I've been bitten once when I was around 7-8 years old by my cousin's collie and he sunk his tooth about 1/4" deep right below my eye when I held a bucket of sand above my head (I think he thought it was food and just reacted). The dog did NOT like folks outside of his immediate family generally, but I've always had a way with animals, and ironically I was the only one who could go feed the dog (when they were on vacation) just a few years later. I had an alpha male doberman as a teenager (actually my sister's dog) which I trained, and never saw any aggression from him (towards people) whatsoever, but he would dominate any other dog that came in his territory. I put my 14 yr. old yellow lab down last March, one of the most laid back labs I've ever been around, and she would tolerate my neighbor's two VERY young boys crawling on her, pulling her tail, etc. with no sign of any thing other than trying to get away in the last year of her life as she grew old. Now for the part you're not going to like... during my lab's last 18 months, a neighbor's dog from two door down (I didn't even realize it was a pit bull) would occasionally come into MY yard and become aggressive towards my girl (who had trouble getting around any more), and even towards me if I intervened (I would simply go stand by my girl). One time when she was out, I began walking through my next door neighbor's back yard towards her house, and she took a VERY aggessive stance so I retreated and contacted her owner. His first reaction...OH, she's a sweetheart and wouldn't hurt a flee, and you're just overreacting because she's a pit bull (that's when I became aware of her breed). Last summer, a different pit bull (I think it's her sibbling) from three houses down and across the street came to the bottom of my deck stairs and became very aggressive towards me as I stood at the top of my steps. I had a shovel in my hand, so I wasn't overly concerned for my safety, but I was concerned enough that I procurred my .45 and made it handy not knowing if my neighbor's two boys were out and about. Later, I observed the very same dog harass a woman walking in the street early one morning nipping at her, etc. You may call it hysteria if you like, but several times, I've felt threatened by each of these pit bulls IN MY OWN YARD, and I will simply kill either of them if they ever become aggessive towards me (or my neighbor's kids age 2 & 5) ever again and won't think twice about it. As their pack leader you (and your kids), my NEVER see the behavior that your dogs might display towards other dogs or people when you're not around. There are no absolutes, and nothing applies 100% to all breeds, but my few experiences with pit bulls has not been favorable.

BTW, both of these dogs owners "seem" to be good owners, and I've observed them often out in their own yards with their dogs...no problemo whatsoever. However, on the few occasions when the dogs "get loose", it's a different situation entirely after observing how each dog behaves. They are both "ticking time bombs" imo. I don't say that because they are pit bulls, I say that because I "know" dogs, and these dogs are overly aggressive towards others. It is what it is...

I'll bite. Been bitten by dogs, some my own.

Never a Pit though.

I don't risk getting close enough to them.

I'm sure a lot of people give Pits a wide birth as well.

Raises an interesting question, would the numbers for Pits be higher if people did not go out of their way to avoid them?

the real shame is how racheal let herself go. you guys check her out recently? she needs to cut the $40 per day meals down to about $11.99.

i played with a dog that looked like hers at the pound. i taught her to sit and lay down, right there in her cage. she was a real cutie, but her documents said she is not good with cats, so we passed.

Rachael Ray is trash.

Pit Bulls were bred to fight, period. I don't trust them and don't care to own one. If yours comes after me or my dog, it will be dealt with harshly. Why take the risk on a dog that has that potential in their DNA?

I'll assume Das Higgins is talking about me and my American Staffordshire terrier. "Hi Jeff....Rupert says, let me lick your balls some more...you seem to like it...." grins

An Am-Staff isn't a "Pitt Bull". Yes they're in the breed line, but not the personality.

Ignorance is bliss for you people who paint with a broad stroke. (and don't worry, I'll shoot back so come well armed with extra clips) Plus you'll have to deal with my Attack llamas, who will spit your eye out........but that's a whole 'nother story.

"WHEN LLAMAS ATTACK, pictures at 11:00"


Am-staffs are half the size, and twice the calmness of a true "Pitt Bulls" that are 120 pounds plus......yeah a BIG difference.

Sure Am-Staffs are still muscular, and yeah they have the same jaw line as Pitts, but are only 55-65 pounds.

ANY Terrier breed is protective of "his family and household" and I've owned 3x Wire Haired Fox Terriors, Airedale Terriers, and now an Am-Staff. NO he's not a perfect dog, but yes he's full of love to other people and dogs.

but what I want to know is this, "why are all the small yappy ankle sized dogs the ones that will charge and bite ANYTHING (even dogs 1000 times their size) to the extent you just want to do a field goal drop kick them into the next county.? Any dog will bite, but only Pitts make the news. How many German Shepard bites were their last year? Every dog goes through their bad press.


Say hello to Rupert. And note the scars across his nose where a Cat kicked his butt. Cats are evil, but taste good in Korean Garlic Sauce with green onions.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1233960364.jpg

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Jeff:

There are scores of reports that refute the "data" from page one. The criteria used to identify the breed of dog is completely bogus according to many that challenge these studies.

It is a shame your "friend" purchased an unstable and violent dog. What an IDIOT he is to keep a dog that proved to be a danger to his own kids.

As for your account of the pit bull that attacked you, you state the owners were laughing at the attack...I rest my case.

I am sorry you had a couple bad experiences with dogs you identified as pit bulls. My anecdotes count for just as much as yours so... You claim I am a fool. I claim you are being fooled.

Mike

I am seeing what appear to be uneducated (somewhat hostile) opinions and untrue facts about pitbulls from people who dont seem to have any first hand experience. I'm disregarding these. Im refering to those who think they should all be "f@#cking dead", beleive everything they read, or pretend to know the entire savage history and purpose of the breed. Mixed in is some good info. Although every pit I have met I loved, I'm starting to think that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a perfect compromise: the handsome sleek looks of a pitbull with the sweet people-loving nature of labs and retrievers.

Perfectly put Tangerine Brian.

Everyone else, sit boy sit..........see Spot run, even if he has muscles.

You mean the press is slanted........ohhhhhhh tell me it isn't soooooooooo?


I've also seen some WAY COOL sled pulls at a dog show for "pitts" dare I say the word. (I always want to put an extra T in there as in PITT, just like a PITTS SPECIAL bi-plane, they ARE something special)

These full sized Pitt dogs will pull on a V-rail a 1600-2000 pound sled weighed down with 40-60 full 8x8x16" concrete blocks..........all to please their master that urges them on.

gotta respect that. Sure labs will jump 20 foot into water to fetch the rubber ducky. Put them on the sled and lets see what they got.

I'd dig up photos, but won't waste the time to appease the masses that just want to shoot them dead.

Thank god I don't have teenagers. Right up there in the brain dead catagory. "not to lump them in or paint with a broad stereotype paint brush"

BIG FRICKEN GRINS!!!!!!!!!

I have no personal experience.

But I do know they are banned in many parts of Europe, and I assume that is for a good reason.

Me an' ol' Rupert are very best leg-humpin' buds. I've never met a sweeter, friendlier dog - of course he's the one I was referring to.

Brian:

I think your conclusion that a Staffordshire Terrier may be the best compromise for you is a good one. I have had 3 Staff Terriers. We currently have a Staff/Lab mix "Cubby". He is the the epitome of sweet and gentle with all people, our grandchildren, neighbors, and other dogs. He is small 35lbs.

I would hope my 23 years of ownership experience is of some value to you.

There has been an edge to my responses because I just had our Staffordshire Terrier Lily euthanized this past Sunday after a 6 week bout with liver disease. Lily was a much loved member of our family for 11 years. The loss of Lily has left a painful hole in our family. It makes me furious to read the ridiculous generalizations that have been spewed by a couple people on this thread.

Good luck with your future canine companion.

Mike

we all know what happens when you assume

I would say that practically all the problems with dogs acting aggressively is due to maltreatment or neglect on some level. Not all, maybe only 99%. Just because you don't know the cause of the behavior does not make it the fault of the breed.

It is like saying motorcycles should be outlawed because they are dangerous, and citing injury statistics to support your position.

MOMO3.2, did you have american staff terriers or staff bull terriers? I understand that there is quite a difference between the two breeds although their names and appearance are similar.

Don't forget to factor in what pits do for a RE investment?
Might be stupid, but homes with pits don't sell well.

My son is "very" careful with his dog AND rightfully so; not a toy.

My kids have been around them since they were born. By BIL has them and we sit them in our house when he is away. No signs of aggression. It's all about training and environment. They are good dogs.

http://www.theunexpectedpitbull.com/

Pit Bull Dogs
Originating in 19th-century England from combined Terrier, Bulldog, and Mastiff stocks, Pit Bulls immigrated to the United States, along with their owners, throughout the 1800s. Known to be loyal and trainable, they spent the early 20th century awash in positive popular-cultural currency. Even today, people remember Petey from the Our Gang and Little Rascals comedies. But at the time, Americans were also in love with the RCA Victor dog, the Buster Brown dog, and Stubby, the national mascot during World War 1. Today, Pit Bulls provoke strong feelings. To detractors, they're vicious... dangerous... unpredictable. To supporters, they're the ideal family pet: attractive, affectionate, and easy to adore. Certainly, Pit Bulls are strong animals and can be abused and tortured until they become violent. (Unscrupulous owners have been known to starve their dogs, feed them illegal drugs and crushed glass, and employ other techniques to prompt and provoke aggression.) However, despite urban myths and rumors, Pit Bulls don't have locking jaws, nor do they turn on a dime, nor are they essentially and fundamentally a threat to public health. What's more, when properly bred, responsibly trained, and lovingly incorporated into a household, Pit Bulls can be unexpectedly, sometimes shockingly, playful and comedic with both adults and children. As the photographs and stories in this calendar prove, the Pit Bull remains a worthy American mascot; we, his fellow Americans, merely forgot that this brave, noble dog came to this country with our immigrant ancestors... blazed a trail across the Wild West with the pioneers... worked alongside us in times of hardship, and fought alongside us in times of war. Join us in saluting a dog that’s American to the core: the Pit Bull.

Brian:

I have been told the American Staffs are larger. Our Staff mixes (1 pure bread Lily) have been the smaller variety (35-40 lbs). So, I believe they have all been Staff Bull Terriers not American.

Some of the reasons we like them are: Never "hyper" (running around mindlessly), never yappy, exactly the right size for an outdoor and indoor dog, they don't crowd us out in the bed at night (oh yes, they sleep in bed with us at night), cuddly, UNBELIEVABLY soft, velvety fur, clean, loyal, loving, and a deterrent to any would be burglar (I don't think little kick dogs scare off burglars like they may have in the past).

As I stated, we just lost our dog of 11 years Lily to liver disease. Our remaining dog "Cubby" is really missing her companionship. Therefore, we have started looking for another rescue that is a Staff mix. In fact, this afternoon, we are going to see at a little 1 year old that looks like he would be a good physical match for Cubby (small).

If you do rescue a Staff, I think it would behoove you to look at dogs from a rescue agency and not the pound. The pound really only has limited experience with their dogs. The agencies rescue dogs from the pound and place them in Foster homes. These homes usually have other dogs, cats, and even children. They know the dogs very well and can give you a clear picture of their disposition.

If you would like, you can pm me and ask me or my wife about our experiences. Basically, they have all been great!

Again, good luck!

Mike

[QUOTE][/I have experience of nearly 40 years practice as a Veterinarian, most in Calif. I'm retired now but my last part time gig was at the county animal shelter. I'd say about 1/3 to 1/2 at times are Pit Bull type dogs.

While it's true that much of the aggression that they show is due to the way they were (or were not) trained QUOTE]

If you have to train a dog to not attack it means the dog is inherently prone to attack. I have had experience with these dogs, don't want one and I don't want one in my neighborhood. For the life of me I don't know why anyone would want one of these dogs, they can't be trusted.

Ditto on the trust issues..........My Dog doesn't trust Veterinarians.........they're always shoving a thermometer up his butt.

[QUOTE=steve185;4470810] This statement is true of all dogs, independent of breed.

People can't be trusted either- have any of those in your neighborhood?

I've had great relationships with every Pit I've known. My Pit mix is the perfect blend of guardian, best friend, and workout partner. This past weekend I watched a friend's 2 year old tease my dog with a cracker. Even taking the cracker out of my dog's mouth with little 2 year old hands. My dog sat patiently and enjoyed the interaction.

My sister's 80 pound full Pit is a love machine. Not an ounce of fight in that dog- now 8 years into a peaceful existence.

It ain't the breed folks. The more I learn about people the more I love dogs- even Pits.

Don't take our word for it- this guy knows a little something about the subject...

http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/features/factspitbulls.php

[QUOTE][/This past weekend I watched a friend's 2 year old tease my dog with a crackerQUOTE]

That's smart.