The Truth about Pit Bulls

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 - 4:00pm
Happy Pit Bull

“Pit Bull.” There is no other breed of dog—or arguably, any other animal at all—whose mere mention can elicit such strong opinions. Try a word-associate game with your friends: Ask them what they think of when you say “Pit Bull.” Chances are that by the numbers, their responses will be more negative than positive. And it’s no wonder: No other type of dog is as widely banned from housing, legislated against, or incorrectly vilified by the media.

How did we get here?
Pit Bulls were once widely considered ideal family pets—affectionate, loyal and gentle with children. But in recent years, these dogs have suffered tremendously from a combination of overbreeding, bad publicity and irresponsible owners. In reality, the overwhelming majority of Pits and Pit mixes are sweet goofballs who have gotten a very bad rap.

Learn the truth.
National Pit Bull Awareness Day, on October 27, is a day of appreciation and education designed to change perceptions and stereotypes about Pit Bulls and their responsible owners. Please take a moment to learn the truth about these wonderful dogs and consider rescuing one of them from a shelter.

Are you a proud Pit Bull parent? Please participate in National Pit Bull Awareness Day, and help us dispel the myths about these dogs by leaving a comment below about your wonderful pooch.

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Comments

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:37 — Christine Watters (Visitor)
All Pitties & Bullies are wonderful dogs, period. Domestic dogs, regardless of breed want to love and be loved, period. My Jake is a papered American Staffordshire Terrier and just celebrated his 11 birthday, I have had him since 7 weeks old. This dog has helped me through 2 divorces and a move to another state to start over. I have changed the minds of many people throughout the years on what they believe a "Pitt" is and I always will have one in my life. They are amazing dogs, period.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:38 — Lisa (Visitor)
I am the proud momma of not only an AKC Canine Good Citizen, but my pitty is also a UKI Agility competitor!! She was a shelter dog that no one wanted and was afraid of her own shadow. She continually amazes me at the things she continues to accomplish and the fears she has overcome. Her former housemate was my 14 yr old pit who just passed away. Jasmine never met a person or animal she didn't like. When my cats were kittens, she would nurse and snuggle with them until they feel asleep. My girls may have had two totally different personalities, but they are both wonderful dogs and I can't imagine sharing my home with any other breed.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:38 — Andi (Visitor)
Early November 2010, I suffered a miscarriage. It drove me into a deep, dark depression. Eventually I was forced to quit my job and was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder. My husband and I decided since I was at home all day, this was a great time to adopt a dog who would need lots of patience, training, and attention. In February we adopted Tank from a local shelter. I had no experience with pits, or dogs in general, and because I lived so much of my life under a rock, I had no preconceived notions. I just knew he was sweet, playful, and bundles of happy energy! His happy energy got me out of bed. At least long enough to play and potty. He'd run back to bed and cuddle with me. He clearly sensed how much I hurt. It has been almost 2 years and Tank is now a well-behaved cuddle muffin. In response to National Miscarriage & Infant Loss day this week, I began to think about how Tank saved my life. We had learned that Tank was born the day we conceived. I need a traumatic event to get the help I needed. I needed Tank to help me through it. Funny how life works out just as you needed it.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:38 — Perry (Visitor)
I am a very proud pit bull mother! My pitbull is sincerely.my ix best friend. She absolutely loves everyone she meets. She, unfortunately , got attacked twice. once at about six months old and once. . at about two years old. Those fights made her feel apprehensive of other dogs, but other than that she is an. amazing dog and 100 percent loyal.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:38 — Judith Mitchell (Visitor)
I've had many, many, rescued dogs as loving companions -- many I've personally picked up off the mean streets of New York City. They've been an odd assortment of mixed breeds and have all been wonderful, grateful, sweet pups (some I turned over to reliable shelters; others I kept). However, that said, I would not adopt a Pit Bull nor would I have rescued one from the street. I believe they've been overbred (like Springers and so many other unfortunate breeds) and in the case of Pits, bred to be potentially (latently, maybe) aggressive -- you can call it "protective" if you want. Don't forget, initially this breed was created as a fighting breed, and it seems to me that where there's smoke, there may be fire. I wouldn't take the chance. I also wouldn't have a Spaniel. On the other hand I am pleased to read about the many positive relationships most of you have and have had with these dogs, and I applaud you for loving them. Just not for me.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:53 — Andi (Visitor)
I appreciate your comments. Clearly you love your dogs like we love ours. Just had to chime in and mention: Historically (over a hundred years ago) these dogs were used for baiting bulls - you're not wrong. But then, for the better part of the last century, these dogs were babysitters and war hereos (Sgt. Stubby!). Then people like Michael Vick turned babysitters in to fighters. We need to consider as a culture if people like Michael Vick are the bigger problem.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:39 — Natalie Shannon (Visitor)
When I was a child my grandparents lived next to people who bred pitbulls for fighting. These neighbors even had weekly dog fights in their back yard! The evil people would starve, beat and even drug the poor pitt bulls to make they mean enough to fight. The poor pitt bulls would only be properly fed only after a fight. The rest of the week they would only get water. The dog owner would brag about how he only needed to feed pitt bulls once or twice a week and they would still fight good. My grandparents were outraged. They hated living next to these neighbors and hearing the dog fights. Crazy people would crownd into the neighbors yard and watch the dog fights. My grandparents called the police many times and animal control. Finally after nearly a year the police arrested the neighbors. Sadly the dogs were put down. I was very upset! I told the police that the dog owners should be put down,not the poor dogs! The police officers agreeed with me!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:55 — Andi (Visitor)
You're right. You clearly illustrated the great lengths it takes to turn a loving creature into a monster. The same people who missed the "treat your dog with love" memo probably missed the same memo regarding other people.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:39 — Shawn (Visitor)
I have a sweet,adorable lil Brindle Pit Mix. She is only foour (4) months old. I got her from a lady who kept her in a cage all day while she worked. I say put her in a cage. Anyways , "Cece" is sooo awesome. Not at all like the hype that surrounds this breed. I say that it is not the dog , But How they are raised and cared for. She loves sleeping in my bed at the foot. I REFUSE to use any sort of cage. Cece even plays with my elderly mother's cat without any problems at all. If I HAD to choose , I think I would choose a Pit mix.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:57 — Andi (Visitor)
So lucky Miss Cece sleeps at the foot of your bed! Tank has decided my pillow is his pillow and his drool is a prerequisite for bed time! :)

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:39 — Misty (Visitor)
I am very lucky to have been a mommy to a female pit bull for almost 13 years. Nala is a black and white pit bull who will turn 13 the day after Christmas. She has helped raise my 2 daughter. She is a big playfull, wiggle baby! She has slowed down after getting older but still loves to play. Last summer she was attacked by coyotes. She had 2 big brothers who saved her. She was in terrible condition. She had severe neck and leg injuries and they had torn a hole in her belly. Also one of her dew claws were ripped off leaving a bone sticking out. The vet said there had to be at least 2 or more attacking her. She is a walking miracle. The vet could not believe she actually survived and healed. Today she is a little slow and when the weather is cold she hurts. But age and injuries don't slow her down. She is a very wonderful special member of our family.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:39 — Betheny Green (Visitor)
I have had boxers all my life. Last year I rescued an 8 week old pit mix - Biscuit...who was abused, starved, neglected and abandoned to die. She was basically a skeleton with fur and so full of worms and demodite mange...and had multiple hernias. We support a local rescue called Saving Sunny, Inc....but had never owned a pit bull before, or fostered a dog. I wanted to help somehow, so against even my husband's wishes I took her home. We were only going to "foster" her until she was spayed and we could find her a home, but SHE adopted US! She is the BEST dog I have ever had. So gentle, smart and wonderfully behaved in spite of not having any formal training. She LIVES to please us. Everything she does, she looks back at me as if to say, "is this ok, mom?". When she potties, she looks back at me...waiting for my smile and praise. Everywhere we go, she follows. She loves water, car -rides and her sister and brother boxers. She adores our three children, the neighborhood children and any other person who cares to pet her. I have heard her bark MAYBE five times....and it was because she wanted up on the bed....lol. We take her to the farmers market every weekend and she is quite the celebrity. She's a scardy-dog of chickens and geese, squirrels and rabbits. Her only flaw is that she likes to dig.....but we just watch her and tell her no...and she stops immediately. She is such a wonderful dog. I will probably never have another breed....and I most certainly will never purchase another animal. I will ONLY adopt.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:59 — Andi (Visitor)
They are wiley babies. Always knowing just knowing whom they can sucker in to adoption! :) P.s. Good luck on the digging. Ours did as a pup but after supervision has entirely stopped!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:59 — Andi (Visitor)
They are wiley babies. Always knowing just knowing whom they can sucker in to adoption! :) P.s. Good luck on the digging. Ours did as a pup but after supervision has entirely stopped!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:41 — Gentry (Visitor)
When I tell people that I have three rescued pit bulls, I get some surprised looks. Some people seem to think that by having dogs of this breed that I'm crazy and some people approve of my rescue work. Either way I'm happy that I made three of the best decisions of my life. I adopted Yuuna two years ago at age three. She was found wondering Nowhere, Oklahoma with one eye, a bloated tummy and harness digging into her. Now she's my shadow- she follows me every where I go and loves to just be near people. Harvey was left tied to a post outside of my vet clinic nearly six years ago. My vet had kept Harvey at the clinic hoping some one would want him. As he aged, his arthritis got worse, the grey started to take over his dark brindle coat and no one took him in. After much debate and getting a better living situation, I decided to bring Harvey home. He still has to take some medicine for the ailments, but he's happy and always hungry. Last year, my co-worker brought in a scrawny, 8 month old brown red nose that she had found on a wooded property. He seemed to be a sweet dog, so I took him to my vet clinic to get him checked out. Shortly after, I brought him home to terrorize me with his antics and constant butt-wiggling. He's been through obedience training successfully and harasses my older dogs constanly. Even though my pitties have come from tragedy, I believe that I'm giving them them the best lives I possibly can.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:42 — s williams (Visitor)
Tell the parents of mauled and dead children as a result of a pit bull attack how cute and "golfball" like they really are.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:53 — Matt (Visitor)
How about you stop listening to all mislead media n actually own one. U will be converted by these goofballs.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:59 — Tessa (Visitor)
Tell those same parents not to let toddlers out of the house alone, not to poke things through wire fences and how to behave themselves. I have seen too many times on the news a child is injured by a dog to find out the parents weren't properly watching their child. Dogs of ANY kind can be a danger to children. It is not the dogs fault they have bad owners anymore it is a parents fault when a grown child is arrested. Blame who is really at fault and not the easiest target deemed by society.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 12:00 — Lisa (Visitor)
Children should NEVER be left unattended with ANY BREED of dog. Period. ANY DOG regardless of the breed can attack (and I have the scars to prove it!). Do I love my pits? Of course!! Would I leave them alone with children? Absolutely not!!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 12:21 — Megan (Visitor)
You can also start hating huskies, golden retrievers, and labs since they dismembered and disemboweled babies this year.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:45 — Georganne (Visitor)
I have a Black Lab/Pit Bull Mix. She is the sweetest dog there is and my best friend. I adopted her when she was 8 weeks old from a rescue, she is now 3 years old. I have trained her to be gentle and loving to both young and old, as we have both in our house. She has never bitten anyone because I trained her not to and give her huge doses of love and affection. Dogs that bite, like people, have a need that is not being met. Either mental, emotional, or physical. If your dog or any dog is acting aggressive, it is for a reason. The intelligent, responsible, and compassionate thing to do, is to find out why! What is causing the aggressive behavior? In the same way, we take children to doctors or counselors to find out the source of a problem, we need to figure out what is causing our beloved pets to have a problem. Then we can apply a solution to correct the situation, BEFORE ANYONE GETS BIT OR HURT! Be responsible and meet their needs - all of them!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 12:03 — Andi (Visitor)
And just like people, when a dog is acting aggressively, one additional reason may be that he doesn't know how to communicate otherwise. Training wins time after time :)

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:49 — Matt (Visitor)
I have two lovable dogs one being a Pitt/husky and the other being a chunky weiner dog lol. My feince and I recued our pitty mix from a kill shelter at 8 weeks old. His whole litter and parents were also rescued by the way. His name is Sherman and is the most lovable dog I have owned. All he wants to do is snuggle especially on my fiancées baby bump. I think he is just as excited as I am for the baby and can't wait my sweet boys to meet there sister. He hears my car pull in and looks out the same window everyday dancing with excitement I am home. I am a proud owner of a pitty and if someone has something to say my chunky weiner dog will let u hear it cause Sherman will just be chilling on my lap.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:50 — Rex's Mom (Visitor)
I am the proud owner of an almost 3 year old pit mix and he is the love of my life. When I adopted him I knew that he changed my life forever and I will never live in a home without a Pitty. All the stereotypes are just that, false notions put on these animals by people who don't know any better. Rex will sooner run away from you, the garbage truck, thunder or any other "scary" thing then bite. He is a joy and the sweetest most loving dog I have ever had. We of course get the looks, the "can you handle that dog?" smart remarks (he's 90lbs, I'm 5' tall 110 lbs) but that's okay, I brush it off because I feel sorry for those people. I couldn't be more proud to own this breed of dog and I will always educate anyone that will listen. If people would open their eyes and their minds they would see that Pit Bulls are just like any other dog, mans best friend.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:50 — ROBERT (Visitor)
Had wanted & planned to tell the story of my best friend LUCKY whom I've enjoyed for 4 years now after saving him at about the age of 1.5 years.He had been fought & apparently lost, thrown in a ditch covered in mud & blood and shot twice with a 22.He's my second pit rescue from same area. Would love to share more but the ignorant have invaded this wonderful subject!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:51 — Tessa (Visitor)
I have a pit mastiff rescued almost 6 yrs ago who at just over a year old was highly animal aggressive not house trained and jumped fences daily to escape. My red nose we rescued a little while after her was found at 2 months old with both knees and one hip socket broken. I got him at 7 months and 25 lbs. sugar and j.r are the best of friends and just adore the cats and kittens we have/foster. Then about 3 months ago someone dropped a 18-24month red nose pit on our very fast road. She looked so confused and lost that I knew to leave her there was a death sentence. I litterally stopped in my car on the side of the road and put this completely unknown pit in my SUV. She was crawling with fleas and ticks, had already had puppies at some time and had a huge wound from an imbedded collar all the way around her neck. No shelters could help save her life. So we put in the time and effort to get her house trained, kennel trained like the rest, and healed from injury. She is now spayed and has all shots and is a great girl! This stray from the streets loves dogs and people and is good with cats (99%) of the time. She still thinks its fun to chase when the cars are chasing each other lol. But my point is that all 3 of my street pits had very hard and different starts and shouldn't like anything relating to humans. But they do. J.r loves people that he doesn't like it when you play rough and he will stop you from" hurting" that person and he barks uncontrollably when our cat with seizures is having one. With time and love my dogs and house really show how amazing they really are. Lets get back to the true beginning of these breeds and recognize them for the heroes they truly are.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:51 — Florence Thompson (Visitor)
I wholeheartedly agree with all the positive things you've said about pit bulls. I have shared my home (and my love) with a darling little pit mix for 9 years. We believe she had previously been used as a bait dog (so cruel)and she is now the sweetest, friendliest dog I have ever had. And I've had many in my 79 years. Yes, I'm not the usual pittie owner, she is a very strong dog but also a very loving and smart canine and I don't know what I'd do without her. Keep up the good work.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:52 — Jeannie Celaya (Visitor)
We woke up one cold Sunday morning (October 16 2010) & while getting ready for Church, we noticed a big dog in our backyard. My husband went out to her, she was cold, skaking, very scared & had a collar on with a leash still attached. We made a little shelter for her, & gave her food & water. We made signs, ads in paper & called shelters, but very litte response, & IF someone did respond, we tested them & was not going to release her to just anyone! We named her Lilly & she's still here, her forever home. She is one of the greatest sweetest dogs we've ever had. We also have a chihuahua & 5 cats (all rescues in one way or another). Lilly is great with them all. I was one that wasn't sure about pitbulls; Lilly erased any negative feelings I had. We will rescue more animals, even pitbulls, as soon as we can. They all bring us so much joy & unconditional love! My heart breaks for any animals being abuse & mistreated! A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal... Proverbs 12:10

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:52 — P Million (Visitor)
She is a beautiful young lady that found us during the flood in May 2010. She was wet and lonely and came on our porch to get out of the rain the land was soggy and she was muddy and hungry. We feed her and took her in that night and then left her out the next day so that if she wanted to go home she could. She choose to stay and is a wonderful loving creature. She does her nails to perfection everyday and they never have to be clipped she has Hazel eyes and this is what I named her. We have 5 other dogs and the all love to play. The others are Husky mix, and great dane, bull mastiff/boxer mix, a yorkie and a silkie. All wonderfull fuzzy people.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:52 — Susan (Visitor)
"ASPCA" Please take the negative posters off this blog. I thought we were to post about our own wonderful PitBulls, instead we have these nasty negative people Demeaning our dogs!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:56 — Matt (Visitor)
Agreed!!! Some people have to complain about everything it's so annoying.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:53 — Lisa (Visitor)
I am not in support of this article. I think it is very harmful, deceptive and dangerous. Although some Pitt Bulls can make good pets, the facts (according to Wikipedia) are that Pitt Bulls and Pitt Bull mixes have cause more fatal dog attacks (18) in 2012 than any other breed. Between 2005 and 2012 there were 109 fatal dog attacks caused by Pitt Bulls. Some of these victims were infants and toddlers. Sadly, these are the facts. Is it sad that Pitt Bulls fill up the shelters? Yes. Is it sad that many of them will be destroyed? Yes. But to advocate that they should be adopted by families with children is simply irresponsible. When a large, reputable organization such as yourself, gives their stamp of approval on something, you’d better be right. In this case it seems that you are ignoring the facts. It is very disappointing. Doesn’t it beg the question why all these animals were surrendered? Could it be because they have chased down and bitten a child or person? I will unsubscribe from any further posts, mailings or donations, if you do not rectify this immediately. I will not support an organization that misleads the public with such a possible disastrous outcome.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 12:02 — JLS (Visitor)
Lisa, Wikipedia is NOT the place to go for facts (the facts (according to Wikipedia) are that Pitt Bulls and Pitt Bull mixes have cause more fatal dog attacks (18) in 2012 than any other breed.). the place to go is vet offices, legitimate breeders, rescues, persons that OWN pitty's and have LOTS of experience with that breed. it is amazing that you are quoting a site that is not specific to dog breeds. go to dogbreedinfo.com if you want "expert" advice on pitties and their personalities. i know many pitties that are sweet and can be trusted completely with children. it's how they are raised by HUMANS that cause the problem, not the breed itself.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 12:19 — Lisa (Visitor)
I am not saying that Pitt Bulls can not make great pets. I've been in close contact with them. What I'm saying is that the statistics how that they have caused the most fatal dog attacks of any other breed between 2005 and 2012. 109 FATAL dog attacks including infants and children! To advocate that families with children should run out and adopt one from a shelter is simply irresponsible. If you want a Pitt Bull, buy one from a reputable breeder as a puppy.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 12:12 — Ashley Threadingham (Visitor)
It is interesting that you get your "facts" from Wikipedia, which is user-submitted information and doesn't need to have an ounce of truth to be published. I also think it is ironic that you don't even know how to spell "pit bill". Instead of finding "facts," from Wikipedia and other "information" sites that you and other ignorant, misinformed people tend to rely on, try meeting a pit bull. Not one raised by the scum of society, but one raised by the majority of pit bull owners- the loving, responsible owners that train and spay/neuter their dogs. I'm quite certain your mind would be changed and you could stop looking for nonfactual information to base your claims on something you clearly know nothing about. And also, if you truly stop unsubscribing to ASPCA because they are working to save ALL animals, good riddance to you. There are plenty of ACTUAL animal lovers to make up for your lack of support on an important issue.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 12:39 — Lisa (Visitor)
Is this official enough for you? From the CDC. http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/images/dogbreeds-a.pdf Also published in JAVMA, Vol 217, No. 6, September 15, 2000 From 1979 through 1996, dog attacks resulted in more than 300 human dog bite-related fatalities (DBRF) in the United States. Most victims were children. Studies indicate that pit bull-type dogs were involved in approximately a third of human DBRF reported during the 12-year period from 1981 through 1992.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 14:29 — Ashley Threadingham (Visitor)
Congratulations, you can read! You are also one of those people that take one or two facts and copy/paste them multiple times because it is easier than actually researching the topic you are complaining about. How intelligent. You are clearly unable research more than two articles to form your own opinion. I can also read/copy/paste and took the time to research more of your CDC statistics. Per ASPCA, "Following a thorough study of human fatalities resulting from dog bites, the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) decided not to support BSL (Breed Specific Legislation). The CDC cited, among other problems, the inaccuracy of dog bite data and the difficulty in identifying dog breeds (especially true of mixed-breed dogs). The CDC also noted the likelihood that as certain breeds are regulated, those who exploit dogs by making them aggressive will replace them with other, unregulated breeds." THE CDC HAS REPEATEDLY ADMITTED TO THE INACCURACY OF THEIR OWN DOG BITE STATISTICS! So no, not official enough for me. I'm bored with this and need to get ready for an adoption event my rescue is having to save dogs of ALL breeds. I wonder what you will be doing that is of any good to our animals?

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 12:23 — Megan (Visitor)
If you're using wiki for your facts, you've already lost your argument. And though I can't speak for the ASPCA, I say don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 12:58 — Lisa (Visitor)
From the CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/images/dogbreeds-a.pdf Also published in JAVMA, Vol 217, No. 6, September 15, 2000 From 1979 through 1996, dog attacks resulted in more than 300 human dog bite-related fatalities (DBRF) in the United States. Most victims were children. Studies indicate that pit bull-type dogs were involved in approximately a third of human DBRF reported during the 12-year period from 1981 through 1992.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 13:18 — Megan (Visitor)
You lose your argument a second time when you say 'pit bull type' dog, as this generally means any breed or cross-breed that remotely resembles a pit bull.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 12:32 — Susan (Visitor)
If you don't like the story, read about Syria, maybe that will help you! You are to post about your Pitbull dog! Can't you read!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 13:24 — Lisa (Visitor)
Yes, I can read. That's why I'm concerned. It is irresponsible of the ASPCA to advocate running out and adopting a Pit Bull from a local animal shelter. From the CDC. http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/images/dogbreeds-a.pdf Also published in JAVMA, Vol 217, No. 6, September 15, 2000 From 1979 through 1996, dog attacks resulted in more than 300 human dog bite-related fatalities (DBRF) in the United States. Most victims were children. Studies indicate that pit bull-type dogs were involved in approximately a third of human DBRF reported during the 12-year period from 1981 through 1992.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 14:32 — Megan (Visitor)
You do note that it says 'pit bull type' and not American Pit Bull Terrier, don't you? What do you think that means? It means any dog that looks like an APBT. But they don't actually know if it was an APBT, so they say pit bull type dog. Meaning it could be several different breeds of dogs and/or mixes of those breeds.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 18:42 — Susan (Visitor)
None of you read the story about Pitbulls. The ASPCA wanted you to post about your pet Pitbulls. Evidently all of you are illiterate. Maybe you should all repeat grade school!! Take your nasty negativeness to your therapist!!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 19:13 — Susan (Visitor)
Take your negativeness some where else! We are talking about our pet Pitbulls & you are off the subject, moron!!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 12:33 — Susan (Visitor)
If you don't like the story, read about Syria, maybe that will help you! You are to post about your Pitbull dog! Can't you read!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 16:25 — Molly Sumner (Visitor)
Unfortunately, statistics are hard for a lot of people to accurately understand. We look at numbers that say 100 deaths and we think that makes pits bad dogs. But that is not an accurate assumption. Pit bulls are not most likely to bite or kill. We don't have accurate numbers to even guess that. But breed by breed, there are dozens of breeds more likely to bite than Pits. Statistically it is not how many bites but how many bites per dogs in the breed. If only .01% of pits bite, that would be a lot because that is out of the millions of pits out there. Verses say, a Shiba Inu, where lets say 12% bite and there is only a few thousand. That makes Shiba Inu's way more dangerous than pit bulls. (NOTE the numbers are am using, I am making up in my head and are just an example. The facts are below.) So really, it is popularity that makes Pits sound so dangerous. "“A study performed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the CDC, and the Humane Society of the United States, analyzed dog bite statistics from the last 20 years and found that the statistics don’t show that any breeds are inherently more dangerous than others. The study showed that the most popular large breed dogs at any one time were consistently on the list of breeds that bit fatally. There were a high number of fatal bites from Doberman pinschers in the 1970s, for example, because Dobermans were very popular at that time and there were more Dobermans around, and because Dobermans’ size makes their bites more dangerous. The number of fatal bites from pit bulls rose in the 1980s for the same reason, and the number of bites from Rottweilers in the 1990s. The study also noted that there are no reliable statistics for nonfatal dog bites, so there is no way to know how often smaller breeds are biting.”" http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/images/dogbreeds-a.pdf http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-500199_162-6605829.html http://www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetCareArticle.aspx?title=Dog_Bites_Are_There_Dangerous_Breeds http://notesfromthefunnyfarm.wordpress.com/2010/06/24/which-dog-breed-is-most-likely-to-bite-you-might-be-surprised-at-the-answer/ "According to the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science, the most aggressive breeds overall are respectively the: Dachshund, Chihuahua, Jack Russell Terrier, Akita, Australian Cattle Dog, Pit Bull Terrier, Beagle, English Springer Spaniel, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. The breeds scoring highest for dog-owner aggression were the Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, and Dachshund. The breeds most frequently displaying dog-human (stranger) aggression were the Dachshund, Chihuahua, Australian Cattle Dog, Jack Russell Terrier, and Border Collie. The breeds most frequently displaying dog-dog aggression were the Akita, Jack Russell Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, Australian Cattle Dog, Dachshund, and Chihuahua." http://www.cpt-training.com/Article_12.asp As you can see, pits are far from alone and are not to blame.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:54 — Kara (Visitor)
My boyfriend and have recently become "parents" of a blue nose pitbull. Her name is Ninja and is just beautiful :) When my mom found out we now have a pit bull her reaction was as expected. His Dad is also not so excited about the breed. it really is a shame how mislead people are about pit bulls. My dog Ninja is the sweetest dog you'll ever meet! She wants nothing but to love you. She is so much like an actual human I always forget that she isn't. We love our puppy and if more people would stop and just play with a pit bull maybe their feelings will change.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:54 — Ashley Threadingham (Visitor)
I rescued Monkey, a stray pit bull, two years ago after he wandered into my yard. I was fearful of him at first, not because of his breed, but because he was an unknown dog and I wanted to be cautious. He was so frightened, hungry/thirsty, and was absolutely starved for affection, so I slowly sat down next to him. He immediately crawled into my lap and allowed me to pick 300+ ticks from his little body. It was evident when I would pick off a painful one, but rather than show any sign of aggression or try to get away, he would simply sigh, breathe heavily, and wag his tail. The next day we took him to the vet, where we learned he was malnourished, severely dehydrated, and was heart-worm positive. We had no choice but to help him, and since that time two years ago, he has fit in wonderfully with my boyfriend and I. He even gets along with my grouchy chihuahua who doesn't seem to like anyone. We estimate Monkey to be about 4 years old, so he was 2 when we found him. For a dog to come into our home that has an unknown background/upbringing, makes it even more evident to me that pit bulls are inherently kind, and it isn't solely dependent on how they are raised. Dogs in general are good- the ones that aren't are the exception, not the norm. The same is true for pit bulls. I have no idea what happened to Monkey in his previous life, but he is fearful of certain things, and he had obviously been on his own for a while. Today, he is the perfect dog. With basic training, patience, and lots of love, Monkey is a great member of society. Pit bulls are not all bad, nor is any breed in it's entirety. I work with a rescue (Triangle Pets Alive) and it saddens me to see so many beautiful, well behaved, and loyal pit bulls being euthanized, simply because of the negative reputation associated with them. They are wonderful companions and live to please you- they are also the best cuddlebugs and need to be touching you constantly, which is something I love. Don't judge a pit bull until you meet one- more often than not, you will realize how lovable and sweet natured they truly are. :)

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:56 — Justin (Visitor)
My friendly neighbors had a very nice pitbull. A former neighbor (ex-convict) sneaked onto their property near their leashed pitbull when they were away. I couldn't see him with the dog, but heard sounds "ouch f**k" etc., acting like he was bitten (the dog made no sound). His acting job was bad... Then he walks back to him house, picks up a contractor-grade HAMMER and walks up and hits the dog in the face. I heard the dog yelp. The guy drives off. I go so see the dog, and there was blood on its mouth and nose. Then the family comes back and sees the dog. Then the abuser pulls back into his house behind theirs, screaming and threatning to shoot their dog, scaring their young daughter to tears. I called the Police. The guy told the Police that his arm was injured by a transmission falling on it, but obviously was trying to make it look like it was a dog bite for a lawsuit. So I though the Police were helping the situation... A few months later, and dog somehow got out of the owners' house. I heard gunshots, and went to see. The dog was bleeding and running from the Police, trying to jump back into the house. They kept firing, at least 7-8 shots over a period of at least 5 minutes. I asked a Police Officer what was going-on and he said "the dog bit one of your neighbors so we killed him", even though the bite was fake. There was no bite, it was a transmission. The dog's owner is suing the Police. Neighbors who witnessed the shooting all had the same consistent story, some spoke to the TV News. The Police called us all liars and said they only shot the dog twice, and only from the road. These are people I never met before, who all came forward with a story which totally contradicts that of our city Police. Also, this house is less than a block from an elementary school. The Police should have used pepper spray foam, or asked me for help. I've watched this dog when he was loose once before. He just sat on my porch and didn't try to bite anyone. We have the worst city Police in the USA, and I doubt you could find worse in Mexico.

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