Pitbull love

[ThePatrician]

We all are aware that the American Pitbull Terrier is a very polarizing breed. It is fair to say that news outlets are quick to jump on a story any time it involves a pitbull. This article is a fascinating take on them, provides some interesting breed history, idiotic breed-specific legislation, and neat little tidbits that be used to either fill or create lulls in conversation.

http://www.alternet.org/civil-liber...s-children-until-media-turned-them?paging=off

And now, having said that, I will take this opportunity to say that I absolutely love pitbulls, and this article only reinforced that.

Now: DISCUSS!

 

[Mick]

It's like with any hot button topic.

those that have the least amount of knowledge about a subject are the first to voice their opinions the loudest.

 

[Pebcak]

Former neighbor had a pitbull and it was a nasty, mean spirited, vicious thing. Course the neighbor was a drug dealer and a convicted thief.

One of the girlfriends best friends used to have a pit and it was the biggest, gentlest push over. The breed isn't the issue normally it's the two legged idiot on other end of the lease that is the problem.

 

[heybatter]

I hate Pitbull. Guy has single-handedly ruined Toots & The Maytals "Funky Kingston"...

Seriously though, I have a soft spot for them as well. I love my pit mix.

 

[MrLara]

I recommend "Beyond the myth" on netflix. Great documentary on pitbulls.

I love pitbulls, unfortunately the apartments that i live in doesn't allow them.

 

[_MementoMori_]

Interesting article. I still don't like them, personally, but thanks for the good read.

 

[rajagra]

People are too easily influenced by terminology nowadays. I call it buzzword logic. They choose a vocabulary that fits what they already believe, and from that point on there is no possibility of rational discussion. The words become blinkers.
(Examples: "Carbon footprint blah blah blah..."; "Sustainability blah blah blah...")

"Pitbull." People see the word and their minds are made up. It's an unfortunate name that conjures up violent images. People are too stupid to see that it's just a word and proves nothing about a dog's behaviour. The media exploit this when reporting sensationalist stories.

 

[BBrad]

Here is a recent thread that discussed the topic in great detail with gentlemanly restraint. The thread started just a few days after a thread on the exact same topic was closed by our mod team.

It is a very polarizing topic, and one that generally causes much rhetorical comment and somewhat less rational evaluation of facts.

The article that Matt linked to is well worth a serious read!

 

[joamo]

The article touches on mis-identification of other breeds as pitbulls.

This page shows that quite well.

We had a pit/lab and she was the sweetest/calmest dog you could ask for.

 

[Taylor of Bank Street]

While the term 'pit bull' may be less precise than the words 'tiger' and 'rabbit', I know which of these three animals I could feel relatively safe in entering their cage/enclosure. A docile tiger is still a tiger and an angry housecat is still a housecat.

Certain breeds of dog are known for specific characteristics, both physical and behavioral. Any veterinarian should and I believe most breeders would confirm this.

Yes, as with humans it's always a mixture of nature and nurture. I'm sure there's some well behaved pit bulls out there and some persnickety Jack Russell's.

Yes the media can run with a topic in the pursuit of stirring up public fear and interest. Shark week anyone? In this case, I think caution is warranted with this 'breed' more than other true breeds or mutts.

My father was a veterinarian and I've probably interacted with 1000's of dogs over my life. People can make their own decisions but for me, pit bulls are a bit like keeping a loaded firearm around, useful where required but not something to be undertaken lightly. I would never own a pit bull (post-apocalyptic scenarios excluded) if it would be around children.

I realize I may have come out of the gate a bit strong on this one. No offense intended.

 

[smalltank]

View attachment 306923

 

[raccoonandbrush]

Very good article. Thank you for sharing.

 

[Mojo88]

The worst bite I ever saw was from a golden. A neighbor's young daughter got close to the dog's bowl while he was eating and he attacked. The result was 100 stitches to her face,and several stitches to her arm. The dog was older and had not been around kids until the last few years of his life. I am a firm believer that dogs are a product of their enviroment and training. I also had a friend with a pit that was completly out of control as a result of little interaction. As for me the liability of owning a pit is just not worth it. The additional insurance and the possibility of an accident are too much.

 

[timsclips]

Interestingly pitbulls were called the nanny dog at the turn of the century. Because they were so good with kids and were protective of their charges.

 

[Bk124tt]

I love my Pitbull. Best dog I've ever had!

 

[reboot]

I had an encounter with one today. I almost had to pull the Indiana Jones move on him. You know, just pull out the .45 and shoot him.

It was a beautiful dog and the owner got hold of him and apologized, but when will people learn that you can't have a dog like that when people like meter readers (and me!) have to walk through your yard? You may not be home that day, and I'd hate for you to return home to a dead dog.

Self defense, brother.

 

[The Nid Hog]

Just a friendly reminder to stay on point, have a good discussion and don't stray into the land of insulting and contentious comments.

 

[P Funk]

Interestingly pitbulls were called the nanny dog t the turn of the century. Because they were so good with kids and were protective of their charges.

Actually it was the Staffordshire Bull Terrier that was called the nanny dog. They were raised to stay at home with kids while the adults worked in the mines. They were also one of the bread winners of the family - usually by participating in dog fights.
It's quite possible that this nickname carried over to the Pit as well. They would definitely fit the bill. Though, as an owner of both breeds, I must say the Stafford's love for people is second to none.

Here is a nice pic of a Stafford from my dog's lineage (don't have a good pic of mine right now). They are incredibly athletic, people needy and should not exceed 40lbs.

 

[petr]

Actually it was the Staffordshire Bull Terrier that was called the nanny dog. They were raised to stay at home with kids while the adults worked in the mines. They were also one of the bread winners of the family - usually by participating in dog fights.
It's quite possible that this nickname carried over to the Pit as well. They would definitely fit the bill. Though, as an owner of both breeds, I must say the Stafford's love for people is second to none.

Here is a nice pic of a Stafford from my dog's lineage (don't have a good pic of mine right now). They are incredibly athletic, people needy and should not exceed 40lbs.

View attachment 307067

I was all set to get one of these staffies and then while doing research found a horrendous article written in the UK about an attack on a boy. The article was incredibly sensationalized to say the least, but still it left me with a bizarre feeling about this breed. I bet they're awesome though. Perfect size. How are your dogs around children? I have four kids ...

 

[oc_in_fw]

I hate Pitbull. Guy has single-handedly ruined Toots & The Maytals "Funky Kingston"...

I agree- we must ban Pitbull.