just wondering if there bad dogs like everyone portrays them to be
or are they good family dogs.
2006-06-07 13:29:56 · 12 answers · asked by lindsey s 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I've been a veterinary technician for almost 18 years and I have found pit bulls to be some of the nicest dogs to work with. In fact I worked with a 60 lb. pit named "Precious" today and she wanted nothing more than to play and lick your face.
I have owned a Pit for 5 years and she is one of the gentlest, loyal, and intelligent dogs I have known. She loves playing with other dogs and is very protective of small children.
I work with dogs all day long and am much more careful around Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds, Dalmatians, and many of the smaller breeds. But the media just will not find these breeds "news worthy". Pit Bulls are just the medias favorite target - in the 70's it was German Shepherds, in the 80's and 90's it was Rotties and for the past 10 years it has been Pits.
Statistically more people are killed in lawnmower accidents than by Pits each year but no senator is going to ban lawnmowers. The American public loves to be spoon fed its opinions by sensational "news" programs - which is why most people confuse facts with opinions.
Pits are GREAT dogs and make wonderful pets when owned by responsible people.
2006-06-07 14:03:31 · answer #1 · answered by Buddha13 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had one when I was a kid. She was great to us, but strangers had better beware.
Not all pitbulls are mean, but you have to understand that certain dogs have been bred for generations for a specific purpose. Most Labradors naturally retrieve, most terriers will naturally dig up your yard looking for varmints, and many pitbulls have aggressive natures. Many small dogs are vicious, but you know, you could drop kick a chihuahua or yorkie if it came after you. A pit or other large mastiff-type dog is another story. Their heads, necks and upper torsos are built to injure.
I loved my dog, but when I had children, I would never have considered one (a pit) for our family pet. Too much risk involved when there are so many other nice breeds that are kid-friendly (by the way, I would never have considered a dalmation or chow, either, for the many of the same reasons).
Also keep in mind, a lot of it has to do with how you train your CHILDREN. Never allow a child to pull ears, tails, or tease a dog. Teach them to keep their faces out of a dog's face, and never sneak up on or surprise a dog. It all comes down to healthy respect.
Good luck in finding a great dog for your family.
2006-06-07 20:54:24 · answer #2 · answered by shiba 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pit bulls are wonderful, loyal dogs. The only bad pit bulls are the ones that are trained to be that way. My pit is 12 years old and he's just wonderful. He doesn't bark at anyone. He just likes to sniff people's feet. They can be just as sweet as any dog. They are great with the family. But as with any dog they can not be left alone with babies because they don't know how to be gentle with them. Pit bulls, well mine anyway is a quick learner when it comes to commands. As they get older, they sleep a lot more. Pitbulls can be prone to skin allergies depending on where you live. I hope that helps.
2006-06-07 22:20:03 · answer #3 · answered by mira347 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two pit bulls and they are very people friendly. They do bark at other dogs when they are in the back yard or house but whne out on a leash they are okay. Mine play with my neices and nephews aged between 3 and 10. They have never done anything to worry me with any of the kids. Sometimes they do jump up and knock them down then lick their faces...
2006-06-07 21:56:21 · answer #4 · answered by Mommy Pit 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have an American Bulldog (several of them, five adults, five puppies). They are essentially considered a "Pit bull" breed but they are much stronger and do not "turn" and get man-aggressive. We have had some awesome pits as well, but we have had one two many turn, and with children we didn't want to take the chance so we switched to the American Bulldog. They are a great alternative to people that live in municipalities that do not allow pit bulls.
2006-06-08 04:34:35 · answer #5 · answered by no_bull_abs 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no,not all Pitt's are mean, i believe its all on how people raise them, i have seen small dogs that are alot meaner than Pitt's...i have had Pitt's and rotts growing up and they were great family dogs.. would i ever own one again? yes!!brudace was a brindle and he was the biggest lap dog ever..i would not get one if it was older or from a pound,because i dont know the history of the dog..
2006-06-07 21:20:18 · answer #6 · answered by uniquedobe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I HAVE A 3 YEAR OLD PIT BULL NAMED SINCERE BUT WE CALL HIM SIN OR SIN DOG. BUT HE IS THE MOST LOVABLE DOG I HAVE EVER HAD. I HAVE 3 KIDS A 7 YR OLD A 3 YR OLD AND A 2 YR OLD AND THEY GIVE HIM A HARD TIME. I HAVE HEARD HIM BARK ONLY ABOUT 5 TIMES IN THE 4 YEARS I HAD HIM. HE IS GREAT. HE GOES EVERY WHERE WITH ME. IT IS ALL IN HOW YOU TRAIN THEM AND TREAT THEM. BUT MY HUSBAND BROKE HIM DOWN AS A PUP. HE IS A WONDERFULL (KID) I LOVE HIM SO MUCH.
2006-06-07 20:37:08 · answer #7 · answered by smokerqueenpimp 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No dog is bad or good, it has to do with the way you "raise" them.
I like them, and I have played with some really friendly ones.
On exception though, Chihuahuas are evil.
2006-06-07 20:33:53 · answer #8 · answered by Nostromo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have to Pitts a girl and boy. they are smart and very talented dogs. they like learning new things everyday. they are strong mentally and physically, it takes a good trainer/ owner to take care of a Pitt bull.
2006-06-07 22:14:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two pits and they are the sweetest dogs I have ever owned. And they don't shed in clumps either.
2006-06-07 20:45:24 · answer #10 · answered by on my way 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋