Pit bulls and children do not mix
Posted
May 31, 2006 at
9:33 am by
Jessica
People own pit bulls to use as a weapon and if you are part of the few that doesn’t own a pit bull for a weapon, then know you’re amongst the majority of trash that does. Nobody thinks, “Gee, a pit bull would be a GREAT family dog.” A pug is a great family dog, a pit bull is not. In fact, why not just go out and get your family a bear or a tiger? And if you’re fortunate enough to live in an area where one of your neighbors owns one of these weapons of mass destruction, then do yourself a favor and move (your property value isn’t going to soar with pit bulls running around anyway) or get your village to sign an ordinance banning these animals. Children deserve better. People deserve better.
From the website dogbitelaw.com, here are some stats on dogs that kill:
As stated above, there are two problems that have been reported as though there is only a single problem, namely there are canine homicides (i.e., dog bite related human fatalities) and the dog bite epidemic. The dogs responsible for the bulk of the homicides are pit bulls and Rottweilers:
“Studies indicate that pit bull-type dogs were involved in approximately a third of human DBRF (i.e., dog bite related fatalities) reported during the 12-year period from 1981 through1992, and Rottweilers were responsible for about half of human DBRF reported during the 4 years from 1993 through 1996….[T]he data indicate that Rottweilers and pit bull-type dogs accounted for 67% of human DBRF in the United States between 1997 and 1998. It is extremely unlikely that they accounted for anywhere near 60% of dogs in the United States during that same period and, thus, there appears to be a breed-specific problem with fatalities.” (Sacks JJ, Sinclair L, Gilchrist J, Golab GC, Lockwood R. Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998. JAVMA 2000;217:836-840.)
Other breeds were also responsible for homicides, but to a much lesser extent. A 1997 study of dog bite fatalities in the years 1979 through 1996 revealed that the following breeds had killed one or more persons: pit bulls, Rottweilers, German shepherds, huskies, Alaskan malamutes, Doberman pinschers, chows, Great Danes, St. Bernards and Akitas. (Dog Bite Related Fatalities,” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, May 30, 1997, Vol. 46, No. 21, pp. 463 et. seq.)
Owners of such dogs should be aware that if their dogs attack a person, the attacks may be scrutinized by law enforcement. The reason is that irresponsible behavior with or toward a dog whose breed is known to bite has caused a rising and unacceptable injury and death toll, which authorities are determined to stem.
“Irresponsible behavior” is defined differently from place to place. In California, for example, it can be a felony for a person to possess a dog trained to fight, attack or kill that, because of the owner’s lack of ordinary care, bites two people or seriously injures one person. (See Felony prosecution of attack dog owners.)
In different parts of the United States at the current time, there are a number of parents who are on trial for manslaughter because their dogs have killed their children. In these cases, the prosecutors have taken the position that the parents behaved irresponsibly because they left their children in the company of dogs most likely to bite.
There is an 8 out of 10 chance that a biting dog is male. (Humane Society of the United States.)
And here is the tragic story, brought to us by WTHR-Indianapolis, that tells a true account of just one out of thousands of tragedies that involve a child mamed or killed by a vicious dog each year. As a society, we fight for safer streets, safer schools, safer immunizations, safer foods, environment, homes, cars and so on, we need to keep ban dogs that are most likely to kill a child. People cannot be trusted to keep your children safe from their dogs. If you think the kind of person that chains up a pit bull or a rottweiler in their yard is of a level of sophistication that they keep innocent people in mind, then your are sorely mistaken.
Indianapolis - A toddler’s life is on the line after a pit bull attack. The victim’s family wants the owner held accountable.
It happened Friday afternoon in the 13-hundred block of South Belmont near Lambert Street on the city’s southwest side.
Police say the animal took control of the toddler and wouldn’t let go. His young victim’s blood was still on it’s snout while teams at Riley Hospital worked to save 2-year-old Amaia Hess.“She sustained serious injury to her face and it appears she may have been bitten on other parts of her body too. One of her eyes is missing at this point. The other eye is seriously injured,” said Sgt. Mathew Mount of the Indianapolis Police Department.
The little girl was in the stroller with her mother. A man opened his door and the dog, named Ozzie, ran out straight for the little girl.
“I seen the baby in the dogs mouth and the dog shaking the baby like a rag doll, just shaking, shaking, shaking,” said a witness.
Amay’s great uncle calls her a sweet loving child facing a long struggle.
“One eye was completely tore out but the pupils were good so they can do some reconstruction on that,” said the uncle. “The doctors said that there’s many many surgeries there to do.”
It’s the second pit bull biting at the house in a year.
Tags: dog-attacks, dogs, family-dogs, fighting-dogs, pets, pit-bull-terriers, pit-bulls, Social Issues |
354 Responses to “Pit bulls and children do not mix”
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331. jillbryant said:
May 12, 2008 @ 10:49 pm
[quote comment="162996"]Tom Garner was already convicted of dog fighting years ago duh! Tom Garner doesn’t fight dogs anymore.
He has the world constantly watching his yard. Of course he doesn’t. He also says he doesn’t. I hope she didn’t really say that he is dog fighting did she ? She says she is looking forward to him getting busted. tut tut. What is she implying ? Was that an official e-mail she sent ? Legally binding and all ?
As for the other claim of not knowing him. Well I’ll be back in touch.[/quote]
He was convicted of dog fighting? He has the world constantly watching his yard? You’re right - Tom Garner IS the deepest underbelly of society.
332. Jack said:
May 13, 2008 @ 6:41 am
[quote comment="163042"][quote comment="162996"]Tom Garner was already convicted of dog fighting years ago duh! Tom Garner doesn’t fight dogs anymore.
He has the world constantly watching his yard. Of course he doesn’t. He also says he doesn’t. I hope she didn’t really say that he is dog fighting did she ? She says she is looking forward to him getting busted. tut tut. What is she implying ? Was that an official e-mail she sent ? Legally binding and all ?
As for the other claim of not knowing him. Well I’ll be back in touch.[/quote]
He was convicted of dog fighting? He has the world constantly watching his yard? You’re right - Tom Garner IS the deepest underbelly of society.[/quote]
So you really don’t give the guy any credit for all the “fast lane” pitbulls he has produced. Underbelly or not as far as breeding pits goes the man I have to admit is a genius! You love pitbulls so you should also love Tom Garner he was one of the half dozen great breeders that more or less created the modern American pit bull terrier.
Credit where credit is due at least.
333. Jack said:
May 13, 2008 @ 9:35 am
http://www. angelfire.com/az/boliodogs/
334. jillbryant said:
May 13, 2008 @ 1:25 pm
I also contacted the Stratton website - no wonder he is considered an expert - he was involved with pit bulls for over 60 years. I was interested since you sounded so dismissive. I’m waiting to hear what response I get from them.
BTW - no one really would have the audacity to take credit for a breed that was fantastic back during WWI - back before the modern breed of English bulldog, now would they?
But - let’s say people are that puffed full of themselves? If there are substantial changes since then - who is to say they are improvements? You cannot compare what IS to what would have happened without their involvement. Perhaps they would all be law dogs? Search and rescue dog? Perhaps they would be exalted in agility circles; in demand as the best family dog? I have read that 599 pit bulls get killed for every 1 (ONE!) pit bull that gets a home? I don’t know if it is true. I do know they pack the shelters that take them. Without the involvement of Tom Garner - perhaps none of this would’ve had to happen. But what are the lives of millions of pit bulls compared to the vanity of some losers? Oh - and let’s not talk about the MONEY he was after. And you expect people to give him accolades?
335. Jack said:
May 13, 2008 @ 5:29 pm
I can’t understand your post. You sound like you wrote it when angry. Could you make it more concise as I am not sure what you are trying to say. I think you are saying “if no one ever fought pit bulls that they would now be the best family pet in America”. And something about Tom Garner being solely responsible for dog fighting in the USA.
Your mentor and hero Diane Jessup on her site says this about your other hero Stratton.
Quote
“THE TRUTH ABOUT THE AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER: by Richard Stratton. 320 pages, Hardback. ISBN# 0866226389 Like all of Statton’s books, this one will be of primary interest to two sorts of fanciers: the wannabe dog fighters and those who like to look at pictures of pit bulls. Stratton is straight forward in saying he enjoys watching dogs destroy each other in fights, and presents himself honestly as someone who promotes dog fighting. What I don’t respect is his repeated failed attempts to make “dogmen” out as wonderful, hardworking “average Joes” when the reality just doesn’t jive with that picture.”
Now as I said earlier Statton makes out that manny dogs are culled. I differ to that. IF a dog is a winner it is not culled but kept as they make MONEY. Few exceptions of course.
336. jillbryant said:
May 14, 2008 @ 3:37 am
Where did I say that Stratton was a hero? This is a very strange comment.
I said I wrote him because you mentioned him in a comment and so far - looking back, you mis-attributed Temple Grandin (not crucial difference in meaning but noted), you’ve said Diane Jessup - well, you know what you said - and now I’m waiting for further facts from you.
I try to get info from the source as much as possible but, if that is true about Stratton, I want no part of him. These men literally are repellent.
As far as what I wrote, your interpretation of what I said is so off I am no longer surprised at the statements you made about Tom Garner. I was pointing out one logical fallacy but now they’re multiplying so it’s not worth going into.
I will be interested in your news about “my mentor and hero” (again - a little hyperbolic but, okay)
337. Jack said:
May 14, 2008 @ 4:54 am
You already had a part of Stratton didn’t you ? You read his book and bought it ? You were shouting about his 60 years of experience earlier.
Anyway i doubt he has ever really fought a dog in his life. Most pit bull people just dream about it. Dianne Jessup must do. She must wonder how some she got from other breeders would perform in the pit. It must go through her mind sometimes.
What about Colby ? Do you want no part of him too ?
So what do you think of the Colbies ?
Oh and for the other posters there is a great new book out called “cop in the hood” read the chapter on “dog fight”. It is one of the most balanced articles that I have seen.
As for that Grandin or whatever her name is. yeah I quoted something she put in her book and that she agreed with. And ?
p.s.
I don’t rate her anyway. She made a howler of a mistake about evolution in that book. Unbelievable!
Put me off everything she said afterwards.
338. jillbryant said:
May 15, 2008 @ 12:17 am
I never heard of him until you mentioned him. I’ve never read his book. I took a quick look for his site which gave that info. I didn’t read any further - just sent an email asking if he responded to public questions. I don’t know who the Colby’s are - I’m sure I could google them but - judging by the references you have used so far, I’m sure they are people who are so disgusting they are beneath notice.
You’re insane that people want to secretly fight their pits. But, I have noticed there are people a little less farther developed in the evolutionary brain cycle…(since you brought up evolution.) I suppose they might qualify. After all - there are pedophiles and serial murderers.
339. Jack said:
May 15, 2008 @ 10:12 pm
[quote comment="163455"]I never heard of him until you mentioned him. I’ve never read his book. I took a quick look for his site which gave that info. I didn’t read any further - just sent an email asking if he responded to public questions. I don’t know who the Colby’s are - I’m sure I could google them but - judging by the references you have used so far, I’m sure they are people who are so disgusting they are beneath notice.
You’re insane that people want to secretly fight their pits. But, I have noticed there are people a little less farther developed in the evolutionary brain cycle…(since you brought up evolution.) I suppose they might qualify. After all - there are pedophiles and serial murderers.[/quote]
I thought you were a pit lover. I would suggest that you research the history of your chosen breed. Stratton and Colby are very important names. You don’t know who Colby is but you come on here blowing off about pit bulls ?
Geez the arrogance.
By the way
“George Washington was a cockfighter.
Is he the same as a serial killer and pedophile ?
340. Helen said:
May 18, 2008 @ 11:28 pm
[quote comment="163846"][quote comment="163455"]I never heard of him until you mentioned him. I’ve never read his book. I took a quick look for his site which gave that info. I didn’t read any further - just sent an email asking if he responded to public questions. I don’t know who the Colby’s are - I’m sure I could google them but - judging by the references you have used so far, I’m sure they are people who are so disgusting they are beneath notice.
You’re insane that people want to secretly fight their pits. But, I have noticed there are people a little less farther developed in the evolutionary brain cycle…(since you brought up evolution.) I suppose they might qualify. After all - there are pedophiles and serial murderers.[/quote]
I thought you were a pit lover. I would suggest that you research the history of your chosen breed. Stratton and Colby are very important names. You don’t know who Colby is but you come on here blowing off about pit bulls ?
Geez the arrogance.
By the way
“George Washington was a cockfighter.
Is he the same as a serial killer and pedophile ?[/quote]
Dear Jill
Talk about “egg on your face”
Leave the big boys to us ok. Or join PETA and you will become more informed and more able to deal with the Jack’s of this world without getting “egg on your face”. You are not doing any of us a favour and you are starting to make him look smart.
If you can’t expose these scum for what they are then don’t bother. Get informed Jill Bryant and perhaps think about joining PETA and learning from us. Someone could think that you are actually trying to make him look good!
341. Helen said:
May 19, 2008 @ 12:01 am
Jill sorry if I am a bit harsh. But if you are to help the cause of animal rights then for heavens sake please get more informed when you go up against people like Jack. You are making him look better than he is.
He is scum but you are not helping our cause by going up against him and not researching your information first. Please don’t go up against these people unless you know your subject matter first as it just makes them look better.
All the best
Helen
342. Mike said:
May 19, 2008 @ 6:00 pm
Hey Jack,
My first pit was a Colby dog. I was just a kid then and was given one that was a pup.
Being my first pit I knew nothing of his line and it’s history. Many years and many dogs later
I ran into Mr Colby at a weight pull contest at the Topsfield Fairgrounds here in Massachusetts.
He was signing copies of his book and talking to Pit owners and answering questions. What a nice guy. He had Pit Bull owners all over him showing pictures of their APBT and more than one thanked him for the great dog he had sold them.
A man with a past in breeding Pits for fighting purposes but also one of the great breeders of our time. It’s a truth that’s a bitter pill to swallow but if you love your pit,
guys like Colby and Garner are the ones that helped make them the great dogs they are today.
343. Helen said:
May 19, 2008 @ 11:21 pm
Yes it is all “GUYS” ISN’T IT.
I see there are no women involved in this sick practice. Speaks volumes!
They are both SCUM an anyone that like them as you do Mike is scum.
Disgusting
344. Jack said:
May 20, 2008 @ 6:16 pm
[quote comment="164447"]Hey Jack,
My first pit was a Colby dog. I was just a kid then and was given one that was a pup.
Being my first pit I knew nothing of his line and it’s history. Many years and many dogs later
I ran into Mr Colby at a weight pull contest at the Topsfield Fairgrounds here in Massachusetts.
He was signing copies of his book and talking to Pit owners and answering questions. What a nice guy. He had Pit Bull owners all over him showing pictures of their APBT and more than one thanked him for the great dog he had sold them.
A man with a past in breeding Pits for fighting purposes but also one of the great breeders of our time. It’s a truth that’s a bitter pill to swallow but if you love your pit,
guys like Colby and Garner are the ones that helped make them the great dogs they are today.[/quote]
Also Lets not forget the people in England and the ones that brought their dogs from England and Ireland all those years ago too. For example Lloyd’s Pilot, owned by “Cockney Charlie” .
Amazing people like Diane Jessup go on and on about the evil of these MEN (lol @ men) but then she co writes a book with one of the Colby’s ann then attacks the character anyone that fights dogs. Typical!
Or these idiots that go on and on about how good the pit bull is as a dog but seem to believe this (the character of the pit bull) has nothing to do with the breeding behind it and then MEN that created the dog by artificial selection in the pit. There seems to be a real lack of basic science education among the anti-blood sports followers. There is some real ignorance out there.
345. taiesha said:
May 20, 2008 @ 7:54 pm
Pit Bulls speak - we are good dogs!
Most people, who are unfamiliar with the American Pit Bull Terrier, falsely believe that they are dangerous dogs. Unfortunately, Pit Bulls have a bad reputation because of some mean people who have abused their dogs and trained them to be aggressive. Pit Bulls are actually very stable, intelligent, and highly trainable. They are strong athletic dogs, and they require a guardian who is responsible and will give them plenty of exercise and training. They are very loving and loyal and make excellent animal companions.
Little-known facts about Pit Bulls:
Pit Bulls serve as therapy/service dogs. The Chako Rescue Association has Pit Bull therapy dogs in Texas, Utah and California. Helen Keller even had a Pit Bull as her canine companion and helper. Cheyenne and Dakota are a team of hard-working Search-and-Rescue Pit Bulls in Sacramento, California. They play an important role in their community by locating missing people in conjunction with the local Sheriff. In their off-duty hours, they do charity work as therapy dogs.
Petey, the faithful dog on the TV show, The Little Rascals, was a Pit Bull. He spent countless hours with children day after day and never hurt anyone. He was one of the most intelligent Hollywood dogs of all time.
There are quite a few celebrities who have Pit Bulls as members of their family including: Rosie Perez, The Crocodile Hunter, Judd Nelson, Usher, Alicia Silverstone, Cassandra Creech, Sinbad, John Stuart, Amy Jo Johnson, Linda Blair, Vin Diesel, and Bernadette Peters.
Pit Bulls are heroes! America’s first war dog was a Pit Bull named Stubby. He earned several medals during World War I and was honored at the White House. The Ken-L-Ration dog hero of 1993 was a Pit Bull named Weela. She saved 30 people, 29 dogs, 13 horses and a cat during a flood in Southern California. A Pit Bull named Bogart saved a four-year-old child from drowning in a swimming pool in Florida. Dixie, the Pit Bull, was inducted into the Georgia Animal Hall of Fame after she saved some children from a Cottonmouth snake.
Pit Bulls are one of the most stable people-friendly dogs in existence. The National Canine Temperament Testing Association tested 122 breeds, and Pit Bulls placed the 4th highest with a 95% passing rate!
Top of Page
Dispelling some myths about Pit Bulls:
-Is it true that Pit Bulls can lock their jaw?
The infamous locking jaw is a myth. The American Pit Bull Terrier and related breeds are physiologically no different from any other breed of dog. All dogs are from the same species and none have locking jaws. Dr. I Lehr Brisbin of the University of Georgia states, “To the best of our knowledge, there are no published scientific studies that would allow any meaningful comparison to be made of the biting power of various breeds of dogs. There are, moreover, compelling technical reasons why such data describing biting power in terms of ‘pounds per square inch’ can never be collected in a meaningful way. All figures describing biting power in such terms can be traced to either unfounded rumor or, in some cases, to newspaper articles with no foundation in factual data.” Furthermore, Dr. Brisbin states, “The few studies which have been conducted of the structure of the skulls, mandibles and teeth of pit bulls show that, in proportion to their size, their jaw structure and thus its inferred functional morphology, is no different than that of any breed of dog. There is absolutely no evidence for the existence of any kind of ‘locking mechanism’ unique to the structure of the jaw and/or teeth of the American Pit Bull Terrier.”
-Are Pit Bulls naturally aggressive towards humans?
While many Pit Bulls do tend to be aggressive towards other DOGS (as are most terriers), the normal, well raised Pit Bull has NO human-aggressive tendencies! In fact, human-aggression was actually bred out of the breed. The majority of Pit Bulls are affectionate, intelligent, trainable dogs. In fact, the highest obedience trial record of all time is held by an American Pit Bull Terrier named Maddy!
-Can Pit Bulls “turn” on people?
In fact, no breed of dog does. Dog aggression is nearly always preceded by some kind of warning, and there is always a reason behind the attack. However, many inexperienced owners do not recognize the dog’s behavior as aggression, or refuse to acknowledge it as a warning sign. The only exception I can think of is Springer Rage, a rare and controversial neurological condition that manifests itself as a spontaneous attack, followed by confusion, and then a return to normal behavior. Pit Bulls are NOT prone to this condition. There are individual dogs of any breed that may be more aggressive to others.
Pit Bull quotes:
Pit bulls are famous, in circles of knowledgeable dog people, for the love and loyalty they bestow on anyone who shows them a smidgen of kindness.
–Linda Wilson-Fuoco, journalist
In my opinion, Pit bulls are the least likely to be human aggressive. On the whole, you have to do a lot of work to make them aggressive to people.
–Sue Frisch, Dessin Animal Shelter manager
Pit bulls are especially good at pleasing people since they are strong and smart, they learn quickly and they are very adaptable.”
– Rob Mullin, dog trainer, owner, “K-9 Wizard & Co.” Trumbell, Connecticut
By Sonnet Dashevskaya - Spindletop Pit Bull Refuge, Austin branch
Sources:
The Chako Rescue Association for the American Pit Bull Terrier
Debby Wolfinsohn’s The Pit Bull Press
Denna’s Pit Bull Page
J. Balsam’s Friends Of Terriers Website
The American Pit Bull Terrier Speaks… Good Dog! by Cline and Martindale
346. Lisa said:
May 21, 2008 @ 8:18 pm
I recently bought a pitbull as a “family dog” with a 2 year old in the house. He is the most gentlest dog that I ever owned. He is also 2 and I rescued him from the SPCA. Most are not dangerous. Any dog could be dangerous if “made” that way. People like you give them a bad rap.
347. Jack said:
May 22, 2008 @ 2:34 am
[quote comment="164961"]I recently bought a pitbull as a “family dog” with a 2 year old in the house. He is the most gentlest dog that I ever owned. He is also 2 and I rescued him from the SPCA. Most are not dangerous. Any dog could be dangerous if “made” that way. People like you give them a bad rap.[/quote]
Well most of that is old hat we have discussed it all already.
Incidentally just one of incorrect points in there (I can’t be bothered read it all as we have been over all this and you just pasted and copied it from some pit bull board).
You said all or most terriers are aggressive to other dogs.
Terriers should not be aggressive to other dogs. If you had worked terriers apart from pulling weights or some other strange pastime, you would know that terrier work requires pack work. Dogs that work in packs should be able to tolerate other dogs. As is true of all hunting dogs. When hunting foxes the terriers should be concentrating on the fox and not trying to fight each other.
Why don’t some of you people actually go out and work dogs instead of posting the same old cliche’s again and again and then you might have of something of value to say.
Also your pasted clip goes on and on about bite power. Such ignorance on your part as well. Pit bulls have good mouths (term for biting power) mainly because of the neck strength and their ability to shake with powerful necks and the WILL TO BITE HARD. As you would know if you had ever kept one other than for a pet! (geez the ignorance)
348. Jack said:
May 22, 2008 @ 2:43 am
[quote comment="164782"]Pit Bulls speak - we are good dogs!
Most people, who are unfamiliar with the American Pit Bull Terrier, falsely believe that they are dangerous dogs. Unfortunately, Pit Bulls have a bad reputation because of some mean people who have abused their dogs and trained them to be aggressive. Pit Bulls are actually very stable, intelligent, and highly trainable. They are strong athletic dogs, and they require a guardian who is responsible and will give them plenty of exercise and training. They are very loving and loyal and make excellent animal companions.
Little-known facts about Pit Bulls:
Pit Bulls serve as therapy/service dogs. The Chako Rescue Association has Pit Bull therapy dogs in Texas, Utah and California. Helen Keller even had a Pit Bull as her canine companion and helper. Cheyenne and Dakota are a team of hard-working Search-and-Rescue Pit Bulls in Sacramento, California. They play an important role in their community by locating missing people in conjunction with the local Sheriff. In their off-duty hours, they do charity work as therapy dogs.
Petey, the faithful dog on the TV show, The Little Rascals, was a Pit Bull. He spent countless hours with children day after day and never hurt anyone. He was one of the most intelligent Hollywood dogs of all time.
There are quite a few celebrities who have Pit Bulls as members of their family including: Rosie Perez, The Crocodile Hunter, Judd Nelson, Usher, Alicia Silverstone, Cassandra Creech, Sinbad, John Stuart, Amy Jo Johnson, Linda Blair, Vin Diesel, and Bernadette Peters.
Pit Bulls are heroes! America’s first war dog was a Pit Bull named Stubby. He earned several medals during World War I and was honored at the White House. The Ken-L-Ration dog hero of 1993 was a Pit Bull named Weela. She saved 30 people, 29 dogs, 13 horses and a cat during a flood in Southern California. A Pit Bull named Bogart saved a four-year-old child from drowning in a swimming pool in Florida. Dixie, the Pit Bull, was inducted into the Georgia Animal Hall of Fame after she saved some children from a Cottonmouth snake.
Pit Bulls are one of the most stable people-friendly dogs in existence. The National Canine Temperament Testing Association tested 122 breeds, and Pit Bulls placed the 4th highest with a 95% passing rate!
Top of Page
Dispelling some myths about Pit Bulls:
-Is it true that Pit Bulls can lock their jaw?
The infamous locking jaw is a myth. The American Pit Bull Terrier and related breeds are physiologically no different from any other breed of dog. All dogs are from the same species and none have locking jaws. Dr. I Lehr Brisbin of the University of Georgia states, “To the best of our knowledge, there are no published scientific studies that would allow any meaningful comparison to be made of the biting power of various breeds of dogs. There are, moreover, compelling technical reasons why such data describing biting power in terms of ‘pounds per square inch’ can never be collected in a meaningful way. All figures describing biting power in such terms can be traced to either unfounded rumor or, in some cases, to newspaper articles with no foundation in factual data.” Furthermore, Dr. Brisbin states, “The few studies which have been conducted of the structure of the skulls, mandibles and teeth of pit bulls show that, in proportion to their size, their jaw structure and thus its inferred functional morphology, is no different than that of any breed of dog. There is absolutely no evidence for the existence of any kind of ‘locking mechanism’ unique to the structure of the jaw and/or teeth of the American Pit Bull Terrier.”
-Are Pit Bulls naturally aggressive towards humans?
While many Pit Bulls do tend to be aggressive towards other DOGS (as are most terriers), the normal, well raised Pit Bull has NO human-aggressive tendencies! In fact, human-aggression was actually bred out of the breed. The majority of Pit Bulls are affectionate, intelligent, trainable dogs. In fact, the highest obedience trial record of all time is held by an American Pit Bull Terrier named Maddy!
-Can Pit Bulls “turn” on people?
In fact, no breed of dog does. Dog aggression is nearly always preceded by some kind of warning, and there is always a reason behind the attack. However, many inexperienced owners do not recognize the dog’s behavior as aggression, or refuse to acknowledge it as a warning sign. The only exception I can think of is Springer Rage, a rare and controversial neurological condition that manifests itself as a spontaneous attack, followed by confusion, and then a return to normal behavior. Pit Bulls are NOT prone to this condition. There are individual dogs of any breed that may be more aggressive to others.
Pit Bull quotes:
Pit bulls are famous, in circles of knowledgeable dog people, for the love and loyalty they bestow on anyone who shows them a smidgen of kindness.
–Linda Wilson-Fuoco, journalist
In my opinion, Pit bulls are the least likely to be human aggressive. On the whole, you have to do a lot of work to make them aggressive to people.
–Sue Frisch, Dessin Animal Shelter manager
Pit bulls are especially good at pleasing people since they are strong and smart, they learn quickly and they are very adaptable.”
– Rob Mullin, dog trainer, owner, “K-9 Wizard & Co.” Trumbell, Connecticut
By Sonnet Dashevskaya - Spindletop Pit Bull Refuge, Austin branch
Sources:
The Chako Rescue Association for the American Pit Bull Terrier
Debby Wolfinsohn’s The Pit Bull Press
Denna’s Pit Bull Page
J. Balsam’s Friends Of Terriers Website
The American Pit Bull Terrier Speaks… Good Dog! by Cline and Martindale[/quote]
The last post was meant for Taiesha.
As for you Lisa and adopting a rescue pit bull that you know nothing about while you have a two year old kid. Well that is both VERY selfish and REALLY FOOLISH. It is people like YOU that give the dog a bad name when you risk the safety of your two year old around a rescue dog!
349. Jack said:
May 22, 2008 @ 5:52 pm
[quote comment="164961"]I recently bought a pitbull as a “family dog” with a 2 year old in the house. He is the most gentlest dog that I ever owned. He is also 2 and I rescued him from the SPCA. Most are not dangerous. Any dog could be dangerous if “made” that way. People like you give them a bad rap.[/quote]
It is the people that keep two year old children with rescue pit bulls that should be banned from keeping them.
Selfishness and ignorance at its height. Keeping a pit bull with an unknown hostory with a two year old child. UNBELIEVABLE!
350. Dee said:
May 22, 2008 @ 11:30 pm
YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF WITH YOUR FIRST PARAGRAGH. UNLIKE YOUR CRAP ARTICLE PITBULLS ARE GREAT COMPANIONS AND ARE EXTREALY FRIENDLY, LOYAL, AND AFFECTIONATE DOGS AND HAVE NO PROBLEMS WITH CHILDREN.
351. jillbryant2003 said:
May 23, 2008 @ 7:05 pm
Helen - I have egg on my face? From a man who has misquoted, misinformed, and otherwise is a dubious source of information? If you think knowing the breeders is important to making my case, I don’t know what case you think I’m trying to make
I WAS a member of PETA. I withdrew when I found out their inhumane policy toward pit bulls. Keep up the good work on factory farms. I now donate my money (and time) elsewhere.
And Jack, I don’t choose to do any more research than I have already done. I am a pit bull owner - not a breeder. I did not go looking for a pit - I found Honey pregnant on the street and learned whatever I needed to be a responsible owner. I had Honey fixed as soon as I possibly could so no one would steal her because enough guys told me she was a beautiful pit to scare me. I was told I could make a lot of money off her pups. I could also make a lot of money in other unethical, immoral or cruel ways. I find that kind of behavior just pathetic.
Anyway - I came on here to post about a new bill that will make sure animal abusers are tracked by the FBI. I’m sure you all will want to support it because NO one is in favor of animal abuse, right?
https://community.hsus.org/fund/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=24325682
352. Frank said:
June 4, 2008 @ 10:24 pm
I have had several Pit Bull Terriers and NONE have ever show any aggresion toward people. As a matter fact I had a beautiful female that hated other dogs, but she loved my kids and any kid that she met on the street or my backyard. On the other hand I have had show quality Rottweilers out of the best dogs in the USA and Europe and I am always very careful when I approach people on the street. I cannot allow any one to go to my backyard without me being there. Pits are awesome kid dogs!!!! My daughter just got married and when she starts her family, she wants to raise her kids with a Pit Bull. She feels that Pits are awesome people’s dogs.
353. gio said:
July 11, 2008 @ 9:45 pm
Wow
I am so pleased I found this forum ,and as I read each post I realize that education is essential for the survival of this bred, and the safety of animals and children alike is important.It is also interesting to note how so called breeders are now producing a dog that does not resemble the original pitbulls. Twice the weight in some or more cases,sounds like it is time to go after this new breed of dog and leave the original Pitbull breed alone. no wonder everyone is confused.They dont know what they own!
354. Jennifer said:
July 17, 2008 @ 6:39 pm
Jessica, Have you ever owned a pit bull? I use to feel similar about them, until I rescued one from the animal shelter! She is more friendly and harmless than any dog that I have known (and I have known a lot). My pit bull is smart and so willing to please. She was easy to train and loves kids. She is strong, but much less so than great danes, st. bernards, or mastifs. I think it is very upsetting that you critize this wonderful dog breed without really knowing what they are like. It hurts peoples feelings. I think of my pit as my child and anyone who gives her a bad look breaks my heart. Any dog can kill. They are animals! They just have to be properly trained.