why do you think pitbulls attack people alot?

Question

Im thinking of getting a puppy

Answer 1

Of the 279 dog-attack fatalities in the USA between 1979 and 1996, dogs identified as "pit bulls" were responsible for 60 attacks—just over a fourth; followed by Rottweilers, responsible for 29 attacks (statistics from the CDC).

These statistics may be tainted by the fact that the breed recorded as responsible is taken from the reports of witnesses and is rarely confirmed by dog experts or registration papers. Because pit bull is an all-encompassing term used to describe several breeds of dogs, determining whether a dog is a "pit bull" is often particularly difficult.
There are many urban legends surrounding the "pit bull," mostly based on the idea that the dogs are somehow physiologically different from other breeds of dog.

Many people propagate the myth that "pit bulls" have a "locking jaw" mechanism, and that the dog cannot let go once it has bitten, not true. Also, in the United States, "pit bulls" are the breed of choice for dog fights, due to their strength, courage and dog-aggressive tendencies

They are just a victims of bad press. Infact, FDR had a pit bull type dog in the White House during his presidency,
Jon Stewart, Alicia Silverstone, Helen Keller, Adam Brody, Rachel Bilson, Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, and even Kevin Federline has one. If trained and loved properly they will have a great pet and friend

Answer 2

eighteenOO has got it right. It's not that they attack a lot; they just get a lot of bad press because it makes for attention-getting stories. Misidentification is also a major factor (see the link below). And, of course there are the pitties that attack people because of stupid breeders and owners. I run a dog day care with 30-60 dogs all running loose together (toy breeds to the giants), and as a group, the pitbulls cause the fewest problems. They can be friendly, loyal and trustworthy companions when given the opportunity.

When looking for a specific kind of dog, the first thing you want to do is find out as much as possible about the breed you are interested in. Know what the dog's needs are and know that you have the ability to meet those needs. Aside from reading books and checking websites, talk to current owners of that breed. Go to shows (conformation is the easiest, but also go to other competitions where the breed might be found) to have the best chance of finding knowledgable and motivated owners. When you've settled on a breed, contact the appropriate rescue organization. Or look into breeders - very thoroughly. Onsite inspections are a must.

Now that you've found your dog, get her into classes ASAP. Take the time to find a dog-friendly trainer (IMO, if you must MAKE your dog do anything, it's the wrong kind of training). I'm starting to go off-topic here, so I'll stop. Good luck. - g^2

P.S. Or you could go to the pound and rescue a dog. . .

Answer 3

My own feelings say that people don't treat pits right due to the image the dogs have. They were bred to fight and many people will abuse or not handle their dogs correctly because of that. Some people will make the dogs mean either to join illegal dog fights or they do it because they want protection. Then there's the numerous back yard breeders who don't have a clue what they're doing. Most do it for the money and don't know anything about genetics and they don't know what produces a decent dog. They breed mean dog to shy dog and they get dogs that are fear biters. In the end, they've just bred more pits that make terrible pets, which makes the rest of the breed look bad. These bad dogs get put into families that can't handle the dog or don't follow up on obedience work and the dog bites. Or a kid teases these bad dogs and the result is a mauling. It's a pitty this happens because pits can be very sweet family dogs! A well bred dog is less likely to bite, especially with good training. In the end all dogs bite and many breeds are much more dangerous.

I would go with the best breeder you can find and do lots of obedience work with it. You shouldn't have problems if your dog listens to you. Avoid back yard breeders unless they REALLY know what they're talking about. Research the breed and talk to breeders. They'll have their own reasons why pits are known for attacking people.

Oh.. and I want to toss this bit of trivia at you: Statistically you're more likely to be attacked by a poodle, German Shepherd or Rottweiler than a pit bull. Having known a staffy and have been attacked by both a German Shepard and a poodle, I'll agree with this >.< .

Answer 4

Pit Bulls, like other "small pack" oriented breeds will usually take to 1-2 people as their pack (family) and then be temperamental to anything or anyone they consider a threat to that pack. A stranger will be treated as a threat and usually bitten. The majority of people do not understand how to introduce themselves to a dog and end up paying the price with these types of breeds.
Yes, how they are raised has a big impact on their behavior, but it also depends on the breed. Pit Bulls just get a lot of press for being mean, when there are other breeds just like them.
It is just as much the responsibility of the owner as is the people around the dog. An owner of a pit bull needs to understand they are not the kind of dog you can leave alone for long periods of time or leave with someone else. They will usually only follow the instruction of the main owner and that person needs to be there with the dog the majority of the time. Pits make great pets if you have the time and patience to raise and train the correctly.

Answer 5

What great answers! We have a pitbull, her name is Lucy. She is a big hammmm. She loves to be pet, is very loyal, and listens better than any of the animals and kids we have in the house. She is incredibly smart, and eager to learn. She is strong, and the only time she has hurt someone is when my 2 year old neice comes over, and she wags her tail. It is so heavy it slaps her in the face. Other than that, she does not have a mean bone in her body. Be sure to let EVERYONE who comes to your home pet your new puppy. These dogs are very protective, and need to be around others. You don't need a guard dog.. these dogs look scary enough. Make yours very friendly. No one will ever mess with you or your family, just because of the Pitbull's bad rep.

Answer 6

I believe it's the way they're bred. I've always had a pitbull as a dog growing up.
No problems at all with those dogs.
When I moved out on my own, I bought a puppy and took him for obidience lessons, socialized him with children and other dogs, and he still ran after a kid on a bicycle and bit him, pretty badly for no reason, and I had a new baby at the time and couldn't take the chance, we ended up putting him to sleep before we were going to be sued.

Answer 7

Bad breeding, improperly raised, improper play, improper training. It's not the dogs fault, I believe there's no such thing as a "bad dog". It's always the peoples fault because we screw with the animals. If you get a pit bull make sure you meet the mother and father, and make sure you go to a decent breeder who shows or else you will end up with problems. Otherwise they are a wonderful breed.

Answer 8

The "only" reason pit bulls attack ppl is because the owners are @ssholes, and treat them like sh!t.

I say go for it, get yourself a puppy, and give it all the love and attention it needs. Don''t be one of those losers who mistreat animals. Good luck.

Answer 9

They don't. You have a higher chance of getting hit by lightening. Many more kids are killed by their parents than PBs.

You will have to train your dog and make sure to be in charge. Most dog attacks happen because the dog is roaming and the owners are either treating it badly or treating it like their 'baby'.

Answer 10

You better get Staford terrier, they are similar to pibulls but not aggressive. They are family dogs.
About 100 years ago pitbulls and Staford's were the same, but some people wanted to create dog for fight - that's pit bull. Others created family- and child-loving dog - staford terrier.