The "Pit Bull Problem"

[manda99]

They found out that her son had been taking them to dog fights. ... But don't blame the breed, blame THAT dog.

Not even that - blame the son/parents!

[Pit Chick]

BINGO!

[ILuvHorses]

That is kind of what I meant, I did not mean that dog. I meant THAT person, for being irresponsible.

[schteve_d]

I am coming in late on this thread, just watched the video tonight, very moving.

Now, I am a huge dog fan (obviously, or I wouldn't be here!) and have been my whole life. I am almost never afraid of dogs, even dogs that appear somewhat aggresive but I have to admit that I am always a bit weary about pit bulls as I have very little personal experience with them, though my friend has a beatiful and very friendly female, and I suppose I have been inundated with "bad press". I hate to sound naive here but I have heard many times over the years that the breed had a known and recurring problem due to over/irrisponsible breeding whereby the brain grew too large for the cranial cavity causing the sweetest pit bull to attack or exhibit other strange and uncharacteristic behaviors. The other thing I have heard is the one I'm sure most have heard is about their jaws locking while attacking. Is there any truth to these?

I am certainly not posting to come in on the "against pit bulls" side, I do find them very attractive dogs and am genuinely interested to learn. I believe that almost all dogs could be raised "mean" if that is what the owner desires, however unfortunate that is.

You also have to look at the type of people who have these mean dogs. If a person is wanting to raise a mean, or fighting, attack, or guard dog, they are probably not going to get a poodle or a JRT, they are going to get a big, powerful, intimidating-looking dog. Rottwiellers, I believe, have also suffered from this. I am a huge fan of Rottis (Tasha is said to be half-Rotti though I have my doubts). Of course there are more attacks by Rottis, Pits and the like; those dogs are more likely to end up in the hands of someone who willingly trains them that way or neglects them to the point of becoming distrustful, unruly, etc.

I wouldn't say I have a solution other than to regulate owners and breeders more carefully, though I'm not sure I can suggest a great method. I hope for the sake of these breeds that someone can come up with a "fix", and soon.

[GoldenRetrLuver]

Originally posted by schteve_d
I hate to sound naive here but I have heard many times over the years that the breed had a known and recurring problem due to over/irrisponsible breeding whereby the brain grew too large for the cranial cavity causing the sweetest pit bull to attack or exhibit other strange and uncharacteristic behaviors. The other thing I have heard is the one I'm sure most have heard is about their jaws locking while attacking. Is there any truth to these?

The "locking jaws" is a complete myth. It's not true.

http://pitbulls.jentown.com/pitchara...cteristics.htm

I've never heard anything about their brain growing too large for their cranial cavity thus causing them to attack, but again, irresponsible breeding and irresponsible dog "owners" (I hesitate to call them that) are THE cause of the Pit Bull's bad reputation, along with the media.

This is my uncle's Pit, Queenie. What a vicious animal, eh?

[wolfsoul]

The brain growing too large is also a myth. As well as the bottom jaw being able to move while clamped down. I've even heard people say that they have extra teeth below their gums that can 'stick up' when they attack.

[Karen]

Jackiesdaisy, I completely understand your fear. It was a horrific, horrific incident, and all of us who were part of Pet Talk then did a lot of praying that Daisy and Perry would survive, as that was in grave doubt. Anyone in your situation would have been left with the nightmares, the awful fealing of helplessness, and the anger at the people that caused this to happen.

For newer people, if you can stand it, see here and here. It was every dog owner's nightmare.

I do not hate pitbulls - or any other breed. But just as not everyone should own a Border Collie or Jack Russell Terrier, not everyone should own a pitbull. Each breed has its needs, and its nature. Handled incorrectly, any dog can become a problem. I'll not get out my soapbox and lecture you all on the reponsibilities of dog ownership, you here are the good guys!

[Pit Chick]

Originally posted by schteve_d
I hate to sound naive here but I have heard many times over the years that the breed had a known and recurring problem due to over/irrisponsible breeding whereby the brain grew too large for the cranial cavity causing the sweetest pit bull to attack or exhibit other strange and uncharacteristic behaviors. The other thing I have heard is the one I'm sure most have heard is about their jaws locking while attacking. Is there any truth to these?

I've heard the one about the brian growing too big also, but it was about Doberman Pinchers. It is a complete myth people came up with to try and explain their own irresponsibility. If you train a dog to attack and one day it does, are you going to take the blame? Of course not, so it's easier to some how blame the dog. The locking jaws myth makes me laugh outloud. I heard it explained this way, "if Pit Bulls had a special mechanism in their jaws that allows them to lock, they would have to be classified as a different species". They, like several other terriers, have a drive and determination to never give up. They can hold on to things for long periods of time because their "terrier" instinct tells them in the heat of battle "if I let go, I could die". Pit Bulls are a trend right now and it too will pass.

[Adopt_One]

The more I research into these dogs, the more I love the breed. Although they can be dog aggressive, they are known to be extremely loyal and loving. You can't blame the dog for doing what is in their blood - but you can blame the owners for not being responsible. I'm sure I will own a pit bull one day - and you'll be darn sure I'll be a responsible owner who loves and cares for my dog~ to make sure that she represents the best of the breed and people will see that it is not the breed to blame, but the people who think the dog is an object or an ego boost. These dogs need all the help they can get, and all educated and responsible owners they can find.

[tikeyas_mom]

Originally posted by jackiesdaisy
You would cry even more if your two Schnauzers were attacked by a Pitbull in their own back yard, which broke through a six foot fence. Our little female named Daisy shoulder was ripped wide open to the bone, plus bites, our male Perry had collapsed lungs plus numerous bites. The Pitbull did not finish them off because
his chain got caught on part of the fence and he couldn't get to them.
Of course the neighbor next door was not a responsible dog person, he had three Pitbulls chained up in the back yard. I think the possibility of something like this will continually happen until some kind of regualtion is made to protect the people who do care and are responsible Pitbull owners and the irresponsible Pitbull owners are made to pay a price for their irresponsibility.
Since it was only the second time the dog had attacked, they got to keep the dogs, however it went to court and the people next door did not show up and there is a bench warrant for their arrest. They gave away two of their dogs and some unsuspecting person with a little dog will probably get attacked in the future.
I'm glad to say that our two Schnauzers after a very long period
of recooperation and surgeries, etc. etc. are doing well.
And no, the people next door did not pay any of the 3000,00 plus
Vet bills.
What do I think of Pitbulls? I am afraid of them, and afraid for my dogs when I see a Pitbull, it has changed our life dramatically, we don't dare take them for walks, afraid to, don't let them outside
unless one of us is with them. I had horrible dreams for a year after this incident. That was my experience with a Pitbull
Jackie, Perry and Daisy

my kitten was mauled by a malamute and a boxer, and i still love both the breeds.. I have never been bit by a pitty NEVER, but here ar some breeds i have been bit by....

sheltie about 8 times,
golden Retriever about twice
Labrador Retriever.. more times to be able to count...
doberman pincher,once.
lhasa apso twice.


some of the most popular dogs have bitten me... wow... they arnt so safe are they?? every animal is unpredictable. animals are animals... period.

[Suki Wingy]

i had a rescued ex fighter pit. he was wonderfull, his name was Clark! I LOVE PITTIES TOO!!! I THINK NINO IS PART PIT.

[senorita02]

That video is just too sad, i get so angry when i see it have seen i before.
There are no words for me to describe how much i despise the people who treat their Pittbulls the way they do.
I live in Detroit where i am constantly reminded of how cruel people can be, when i see a innocent dog chained up and abused, outside in ALL weather. And a majority of them are Pitts or Pitt mixes, and stray Pitts all around, and i have even come across scum selling baby Pitts out of the back of his van on the hottest day of the year, when they are still sooo young they should be with their mother.
And most the people buying them are clearly buying them for the wrong reasons.

I dont believe they are naturally born to all be killers and viscious dogs, i have never owned a Pittbull but i have owned other breeds whom supposedly have just as bad a reputation (Rotteilers, and Presa Canarios) and they're just the sweetest babys in the whole world.
Ithink its time they stop holding the dog accountable and look at who is raising them to be that way!

[Suki Wingy]

SO TRUE!!!!

I thought I saw the worst pics on Animal Precinct. It makes me so mad people do this w/o morally knowing it's wrong.
I am deffinatley circulating this one around. It made all my glorious dreams of showing and breeding Dals go away and made me want to help them all who need help.
My first dog was out of the "pits" and a great dog with people. Of course he was terrified of other dogs!

[SuGaR QuEeN]

OMG !!! u can't believe how much that moved me ! i loved pitbulls b4 but now ! GOD if i had one infront of me right now i swear i'd carry it like a little child in my arms and just hug n kiss it !!...u know a guy online was talking to me of how * PROUD * he was of his pitbulls i was like why r they really well trained ? lovable ? he's like no they won 3 awards in dog fighting ! i swear if i could i would have jumped outta his screen n beat the livin hell outta him n take those poor dogs away from him ! he's not worthy of keepin any kinda animal i swear !...i'm gonna post this link in every dog group i know so that ppl would really c what's going on !...thank u so much i love this ! keep it up


SuGaR QuEeN :")

[Oggyflute]

Originally posted by jackiesdaisy
You would cry even more if your two Schnauzers were attacked by a Pitbull in their own back yard, which broke through a six foot fence. Our little female named Daisy shoulder was ripped wide open to the bone, plus bites, our male Perry had collapsed lungs plus numerous bites. The Pitbull did not finish them off because
his chain got caught on part of the fence and he couldn't get to them.
Of course the neighbor next door was not a responsible dog person, he had three Pitbulls chained up in the back yard. I think the possibility of something like this will continually happen until some kind of regualtion is made to protect the people who do care and are responsible Pitbull owners and the irresponsible Pitbull owners are made to pay a price for their irresponsibility.
Since it was only the second time the dog had attacked, they got to keep the dogs, however it went to court and the people next door did not show up and there is a bench warrant for their arrest. They gave away two of their dogs and some unsuspecting person with a little dog will probably get attacked in the future.
I'm glad to say that our two Schnauzers after a very long period
of recooperation and surgeries, etc. etc. are doing well.
And no, the people next door did not pay any of the 3000,00 plus
Vet bills.
What do I think of Pitbulls? I am afraid of them, and afraid for my dogs when I see a Pitbull, it has changed our life dramatically, we don't dare take them for walks, afraid to, don't let them outside
unless one of us is with them. I had horrible dreams for a year after this incident. That was my experience with a Pitbull
Jackie, Perry and Daisy

I'm so very sorry about your two babies getting mauled, and I can really understand your position. I am still a firm believer though that it's the humans that are the root of the problem and not the breed.
Oggy & Flute wish Daisy & Perry continued good health.