Do statistics really show that certain breeds of dogs are more likely to attack or "snap" than other breeds? Or does the media blow this out of proportion?
I may be a bit biased seeing as I own a pitbull. And I’ve owned one in the past also. I made sure both came from reputable breeders. I also met the dog’s parents and made sure their temperment was good and stable. This was important to me because I know that problems can arise if I wasn’t careful about learning the dog’s history, etc. What really upsets me is when hear someone jump to conclusions about this breed (or any breed for that matter) and make generalizations about them. I’ve noticed a lot of news stories covering pitbull attacks and this also upsets me. My opinion is this…If a dog is properly trained, socialize and watched carefully around children, the chances of an attack are slim to none. I love my dog and she’s never shown signs of aggression before but would I let her play in a room with a toddler that she is just meeting for the first time? No. That’s irresponsible. What is your opinion on this topic? Do you think it’s more the owner’s fault when attacks happen? Do you truly believe all pitbulls, rottweilers, German shephards, etc, are naturally mean, aggressive dogs? Do you think the media tends to blow these things out of proportion? If a golden retriever were to bite a child, would it be plastered all over the news?
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
89 Answers
“Like many modern breeds, it is impossible to be completely sure of the details of the American Pit Bull Terrier’s long history. However, many pit bull enthusiasts believe the origins of the breed can be traced back to antiquity and the Molossian family of dogs. The Molossian family of dogs bears the name of the people with whom they were most often associated – the Molossi tribe, a group of people who lived in ancient Greece and favored the use of robust, muscular dogs in warfare. Officially termed canus molossi (dogs of the Molossi), these animals were reknowned for their fierceness, and for their innate ability to intimidate the enemies of the tribe.”
Yes. Dogs are bred for different reasons.
By the way.. I’m really in awe that you didn’t research this before you got the dog.
@pinkparaluies Interesting information. I’ve always wondered about where pitbulls originated. I’ve heard many different theories but never the one you described.
Pit Bulls are dangerous not because they’re predisposed to aggression but when they do attack, it’s usually deadly because they are such strong and tenacious animals.
Their capacity to do massive damage is not overblown.
You can train a poodle with raw meat and you’ll have one mean poodle.
Problems with pits are training, culture surrounding the dog, poor breeding, bad ownership and people getting the dogs who have no idea what they’re doing. Most of these can be applied to any dog breed.
Apparently Pitbulls are less likely to snap than… sausage dogs
If I thought I could express an unpopular opinion on this site without being verbally thrashed, I might have been inclined to answer this question.
@holden Give it a shot. I personally promise not to verbally rape you :)
Nature vs Nurture.
I think its the way theyre raised personally. Most(not all) get pit bulls cause they want that super mean aggressive dog and thus train it as such. I dont think theyre naturally mean though.
A lot of it has to do with what @The_Compassionate_Heretic said too, their bite is much worse than many dogs so it just pushes that whole “evil dog” thing more.
A friend of mine has 2 pit bulls and theyre the nicest dogs ive ever encountered.
@Jack_Haas That’s because they were bred as hunters and now people buy them for arm candy and don’t exercise them enough.
@ItalianPrincess1217 There are “dangerous breeds”. As a matter of fact many insurance companies no longer insure pits or german shepherds. (we don’t allow them in our apartments any longer because of this).
The thing is any dog can be made into an aggressive dog if abused, neglected or improperly cared for.
Many pits are nothing more than big teddy bears. However, their jaw strength can do severe damage even if they only mean to “nip”.
Personal Experience: First in regards to pit bulls. We take our dog to the dog park and there are often Pits their playing. They have never been anything but fun. What I’ve seen at the parks is that it really is a reflection on the owner. The dogs that are mean and possessive are typically not “mean breeds”. They are typically dogs who’s parents are not watching them or are watching and just could care less.
Also I grew up with Doberman Pinchers. I was never afraid of these dogs and love them dearly. They can be weary of strangers but they were well trained and very watched. I just don’t see them as mean dogs but I know they are always portrayed that way on the television.
Practically Speaking: Pit bulls are reported to have higher rates of attacking other dogs and children. I don’t know if this is media sensationalizing this or if it is a realistic tendency. It could also be that owners see pits as mean dogs and so allow for such behavior. Or that pit bulls are overbred so the numbers are up just because their breed numbers are up. I’m not sure what is causing this phenomenon but it is something to be aware of.
Naw, I won’t touch this one. I’ve seen how on some discussion boards everyone will jump on the bandwagon in lambasting that one flutherer with the dissenting opinion. And the entire thread becomes about beating up on him instead of answering the question. So forget it.
I forgot to mention: I believe the reasoning behind deeming a dog breed as “dangerous” has little to do with their personality. It has to do with medical care after a bite.
@holden Well, if that happens, you can just leave. It seems like a shame if you refrain from putting in your ¢2, cause people wont agree.
@RedPowerLady I agree. I’ve read and heard that pits are animal aggressive. I laugh out loud about that accusation. My dog lives with another dog, a little 5lb Papillion, and they’re best buds. Also, when introduced to other dogs, she has never once shown signs if aggression. She loves other animals (even cats). She’s more timid around bigger dogs than anything. So it must have a lot to do with training. We socialized her with other animals as a puppy.
@ItalianPrincess1217 It also has a lot to do with where/how the dog was bred. If it came from a dog fight breeder or a puppy mill, chances are the dog will have aggression issues.
I read about a study done from 1982 to 2006 that indicated pit bulls, rottweilers, and Presa Canarios were responsible for 74% of dog attacks in the United States. That’s 3 breeds responsible for almost ¾ of dog attacks.
Of those three types, pit bulls were responsible for most of the attacks. However, it was said that the pit bulls responsible for the attacks were usually highly under-socialized.
@DominicX but you need to also look at who is buying these dogs? Generally its people who want the aggressive animal. And then they make it that way through training.
The same thing is true with piranhas and oscars. Both have a bit of aggression in them, but they really arent that bad, and contrary to popular belief piranhas are wusses. They swim away from my hand when i work in their tanks. But then when someone buys it with the intention of having that oh so aggressive fish(same assholes who buy pit bulls cause its aggressive) and then feeds it nothing but live fish, well then that turns the once mild mannered fish into a killin machine.
@ItalianPrincess1217 If a golden retriever were to bite a child, would it be plastered all over the news?
If a golden bit a child, the damage would most likely be minimal. Most Golden’s bite hands, while Collie’s bit feet/ankles. A rottie goes for the jugular, therefore the consequences of the bites are often deadly or debilitating.
My collie doesn’t bite anything.
@RedPowerLady But you don’t have a baby to herd yet. ;) The sheltie I was raised with never bit a thing or person until I arrived. I was apparently her puppy to care for and train. She never did or meant any harm. Once I began to walk she began to herd me away from danger. Mind you, she was the sweetest dog on earth and allowed me to ride her like a pony around our home & yard, too.
@RedPowerLady
If they bite. No one is claiming that every single one of these dogs bites people…come on…
@SpatzieLover That’s right, and if something’s wrong with the dog they’ll either book a canine psychologist or a spa session.
@Jack_Haas Exactly. They treat ‘em as if they aren’t animals. I feel sorry for the dogs!
@RedPowerLady Just wait…That collie will be herding you if he/she thinks you aren’t protecting the baby properly ;D
@SpatzieLover It’s nothing less than abuse. Not as spectacular as dog fighting or the kind of brutal abuse many dogs are victims of but just as damageable on the long run. There was a scary article in the NYT a while ago, about dogs treated for anxiety disorders, with scores of medications… depressing. I even bookmarked it http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/magazine/13pets-t.html?_r=1
@Jack_Haas I have gotten into arguments with people regarding the use of Prozac on their animals. All they’d have to do is behavior therapy/training. Instead, they choose pills. It’s sick!
@SpatzieLover I’d never heard of people doing that before. Thats horrible. Some people arent fit to care for animals….
Edit: meant Jack_Haas didnt realize he brought it up first.
There is definitely a genetic component to aggression in dogs. Selective breeding can be done as easily for aggression or gentleness as it can be for ear shape or fur color. Breeds that were developed as fighting dogs are likely to be more aggressive.
Because owners develop a relationship of dominance over their dogs, the dogs will tend to assume a submissive role in their presence and not display aggression. It’s in the absence of their owners that aggressive dogs are the most dangerous. This is why so many owners are shocked when they learn that their dog has attacked someone; they rarely see that side of their dog.
Environmental factors may play some role in aggression, but studies have shown that a dog’s personality is rather fixed and not very responsive to environment.
Certain breeds of dogs have been designed and are genetically predisposed for specific tasks. Bloodhounds and beagles have noses, greyhounds, whippets are sight hounds and chase things that move.
It is extremely difficult to teach a beagle or bloodhound not to sniff, or a retriever not to retrieve. I have a part dingo and I will never be able to train her not to hunt. I can restrain her verbally but left to her own devices she will kill small critters.
In my mind a dog created to be a guard dog will always have those tendencies and under times of stress they may appear no matter how well the dog is trained or how kindly it was raised.
I love dobes and I have had akitas for years, but I understand their natures and I do not put them in situations where their inherent natures could prevail and endanger others or themselves.
Pits fall into the same catagory as do rottweilers and so on.
Bite statistics do not really reflect dogs that endanger humans, chihuahuas are notoriously nippy but rarely make the news because they are not capable of mauling anyone.
So I always tell owners of the dogs I train to be ever vigilant.
@uberbatman It’s a growing problem. People aren’t home enough to properly exercise their animals, so the animals either act out, are hyper, or are “depressed” from the neglect. The animals then become sluggish and are therefore easier to control. They’re also more like to become obese, so this is a circular situation
There are times where medicating is necessary for a troubled animal (often this is needed on a limited basis for certain rescued animals). But, it’s becoming an easy way out for pet owners that don’t want or know how to train and properly care for their pets.
@SpatzieLover And they’re usually outraged that you would tell them how they should treat “their” dog.
@uberbatman don’t worry about that
@RedPowerLady That looked weird! thanks for the heads-up!
@Jack_Haas do you know you are talking to yourself?
@Jack_Haas Of course, because the dog is their “child”...so my telling them it isn’t a good idea long term, means I am in their mind calling them a bad parent.
@SpatzieLover That I can understand because I’m like that. I believe it’s more a “I paid for it so I own it and I’ll break it if that’s what I feel like doing” kind of deal.
Actually, smaller dogs are far more likely to be aggressive and snap. But who cares if a Chauaua wiener dog comes after you! But the thing is, most little dogs ARE aggressive, and it doesn’t have anything to do with how they were raised. So there is a genetic tendency in some dogs that is more pronounced than in others.
All canines are capable of violent aggression. What is different about a pit bull is the mechanical way that the jaw works, an adaptation no pit bull asked for.
There are people who deliberately encourage aggression in pit bulls, there are also people who treat them as a family dog.
There is no credible evidence to support the idea of breed-specific aggression, other than that which is encouraged by tradition.
I’ve considered doggie anxiety meds for my oldest dog. Extremely well trained, but scared to death of storms. There’s only so much that we can do for him when it storms and we do it, but he still gets very stressed out.
@pdworkin – Does that mean you feel that bloodhounds are not better at tracking than say a bichon friese?
Because to me, there are many breed specific attributes and attitudes that are more genetic than tradition.
@Val123 He’s mostly an outside dog. He would hate being in the bed (in the part of the house he’s not allowed in and in an area where windows are too far above his head for him to look out). He’s allowed in, coddled, everything he allows us to do… Because he’s also a grumpy butthole a lot.
Grumpy butthole? LOL! We have a German Shepherd who we rescued from a guy who was trying to force her to be a vicious guard dog. She is the sweetest dog you can imagine. She’s not a afraid of much, but she’s a big wienie when it comes to storms. She’ll crawl in bed with us! It kind of makes me sad to think of her, before we got her, huddling all alone in a cold, lonely dog house during a storm. Sniff.
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc207/Dutchcat1/IM000341-1.jpg
@avvooooooo – there is a product you buy in the health food store called Natures Remedy or something like that. A lot of people use it for storm fear. Have you ever heard of it? I will get details if you are interested.
@Val123 Awe you’re dog is beautiful :)
My take on pits is this…
First off people have inbred them like crazy. Secondly the AKC has only recognized them as a breed for a very short period of time meaning accurate records of blood are not always available or reliable making the chances of getting an unstable dog higher than other breeds.Finally and most importantly the people so often attracted to these dogs are wannabe tough guys/girls who get them because they are cool, these people train them to be aggressive, do not socialize them, and generally are just douchey people.
On a personal side note I once had to pull a pit off of my Shih tzu, which was probably one of the most traumatic things I’ve ever been through. It was at a BBQ and an acquaintance thought it would be fine to bring their dog. Without provocation, and with no previous history of aggression this pit attacked! I had to kick the pit (1 year old) almost ten times in the face/neck/body before it let go. The scariest part of the whole situation was that while I was beating this pitbull with every ounce of strength I had it looked at me, ears drooped, tail between it’s legs as if it were afraid, it even peed and yet it couldn’t find it within itself to let go of the 17lb puppy it was biting. My dog survived which is more than I can say for the pit.
From a study by the Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania:
“Two independent data samples (a random sample of breed club members and an online sample) yielded significant differences among breeds in aggression directed toward strangers, owners and dogs….Eight breeds common to both datasets (Dachshund, English Springer Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Poodle, Rottweiler, Shetland Sheepdog and Siberian Husky) ranked similarly… for aggression directed toward strangers, dogs and owners, respectively. Some breeds scored higher than average for aggression directed toward both humans and dogs (e.g., Chihuahuas and Dachshunds) while other breeds scored high only for specific targets (e.g., dog-directed aggression among Akitas and Pit Bull Terriers). In general, aggression was most severe when directed toward other dogs followed by unfamiliar people and household members. Breeds with the greatest percentage of dogs exhibiting serious aggression (bites or bite attempts) toward humans included Dachshunds, Chihuahuas and Jack Russell Terriers (toward strangers and owners); Australian Cattle Dogs (toward strangers); and American Cocker Spaniels and Beagles (toward owners). More than 20% of Akitas, Jack Russell Terriers and Pit Bull Terriers were reported as displaying serious aggression toward unfamiliar dogs. Golden Retrievers, Labradors Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Brittany Spaniels, Greyhounds and Whippets were the least aggressive toward both humans and dogs. Among English Springer Spaniels, conformation-bred dogs were more aggressive to humans and dogs than field-bred dogs.”
@drClaw what makes you think only tough guys/girls and “douchey” people are pit owners? I’ve heard a lot of people say this before. I’m none of those things. My fiancé and I just really love the breed. I was completely against the idea of getting a pit when he first brought it up. But I gave it a shot. I did tons of research and felt confident enough that the bad rep these dogs had was simply a generalization of the breed. And I’m so glad I did give it a shot. I now have a lot of love in my heart for pits, as well as other breeds accused of being aggressive. I’m just puzzled as to why even the owners of these dogs are so often stereotyped as “tough guys” or “douches”.
I didn’t say only I said often. With the exposure these dogs get in media as being the tough guys dog it naturally attracts douchey people, just like Afliction clothing. It by no means that everyone who has a pit is irresponsible, I know people who are perfectly responsible and have pits. I understand if my post sounded like I hate all pits, I don’t, I love many of them, but I wouldn’t turn my back to one I wasn’t familiar with.
Wannabe gangsters treat pits the same way as bitchy celebrities treat lap dogs, as accessories. The difference is when a pit isn’t raised and trained right it can kill someone, whereas Paris Hilton’s dog just gets lost or dies.
In my experience, it’s the individual dog as opposed to the breed. The only dog that has ever bit me while I’ve been working at the kennel was a Maltese.
Can I post a pic too? Here is my Princess
Mine don’t want to be left out! Here they are, hard at work as always.
link
Everyone should post their dog pics So far all the pics are so cute/pretty!
Me neither, must be the invisible dog!!! Remember those kids used to walk around on the end of a leash, hehehe.
@ItalianPrincess1217 You seem to be going on the attack a lot when someone says something you don’t agree with… ”I’m not like that! Why are you saying I’m like that?” when that’s not what people are saying at all.
@avvooooooo Huh? Wow. Really? If you’re referring to me asking why people stereotype pit owners as often being “douchey”, it was simply out of curiousity. Certainly not an attack. And p.s. this thread has been pretty upbeat and positive so far…don’t ruin it now :(
@ItalianPrincess1217 Its just how its coming off to me and possibly others. Something to think about.
I come across this issue a lot because I work with dogs and I happen to own a rescued pit. I take my dog to work with me and sometimes when I’m walking out of the facility other people will pull their dog to the side as if my dog even acknowledged their presence. If only they knew that my dog is actually getting evaluated to be a therapy dog and that he probably has a better temperament then any other dog they’ve come across. It’s a shame that more people don’t actually give them a chance at life. Too many wonderful pitts are getting put down every day just because of their breed.
It’s just such a shame.
@kheredia So pits can be therapy dogs? That is good information.
@RedPowerLady Yes, I’ve already signed him up. If he passes the evaluation then he’s in. And I’m sure he’ll do great. One of the reasons I’m doing it is because so many people have told me that he would make a great therapy dog.
@kheredia Well I’m sending positive vibes that he makes it!
@kheredia I have heard that they can be therapy dogs. That’s really great!
@Val123 Your black and white looks a bit like mine. Not so much in the nose though.
Cute dogs.
@RedPowerLady One big happy freakin family! They’re forever lying on each other.
Oh, and to get this back on topic, the little one is, by far, the most aggressive of the three. The other day he went after a Ginormous Mastiff that came from somewhere in the neighborhood and was visiting our dogs! I kid you not, this gentle giant was HUGE! And Midas there just lit into the monster! Well, Mastiffs, by nature, are quite gentle. This one simple started to walk away like, “OK! Alright! I’m leaving already!” But Midas wouldn’t leave it alone. The dog slowly turns around…his head is bigger than Midas!...and looks at the little shit like, “You better stop that.” I was freaking out! Midas is actually my son’s dog, and I’m thinking “WHAT am I going to do if the Mastiff decides to teach squirrelly there a lesson???!!! I can’t get in the middle of that!” But….it turned out OK.
@Val123 That is a funny and bit scary story!
@Val123 My little one is much more aggressive than my pit also. He doesn’t seem to like men. Or kids. He minds his own buisness for the most part but if a kid tries to tease him he’ll try to bite! He’s so stuck up. It’s pretty ridiculous.
@redpowerlady Ya it was!
@ItalianPrincess1217 And all of this goes to the point of the question. All breeds do have many personality/aggression/passive traits specific to the breed. There are always exceptions, but how a dog acts often has nothing to do with how they’re raised. I just wouldn’t take my chances with a Pit, especially as they get older. My spaniel is almost 2 and…I don’t like some of the things she’s starting to do. She’s starting to growl at the other dogs, and has even nipped at them a couple of times. I do NOT like that kind of behavior.
@Val123 I have read somewhere that pits actually test very well in temperment tests as far as aggression around their food bowls, etc. Mine, so far, has never been mean. Obviously I would never take the chance around children no matter what breed of dog. But I honestly worry more about my little 5 lb papillion snapping than my pit. Luckily my lil’ one has a tiny mouth and can’t do too much damage.
@ItalianPrincess1217 I believe that! I do believe that much of the rep that Pits have gotten is stereotyping and unfair. But, as many have pointed out, they DO have that reputation, therefore people who want an aggressive, dangerous dog are likely to get a Pit and make him that way.
Here’s a link I found about the most dangerous dogs. Hm. My Shepherd appears to be the #3 most dangerous kind of dog in the world! Somebody needs to tell her that! Er…not. Notice that Chiwawa’s Chawaawaa Cherwarer Chewbacca wiener dogs are nowhere on that list! And they should be!
http://www.petsdo.com/blog/top-ten-10-most-dangerous-dog-breeds
@Val123 As discussed above…the bites those tiny dogs give rarely require more than stitches. The bite from a Pit or rottie or German Shepherd often causes disfigurement or death.
And I agree with the Dachshunds aggressiveness. If under exercised they are terrible! Dachshunds are higher maintenance than most people understand. They need at least a mile jog/walk per day, but 2–3 miles is ideal.
@SpatzieLover I know. And the Pits are exceptionally strong and tenacious which is part of what makes them so very dangerous if one of them happens to be mean.
This wiener dog of mine (my sons) just takes on my Shepherd and my Spaniel 50 times a day! He gets lots of exercise!
I can’t believe I missed this post :(
I have very strong opinions on this but a lot of what I think has already been said. For the most part I agree with what @rooeytoo has said. Different breeds have been bred for different “jobs” and so certain traits are natural for them. However, this does not mean that, with responsible ownership, you can’t bring up a Pit Bull or a Rottie to be wonderful family dogs. I currently have a bull terrier, Zara, who is one of the most lovable dogs I have ever had in my life (a list which includes Retrievers, Collies, Field Spaniels, Rhodisian Ridgebacks and a Jack Russell). Would I leave her alone with a child? No. I don’t think she would do anything to hurt the child but I don’t want to take that risk. Then again, I wouldn’t leave any of my other breeds alone with children either. That’s just common sense.
Personally, I keep hearing of these bad bully breeds but I am yet to meet them! It’s the same with Rottweilers which are my favourite breed.
I am a firm believer in it’s all in how you raise them and part of that responsibility in raising a dog is knowing what the breed is capable of. People shouldn’t be in denial about a Pit’s (for example) capabilities but by the same token they shouldn’t let it define a whole breed of potential great big cuddle monsters!
@Leanne1986 It’s never too late to write your post! I’m glad you did. We think alike on this issue. Hey, how did you like your rhodisian ridgeback? I’ve always wondered about them.
@ItalianPrincess1217 Our Ridgeback, Tanda, was an amazing dog. Very gentle with us as kids and always lots of fun. Unfortunately we lost her when she was 9 years old too cancer. Based on her, her parents and her littler brothers and sisters I would definately recommend the breed to anyone with time, space and energy!
Answer this question 
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
Composing members:
0
