Save The "Bullied" Breeds

Actually, Chihuahuas are often nasty little dogs.  Mind you, not ALL of them are bad, but many, many are because their owners think it's "cute" to have a dog that "protects" Mommy or Daddy by going after the mail carrier or the dog next door. How do I know this? I have been training dogs for years and currently volunteer in our local shelter. I have shown (conformation) extensively for several years as well.

ANY dog can kill--heck, anything with TEETH can kill. All breeds of dogs have been responsible for biting humans.  Unfortunately, the public only hears the stories of the "big, bad dog" who suddenly snaps and tries to kill a child or maim another dog. Unfortunately, there is often more to the story than is reported--kids have teased the dog with a stick while it was tied up (often this occurs for years before the dog has finally had enough), the dog was abused, the dog (an intact male) got into a fight over a bitch in season and killed another male--well, you get the idea. Yes, there are people who think it's cool to have the baddest dog on the block.  They are usually people who have small "equipment" and need a badda$$ dog to feel tough.  What one doens't generally hear about is when ANOTHER of the so-called "non dangerous" breeds bite.  For example, not long ago (in France) surgeons perfomed the world's first face transplant. The lady who received the transplant was mauled...by a Labrador retriever.

I have never, ever been threatened by a bull breed of any sort.  Of couse it could happen tomorrow, or I could be threatened by another Lab Shepherd mix (I have lost count of how many times THIS has occurred)..  I HAVE been bitten by German Shepherds, a Doberman and (most recently) by a Border Collie. Do I have problems with any of these breeds?  No--the indivual dogs were merely a problem, NOT the breed as a whole.

To assume that all dogs of any given breed are bad (or good, for that matter) is "breedism" which is akin to racism.  As a bull breed owner, I do not have to put up with this and WILL not. My bitch's temperment is awesome ( I daresay every bit as good if not BETTER than your Italian Greyhound).  She loves kids, adults, other dogs of all sizes, cats and even our Guinea Pigs are treated as honored family members.  I wil lhave bull breeds of some sort for the rest of my life.  She has defended me from bad guys before and would lay her life on the line for me or my family in less than a heartbeat.  Her courage and tenacity are legendary in my small town.  One neighbor (only half jokingly) says that Gypsy is the "official dog of Newberg".

My bully breed too is one the most amazing dogs I have ever met.  He too, is a loyal family member that loves the other dogs (pomeranians) and our birds as much as he loves us.  He would protect us with his life, if needed, is as rambunctious as ever when playing, if he knows he can be but is more gentle to a small child than one could ever imagine.  He gets around small children and the elderly and automatically goes into work mode.  I could never have asked for a better dog.  I love the bully breeds and will protect them with my life just as they would do for me.

By the way everyone, if you could sign my petition to stop breed banning before it starts in my area I would be so greatful.  We need as many signatures as possible.
 
[linkhttp://savethebulliedbreeds.tripod.com]http://savethebulliedbreeds.tripod.com[/link]
 
Thanks in advance to those of you who take the time to sign it

If pitts became banned across the whole country, which lets HOPE and do everything we can to stop that... BUT, if they were, those idiots would choose another breed to fight. 
 
The government seems to be looking for an easy out to end dog fighting, but its not gonna work.  The breed doesnt deserve it anyway, they are AMAZING dogs!

If I were to encounter a Pit with bad intentions I would think "I feel sorry for this dog, what a horrible life he must live that he feels the need to attack people."
 
Well, yeah, I would too, but from atop whatever it was that I leapt to save my sorry butt!  However, that would be the same reaction I'd have to ANY dog with bad intentions.  And I've know a whole lot of little dogs with "short man" syndrome who were much more agressive that the so-called bad breeds.

You folks are totally missing the point...sure, there are a few isolated incidents of "Chihuahuas Gone Wild!!"  I've yet to hear of any packs of Chihuahuas reeking havok on neighborhoods and, were there such an incident, it's doubtful there'd be much more than a few torn pairs of trousers unless, of course, the terrorized populace chose to battle this pack of viscious beasts lying on their backs...! 
 
From San Clemente to Albuquerque to Denver to Chicago to NYC, there are hundreds of incidents where innocent people have been maimed or killed by dogs popular with bad people....  At the risk of abusing my previous gun analogy, comparing pit bulls to Chihuahuas is akin to categorizing an assault rifle to a BB gun...!
 
To all of you with anecdotal evidence of how sweet pbs are...let's face it folks, pbs--and their ilk--are surely no sweeter or loving than many other dogs their size but far-less likely to cause so much damage to people....  Surely, one will hear stories about Labs and other dogs biting people...one question to ask is, how many more labs are there in the US than pbs...?  Honestly, I don't know the stats but I surely see many, many more hunting dogs than I do fighting dogs being walked or in dog parks....  Bad press isn't a coincidence....  Reporters don't make up stories of dog attacks to sell more papers....  Hunting dogs are bred with "soft mouths" so they don't damage the game they retrieve...compare that to pbs whose jaws often must be pried open with crowbars to release what's trapped in them...!
 
Call me a breedist...I guess I am....  I have plenty of issues with my Italian Greyhound (my ex-wife just HAD to have him but insisted he stay with me when we divorced)...he was hell to housetrain, has cost me over $10,000 in vet bills (two broken legs and surgery necessitated by being bitten by a gsd and a pb mix), requires annual dentals, etc....  Still, NEVER has he been anything but totally sweet and loving....  I grew up with German Shorthairs who were also very sweet and loving....  People who acquire dogs for things other than companionship, service or other non-violent reasons do so at their own risk but, more importantly, also at OTHERS' RISK...! 
 
It's clear peoples' breed fancies vary widely...it's a facet of life that makes it more interesting...still, several breeds were bred for nefarious reasons and needn't be encouraged by society...fighting dogs fit in that category....  BTW, I also think people who train innocent dumb animals to be dangerous should be hung by their balls...!  I also support the idea that people who allow their dogs to harm humans should rot in jail--call it a "deterrent effect..."

I don't know how to respond without taking sides. Yes the owners of the dogs are responsible for creating a breed that is seen the way it is today but there should be no reason to outlaw one breed over anouther. You get rid of the PB and what, just open space for anouther breed to take it's place. These people are always going to be around and so are dogs.

I'm sorry, but no I do not think that we are missing the point. This "bad dog" craze goes in cycles.....it's been rotties, it's been dobies, and I recall it being GSD's at one point.  It's the pitties turn now.  And I stick to my original post.  It's little men who want to wear their manhood at the end of the lead.

I'm sorry, but no I do not think that we are missing the point. This "bad dog" craze goes in cycles.....it's been rotties, it's been dobies, and I recall it being GSD's at one point. It's the pitties turn now. And I stick to my original post. It's little men who want to wear their manhood at the end of the lead.

 
Now there's something about which I'd not thought...perhaps, we should just ban all little men...!  haha

You may feel pit bulls are being unfairly bullied by uninformed sources but here's something to ponder: Why is it so many bullies own pit bulls...? Surely, a good percentage of PB owners are responsible but it's undeniable many PB owners obtain them for all the wrong reasons.... Is it coincidence that so many reported--and reported on--dog related deaths involve pits...? I think not.... That's not saying pits are solely the problem--any dog, so disposed, can inflict harm on humans...still, my Italian Greyhound, were he to "snap" and attack someone, might draw a little blood but that's about it.... A surley pb is probably as likely to kill as not kill...therein lies the problem....

Here, in Southern CA, pb trained for other than pet duty are common sights...OK, your's isn't one of them.... Here's another question for you to ponder: Were you to encounter a pit with bad intentions, what would you think, then...?

 
Holdenin... Im not quite sure how to respond to you.
 
I totally agree, it is imperative that laws currently in place be better enforced (fighting, etc).  A better solution to breed bans, would, indeed, be to ban bad owners. 
 
There is no justification, however, to breed specific legislation.  I agree that pit bulls can do serious damage, but is this a reason to kill off a whole race?  My boyfriend can do serious damage too, but won't.  She he be put to sleep?  Racial profiling is wrong, and we should not allow the law to say that race predicts behavior.
 
I own an American Pit Bull Terrier.  He is the absolute best dog I have ever encountered.  He is love, defined.  The sweetest, most loyal, dedicated dog.  Yes, he is determined, and Im sure, if for some freak reason, he wanted to destroy someone or something, he could... however, we would never condone that kind of behavior, nor expect it, and have done nothing but positive training with him.  I do know, though, to be alert at all times... I am a RESPONSIBLE owner. My dog will never be roaming the streets without me, and I will take all necessary precautions to ensure that.  My dog will never be trained to attack, not even to defend my house (Im sure he would greet an intruder with kisses and tail wagging).  He will only be treated with respect and kindness, yet firmness.
 
In terms of the media, you're right, they don't make up stories.... but they exagerate, are misinformed, and "sweep under the rug" many many things.  If anyone, for one second, thinks that what is shown in the mainstream media (regarding ANYTHING) is totally unbiased, untouched, and unfiltered, they are crazy.
 
I agree with the idea of wearing your manhood on the end of the lead.  Because "bully breeds" are so hyped up is exactly what is attracting "bullies" to them.  Bullys are generally strong dogs, that look "scary", mostly because of the media attention.  It is all the wrong reasons to own a dog...  The law needs to crack down on people who are owning ANY dog for the wrong reasons.

BTW, I also think people who train innocent dumb animals to be dangerous should be hung by their balls...!  I also support the idea that people who allow their dogs to harm humans should rot in jail--call it a "deterrent effect..."

 
I'm guessing this includes K9 officers as well?  And schutzhund dogs, dogs who show in French Ring, Ring Sport, and KNVP?  The dogs aren't trained to be dangerous, they're trained to be deterrents.  Gotta tell you, they are extremely effective!
 
You ever noticed how when you put a gun in a criminals face, he just laughs and keeps walking?  Show him a Malinois or GSD with his teeth bared and on the ready, he'll drop like a freakin' stone.  I find it interesting that so many people (that are usually high) are more ok with a weapon that could kill them instantly being pointed at them than they are with a dog jumping on them and biting them.  It's even a little amusing.
 
I myself participate in schutzhund...more in the tracking phases than the protection, as my GSD doesn't have the drives for the protection work.  My old man did some schutzhund, he was decent at it.  Never titled  him.  Retired narcotics dog, awesome animal, sweet as can be, but  you don't mess with me or his primary owner.
 
My dog's jobs are to protect...it's what they're bred for.  Their primary function was herding...well, not many people need a herding dog any more (Though they still should be able to do it), but police officers sure do need their K9's!  So these "aggressive" dogs are out there on the streets keeping your butt safe.
 
Here's a shocker too...I know people who have tried schutzhund with their pits....and they washed out, because the dog wouldn't bite a human!  They won't play tug on the sleeve!  There ARE some schutzhund titled APBTs/Am Staffs, but there aren't many, more because the dogs wash out of the work than the fact that people are worried about more bad PR.  More and more Pits are being used for Narcotics work as well, and I know quite a few people that track with their dogs.
 
As for what I would think if a Pit came charging at me with bad intentions?  I'd think the same thing any NORMAL person would think.  "HOLY CRAP! That dog looks PISSED!" and I'd leave.  Doesn't matter the breed, I'm going to get the hell out as fast as I can.  I know a lot more nasty Labradors and Chihuahuas than I do Pit Bulls.
 
There was a Chihuahua in my puppy class that started out ok...guess what?  Now everytime you try and approach her, her hackles raise, and she snarls and tries to bite.  Can't even blame the owner on this one, because she does NOT coddle her dog.  She makes the dog walk, she socialized the dog out the yang, she corrects the dog when she behaves inappropriately.  The dog is just a nasty little twit!
 
Give me a PB over that rotten little rat any day!

A friend on another forum was attacked by a pack of Chihuahuas--I am NOT making this up!  Do any of you old timers remember Hillarie (owner of Bruno the Chi, Aurora the Icelandic and many other critters)?

The Animal Control officer here in our town prefers Pitties to many of the other breeds.  Does she put down ones that are aggressive? YES, just as she euthanizes many other breeds. We were talking on Tuesday about one that is (in her words) "out of control and killing cats". I suspect that this dog, which is trouble with a capital "T", will not be around much longer.  This dog is the sort who gives the bull breeds a bad name--the owner was incarcerated as was the dog.  Hmmm...bad people + a BYB puppymill-type Pittie= a problem. However, this is a rarity in our area and believe me, there are MANY Pits and Pit mixes around here (almost as many as Labs and Lab mixes).

You ever noticed how when you put a gun in a criminals face, he just laughs and keeps walking? Show him a Malinois or GSD with his teeth bared and on the ready, he'll drop like a freakin' stone. I find it interesting that so many people (that are usually high) are more ok with a weapon that could kill them instantly being pointed at them than they are with a dog jumping on them and biting them. It's even a little amusing.

 
...uhhhh...no....  I've been around guns all my life and still keep guns for self-protection but...no, I've never pointed a gun at anybody....  Oh, and dude, you're scaring me....
 
I suppose every junkyard should have it's obligatory attack dog and surely believe police dogs serve their function...you're WAY off track, though....  The defenders of fighting dogs on this board all claim their dogs to be nothing more than lovable little fuzballs capable of no more than appearing menacing....  I suspect they're as appalled by your post as am I....  Those who aren't are the afore-mentioned human bullies about whom we all bemoan....
 
I have to say I just can't get enough of the Chihuahua references...yes, it's terrifying to see one raise it's hackles and hear all that snarling....  To think of the inherent dangers posed by these killers...I say BAN THEM!!!! 
 
It's clear, no matter what evidence is produced, lovers of fighting dogs will defend them to the death--no pun intended....  No matter how many times they are implicated in the maulings or deaths of innocent people or other animals, there will be those who proclaim them to be no more dangerous than chihuahuas....  If this lamest of lame comparison is the best you people can come up with, fighting dogs are, indeed, doomed....  Screw all the statistics and studies...on with the anecdotal evidence to the contrary!!!
 
Oh, and when the next attack on some little kids does occur--and it's only a matter of time, blame the kids or their parents for not supervising them close enough.  I'm sure someone will opine the kids must have done SOMETHING to cause the attack...right...?  I'll bet my dollars to your donuts the dog involved won't be a chihuahua....
 
Go on, sign all the petitions you want...I've got to go--I'm on my way to a pit chihuahua fight...

Is Hill ok?  Please tell her she needs to bring her butt back here and talk to us!!
 
About a year ago a small child was mauled by a couple german shepherds.  Hearing that kind of thing makes my blood run cold.  I own german shepherds and they have been raised in a loving home environment and are not going to behave the same way that these two dogs, who lived their lives at the end of a heavy chain, did.  In MI there is a dangerous dog law that is NOT breed specific, and this is the way that it should be.
 
I will take a well bred, well trained pittie, or any other "dangerous dog" breed anyday over some of these little dogs with attitude (small man syndrome) and dogs that just flat out are not taught that certain behaviors are NOT ok just because they are little and the owners think its "cute".
 
Clearly we won't change your mind, but it should be obvious to you by now that you won't change our minds and get US to join the hysteria over a perfectly good BREED that has some idiots involved with it.

ORIGINAL: holdeninpdx

You ever noticed how when you put a gun in a criminals face, he just laughs and keeps walking? Show him a Malinois or GSD with his teeth bared and on the ready, he'll drop like a freakin' stone. I find it interesting that so many people (that are usually high) are more ok with a weapon that could kill them instantly being pointed at them than they are with a dog jumping on them and biting them. It's even a little amusing.

 
...uhhhh...no....  I've been around guns all my life and still keep guns for self-protection but...no, I've never pointed a gun at anybody....  Oh, and dude, you're scaring me....
 
I suppose every junkyard should have it's obligatory attack dog and surely believe police dogs serve their function...you're WAY off track, though....  The defenders of fighting dogs on this board all claim their dogs to be nothing more than lovable little fuzballs capable of no more than appearing menacing....  I suspect they're as appalled by your post as am I....  Those who aren't are the afore-mentioned human bullies about whom we all bemoan....
 
I have to say I just can't get enough of the Chihuahua references...yes, it's terrifying to see one raise it's hackles and hear all that snarling....  To think of the inherent dangers posed by these killers...I say BAN THEM!!!! 
 
It's clear, no matter what evidence is produced, lovers of fighting dogs will defend them to the death--no pun intended....  No matter how many times they are implicated in the maulings or deaths of innocent people or other animals, there will be those who proclaim them to be no more dangerous than chihuahuas....  If this lamest of lame comparison is the best you people can come up with, fighting dogs are, indeed, doomed....  Screw all the statistics and studies...on with the anecdotal evidence to the contrary!!!
 
Oh, and when the next attack on some little kids does occur--and it's only a matter of time, blame the kids or their parents for not supervising them close enough.  I'm sure someone will opine the kids must have done SOMETHING to cause the attack...right...?  I'll bet my dollars to your donuts the dog involved won't be a chihuahua....
 
Go on, sign all the petitions you want...I've got to go--I'm on my way to a pit chihuahua fight...

 
What an obnoxious font--aparently having a larger font makes you more likely to be right?--lol
 
Since you are a lover of stats, you probobly know that there has been a study done by a major insurance company (as in, someone who could lose money in the deal) that found that no one breed of dog is more likely to bite than another--therefore they are now non-breed specific.  There was another study conducted that concluded that the number one factor on whether a dog would bite was the handler.  The CDC (the agency that keeps track of dog bite stats) formed a task force to study the issue and concluded that BSL was ineffective and that dog breed has so little to do with biting that I believe that they have actually stopped recording the breed of dog involved in attacks.
 
I am aware of the potential damage my dog could inflict, I would be irresponsible not to, but honestly, it THAT how we are going to judge what sort of dogs should be banned?  30 breeds of dogs have killed people--are those all to be banned?  Do we just ban the breed at the top of the list of number of deaths?  There will ALWAYS be a breed at the top of the list--do we just keep banning?  Honestly ANY large dog has the capability to kill a person.  DO we just keep banning?
 
Or, do we put effective dangorous dog and animal cruelity laws on the books and IDK, INFORCE THEM?
 
While there are communities unfortunately adopting BSL, there are also MANY, many communities saying NO to it, and even repealing current legislation.  The Ohio supreme court has found it unconstitutional.  Nearly every authority on dogs holds that it is ineffective and impotent.
 
In London, where thay have banned pits, gangs are now using Presos for fighting and guarding, a dog three times the size of your average pit and far more powerful.
 
You can go on hating all you want, but you are not going to convince me that my dog, who has never so much as given a person the hairy eyeball (you can ask my landlord, my neighbors, my trainer, my friends (including those with children), my mother (who is afraid of large dogs), and the entire staff at my vets office) is vicious killer, simply biding her time.
 
But wait--I forgot--you, some random person on a dog board that has never met my dog, or any of the other pits on the board, clearly know their nature better than their owners and the professionals that deal with them.  Unbelievable [8|]