," the most common myth "pit bulls" have locking jaws arises. In actuality, studies show that with most pit bull type dogs, have stronger jaw muscles than other breeds, but they're jaws cannot possible lock in place.
It is the intent of the media to report just about every dog fighting raid, police raid, and pit bull seizures, to attempt to further the bad reputation of the breed. This (1) makes people believe that these types of dogs are the only dogs attacking and have to ability to be aggressive and (2) furthers the fear of the breeds.
What's sad is that, statistically speaking, the American Pit Bull Terrier is the least likely dog breed to bite, and the Cocker Spaniel is the most likely dog breed to attack.
Another sad note is that because "pit bull" is commonly the term to group dogs of a fighting background, the American Pit Bull Terrier is the most common dog breed that is hit with the wrath of irresponsible dog owners, as APBT contains "pit" and "bull."
You commonly see pit bull type dogs with gangsters, mobsters, drug lords, and other rough and violent people. Do you see them with portrayed in the homes of teachers, CEOs, or the elderly? Unfortunately, not so often.
Recently, with the Old Navy commercial featuring the blue American Pit Bull Terrier puppies, have hopefully shown people that these dogs are not vicious by nature, because otherwise these cute, innocent puppies would be attacking the actors. Before that, the last time one has really seen a friendly, family APBT was in "The Little Rascals."
I mean come on, even Steven King used a pit bull type dog in the "Cujo" book. How scary is it to see a large rabid dog chasing after you, much less if that dog is a rabid pit bull type dog? Pretty scary, if you ask me.
Even PETA, the world's advocate for animal rights, is the main organization setting fear in the eyes of people in regards to pit bull type dogs. I'm not saying that these dogs don't fatally attack, because they do, but there's no need to single out a group of dogs, collectively known as "pit bull." PETA is the main organization pushing for breed bans. They're the ones with the vicious pit bull posters.
Yes, they bite. Yes, they kill. Yes, it happens. But it also happens in regards to labs, retrievers, terriers, and other "family dog breeds."
Not your typical article about pit bulls
Find the Pit Bull Test
- Find the Pit Bull
Of the 25 pictures, can you find the true American Pit Bull Terrier? - Cold Steel Pits: Find the Pit Bull
Of the 18 pictures, do you know which one is the Pit Bull?
Dog Attack Statistics in Regards to "pit bulls"
In the 20th century there were over 450 reports of severe dog attacks in the United States, and none of them were caused by pit bull type dogs.
The media, being single minded, puts on their blinders, so to speak in regards to the pit bull. Think about it... From 2002-2005, there were 11 fatal dog attacks. 0 out of those 11 dogs featured pit bull type characteristics, but the media claimed each a pit bull attack. The media never once reported the true breeds of these dogs
According to the CDC, Center for Disease Control, over about 20 years, 66 fatalities caused by dog attacks were attributed to pit bull type dogs. 66 in 20 years!
Many people use this statistic to claim the pit bull type dogs are the most dangerous thing or dog, just because it has more fatalities than other dog breeds. Well, in actuality, in regards to children, the most dangerous factor is not a pit bull type dog but fathers, as the majority of child deaths is caused by physical abuse by fathers or father- figures.
You can't believe everything you hear from a politician's mouth or from a news reporter. The media is skewed.
10-20 pit bull type dogs cause fatal attacks, but tens or thousands are loved family pets... Look at those numbers... 10 versus 10,000... Hm...
Now, do consider that I'm not saying that pit bull type dogs never attack, as it's been reported over and over again, and even the CDC had about 66 reports pit bull attacks. But, every time you hear it on the news or any type of media, doesn't mean that particular attack was truly caused by a pit bull type dog. In many cases the initial report assumes pit bull type dog, and when the results claim the dog as another type of dog, there is never a retraction.
Otherwise, you'll see the headline "Pit bulls attack child of 8" but if you continue reading, you'll notice that the real dogs that attacked were American Bulldog or some other bulldog breed. It just doesn't sound the same to read a headline as "American Bulldogs attack child of 8."
Pit bull type dogs can and do attack people and other animals, but you have to consider that not every dog attack is caused by a pit bull type dog and not every pit bull type dog will attack.
Also, do take into account that it can be hard for the average person to properly ID a dog, so many statistics even the CDC dog statistics can be inaccurate. I've seen the results of cops in an area where BSL had just been enacted; they'll snatch any dog they think is of pit bull type origin. I've been to the kennels, and I've seen Catahoula Leopard Dogs, white Boxers, and Bulldogs that were taken in mistake for pit bull type dogs.
The common characteristics that lead people to believe that a dog is a "pit bull" includes medium to large sized body, short hair, muscular, broad chest, and wide- square head. There are so many dogs that, also, fall into these traits. Mastiffs, Rottweilers, American Bulldogs, and English Bulldogs, are just a few breeds with these traits, and none are considered of the "pit bull" class. These traits are usually those that determine that the stray that attacked your nephew was a pit bull type dog. Now, how fair is it, when so many other breeds have the same traits?
Characteristics that can lead dog attacks:
A combination of the following characteristics can cause a dog to attack in many different situations.
- Intact male dog.
- Female in heat.
- Dogs used for guard and protection purposes.
- Malnourished dogs.
- Untrained and poorly socialized dogs.
- Poor breeding- inbred, over bred, etc.
- Abuse and mistreatment.
- Fear.
- Unsanitary living quarters, which can lead to health issues.
- Harassment.
Any dog breed can attack. Any dog breed will attack. Any dog breed can kill.
Proper socialization and training is the key. Don't be a poor pet owner or an ignorant soul. There is more than one dog breed that attacks and kills.
Take off the blinders and open your heart. One day the American Pit Bull Terrier will be reshaped as the feared dogs of the past once were. One day, they'll be beloved and cherished again.
Time changes. People change. Our past proves that alone, as the most feared dog in American was once a loved family pet and war hero.
Dog Attack Statistics
- Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks
The CDC presents this fairly extensive article and data charts about dog attacks between 1979 and 1998 in the United States. - The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Report on Fatal Dog Attacks...
How the CDC gathers their information. What information isn't used in the statistics. Quotes from the CDC about breed bans.
Dog Bite Prevention
- National Dog Bite Prevention Week
Find prevention tips,things to consider before getting a dog, and other information provided the CDC. - Preventing Dog Bites
Understand who's more likely to be bitten and what an owner can do to prevent his dog from attacking. Also, find out what to do to prevent yourself from getting bitten and what to do if your dog bites someone. - Biting: Causes, Prevention, and Control
How to reduce the risk of your dog biting. What to do if your dog would bite a person. How to avoid being bitten, and find out what to do if you're attacked.
Other Hubs About Pit Bulls
- American Pit Bull Terrier
Unbiased breed description about the American Pit Bull Terrier. Find information about the breed's history, appearance, temperament, health, as well as breed specific legislation basics, and famous Pit Bulls. - The Truth About American Pit Bull Terriers
Read about some of the more common myths that surround Pit Bulls and other bully breed dogs, and find out why they're just not true. You may be surprised by some of the things people believe true about these dogs. - Dog Fighting
Find out the ugly truths about dog fighting. This is a tastefuly view on the care of the fighting dogs, written in hopes to shed light on some of the nasty perceptions. - Famous American Pit Bull Terriers
Whether your realize it or not, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a rather famous breed. They've starred in movies, advertisments, and find themselves in a number of Hollywood homes. - Pit Bull Rehabilitation
The all debated question: should you rehabilitate seized Pit Bulls and fighting dogs? Find out my opinion. - How to be a Responsible Parent to a Bully Breed Dog
Bully breed dogs already come with a bad reputaion, so what can you do as an owner of a bully breed dog to make your dog less likely to strike fear in others and less likely to be accused of attacking someone or something.
Please leave comments.
Make note that all comments will be approved before they appear.
I will approve all comments (including those against my statistics and opinions) unless they are derogatory to someone else or contain foul language.
Leave Comments Here
i live in nv i have a seves dog german shepherd dog . i wish there was some one can help me with my dog . i am in fallon nv i need help with hem .
if you get above a dogs head they feel threatened. sooooo................... i wouldn't get above a dogs head. a guy went up to a police and asked to pet his dog the officer said yes he bent over the dogs head and boom the dog bit him o the face. i felt sorry but lesson learned. dogs love us the only reson they bite is because you do something really wrong in THEIR language. every dog makes a good pet.
I definitely agree that there are more aggressive breeds out than than those who are unfairly labeled as being inherently dangerous. Labrador retrievers have more than once snarled and tried to have a go at me, as well as other random, spitz-like mutts that are most likely husky mixes.
I've dealt with all shapes and sizes, all manners of grumpiness and amicability in many different breeds, but the only largebreed dog that ever made contact and actually bit me (on the leg) was a Weimeriner - an unlikely breed due to its relative obscurity in comparison to labs, rottweilers, pit bulls, etc, but there you have it. The bite inhibition of a dog has very little to do with the breed.
Any dog can attack for
One reason or another.
Breed has little to do
With it if the dog has
Been raised with love
And socialized well.
I have a pit and have
Owned many dogs of
Different breeds, I have
Never had an aggressive
Dog. I'm tired of hearing
How bad pits are, I've
Worked with animals
For 18 years and I've never
Been biten by a pit breed.
I'm not so sure about Newfoundlands they are very gentle dogs despite there size. Great with children. Even 1902 they had that reputation (Nana from Peter Pan was a Landseer newfie). I had an American Eskimo who was abused when we got him and he got extremely aggressive towards strangers. He nipped at strangers a lot but was getting increasingly more aggressive as he aged. We were afraid he would full out attack someone eventually.
I never blame the breed though its always the owner. Any dog who is raised and trained right is less aggressive. I have met wonderful pit bulls. My step-dads friend adopted a pit from a shelter and when my step-dad died I was over at there house because my mom was to upset to pick me up from school. The pit sat there next to me giving me kisses and drying my tears.
Dogs may be domestic but they still carry there instincts to attack if they feel threatened or if there owners feel threatened.
thanks for this article. I have a pit/lab cross that I adopted from the SPCA over a year ago. She looks much more pit type than lab. She's great at the dog park even when being humped by male boxers or remorselessly chased by border collies, my dog is not the one causing problems, in fact she's often the best behaved dog there. She never steals other dogs' toys and she comes when called. So I'm sick of people coming up to me and telling me how much they hate pitbulls. I was bitten in the face by a black lab when I was a child but I don't go around telling people labs should be banned, even though they're top on the bite list (due to their popularity).
p.s. I had greyhounds before my pitmix and these dogs could be lethal if they weren't muzzled. They're wonderful dogs but they will pack hunt and often see other dog breeds as prey. However nobody ever got in my face about them!
I was one of those terrified of the breed due to the media. We had a boxer and a boxer mix. Recently I had to put my boxer mix down due to cancer. My boxer was very mopy and we decided to get another dog. I went to the humane society and seen the cutest thing in my life. I asked what kind of dog, they told me, hes an American Stafford shire Terrier. Oh ok, cool. I had to clue what that meant.
He was a 3 month old baby. Two years later he is spoiled and sweet. When I took him to Pet smart to get his nails clipped, he would not walk in I had to carry him in. People walked up and was petting him and he just looked at them while snuggling in my hair.
I always here the stories on TV and first first thought is what was the owner thinking. I always put my dogs up if some one is coming over. My dogs are not aggressive or violent, but i am responsible owner and will not put my dogs in an awkward situation.
WHAT A LOAD OF SHIT !!!!!! are u joking ??? OMG this article was written by an idiot !!!! smh
I hate it when people stereo type pit bulls. I have been raising pit bulls for the past 25 years. They are the sweetest and lovable dogs. I have a red nose named onyx who is so goofy we call him scooby doo, and a black pit named Envy who is just the most lovable and smartest girl I know. Pit bull Lover.
i read your statisics and yes there is a whole lot they don't show no matter the animal there is so much discrimination going on with them. im one who has to get rid of hers because hes a pit mix,because of commercial property ins. its real sad to see people so one minded,we are all programed when we are little by our adult mom and dads,animals too are programed by their mom and dad HUMAN parents as they grow up and are taught. so what's the difference between us? some animals are taught good and some are taught bad.so the differnce is what??????
I have a wonderful pitbull boxer mix. I adopted him as a puppy, and he was raised around two labs mixes. He has actually been the victim of another dog's wrath but neverless is eager to play with all dogs and most people. There are many people like Stacie, who cross the street when I walk him so since then I have trained Tucker to sit and stay when oncoming pedestrians approach us. This is a sign of his obedience and non aggressive intentions. Some people are scared still, but they say things like "Good dog, good dog" when we pass. This only prompts my dog to give them attention, which is bad. I think in a lot of cases, it is just as much a person's fault for being bit as it is the dog and the owner's fault. Great hub! I really like the idea of understanding that all dogs can bite, and a well trained pit bull is less likely to bite than many trusted breeds. This is a tested fact. Thanks for the great informative hub!
I have met many many PitBulls working at PetSmart as a dog trainer... and I must say... ALL the PitBulls I met were so aggressive... LICKING YOUR FACE! In all of my life I've only seen one PitBull that I would not have approached - he lived across the street from me, and the owners tied him to a bush with a 6-foot chain and the boy didn't have access to food, water, or shade - every day of his life. They would take him inside when they got home and he would eat, drink, and have shade then. Bottom line - dog's aren't aggressive, PEOPLE are ABUSIVE.
I read this article and all the comments with great interest. My George is a mostly Pit Bull mix who to strayed to my house one day - read the hub if you have the time. He is a highly intelligent, friendly and loyal. He loves cats and small children - but wants to fight other dogs his size or bigger.
We now have a red nose pitbull, I no nothing of the breed my husband just wanted her really bad. here trying to learn. and this site is wonderful. I have always had a dog or bird. And don't no how to train but just loved em and my babies have always loved me back. of course birds learned words and one dog clyde could say mama. Now stormy(pitbull) has became very protective of me. I have to put her in the fence when someone visits, I have two small grandbabies, and am a little nervous, should I be?
This is an excellent Hub.
Let me tell everybody something.Ive had pits,german sheperds,and rotts.I now have a 100lb. english bulldog that is FAR more dangerous than any of my previous.Don't know why.Loves people,but when another male dog gets to close he WILL KILL.He easily tore into a Doby at the park that got to close.Ripped the side of a bloodhounds head completely off,and recently killed a big opposum in the back yard.The only good thing is when i told him to let go, he did without hesitateing.I love this dog but cannot have him around other male dogs,and he has been fixed.I feel sorry for the intruder that comes into our home.Ive never seen a breed this powerful,easily deadlier than any pit ive ever been around.Again not people aggressive,but will strikedown a male dod in half a second.
At 14, I was bite on the buttock by a Doberman. I was running back and forth on the other side of their 4 foot fence, they were energetically chasing me. Got enough of this and walked over to my bike, and spotted the chain off the front sprocket. Bent over to re=align and this is what Mrs English (the dogs'owner)saw:
The dogs looked at each other, and one jumped the fence, and walked over and bit my buttock, and walked back, jumped the fence back, and the 2 Dobes lied down. I got a tetanus shot(didn't hurt) on spec. The bite was a nip and also did not hurt.
I deserved the nip.
people are diskriminating against pit bulls i have a pit bull and i adopted him from the spca wen i was 9 years old and that was the moment wen he was going to be put down my mom said i threw a tantrem to get him. and i was never happyer in my life buster was used for dog fhiting
but he is still like a lam with me and i'm still a 12 year old kid and buster is 5 years old and he is great with my sisters puppy. and he secretly sleeps in my room
he is my best friend he is my hole world and i love him
I agree Whitney you've done a very good job on this hub. There are a number of animal lovers out there but I don't happened to be one-(that isn't to say I'm an animal hater) yet I feel be think I should feel the same way about their pets as they do and I just always love those owners who say "he won't bite" as he's tearing the place up to try to get to me. I don't even like the K9 the police use to chase down people.
It is unfortunate that animals can be made to be vicious but society has the right to be protected from a potential threat being by guns or animals.
- AUTHOR
Labs are also up there in their number of bites.
Great informative Hub. Pit Bulls were created to fight other dogs. Who molded and shaped this breed of dog? Man.
In the early 1900's the Pit Bull was considered a brave, loyal and courageous dog. He was used for hunting and herding. Pete the dog on the Little Rascals was a Pit Bull. Yes, there were still small men with big egos who fought these dogs.
The Pit Bull makes a good pet. They must be owned by people who understand the breed and will devote time to the dog.
No one should ban a breed just because of the media and what people think. I recall a few years ago the Queen's sister's bull terrier attacked a child and the media called it a viscous Pit Bull. It wasn't but the media made a big deal out of it.
Do you know that the the German Shepherd, Chow Chow and Golden Retriever are the three dog breeds that bite people the most?
I love this article! So in depth, and precise! I thank you for writing such a great article and applaud you for your research! Great job here!
I have 4 pitbulls and I can tell you honestly that they are the biggest babies. They like to be put to bed at night and covered with their blankies, they love to be kissed, hugged, petted and they are really very sweet... Thank You for showing others some facts about other breeds
i was bitten by a pit. i was 6 years old it was the scaryist thing all i rember was him going 4 my neck but i put my arm up and then he land on top and bit my arm so hard it bork. for about 4 years i never whent near a pit but then i met one of the niceis dog aver but i still keep an eye out 4 aggressive dogs.
In 55 years, I've only been bit or threatened by one aggressive dog, and it was a Belgian Shepherd. I think the dog had a behavioral problem; the other Belgian Shepherd in the family was a nice dog. The owner made adjustments with the dog around people after that. We've had 4 Rottweilers that had no aggressive tendencies except to chase rabbits and cats. Come to think of it our other non-Rottweiler dogs did that, too!
German Shepherds are no joke. If you have ever gone by a junkyard or used car dealership you will usually see 2 or 3 of them there patrolling the place and enforcing the smack down on anyone dumb enough to try to step on their territory. HAHA!
studys in the UK have shown dog bites have went up since the ban people that own big dogs get big dogs and some of the breeds that the pitbull is behing replaced by is more likely to bite
Wow what a great Hub, really like to way you laid it out with all the photos. My belief is it's the owner not the dog. The wrong type of people get the wrong dogs for the wrong reasons.
This is a great hub and full kudos for all the hard work you've placed into it. I completely agree with you and share your prospective on this matter. I admire and enjoy all dog breeds and I have never blamed a breed for the human's mistakes.
I have personally been bitten by three different dog breeds before in my short 21 years of life. Two of the four times I was bitten drew blood, the others just really nasty bruises. And just what breeds were to blame?
1st-bruise: German Shepard
I actually miss that dog, he turned out pretty cool once I stopped being so nervous and twitchy around him. I think it was more wrong place, wrong time.
2nd-bite: Boston Terrier
This was my sister's dog that later ended up back in Arizona when she moved out and didn't take her. This was just a simple case of poor social behavior in the dog.
3rd-bruise: Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler)
A dog I had gotten for someone. He wasn't very well worked with so this comes from a lack of socialization and training.
4th-bite: Australian Cattle Dog/Border Collie (Mixed Breed)
Sad thing is...this was my dog! It was a bite out of fear and even to this day I am working on getting her trust levels up to par.
And to top it all off I've been around pit bull type dogs quite a bit. I aid in the adoption of dogs and cats so needless to say I see and work with my fair share of these dogs. Haven't been bit yet and most the dogs with big issues were Labs or Lab mixes!
- AUTHOR
You are right. In the book, Cujo was more of a pit-dog though, and that's what I was referring to. Although, I can't seem to find where I said it so that I can specify what I meant.
I completely agree with what you are standing up for. I just noticed that you said the film "Cujo" used a pit type dog. However, that film used a Saint Bernard. It just kind of made me question the reliability of your facts is all. Would hate for someone to use that against you.
Indexer, this is not a matter of looking as an intellectual, go and get an APBT and then talk. But if you like being intellectual, get knowledge on the subject. APBT is a breed that comes from the Mastiff kind dogs and the Terriers in England. In England! And then were bred here in U.S. The Am Staff and APBT were the same breed, until the American Kennel Club, created in 1936 did not accept the name of the breed with the word pit. So the United Kennel Club, that was created almost for decades before, and which its first dog was an APBT, accepted the same breed with two different names. But as the American Kennel Club not, the breed separated only sixty years ago, because owners of APBTs refused to change the name of the breed and stayed away from the American Kennel Club. About statistics , they have proven that breeds like German Shepherd and others have caused more victims than the APBTs. Leave your sofa, your computer desk, and go and meet the American Pit Bulls Terriers, and then come and talk. And when using your computer and reading books, try to find some good ones, because you don't even know about the ancestors of the breed. If you like recipes, you can also go and see Rachael Ray. She own a female APBT, Isaboo. She fight for her the other day in Central Park, NY, because a dog ( not and APBT or related breed) attacked her. She was bitten in her hand. Let me tell you this, any dog can be aggressive and APBTs are less likely to be aggressive towards humans that than any other breed. In dogs, the four first months of life are crucial .Any dog from any breed has to be very socialized in that periodof its life. As i said, how can you talk about something that you don’t know? I own APBTs. In Miami, South Beach, where they are banned. Well, how about me , living Mona, and Chucho outside the market waiting for me while I do shopping. And people, including children, old persons, and i animals, you named, passing beside them and they only waiting for me. That is an APBT, Mr.Indexer, not what you see on tv. Or what you listen, because how many times we just listen the news and we don't see the images. . It is well known, if you say on tv that a German Shepherd, or any other breed attacked a person that is not a news. But an APBT, oh yeah. This is what happen to me so many times. I go with my dog outside and people always are telling me how beautiful he is. And people like to pet him and praise him. But many people do this: Oh , how cute!it is beautiful dog! And they star petting him. What’s up good boy! What is his name? Chucho , I always say. Oh , Chucho? Chucho, how cute you are! And Chucho who loves people enjoys the moment the person is petting and praising him. Then, the question: and what breed is he? He is an American Pit Bull Terrier. What ! Oh! And the person changes the expression of his/her face. Hahahahahahaha, experience that I have Mister Indexer. Ignorance, Mr. Indexer, Hype, Mr. Indexer, that finds good land in the ignorance. Learn, and remember: before talking or making an opinion, go and meet some APBTs.
Mrs. Obvious, it is obvious that you have not owned an APBT(American Pit bull terrier), an Am staff ( American Staffordshire terrier), a Bull terrier or any of these related breeds, ever. How can you say you have been working with dogs and you refuse to do so with these breeds? so you are like a doctor that choose people to be their patients, or like a hair stylist that have a post on the door : no blonds, or no blacks , hahahahahah. Let me tell you only this: the day you have an American Pit bull Terrier you are going to be able to talk. This breed was one of the favorites of all Americans before ignorance and hype made monsters from them. The R.C. Victor chose this breed as a logo and you can check that any time. Did you know that there is not one breed more easy to still that this one. They are so good with humans that you have to watch your dog, because anybody can come and take the leach and live with your dog. Please, live the experience! .Go to people that know and have credibility, like Cesar Milan for example .Did you know that the politician that banned APBTs in Miami Dade used that for political purposes and at the end he was the most corrupted person on earth. He left the country escaping from the FBI. It is so absurd that you refuse to work with APBTs. That is acceptable for people that sit in from of the TV and know nothing about dogs. But for you, come on! GO to any Pet Supermarket in this country with an APBT and you will see those young women and men petting and praising your APBT. They know about it .Go to any veterinary and ask. How can you be a professional? You know nothing at all about this breed! And you say you are a groomer? God bless you!
when i was younger we used to have a blue heeler an was always nipping our heals, we didnt think anything bad of it, just thought it was more of a game, until it started taking interest in our chickens.
i believe any animal has the potential in turning against you..
we have a pomeranian (pom) an when we first got her, she would go crazy if you woke her up or went near her food, she was always the one to guard you.
we also have a border collie an used to have a german shepard, they were always quiet, an they always knew how to be there when you needed them.
we jst recently lost a black border collie x kelpie, an he was a scardy cat.. people always thought he was the one to watch, but everyday he would proceed over to the neighbours an say hello an always be happy.
just note to people buying dogs..
love them an they'll love you,
don't buy a type of dog that you will be afraid of; you need to remain in control an make your environment safe.
take time to be with them.. there like your very own kids.
they get confusedd aswell.. they cant help what they are.
im pleased to say we may have had some crazy dogs, but they were always loyal an gentle.
the way they put up with us as kids i will never know.
when i was a kid i was very cautious of pit bulls because of stereotypes and things that i heard about these beatiful dogs. i was also young, silly, and had bad judgement by judging what i didnt know and didnt understand. americans in general overate the violence in these beatiful creatures and i think its pretty ignorant for those of us who judge what we dont understand. now that understand the pit bull i've gotten into several debates about pit bulls overated behavior and try to encourage those who think otherwise. hopefully this gets through to people and change the mindset and judgement of our typical americans...I love this hub! i think its incredible to see genuine people like Whitney whos not blinded behind some of the crap that the media puts out there. Whit everything youre saying is the truth and im here to defend you 100%!!!!!
- AUTHOR
Actually, the Pit Bull in the UK is the same Pit Bull in the US. The difference is government preference. There are some places in the US where the breed and other breeds are banned, but that doesn't mean that 10 minutes to another county, those dogs are any different. For example, some counties get state approval to ban certain breeds, but that doesn't mean that the next county's dogs are any different, when the only thing is a county boundary, 10 sometimes 20 minutes away. It just means that the officials in that town are ignorant and pulled enough ignorant people to ban together to get the different breeds banned.
Indexer, your ignorance astonishes me. The "Alsatian" has always been called a German Shepherd. It was changed to "Alsatian" in WWII because of close minded bigotry like yours.
APBT are not more inherently dangerous in the UK than they are anywhere else in the world. The Dangerous Dogs Act was a travesty of justice released in a knee jerk reaction to a limited set of circumstances. It proves nothing more than the fact that the UK government passes legislation based on the beliefs of Daily Mail readers.
Shame on you. At least have the decency to educate yourself before you condemn an entire sub-species.
I really loved reading this. Very imformative,and the pictures really help tell the story. The part about Cocker Spaniels being most likely to attack was very interesting. I've known many Pit Bulls throughout my life,and have not met a mean one yet. But my aunt had a Cocker Spaniel,and he was the meanest dog I have ever known. My aunt's boyfriend called him the little black devil. You couldn't even move your feet if he was under the table. He would make a snack out of your foot!
I've been bit a number of times but never by a "Pit-type" dog. Once by German Shepherd and Rotti (by both at same time), another time by a Schnauzer-mix. I've played and walked a number of "pit-type" dogs at the Seal Beach Animal Care Center (CA), and have never been scared, growled at or bit by any of them - and they get a lot of them because they are the one of the only no-kill shelters who takes that type of dog in off the street. However, I have heard people misidentify a number of different breeds and especially lately blame mistake pit types for other breeds. And you're correct, no one ever prints a retraction or states one when they have misidentified a dog to be a pit when is was definitely not one! It is important to note that even fighting pits must be friendly to humans because it is the humans who have to handle them as safely as possible. It is totally irresponsible of any owner not to confine an aggressive dog effectively that it won't get loose and when at all possible not try to train the aggression out of it.
- AUTHOR
nameless_5r thanks for your comment. I agree my yorkie is more aggressive than my APBT. The APBT is much friendly to people. And, like you said for someone who is in the animal field, liek a groomer, you'd think she'd know more information.
Msr. Obvious - as a "professional" groomer, you should do some research before you make some statements.
pit bulls DO NOT lock their jaws, it is biologically impossible for any dog to do that.
unfortunately some people are far too ignorant and close minded as we have seen on some of the comments posted here. there are a lot of dogs out there that are very similar to pit bulls but most people cant differentiate the breeds. pit bulls were bred as working/family dogs with "gameness." this means that when the dog was pit against dogs, bulls, bears, pumas, etc......it would not give up. one of two things would happen, either it won the fight or it would die trying but most fight would be stopped before the dog died. real pit bulls are more mentally balanced because they must be able to follow the trainers command during a fight. if a dog bit any human or showed any type of human aggression, it was completely removed from their breeding programs. now a days, you will see these huge bully breeds that have no "gameness." if the owner of such a breed does not socialize/train the dog properly, it is more likely to develop aggression. i own an apbt and a miniature pincher and the pit bull is loads friendlier than the min pin. i usually take them to walk separately because the min pin will try to start fights with other dogs where the pit will just ignore them. the pit is more interested in licking people. the only thing i have yet to control about the pit is her obsession with squirrels. when i used to take them together, the min pin would start a fight and if another dog barked back, the pit would try to jump in and back up her sis. if any of you wouldn't do the same for your family than i don't know what to say to you. Anyways, i am just rambling here now so i will put a stop to is.
P.S. I can't wait to get another pit, this time a male.
- AUTHOR
thank you for your comment. I agree that ignorance is high with Pit Bulls. This article was to point out other dogs are responsible and the hype about this breed being all around bad is pure ignorant and mostly media cause fear.
This is such IGNORANCE at it's HIGHEST!! I dare any of you who think Pit bulls "attack for no reason" (wich makes no sense at all) ask someone who owns one, better yet get to know one before you make such a foolish, ignorant decision.
Come on people if Pits attacked for no reason why would we the Pit Bull lovers and RESPONSIBLE owners own this breed?
indexer and hoodala! your both faggots that obviously dont know shit about dogs! you see here in america pitbulls are a part of our history and are american heroes, you know in all those wars where we kick everyones ass! if i ever say you two pitbull hating fucks ill show you that you should be more affraid of a person than a Pitbull! God i hate it when ignorant ass people think they know about pitbulls and say there bad and should be banned! but all us pitbull loves will teach you dumb asses a lesson!
i hate people who think pitbulls are the worst dogs out there! the writer of this is very honest that its not the dog breed its the owners. Ive never seen a better breed of dogs! and i have volunteered at shelters in AZ for 5 years now. if you dont like pits and talk shit on them Find me and ill show you it aint pits you should be afraid of but people! O an if your not an american and your country bans PITS well thats why were america bc were not faggots! We make you our bitches, talk shit on america and us and our pitbulls will bring you to your knees! My pit would die protecting me...... and ill die protecting my pit!
Great hub! Thanks for all the information and wonderful history of breed bans. I would like to use your information in some presentations, if that would be okay please drop me a line. Once again, great job!
Pit Bulls are a media favorite for a scapegoat to incorporate Breed Specific Legislation in communities around the country. Recently certain Television networks have jumped on the band wagon but showing them in a more positive light. Chances are that little weiner dog walking down the street is more apt to bite you! But I believe any dog that bites root cause is the owner. Every Pit I have ever met is as sweet as sugar. And they by no means are or have to be animal aggressive our Pitty Coco lives with 2 cats a hamster and 2 Guinea pigs no problem!
There have been reports about Akita as well, but I think the Richard Gere movie this fall will make that less of an issue for that breed
Thanks for putting your information so clearly and bluntly. I think some breeds get elevated so much that society is shocked when a member of that breed attacks "without cause", and some breeds are demonised...and again, society is shocked when those breeds do some good. People need to learn that, just as any pet is capable of being good/lovable/heroic, so is any pet capable of attacking. They need to be treated with respect in any situation, and they need to be given a fair voice when something does happen- chances are, there were two sides to the story.
- AUTHOR
pits were bred for dog aggression not people aggression. Those who showed signs of people aggression were no longer allowed to figt or breed. Would I trust the few that I've had and MANY I've worked with in the public? Yes. Let's not be condescinding. Pits were not bred to kill people. My story is not faulty. My story says all dogs can and will kill, but we don't blame labs when they kill.I don't advocate any breed ban. That's plan ignorant to advoate breed bans. They don't work. They're proven not to solve bites and attacks. I have a hub on statistics if you'd like to read it. Nut it doesn't seem like you're going to change your mindm and that's your deal. I just think people should be aware of the flase stories and truths about the breed. Can they kill# yes. Were they bred for it? No. Do they have lockibg jaws? No. That's one of the biggest myths. Let's not argue if you don't have a solid poin. As for alligators, that's a whole other story involving a WILD animal not a domestic pet.
the problem is when they do bite! Not if they will bite. Pits lock their jaws and don't let go. If they do its just to get a better grip. Instinct will always outweigh training. If and when a pit bites it is always nasty. I will never trust one enough to own one. I am a dog groomer and I work with a ton of different breeds every day. There are several breeds that I wouldn't trust. Often you will find a great individual dog. This doesn't mean that you should trust the breed as a whole. Your logic is faulty. In your story, you say that even Newfie's are dangerous, but then explain that the dog's paw was smashed and that explained it. So is the breed vicious or not? I will tell you that its not. Newfie's were bred to save lives. Not kill people or animals. Just because you love the few pit's you have, doesn't mean that they are a breed that can or should be trusted by the general public. The general public are nieve to what it takes to be a good dog owner and prevent an attack. Besides, why should I be paranoid over waiting for an accident. I can prevent an accident from even happening by not having that kind of dog. If you really think all the rest of these dogs are just as dangerous, you should advocate breed bans on them, just to make the pit look more innocent. But we all know that is rediculous. All dogs are dangerous to some extent. The problem is that pits kill with their powerful jaws, wether trained to or not, their anatomy makes them capable and that's why the breed as a whole is considered dangerous. Would you also like to defend a domesticated alligator in Florida as a great pet?
- AUTHOR
Thank you for your comment. I will agree that the pit bull was from the UK, yet so many feel bc they're banned there now, the ones bred there are worse than those bred anywhere else... Same breed. That's the origin, but after the people moved elsewhere, they brought with them their fighting dogs. So same breed.
I also agree gorgeous dog breed. My dad has never been a big fan of them till we got ours. Now, when we seem them walking with people or in a semi just hanging out, we sit and watch them a minute because he just wants to look at the dog. They're just gorgeous.
@ The Indexer
Sorry, you may not get a chance to see this, but the APBT came from the UK's own creation. The UK is where the "Pit Bull" originated they bred them for fighting because the English bull dogs were slower adn more bulkiy but the Pit Bull was quicker, more agile, and had a much higher pain tolerance.
Then when the UK banned the APBT they blamed the US for bringing this dog into existance, when really it was a creation of the UK themselves...
But honestly I think Pit Bulls are the most beautifl dogs on earch and if treated and raised correctly they are the most loyal and loving dogs. That is why they are used for fighting because their undying will to please their owner is so strong that they will put their lives on the line for it.
I own an Argentine Mastiff/Red Nose Pit (7 months old) mix...he is possibly the sweetest dog ever. I also own a German Shepard/Collie mix (6 years old) and a German Shepard/Rottweiler (15 weeks old) mix...the 2 German Shepard mixes are a pain! I love them, but they both have attitudes and they nip on occasion... Meaty - the mastiff/pit mix- was abused before he came to live with us...he scares easy and is attached to females, ie I have a dog at my side allll day long. He is a wonderful dog! Frankly I'd like to slap people who stereotype pit bulls - jerks.
Great hub!!
- AUTHOR
It is rather sad. Did you hear about the morning show that had a collie and a pit bull on there for adoption. The collie snipped the shelter worker on the show, live, and the pit bull wouldn't stop licking the anchor person. The collie was adopted later that day, and the pit bull sat for several more days.
The funniest thing i ever saw happpened last week. There is this dog Lucy who visits the pet store i visit frequently. It seems like everytime I'm there Lucy is too. She is the sweetest dog ever and wags her tail a mile a minute the entire time she is in the store. Well she was prancing with her owner checking out the sights and smells when a mother and her two children came around the corner. The dog looked at them smiled and wagged her tail harder. The mother stuck her arms out as if to shield her children from the dog then backed into a shelving unit and caused a total mess!!!! I started cracking up. I live in Philadelphia, the pit bull capital of the world (if you ask me), yet she acted like she'd never seen such a scary dog!
Great hub. I really liked it. BTW while mentioning Petey, and the old navy pups you could of mentioned Racheal Rays dog. Her pit bull is on the cover of her premium pet food. All profits are donated to help out homeless pets.
its not the dogs fault ! its the owners who trained them that way! a dog will obey their master, they will duplicate the owners actions, they look up to them so therefor treat a dog with no respect and like dirt and expect it to be pissed!
Thank you so much for writing this. I am passionate about animals in general; however bully breeds have a special place in my heart and in my family, more specifically the American Staffy, and the Standard Staffy, along with the pit-bull mix's. I have four as family pets, and I have a tendency to rescue bully breeds in my area. I take them in and get them healthy, show them love, and try to rehabilitate them to re-home them. However not all of them can be saved they have just been treated way to bad, and can not come back from it. Dog fighting is problem where i live even though it is not broadcast. The breed has a bad reputation mainly due to media. So thank you for writing this.
Somehow whenever i search a hub i come across one of yours. Your hubs are very nicely put together. APBT are one of the best dog breeds if they are properly trained and cared for. I own 3 myself and they are the best dogs i've had in my dog owning years. I've had German Sheperds, Swiss Mountain Dogs, and even Boxers and I have come to favor my Pit Bulls by far. Once again you've created another great hub!
- AUTHOR
Some are more dog dominant, but not all. It is always a concern with certain breeds, but being born a certain breed doesn't necessarily mean that it'll be prone to dog aggression. It's a lot in the genetics and breeding, as well as socialization.
Great hub! I too believe that any dog is capable of biting when provoked. I don't know much about pit bulls, in my country they are banned, so you don't see too many. The ones I have seen, staffys, amstaffs etc, seem really friendly to people but not so good with other dogs. Do you find PIt Bulls to be more aggressive with other dogs? When they do get into a fight,I have noticed they are much harder to break up.
Bad ownership, bad breeding. Any breed can attack a human or another animal, and the only difference is the capacity to do damage. I think the problem arises when a certain breed becomes popular and is puppy milled or overbred just to satisfy the demand. I have known Dalmations to be human aggressive, miniature american eskimos, chihuahuas and yes, the famous cocker spaniel. Yes, the larger breeds can inflict fatal damage so there attacks will be focused on. You wont find any media report of a cocker spaniel for instance scarring a child for life by grabbing his or her face. But a rotti or some other large breed who through movies or other media has been portrayed as demonic or destructive, is part of fear mongering and makes a better story. So the breed the suffers and is banned, such as pitbulls in most areas of Ontario, Canada or Winnipeg Canada. I find the media partly to blame in most cases by sensationalizing the event, without giving all the facts. Responsible ownership and applied knowledge is key, and knowing something about ones breed and avoiding situation where an incident could occur. I understand that everyones experience, may be different depending on what has happened to them or someone within there sphere of influence good or bad. So they may have a severe dislike for a certain breed due to bad ownership/breeding. Are we not ambassadors of the particular breed we own? So it is up to us to properly educate, and hopefully erase the negative stereotypes that any particular breed has acquired. Know your breeds limitations, period.
- AUTHOR
Kyle, with proper training and socialization Pit Bulls and pit bull mixes can be wonderful family dogs. I have a pure APBT, who is the best dog that I've ever had, of course except for the other APBT that I had previously.
I have several hubs about APBTs, if you want to check them out:
I just wanted to say thanks for writing this article and thanks to everyone's responses. I'm currently looking at adopting a 10 week old sheperd/bulldog/pitbull mix. the mother was sheperd/bulldog and father pitbull is what the shelter told me, but all I've heard from other's is how I shouldn't get this dog because its pitbull...which is how I ended up on this site, I wanted to research it for myself. And I am going to keep researching about the breed, but I wanted to say this really put a lot more confidence in me to adopt her. Also, I wanted to add a story...
I have no idea the dog breed, it was a smaller 10lb white dog, I was probably about 6 or 7 years old. It was at my parents friends house, I was playing with the dog for maybe 20 minutes when the dog snapped and bite me in the face right under my eye, everyone freaked out and couldn't believe what happened. Well, the reason the dog attacked me was cause I was face to face at it staring it in the eyes right before the attack, but at my age I had no idea that this could cause an attack, and did I tell anyone that at that moment? nope... it wasn't til later after the incident i even realized this. So, my point is I think especially children can accidently make mistakes to cause a dog attack and noone was there to see it or whatever and the dog catches the blame.
- AUTHOR
You can't always assume that the dog is going to attack your dog, but your are right in that it is the ignorant owner who is to blame. The pepper spray may do 1 of 2 things- 1) stop the dog so that you can walk off or 2) make the dog mad and turn a potentially non-aggressive dog aggressive for the moment.
The worst experiences ive had with dogs arent with the dogs themselves, but the owners.
Im disabled, I try to walk my australian shepherd everyday, which is hard, but i need the excercise for strength. One of the neighbors has a pit bull and he lets it roam free. The other day it came at me when I was walking my dog and he just stood there whistling at his dog while I danced around trying to stay in between the pit and my dog. I carry pepper spray but would hate to spray an animal, but after 2 times of this happening, ill have no problem doing it if i have an altercation again. I might have to inolve the police, but who wants to do that with a neighbor?
Some breeds get a bad name, but I dont blame the dogs, just the ignorant and irresponsible owners.
I love some of these people talking about how they know a nice pit bull, but at the same time they and all their family members were bitten or they were chased down the street (seeing as how these are some of the most athletic dogs in the world I highly doubt a "pit bull" chased you with the intentions of attacking, and you out ran him to your house).
I own Amstafs and APBTs and I sometimes have the hardest time figuring out what dogs are actually Amstaffs or APBT, so I do not beleive anyone who says they were certain they were attacked by these two breeds. Most people don't even know that pitbulls were originaly between 20 and 40lbs, and anything over 60 has been mixed with another breed. Pitbulls breeds have also done very well in tempermant tests. Better than beagles, great danes, german shepards, golden retreivers, minature dauschounds, border collies, Greyhounds, whippets, toy poodle, CHIHUAHUA, and pomeranian. Statisticaly they are also one of the most popular dogs in the US and they bite statistics (when reported fairly) are nearly as bad as they should be considering their population and the vast number of them that are abused, mistreated, malnurished, and just treated poorly because of their negative press.
I have owned over ten diferent breeds of dogs and my pit bull type breeds are some of the most intelligent and by far the most people friendly dogs I have ever owned. Anyone who supports Breed Specific Legislation should be ashamed of their ignorance.
Also to clear this up. "pit bulls" are not a great breed for "proper" owners. Any dog is a great with proper owners. As I have stated above pit bulls are have a better average tempermant than many breeds of dogs. If someone isn't a proper owner for a pit bull, and them owning one would be a danger to other people because of attacks, then they really shouldn't own a dog as any dog would be a danger to attack for them. While it's true that some pit bull breeds can be harder to train, harder to train is a long ways from viscious attacker of humans. A proper owner of any dog should be a person who is knowledgable about all dogs and dog behavior, not a breed. A dog is a reflection of it's owners. Instead of listening to a friend of a friend who "knows" of a bad pit bull or the media, do some research for yourself and look up the American Temperament Test Society, national canine research Council, and Pit Bull Rescue Central.
Punish the Deed, Not the Breed
I have always loved pit bulls! my friends all had them when we were gorwing up and one of my friends dog just had 5 puppies! 2 blues, 2 black and white and one brown and white, i finially convienced my friends mother to give one to my son, the brown and white one, and he is now 5 months old and loves my son to death! he didn't have any training until i finally got him at 4 months so we are working well but it took him 2 days to learn the sit comand so he is learning fast and i'm excited to watch him grow! pit bulls are great dogs!! people are just scared because in america the media uses fear to control our public into what they want them to think.
To The Indexer, you are a complete idiot. You are very ignorant towards the breed, and it is the attitude of people such as yourself that will lead to the demise of this amazing breed of dog. APBT's are used as rescue and therapy dogs. One of the first therapy dogs used in Canada was an APBT, and they are still used successfully for this purpose to this day. If they are as aggressive as you say, they would not be using them to help people. Did you know that APBT's were used in search and rescue efforts of 9/11? I am a firm animal and dog lover, but why do think government agencies and police use german shepard dogs instead of pitbulls when trying to stop criminals? German shepard dogs were intentionally bred to be human aggressive. I am not saying that all German Shepards are vicious towards people, but they are a more human aggressive breed than the APBT. Although APBT's can be human aggressive if raised in the wrong situation, their main purpose as fighting dogs has been to be dog aggressive. Although pitbulls have and do attack humans, it can usually be put down to mistreatment and the dogs desire to please it's owner by any means necessary. These dogs are so loyal that they will attack a human or animal if they think it will please their owner. This is one of the main attractions of the APBT as a fighting dog, if put in the wrong hands their loyalty can cause the death of innocent people and animals, it can even cause their own death. I own three APBTs and have 2 children under the age of three. Because my dogs have been correctly trained and socialised, they are great with our children. You also have to take into consideration the fact that all dogs are individuals. It is possible to have puppies from 5 or 6 generations of fighting stock that simply do not have the same aggressive traits as its ancestors. When the family pet does attack a child, it is due to many different factors, not just the breed of the dog. Any dog can attack, it is purely the strength and stamina of the APBT and other large and powerful breeds that makes it capable of inflicting serious injury. We are from Australia and also own a Bull Arab. This is a perfect example of why dogs should not be discriminated against just because of their name. The Bull Arab is a powerful mix of many breeds, including the English Bull Terrier, APBT, Great Dane, Boxer, Doberman, Rottweiler etc. The Bull Arab is bred for pig hunting in Australia, and they are known as a powerful and aggressive dog capable of bringing down wild boars three times their size in extremely brutal combat. Our dog, who was purchased from a hunting stock litter, is the most gentle natured dog you will ever meet. He is very calm and tolerant with our children, and gets along fine with our three APBTs. He weighs just over 70kgs, and could easily inflict damage if he wanted to, but because of his training, socialisation and the environment he has grown up in he has never attacked or shown aggression towards anybody. Does this sound like a brutal hunting dog to you? This is a perfect example of why dogs should not be classed by their breed, but rather by the characteristics they possess as individuals. If you are familiar with Australian laws on the APBTs, you will know that BSL is in place here in Australia. Funny when you consider that the Bull Arab is a far more dangerous and unpredictable breed, but it has never had the reputation of the APBT. The APBT is extremely misrepresented by the media and government authorities. What good has the government ever done for you? If they don't care about their people, there's not a chance that they will ever give a damn about the animals existing in their society. Say no to BSL.
- AUTHOR
There could be a number of reasons as to why the dog was given up. I'm surprised you didn't ask, most people would have.
well i have a female German shepherd I got her from a man who did not want her. the problem with her as long as you are an individual she thinks it is OK to love you. but no animal can come near her. I think this is why she was given a way she is just too friendly.
i have a pitball and rott y i alow them to mix with other dogs n show what rite n wrong they are fine and obedient
- AUTHOR
I'm sorry to hear about your son. But you must remember there are always signs these things may occur, and an unsupervised child is highly susceptable for attack by any dog of any breed.
Definitely valid points but it's hard not to be scared of those type of dogs no matter how they have been raised when your own (at the time he was only four) son was brutally attacked by 2 pit/rotweiller dogs. My son and I will have to live with that horror for the rest of our life. I'm sorry I could never trust that type of dog again around me let alone my children.
I agree Whitney with many of your arguments. I have a bullmastiff/bull terrior/beagle mix. His father was bullmastiff/bull terrier. His father was my neighbors dog and was very mean. It attacked our golden retrievers many times and did so once to the year old retriever while the retriever father was on a leash and couldn't reach its puppy to help it. A couple days later the mastiff came back and the retriever father pinned it to the ground by the neck puncturing the neck which later caused infection and death. The mastiff I believe was mean do to lack of affection. The mastiff broke into our house in the winter to get out of the cold, was never allowed in its own home and never treated by a vet. The owners were very cruel to the poor dog. Our puppy is very loving and sweet.
I know of maltises that are alot more viscious than many big dogs
Great lens. My I wish more people could open up to the fact that pit bulls are actually great dogs if they are with the proper people. And I like how you mentioned german shepards (no you weren't just rolling them under the bus). Some of the most vicious dogs I have encountered were german shepards (and no I wasn't a criminal running from cops). But don't twist that statement around, some of the most vicious dogs I seen were german shepards, but I also seen some sweet lovable ones. Anyone immediately putting down a pit bull, please take the photo quizes Whitney linked to. If you don't get it right, just think if the person taking the report of a pit bull attacked might not have been looking at the one of the other dogs.
hi all
My 6 yr old daughter has always loved animals and been very good with them. I often feel she might be a vet. She was on her first sleep over and attacked by a great dane as she was following the other children in the house from the backyard. The dog did not growl nor bark and gave her large lacerations on the right side of her face all the way down to the bone. We have had to surgery's so far and overcome many obstacles like not wanting to start her 1st day of school because of the scars. Luckily she is a strong girl and still loves animals but i do feel that owners of large dogs must be responsible and never think it can't happen. This was a family dog that had been around children all it's life. Thankfully my daughter is alive.
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I do disagree with that. I don't think that any do is inherently aggressive, except of course those dogs that have a lineage of aggressive dogs. I believe that the aggression was selectively bred from very dominant dogs. I personally, have met more aggressive and dominant small dogs thant big dogs.
But, in terms of dangerous (which is different than being inherently dangerous, as inherently means that the pup was born dangerous versus just being dangerous from lack of training), I do agree that larger dogs are more powerful than smaller dogs. It's all in the training and socialization.
"are some dog breeds inherently more dangerous and aggressive than others?"
I think so, bigger dogs are more dangerous (potentially) due to their power, and I think some breeds have a better temprement than others, though I think this is secondary to the way they are trained / handled.
- AUTHOR
Indexer, I'm not going to argue that agressive lines make aggressive pups, but not all are aggressive, which means not all pups are aggressive. Yes, if you are in the line of breeding dog-aggressive canines, you're going to want the most aggressive parents.
But, even in game dogs of today, game is more along the lines of will, and not aggression. I HAVE met and heard of tons of game bully breed dogs living as indoor dogs. It just takes a more dominant and experienced person to ensure that there are no mishaps in the home.
I have met more non-aggressive bully breeds than I have aggressive. But, yes 6 full generations of dog aggressive to dog aggressive to dog aggressive dogs, WILL lead to dog aggressive pups, but not all breeders breed for dog aggression. Some breeders, believe it or not, breed for good dogs. And do not have dog aggressive dogs in their breeding groups.
I don't know the statistics of attacks in the UK, but in the US, not all statistics are accurate. I'm just giving you facts that I know. I'm not saying these dogs CAN'T be aggressive. I'm not saying that they DON'T attack, I'm saying that not all statistics are true and not all dog attacks are caused by "pit bulls" (to include statistics that claim the cause was a "pit bull").
I didn't start this hub to deny that bully breed dogs can't be aggressive. I'm not here to deny that they don't and haven't fatally attacked children. I just wish that people could see that not all attacks, even the claimed ones, are 100% "pit bulls." Again not saying that some aren't truly caused by these dogs, but not all are.
I gave plenty of facts and good statistics that I don't want people to ignore just because I'm giving the perspective of "pit bull" type dogs.
Whitney, There have been too many instances of attacks by pitbulls for me to take a different view. Children have been killed by dogs that were bred for the express purpose of killing other dogs. I know I won't convince you on this one, as we've had this discussion before, but when people take an aggressive dog and an aggressive bitch, then breed another generation from their most aggressive puppies, and then do so again for five or six generations, can you seriously tell me that the end result is a dog that is not inherently dangerous? That is what has happened in the UK, and that is why all such dogs ARE aggressive and vicious. You might as well say that not all lions, or wolverines, or Tasmanian devils are inherently dangerous and that, if well looked after, they would make lovely pets!
- AUTHOR
Indexer, not all APBTs are vicious and agressive; that is included for every country. Just because they are banned in the UK doesn't mean that they are all bad. If that is the truth, then that means that just because in certain county district has a ban on certain breeds, that means that ALL individual dogs in that breed are agressive and vicious, which just isn't true. The American Pit Bull Terrier has its background in England. The APBT, AmStaff, and other fighting breeds now commonly found in the US all came from the background of fighting dogs in the British Isle.
There may be differences presently, but in both the British pit bull and the American Pit Bull are both descendants from the same dogs and stock.
Whitney, As you know, certain breeds are banned in the UK, the American Pitbull being the chief among them. What should be remembered is the reason why these dogs were imported into the UK in the first place - not to be pets for little old ladies, but as fighting dogs. After a few generations of careful breeding, the vicious tendencies were emphasised, so that it is now impossible to find an APBT in the UK that is not potentially dangerous.
I would accept that APBTs found in the US may not be vicious and dangerous, but that is not so over here.
I also accept that, with many other breeds, the way a dog is treated has much to do with the way in which it behaves. The breed that we used to call Alsatian but is now, for some reason, called the German Shepherd, is a case in point. These dogs are regularly used as police dogs, guard dogs, and helping dogs, and some of the friendliest dogs I have known have been of this breed.
However, it would be impossible to make a safe pet from a British-bred APBT, simply because every single example comes from stock in which viciousness is inherent. So yes, as far as the UK is concerned, the breed is inherently dangerous, and the ban is fully justified. Your experience may well be different, because you are talking about dogs that have a different ancestry. Despite the name being the same, the British and American pitbulls may be on the way to becoming distinguisable breeds.
- AUTHOR
In the hub I actually refer to the statistics from 2002-2005. Also, keep in touch, I'll be posting a hub about small breed attacks within the month.
Which 3 years are you referring to? 1090 bc through 1092 bc? Becasue you sure aren't referring to the last 3 years?
- AUTHOR
I'm not trying to prove the dogs aren't dangerous. I'm trying to prove that they're not ALWAYS the cause of the attacks. I added information about the German Shepherd because it was a good point that dogs that once had a similar feared reputation can, over time, become loved dog breeds. The APBT was once a loved, cherished dog breed who got a bad reputation over time, which can revert back to a loving perception over time, as the German Shepherd and the Great Dane. Also, if you noticed, I have included a list of other dog breeds throughout history that have had severe attacks and killings, not just the German Shepherd.
Those statistics aren't in this hub because this hub is about pit bull type dogs, not yorkies or poodles. I wanted to portray that just becuase you hear something in the media, doesn't mean it's true. (By the way can you pick out the APBT?)
If you actually read the hub Hoodala, you will have noticed that I never mentioned that these don't DON'T attack; I actually mentioned about 3 times that they do and can attack. My next hub in terms of the breed has already been published; it's about myths about the breed. Maybe you want to check it out.
If the breed is as vicious as you believe, why is it that in 3 years there were 11 fatal attacks, and none by a pit bull type dog, much less of a dog with similar physical characteristics?
I actually find it hilarious that you would throw the German Shepherd under the bus to try and prove that pitbulls aren't dangerous. They are and they kill people every year. How many people were killed by Yorkies and Poodles last year? Make sure you include those statistics in your small dog hub.
Is it possible that your next hub about these wonderful dogs will be about how they have never harmed anyone and they should be the only dog people are allowed to own?
Iown two dogs. One of them is 22kgs. The other is 4kgs. The 22 kgs dog is the one we have to watch. When friends come over the little dog is the one the kids all go for to play with and the big fellow brings reactionive body language such as hands acroos the chest and body inclined backwards away from the dog. When tradesman come to the house they will not work unless we lock up the big boy but they are happy to work around the litle girl all day.
Take the two dogs out for a walk and it is always the little one that growls at oncoming dogs and let's them know who will be boss on this road today. The big fellow will stay at heel and wait o be invited for social mingling.
Both dogs are lovely and will not harm anyone. But if I had to bet which one would go after someone, it's the little one.
I guess the fear we see in people when faced with a big dog may well be associated with size and percieved biting power. I can't think of anythig else.
Your fan.
Mon.
Very good and infirmational hub,Whitney! Our 2 pitbulls would not hurt a fly. Their only aggressiveness is with the licking...lol
- AUTHOR
Steph, I'm definitely going to work on that one, ut right now it's bottom on the list. :-\
Great idea on the small dog Hub, Whitney! I'm looking forward to that one! :-)
- AUTHOR
lamps, I'm sorry to hear that you were chased and your friend attacked, but there's always a reason with any dog to attack. No dog attacks out of the blue. If you set stricter rules for bully breeds, then thwill lead to stricter rules for all dog breeds. Breed bans, are the extreme of strict rules, and the result of breed bans is that 1) the bad owners move to districts that allow the dogs or 2) they find a different dog breed to fight. Stricter rules will cause other dogs breeds to have the same concerns. Do you feel the same about the other dog breeds of the past that have had the same bad reputations as the pit bull today? All it takes is a little time to reshape a breed's image; it's been done before. It will happen again.
Steph, I feel ya! My yorkie will snap at you especially if he thinks he's protecting me, whereas my APBT will run from new people. She's such a scardie-cat. My yorkie actually bit my dad today when he was putting his leash on him. I wasn't home and the dogs aren't allowed to roam free, and the yorkie gets super aggressive when you go to put him in a kennel, so he has to be chained to the microwave stand. It sounds mean, but we'd use his kennel if he wasn't so aggressive towards it, and it was never used as punishment. I think he's just claustrophobic. But, anyway; small dogs are actually more jumpy, nippy, and bitey than most big dogs. My mom suggested that I do some research and write a hub about that. I think I will soon.
Great Hub, Whitney! Its so interesting, we have 2 dogs, one pit-bull mix, and one little poodle mix. Everyone wants to pet the little dog, but he's the one more likely to snap! (Garrett the big dog wouldn't hurt a fly). Before Garrett, we had a pure-bred Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Hershey was a great dog, too. Very gentle and a pure sweetheart. Still had people make assumptions about him though.
Great Hub! When I was a kid, I was chased down the street by a pit bull for no apparent reason. Luckily I made it in the house before it reached me. A family friend of ours (who was around 8 orso at the time) was at his neighbors house playing with their pitbull, not an uncommon event, when it suddenly decided to bite and latch on to his face.
I am an avid animal lover and I'm sure that the breed is gentle when raised properly. I think there should be stricter rules regarding who is allowed to raise these dogs.
- AUTHOR
Helena, thank you for your comment. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to read the hub all the way through. Otherwise, it may look biased, which is far from what I was trying to depict. There is a lot of information that people don't see with the media, and I think that these are importatn facts that people NEED to see in order to get the full picture. Media should portray an unbiased view, and let people make their own opinions, but unfortunately that's not how it works. I tried to find a cropped APBT with a child, but the one time I was looking, I couldn't find one; usually, that's all I can find.
Love this hub. I didn't know some of that stuff about the history of feared breeds... To anyone who knows the breed, it's hilarious to think of everyone fearing Newfies. We're such lemmings when it comes to believing media stuff like this.
Also, the first picture under "what they don't show you" or whatever is the absolute cutest picture ever. Kids and dogs are the most adorable combination ever.
If someone were to actually read this article all the way through, I don't see how they could possibly disagree with you. Well done.
- AUTHOR
Stacie, I definitely agree with you; I too avoid dogs where the owners are not paying attention. It doesn't matter the breed because all dogs have this potential. I think it's funny how you nearly never hear why the dog attacked. If the story of your German Shepherd hit the world news, no one would know that the child stepped on her bad hip.
Eileen, I did very much enjoy writing this hub. A lot of thought, effort, and research did go into it. I think it took me about a week to fully complete it. Cattle dogs are very nippy especially with children; they often try to herd small groups of children by nipping their heels. This is often misconstrued as bad behaviors and sometiems aggression, but in reality, the dog is doing what it was bred to do. Same with fighting dogs; they were bred for dog aggression, which is why many don't like other dogs, but again that vcan be avoided with early training and socialization.
Angela, I tried to provide a well-balanced hub. Yes, I love bully breed dogs, especially the APBT, but I can't deny that they don't attack and sometimes fatally kill people. That is a fact that cannot be denied by anyone, not even an advocate for the breed. What was the point in protraying them as angel dogs, when they DO have that other side. There are so many hubs on HubPages that refuse to believe anything other than the 'bad' side, that I wanted to provide something that showed statistics that not all attacks credited to the dogs are not always they're fault.
Andres, thank you for the comment. The dogs do attack, and the hub I mentioned several times that they do. I don't want to portray them as angel dogs, because like I commented to Angela, they DO have another side. It's just hat you don't always know the whole story, nor the truth behind the breed. I'm sorry that you were attacked but do you know that these dogs were truly pit bull, or did they just have the characteristics of muscles, broad chested, and square head? Because many breeds fit that characteristic.
Erinn, My APBT is a chicken to just about anything she's not familiar with. She too is great with other dogs, people, rats, etc. Thank you for your comment.
I love it! I have a pitbull as well! She is terrified of my three cats, they run her all around, she LOVES all other dogs, and my kids can stick their hands into her bowl of food while she is eating! Great breeds, bad people!
I have a friend that has a pitbull and she is a wonderfull dog. However me and my family have been involved in several dog attacks and I hate to say it but several of those attacks were pitbulls that were not on a lesh and attacked our leashed dog. In all of the incedents my family members inculding myself were bitten by the attacking dog trying to pry it off of our dog. I do agree that the dog is a reflection of its owner but I guess we have just had some unfortunate luck. I will say though that my friends pitbull is nice.
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