Pitbulls...

[JavaNoire]

What do you think of them?

How many do you know? Do you like 'em, hate 'em, fear 'em?

What about them do you like, dislike, admire or fear?

Are they inherently more dangerous than other large, powerful dogs?

Do you support breed specific legislation, specifically banning certain breeds or types of dogs?

[newslady]

Java,

I've never owned a pit bull, I don't believe they have a violent or aggresive nature, instead, people make them that way.

Do I want to be an owner? No. I like fuzzy, hairy dogs.

[tekobari]

Each type of purebred dog has been bred for a specific task for a long, long time. Some dogs are just more aggressive than others, and I think "pit bulls" are one. (I never know if people are referring to Staffordshire or what when they say pit bulls.)

However, like other dominant dogs (German Shepherds, Rotties, Dobes, et al.), raised in loving homes, they're as sweet and gentle as dogs bred for those qualities. I believe it's more environmental by far than genetic.

As far as looks go, they're not my type. A friend of mine had one, named Randy, who was just a living doll. Unfortunately, she got cancer at the young age of seven and died. We all cried; fabulous dog. Does anyone know if they have a short lifespan, like Great Danes and other larger dogs do?

[tekobari]

Oh! Your legal question. An important one.

I know that certain insurance companies will not sell homeowner's insurance to people with certain breeds of dogs. Some will specifically exempt the dog and any liability there; others won't sell it at all. I oppose that.

No, I don't believe there should be any such legislation or statute surrounding breed-specific dogs. Maybe there should be legislation on the humans who want them as companions!

[Meya]

In many ways, I think they've been given a bad rap. Unfortunately, the people who tend to own them seem to fall into the catagory of thugs & drug dealer types. Not all I know, but in this area problem with the breed are almost always linked to those people.

The amount of damage a pit can cause is horrible. I believe most dog bites are caused by ankle biters, but you seldom hear about a poodle killing someone.

In our city you have to have proof of 100k of liability insurance if you own one. They are also supposed to be on a leash and muzzled if being walked, and the owners yard must have a 6' fence. The city is trying to get them banned altogether. There has been a rash of stray pits and those who are left to run loose.

[littleesp]

They, Pit Bulls scre the heck out of me.

[mango man]

.........

[Aadani]

:1rotfl2:

That is the best pic..evah!


Anyway, back to the topic. Just moved to Singapore. Here, pit bulls, chows, akitas etc are illegal.

Have a 3 yr old daughter..wouldnt have a pit bull even if it was legal.

Why? I think some of them have a doggy screw loose somewhere. They can be nice 99.999999% of the time but one time in ten years for no reason they may just bite your face off. You will probably not have any warning..just..chomp.

[krisinluck]

They scare me, but mainly for the reason Aadani (nice to see you, BTW!) stated. I've known a couple of them who were wonderful creatures, but they can and do turn on a dime if the right mood strikes them.

I don't think legislation is the way to go, but I don't have any alternate direction, either.

[tekobari]

So Java, why did you ask, young lady? :1rotfl2:

[blondieia]

Do you have any idea why chows and Akitas are illegal? I didn't think they were dangerous breeds.

[JavaNoire]

Tek, I'm curious. I like & admire PBs, although they aren't a dog I'd choose to live with. It's come to my attention in recent yrs that even many long time, experienced dog lovers fear &/or dislike Pits. I was surprised to find that there are even substantial #s of German Shepherd owners that fear & distrust Pits! Hell, GSDs are also among the breeds that are most often feared, restricted or banned.

I adore GSDs & I have 2, but frankly there are (IMO) more nightmare GSds than Pits. With reasonable care, knowledge & forethought, it's (IMO)considerably easier to acquire a mentally & physically sound PB than GSD.

TheRossShow is a great mix of people, many of whom like & keep dogs, so I wondered what the attitudes & experiences with Pits are among those posting here.

FTR, yes, *how* they're raised is crucial but (IMO) good, solid breeding is vitally important, too. AND, people should acquire pets that will work well within their families & communities. Pits are terrific, but they're tough minded, athletic, potentially predatory & dog aggressive. People that don't keep this in mind when choosing one are headed for grief & heartache. Sadly, if the situation goes to hell, dogs alwaysAlways lose.

[JavaNoire]

Blondie, Akitas & Chows are traditionally guard dogs, very serious & highly territorial. Badly bred, or mismanaged, they can be dangerous.

IMO, apt managers & insurance companies are HUGELY mistaken when they ban particular breeds. They'd be wiser to make it mandatory that their canine tenants/insurees complete obedience classes & get a CGC certificate.

[tekobari]

Java, I do agree about good breeding. It's interesting to me that my family and I have always had German Shepherds, too! Dominant dogs, needing dominant owners. Someone who can be easily pushed around she NOT have a GSD, Chow, Akita, PB, Rottie, Dobe, Kuvasz, et al. But I agree that a dog with good papers--AKC, obedience, and so forth--shouldn't be banned. They're such fine dogs, it would be a shame to lose them because of insurance companies or some landlords.

[lakelady]

I've only known one Pit Bull. He belongs to a friend and is probably not 100% sane. The litter was "rescued" from a neighbor and the puppies taken by my friend and her sister, among others. My friend's dog has hip problems, and is a complete wuss. No personality, no energy, does not respond to other dogs, and is afraid of most people. Wrong breed for a 20 something who will be looking for places to live, but she will not give him up. Her sister's dog killed another family member's dog in their back yard, yet still lives.

I've heard that Pits can be loving family pets. But I would be afraid to have one around if I had young kids around. Sadly, most of the dogs in our local shelter are Pits or Pit/mix. Out shelter has started a program that gives free $30 spay certificates to owners of Pits or mostly Pits in our county. So far there has been little interest.

I'm a big fluffy dog person so don't see a Pit Bull in my future. But if I live alone again, I would definately want a dog that would at least act protective.

[Hepburn]

bump since its commercial time