07-26-2011 at 6:25 AM

I am the proud owner of a purebred Pit Bull Terrier. She is the sweetest, most easygoing, mellow dog I have ever met. Seriously. She lets the cat eat out of her bowl with her, he beats her up and she just tries to lick him. She lets me put clothes on her and put my hands in her mouth. She is the first dog I have ever owned, and now, i'm completely sold on the breed.

07-7-2011 at 10:17 AM

now im sure we're on the same page.

07-6-2011 at 10:01 AM

The fact is the breed was created in the ring, that is a established fact as I presented to you.<br /> <br /> Those "other breeders" weren't allowed to have their "new breed" recognized as the American Pit Bull Terrier unless it won 3 fights. I should also mention the documentations point to the breed arising in the hands of dogmen not the general public.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> I said that dog aggression is not a bad thing, it is not a hassle, it is not giving the owner a bad time unless that owner is ignorant.<br /> <br /> <br /> ""yes they should definately be educated and know about it all but lets not label pit bulls something they're not. i mean enforcing the label that "they're fighters, they're fighters" is not effective and sure as hell have done no good.""<br /> <br /> Also might I add that in many anti-Pit Bull ban arguments were won because of their dog fighting history and explaining that human aggression is uncharacteristic.<br /> Any again, why is that bad? Hounds, bulldogs, working dogs would be labeled as "Fighters" because they'd gladly take on a threat. Hounds go after game, sighthounds chase prey, etc. Killing of animals is in a loooooot of breed's history. It.Is.Not.A.Bad.Thing.<br /> <br /> I'd prefer the killing to be ended all together. But it does not make them bad dogs. I'm tired of people acting like a fighting dog is a bad dog.<br /> <br /> "Work case scenario" would be human aggression, not dog aggression.<br /> <br /> And I said prepare, be able to deal with it if it arises.<br /> AKA be able to keep animals separated when needed (which leaving dogs together unattended, regardless of breed, is not a good idea), be able to train the dog to not focus on the dogs while in public and focus on his/her handler, etc.<br /> How is that giving the owner a "bad time"<br /> <br /> "since they were bred for fighting and working, but since it was more fighting, we're just going to forget about the working????"<br /> <br /> This is like saying "These fish are most predominantly found in the Pacific and evidence shows it is also their origin. But some of the species are in the Atlantic. So they can't be a Pacific species"<br /> <br /> Also, Like I've pointed out numerous times. They were not bred notably as working dogs until recent years. <br /> <br /> <br /> " <br /> Honestly, I think Pit Bulls are sweet, loyal, loving dogs. They're miss understood, not killers.<br /> <br /> Pit Bulls are strong and muscular, so dog fighters chose them for fights, giving them a bad rep. People think all Pit Bulls are mean, horrible dogs, which is not the slightest bit true. SOME Pit Bulls were made mean, but it could have happened to any breed of dog.<br /> <br /> Therefore, the fighting dog is mean, not the breed, meaning that Pit Bulls aren't mean by birth, but some are made mean by people who illegally fight dogs. Judge the dog by if it's ever attacked anyone, not by it's breed.<br /> <br /> I also think media has promoted the idea of Pit Bulls being killers, when they're not. If a Pit Bull attacks someone, everyone knows about it. But for example, if it was a Golden Retreiver, or another popular dog breed, the story wouldn't get quite as much attention.<br /> <br /> ""Overall, I honestly think Pit Bulls are one of the most loyal breeds, and don't deserve their tittle as killers.""<br /> <br /> People label them as people killers. But "dog fighting dog" is something sooo many beloved breeds are. Akitas for example. People wouldn't necessarily jump on the "Ban it!" wagon unless it's being portrayed as a human killer.<br /> <br /> I'd recommend joining some sort of pit bull forum with tons of educated people who have champion working APBTs. <br />

07-6-2011 at 8:58 AM

does the statement that the breed was created through fighting matter if it didn't apply to all the pit bull breeders? just because the majority did so doesn't mean we can't deny the fact that it's not all they were bred for. since they were bred for fighting and working, but since it was more fighting, we're just going to forget about the working???? <br /> <br /> <br /> and yah, they don't Back Down from one, but doesn't mean they start them. i see that as a Huge difference.<br /> <br /> <br /> yes they should definately be educated and know about it all but lets not label pit bulls something they're not. i mean enforcing the label that "they're fighters, they're fighters" is not effective and sure as hell have done no good. because of that label they are misused as guard dogs. labels are not effective and i will never agree to label a breed a certain thing. expectence. interesting point. you say all pit bull owners or people in contact with a pit bull should expect worse case scenario which i don't agree with because that makes them afraid and dogs usually Feed off of that fear and Love it. so yah in their head they should make a mental note to be careful, but not all people are well equipt enough to keep that thought from influencing their behaviour which causing the worse case scenario to actually happen. whereas if you expect the best from a dog you have no reason to believe will give you a bad time, is better. so yes i understand, be on your guard expect a pit bull to live up to its label, know what it's capable of. but don't let it influence how you treat one. if you dont think you can go up to a pit bull without losing your cool, then don't bother.<br /> <br /> and also, it's not like pit bulls are the only strong muscular breed out their, i don't know why people bother mentioning that. they say that if it makes them more of a threat. but think about in another light:: if there was an extremely buff guy would steer clear too thinking, oh "it's muscular it can hurt me". little dogs with no bulging muscles can leave just as nasty of a scar. <br /> <br /> so my point is yes, know what pit bulls are capable of, but don't label them because of it.

07-6-2011 at 6:33 AM

""Pit Bulls are strong and muscular, so dog fighters chose them for fights, giving them a bad rep.""<br /> <br /> Pit Bulls were not chosen to be dog fighting dogs :) They were created as dog fighting dogs. People used to be big into bull baiting, which bulldogs were the primary breed types. Then that became illegal along with dog fighting however dog fighting was easier to hide. People wanted the tenacity, power, and grip of the bulldog, but the drive and speed, agility of the terrier types. So the "Bull and Terrier" mixes started. They were imported to the US and solidified as the American Pit Bull Terrier. The breed was created for dog fighting, not created then picked for it. <br /> <br /> <br /> ""Therefore, the fighting dog is mean, not the breed, meaning that Pit Bulls aren't mean by birth, but some are made mean by people who illegally fight dogs.""<br /> <br /> I strongly disagree, dog fighting dogs are not mean at all. Maybe towards other dogs but not people. Many dogs, often working dogs don't do well with other dogs because they're so ramped and drivey. Many police, and Schutzhund dogs don't like other dogs. A dog fighting dog would exhibit aggression, dislike, for other dogs. So if that would make them mean, then many protection dogs are mean.<br /> <br /> Also, with bad breeding, yes some would be "born mean" behavior /is/ in fact genetic.<br /> <br /> Why else would a Border Collie have a stronger herding instinct, Retrieving breeds retrieve, Bulldogs grip and hold, terriers are high energy, prey driven, and often don't do well with other dogs, German Shepherds may be wary of strangers depending on the lineage.<br /> <br /> I posted a link about genetics and behavior in my other post. :) <br /> <br />

07-6-2011 at 5:42 AM

Honestly, I think Pit Bulls are sweet, loyal, loving dogs. They're miss understood, not killers.<br /> <br /> Pit Bulls are strong and muscular, so dog fighters chose them for fights, giving them a bad rep. People think all Pit Bulls are mean, horrible dogs, which is not the slightest bit true. SOME Pit Bulls were made mean, but it could have happened to any breed of dog.<br /> <br /> Therefore, the fighting dog is mean, not the breed, meaning that Pit Bulls aren't mean by birth, but some are made mean by people who illegally fight dogs. Judge the dog by if it's ever attacked anyone, not by it's breed.<br /> <br /> I also think media has promoted the idea of Pit Bulls being killers, when they're not. If a Pit Bull attacks someone, everyone knows about it. But for example, if it was a Golden Retreiver, or another popular dog breed, the story wouldn't get quite as much attention.<br /> <br /> Overall, I honestly think Pit Bulls are one of the most loyal breeds, and don't deserve their tittle as killers.

07-5-2011 at 9:23 AM

<br /> <br /> "hey're working class dogs. not fighters. you want me to believe that every pit bull can be traced back to a fighting background? i'll believe in aleins sooner than i would believe in that. "<br /> <br /> <br /> Now-a-days? Yes, they are more so bred for working dogs here in the US because game testing is illegal. <br /> <br /> (They are still bred for fighting in many countries where it is legal.)<br /> <br /> Was every pit bull bred for fighting? No. But the founding dogs who created this breed, the breed itself was created through fighting. The UKC did the first registry for Pit Bulls, they solidified it as a breed. But this is back when dog fighting was not frowned upon and one of the requirements to register a dog as a Pit Bull was proof of gameness. (Which is proven through fighting)<br /> <br /> The breed /was/ founded off fighting.<br /> <br /> It is very ignorant to say these dogs aren't fighters, because the fact that they're terrier even proves that. Terriers and bulldogs are tenacious animals who will not back down from a fight if they hold true to the breed standards.<br /> <br /> No I'm not saying that all Pit Bulls are bred for fighting, I'm not saying that all of them will fight, or will start a fight. <br /> But it is something to be expected from the breed and if one is to own a dog of this breed they should prepare to deal with it if it arises.<br /> <br /> You can socialize the heck out of some dogs, but if they have aggression in their genetics it will arise. And genetics such as that often do not start to show through until around two years of age (aka maturing).<br /> <br /> http://www.sparknotes.com/biology/animalbehavior/instinct/section4.rhtml<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Here is the /Official/ Origin of the American Pit Bull Terrier.<br /> <br /> "<br /> The official origin of the breed.<br /> <br /> In 1898, Chauncy Bennet formed the United Kennel Club (UKC), a breed registry aimed solely at the registration and acceptance of Pit Bull Terriers. Chauncey’s own dog, “Ring,” was the first dog registered in the UKC. At that time, when Pit fighting was still widely accepted as a national pastime, the UKC provided registration and fighting guidelines for Pit fighting. Bennet sought to create an organization that would represent the breed as performance dogs. Thus, the American Pit Bull Terrier was born as a breed. At that time the UKC was an elite registry for the APBT. For a Pit Bull to be accepted into the UKC as an American Pit Bull Terrier, the dog had to have won three fights. Years later when dog fighting became illegal, the UKC quickly abandoned its past and became an all breed registry that focuses on the working aspects of dog breeds. The UKC is now the second largest purebred dog registry in the United States, complete with strict bylaws that ban anyone who is convicted of dog fighting. Another registry that was started solely for APBT’s, the American Dog breeders Association was born twelve years after the UKC. The ADBA was started by Guy McCord? who was a close friend of one of the founding fathers of the modern APBT. The ADBA and the UKC are the only true registries of the American Pit Bull Terrier, and both have withstood the test of time.<br /> <br /> Over the next thirty years, the American Pit Bull Terrier became one of the most popular breeds in American history. It was only with this popularity that another registry known as the American Kennel Club bowed to an overwhelming number of requests and accepted the APBT as a breed. They did however change the name of the breed hoping to hide their true origins—unlike the original registries that honored the history of the breed. The AKC decided to register Pit Bulls as Staffordshire Terriers, which was later changed to the American Staffordshire Terrier in 1972. Up until 1936, Pit Bulls and AST’s were physically identical. After 1936, AST’s were no longer bred for the defined working type but for what is TYPICALLY a more “flashier” look with blockier heads, larger chests and a thicker jaw.<br /> <br /> Currently, the AST, due to a closed gene pool and a great deal of popular stud syndrome, has developed into a very narrow phenotype, while APBT’s still vary phenotypically from lanky to stocky, from terrier to bully. Although the phenotypic expression varied in the APBT, relative weight, size and proportion remained constant and dogs over 60lbs are rarely seen in the yards of ethical breeders. The Pit Bull has been selectively bred for over 170 years. Because of this selective breeding, they have become marvelous working and companion dogs, used for purposes as varied as those it originally performed. Properly bred, modern, working APBT’s are still bred to be exceptionally sturdy and extremely human friendly, not to mention athletic, courageous, and tenacious. They can be found employed as police/armed services dogs, Therapy dogs, and search and rescuers. APBT’s have been used by the FDA and USDA for sniffing out bombs and drugs; the first certified hearing dog in Alaska was an APBT, and even today they continue to work livestock. They are one of the most versatile breeds on the planet."<br /> <br /> http://www.apbt.info/tiki-index.php?page=History+of+the+APBT<br /> <br /> I don't get why so many people are opposed to admitting the breed had a fighting history. It absolutely does not make a bad dog, in fact it made them such athletes that turned them into great working dogs.<br /> <br /> Other dog fighting breeds: <br /> Akita<br /> Dogo Argentino<br /> Blue Paul Terrier<br /> Bull Terrier<br /> Bully Kutta<br /> Cane Corso<br /> Caucasian Ovcharka<br /> Central Asian Ovcharka<br /> Cordoba Fighting Dog<br /> Dogue De Bordeaux (French Mastiff)<br /> English White Terrier<br /> Fila Brasileiro<br /> Gull Terr<br /> Staffordshire Bull Terrier<br /> Korea Jindo Dog<br /> Shar Pei<br /> And many more. <br /> <br /> It's not like it's an uncommon or bad history

07-5-2011 at 7:44 AM

they're working class dogs. not fighters. you want me to believe that every pit bull can be traced back to a fighting background? i'll believe in aleins sooner than i would believe in that. don't blame the dog, blame the owner. lots of dogs have Strong bites. german shepherds, rotties, ect. so it's not like pit bulls should be singled out as the baddest breed out there. it's the owners ignorances fault. don't get a dog if you just expect it to be perfect social wise, you need to actually put the effort in. it's a lot easier than it looks. this is the first time we owned a pit bull and we just socialized like we would any other breed and she has no problems what so ever. ignorant owners expect dogs to behave perfectly without having to socialize them. my entire family has been bitten by chiwawas and poodles and labradors and even german shepherds but never by a pit bull, rottie, or boxer. but lately i've been seeing people getting pit bulls and encouraging biting habits. again, an extremely bad idea, no matter what breed. so usually when a pit bull is aggressive it's a one time thing (which is the usual case when you see them in media), or an owners lazziness to social the pup, or it's been encouraged by an idiot. i read that most pit bull attacks are pit bulls with a bluish silver coat, which means bad genetics possibly. which could happen if it's froma breeder breeding for the color, and bad side affects are likely but that situation is not exclusive to pit bulls. i don't think it applies to all bluecoats. i think if you want a blue coated pit bull, make sure it's from a really really good breeder just to be safe. because when a breeder tries to breed for a certain physical charistic it usually tends to have bad side effects in all breed cases. <br /> <br /> <br /> i can tell you my pit bull lucy is really tollerate of everything. and it's hilarious how inside the house she barks but once she gets out and meets them they scream expecting an attack but she just wags her tail waiting to be petted. she gives the wrong impression lets say. she really just wants peoples attention when they think she wants a snack. they cower with their eyes closed tightly shut and she's just waiting to be petted. i never understand why people are so terrified, screaming never helps a situation like that. most dogs feed off that fear and put on a scary show just for the fun of it. <br /> <br /> so see everyone here has only good things to say about pit bulls. i'd never heard a person's story about being attacked by an aggressive pit bull. frankly it's all talk and no evidence. <br /> <br /> i did this because i hate when people make killer comments about my doggie so it's kinda in her honor. that's all i have to say about that.

07-5-2011 at 5:18 AM

"You can't deniy some tend to go one person,and become dangerose out of protection."<br /> The breed is not suppose to be a guardian or protection breed at all. The standard even says they make bad guard dogs.<br /> <br /> "Some,like say the blue pitt,have mental issues because they were mass bred "designer dogs.""<br /> <br /> Just because the dog is blue doesn't mean it has bad breeding. But yes, people breeding just for color are bad breeders often peddlers too. <br /> <br /> " Take this as an example of a blue pitt scenario "Our little fido was so good up untill a certine date,we have no idea what came over him when he bit my son." Well,he could have become a one person dog,or his blue genes may have been the cause (no pun intended.)"<br /> <br /> Actually in most if the situations the dog had been giving signs, gave warnings. It's ignorant owners who say that, or people who don't want to admit they put people in danger by knowingly placing them around unstable dogs.<br /> <br /> Signs you should leave a dog alone<br /> Signs of a fearful or stressed dog:<br /> Head down/held low (may be turned away from other dogs/people)<br /> Tail low or tucked between legs (may wag weakly)<br /> Mouth closed/may see wrinkles at corners of mouth<br /> Ears held back/low (if tall ears: they may stick out to the sides or be folded against the head)<br /> Hair on the back may be raised (esp. near the tail)<br /> May roll on his back with belly exposed<br /> May urinate while crouching or on his back<br /> May “freeze” and be stiff all over/glassy eyed or will show body tension and stiff movements<br /> May try to run away (usually with tail tucked and head low)<br /> May growl, snap, show teeth or whine<br /> May repeatedly bark with a short, high-pitched yap or yelp<br /> May be constantly moving, restless or have decreased activity levels<br /> Won’t sleep or rest<br /> May try to hide in or behind things<br /> Quick yawning (looks nervous, not tired)<br /> Excessive drooling, “ropes”<br /> Trembling<br /> Feet sweaty (leaves paw prints that evaporate quickly)<br /> Disinterested in food<br /> Shallow or rapid breathing<br /> Excessive and/or sudden hair loss<br /> White rim of eye showing more than usual<br /> Muscle ridge visible around the eyes or mouth<br /> May show calming signals like lip licking, ground sniffing, shaking (like when wet) or<br /> scratching (like he has an itch). <br /> <br /> Or the dog finally got fed up with being treated poorly.<br /> <br /> "I belive that no unexperianced dog owner should be allowed to own a pitt,period. Any dog can be dangerose but some a re more than others."<br /> <br /> I believe that people should do research on dogs before obtaining one period. Breed not mattering. However I do agree that less experienced people should not own Pit Bulls, last thing we need is more ignorant, irresponsible hands taking on dogs that are in danger of extermination.<br /> <br /> The Pit Bull has been around for many years, it wasn't until around the 90s, or 80s that they started getting the bad rap. (Other breeds had bad raps before too, German Shepherds in the 60s, Doberman Pinschers in the 70s, Rottwielers in the 80s.) <br /> <br /> And considering how over populated this breed is, if the breed itself was truly dangerous no matter what, there would be more attacks.<br /> <br /> Dogs do not control the situations they are placed in, they do not have the ability to reason for their actions. That would be similar to saying a baby is to blame for its actions. <br /> <br /> :)

07-5-2011 at 4:20 AM

Okay,you said to give my honest opinion. It has changed over the years,drasticly. I used to be one to jump to the defence of these dogs,but now I tend to be on the side-lines because most would bash me for my opinion. In my most truthful,and honest opinion,pitts are extreamly dangeros. They can kill a person (wich most,if not all dogs can do) but,it's how easily they can,is what worries me. Are pitts bad dogs? In my opinion,dogs are responsible for there own actions,witch most people wouldn't agree is true. But,I do have to say in the species defence,a pittbull whom has been abused will be more likely to bite a person then one not so. You can't deniy some tend to go one person,and become dangerose out of protection. Some,like say the blue pitt,have mental issues because they were mass bred "designer dogs." Take this as an example of a blue pitt scenario "Our little fido was so good up untill a certine date,we have no idea what came over him when he bit my son." Well,he could have become a one person dog,or his blue genes may have been the cause (no pun intended.) I belive that no unexperianced dog owner should be allowed to own a pitt,period. Any dog can be dangerose but some a re more than others.

07-3-2011 at 9:29 AM

Not to pick a fight, but dogs don't really dominate one another by any physical means. A study showed that dogs don't use physical force to show leadership, it;s psychological, and dominance is the control over/most access to resources. So when correctly used the dominant dog is the one with control over resources. <br /> <br /> Behaviors like humping, placing the head over the shoulder, pushing the other dog, etc. Those are assertive, rude, behaviors. Which is why they often get a negative reaction from the other dog.<br /> <br /> And if you're your dog's leader yes they can still be aggressive, they can still be reactive. You have to teach them what not to do, change their feelings toward the stimulus. If the dog is reacting negatively at the sight of another dog. The moment the dog sees another dog mark it, treat, than turn away before the dog can react, after awhile they'll start to change their reactions to a more positive idea.<br /> <br /> Aggression is not dominance related.<br /> http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521112711.htm<br /> <br /> "The study shows that dogs are not motivated by maintaining their place in the pecking order of their pack, as many well-known dog trainers preach"<br /> <br /> Here's another good read.<br /> http://petbehaviorsolutions.blogspot.com/2011/03/dominance-and-dogs-myths-and-facts.html<br /> <br /> I lost my darn link to the 30 year study though! :( Pooey <br /> <br /> Also, in a dog fight, you'd be safer to grab an APBT because of their long dog fighting history. Dog fighters preferred a dog they could physically handle whilst in pain, hyped up, or in a fight. Yes, there were manbiters, but it was not preferred and many breeders would not breed the manbiters. <br /> <br /> A well bred German Shepherd wouldn't be as safe to hold in a high drive situation as a well bred APBT. But in the hands of someone who bothered doing their homework, both are amazing working dogs.<br /> <br /> <br />

06-23-2011 at 4:52 AM

You most likely shouldn't reply to this, I really just wanted to toss my opinions out of my mind. Might not have people that agree.. I'm just sick of not typing.<br /> <br /> I think dogs, even if they're not pitbulls, shouldn't be in the hands of people who don't understand dog behavior(each breed and dog has it's own behavior and vices), understand the true reason why you should train a dog(you cannot believe..), or do not have the ability/time/whatever to train a dog(most households that are busyyy). I've met so many people who don't train their dogs, because they just let the dog do whatever they want or they confuse the crap out of the dog by being dominant over one thing and then do something the reinforces bad behavior(Like.. having 'no begging' at the table/people eating, but feed table scraps after eating.. seriously, wtf are you thinking?)<br /> <br /> Any dog can become aggressive, any dog can become a killer, just some certain breeds bred to have a high drive/game are more likely to turn around and bite your face off and shelter dogs of these 'high drive dogs' are more likely to do just that seeing as irresponsible jerk-offs usually drop their dogs off there that they can't control or 'misbehave' because their humans never took the time to understand them or train them. Not saying that everyone who drops their dogs off is under that same reason, I know there are responsible people that just can't keep/afford a dog.<br /> <br /> Personally, I don't think pits are dangerous types of dogs unless they bite the hand that feeds them in which being a pit they should never do that. The dog-to-dog aggression occurs in every single breed(all terriers, lots of hounds, lots of sporting, etc) and people need to stop making a big deal out of it, rarely I've met a pit that was dog aggressive right off the bat unless the other dog(s) in question attempt to dominate it. If the pit was dog aggressive, it's because the owner wasn't dominant and wasn't in control or in charge. Dogs are pack animals, some dogs need to be reminded and ensured that you are dominant others don't think twice and know you're dominant.<br /> <br /> People need to be experienced to own certain dogs, even the little dog you need experience they aren't some little pocket pup they're dogs and they behave like dogs, not children. To get experience, you talk to the breeder that shows/works the dogs. Show/work dogs need to have a high level of training, and their people have a high level or training too, and this is what people need to aim for. Life being 'too busy' doesn't train a good dog, and it wouldn't train a pitbull. Pits get bad raps because people who usually own them don't do anything with them.<br /> <br /> I was at a dog park with my mom's two Dals, they were being pretty good the whole time like most of the time they're there with me alone... anyway there was one lady with a female pitbull, she didn't really do much with the dog.. She said it was like her third time out to that dog park within the last six months and she was hoping her pitbull would 'burn off some energy' so she put one of those little doggy backpacks and filled it with rocks to weigh the dog down... Welp, the dog didn't move and she was getting sick of it so she decided to take the pack off the dog. That dog went nuts, she had no control over that thing and it was attacking dogs and everything. It ended up attacking my mom's older Dalmatian and I had enough. The Dals and I, we took off and walked around the park for a short bit and then left. Of course pits like to scratch and the poor Dal had welts on her from trying to get the pit away from her, so we always left when that dog would show up. Thankfully she didn't too many other times.<br /> <br /> Speaking of mastiffs, I also have a story about a really, really well behaved mastiff and a really well trained and understanding owner. But, I guess I'll save that. I have a lot of dog park stories.<br /> <br /> Anyway, I find I have MORE problems with huskies rather than pits. Huskies are aggressive when no trained to be the 'underdog', and you need to be a certain type of person to know how to control a husky. I am one of those people, but I don't like huskies around my prey animals and cat and I ESPECIALLY wouldn't have a GSD around my animals, although I also have met two really great GSDs, great with anything and everyone, and then one GSD that killed and ate every cat she saw and caught... So... there.

06-23-2011 at 4:20 AM

He's about 30+ in. at the shoulder and weighs about 130-140lbs. He's much larger than the largest pitbulls and he's lean at his weight. It goes to show that even if a mastiff attacked someone, the news would probably be posting "Pit Bull Attack" all over the place because someone would call it a pit.

06-23-2011 at 3:10 AM

I know it's off topic too. Horseman, how big is your Mastiff?<br /> <br /> I honestly think Pit Bulls belong in a home that's going to treat them like a dog nonetheless. I hada GSD who was about the same size as a Pit. She was dog aggressive, but we were able to get a hold on her, because we treated her like any other dog. Yes GSDs have a different rep, but either way, she could have turned on us as easily as a pit or a rottie. All dog's have their moments and pits shouldn't be judged by just one of their members attacking someone. People might say that their not like other dogs, because of their aggressiveness, but that's because they heard a pit attacked someone. If they heard a golden retriever attacked someone, they wouldn't believe it because no one's really opened up about being attacked by one. And it's true, they can attack and kill. If I stuffed a golden retriever's whole soul into a pit bull's body, what makes it different from being a golden? It still has a sweet temperament just like the goldie.

06-22-2011 at 11:24 PM

A bit offtopic, but one thing I've found so funny about the media sensationalism over pit bulls is that people will react to our English Mastiff as though he's a giant dangerous man-eating pit bull that will attack them at any moment. While he's small and lean for the breed and has a type of brindle rare in Mastiffs, anyone with a little education could recognize him as a Mastiff. But even a gentle, playful glance from him and some will panic when they see him. Note that he's even heeling quite well, shows all the signs of a submissive dog, and wears a loose prong collar(for saftey reasons because of his size). It's funny that even an AKC Mastiff will be confused for a pit bull.

06-20-2011 at 8:16 PM

I freakin' love Pits. I volunteer at my local AWL, they're a no-kill shelter and are filled to the brim with Pits and PitMixes. They're in general the most loving and sweet dogs in the shelter. <br /> <br /> I've never been a fan of little dogs, to be honest. My mom's Yorkie attacked me when I was a baby. The dog had no history of aggression or behavioral issues of any kind. Just a freak thing any dog is capable of. Fortunately, the family German Shepard came to my defense. That's not to say I think all little dogs or the Yorkie breed is bad. Just like any other dog, they're prone to accidents and incidents if not properly watched or in the wrong hands. <br /> <br /> The same should be true for Pits. Just because a few have injured someone doesn't mean an entire breed should be condemned. But you know, media sensationalism. <br /> <br /> I wonder if their sheer numbers compared to other breeds has been considered.

06-20-2011 at 6:50 AM

I do not agree that they are harmless... Any dog can pose a danger in irresponsible hands. <br /> <br /> One of the big things with dogs is never trust them not to fight, watch their body language and don't let things escalate.<br /> <br /> American Pit Bull Terriers absolutely should /not/ be human aggressive, but bad breeding and rearing can cause that.<br /> <br /> However dog aggression is a trait of the breed. No I'm not saying that all APBTs are bad with other dogs and animals, but someone who took the time to properly research the breed to become a responsible owner would know to be prepared to deal with it if the dog aggression arises.<br /> <br /> They're people dogs, love the attention.<br /> <br /> The two registries who solidified this breed even state it, the UKC (United Kennel Club) and the ADBA(American Dog Breeders Association) <br /> <br /> <br /> Here is a quote from the UKC standard.<br /> <br /> "Note: Although some level of dog aggression is characteristic of this breed, handlers will be expected to comply with UKC policy regarding dog temperament at UKC events."<br /> <br /> "The APBT is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers. Aggressive behavior toward humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and highly undesirable."<br /> <a href="http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/Breeds/AmericanPitBullTerrierRevisedNovember12008">UKC Standard</a><br /> <br /> ADBA<br /> <br /> "2. Although some degree of dog aggressiveness is characteristic of the breed, unruly behavior will detract from the judges<br /> ability to accurately judge an individual dogs conformation."<br /> <br /> "C. Gentle with loved ones Faults: shy or timid"<br /> <br /> "Disqualifications: Man aggression, one sided or both sided cryptorchid, spayed or neutered dogs"<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.adbadog.com/uploads/conformation%20_%20weightpull%20pic/2008%20conformationBreakdwn.pdf">ADBA Standard</a><br /> <br /> <br /> I love this breed sooooo much. :p

06-8-2011 at 11:46 PM

Pit Bulls are my absolute favorite dog breed. I have never met an agressive pit bull. The media has put the Pit Bull out there as a horrible...agressive breed, which they are not if they are properly trained.

06-8-2011 at 11:46 PM

Pit Bulls are my absolute favorite dog breed. I have never met an agressive pit bull. The media has put the Pit Bull out there as a horrible...agressive breed, which they are not if they are properly trained.

06-8-2011 at 11:39 PM

I love pit bulls. The only "aggressive" ones I met were only mildly dog aggressive, in that they were fine with other dogs 95% of the time and would on rare occasions have an emotional outburst at a dog. And the dog aggressive ones were total love bugs toward people. They have such a powerful drive to please people, and are so harmless in deed (I got puppy-nipped and jumped all over once by a playful, well-meaning pup at a shelter who had been chained most of his life, lol), it makes even a hulking beast look adorable. I just wish landlords and insurance companies didn't buy in to the bad reputation made by a handful of pit bull owners.