Is a properly socialised pit bull puppy more likely than other breeds to be dangerous to its owners children?

Answer 1

No. Pit bulls are the sweetest dogs if you train them properly.

Answer 2

as a puppy probably not. As an adult, they may never be a problem. however, you are dealing with an animal with amazingly powerful jaws. When pit bulls do attack children they cause extreme injury, and often death. Yes they can be very gentle animals, but if at anytime the animal does turn on the owners, or the owners kids, the results are devasting. There may be other breeds that are more likely to attack a child, but, a pit can do more damage with one unintentional bite than most other breeds intending to injure or kill. I'd recommend trying a breed that wasn't bred to be violent for the kids. You can't go wrong with a lab, or a golden retriever, or a collie. those dogs don't have very strong jaws and are noted for being gentle.

Answer 3

Pit bulls are dangerous animals. They might be great pets for a long time before they kill a child or an older person. But, it happens everyday. Have you read any newspapers lately? I have lost count of the number of cases I have read about.

Of course the owners are always "shocked". In many places you have to have a special insurance policy in order to own a pit bull. What always upsets me is that the owners usually get off scot free. And it is the owners who should have been attacked in the first place.

Go to ABC news and read about the current case of a mom on trial for her pit bull killing her child. Google "pit bull attacks" and you will really get an eyeful. If you still want a pit bull after that, give up your child.

Answer 4

I once heard on a news program that it is believed that pit bulls are genetically more agressive, however I feel that with proper upbringing and training they can be just like any other breed of dog. The important thing, though, is NO AGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR when training, and especially if children are in the house of the owners of the pit bull, as children can rough-house with dogs who are their pets.

When training a pit bull, it is important to admonish/punish bad behavior, and reward good behavior. If someone comes up to the dog and takes it's food away, it is natural for the dog to "snip" to defend it's food, however that behavior should be punished (putting the dog in a cage and being told "no!") and eventually the dog will realize that if it does not "snip" at someone pulling it's food away, it will be rewarded with a dog biscuit.

It is all in the training, just like any animal, but it takes dedication, and ALOT of love and effort on the part of not just the owner's children, but also the parents of the children- it can be a great way to teach the children respect, patience, love, and even responsibility.

Answer 5

not at all. that is a total misconception of the breed. pit bulls were breed to be aggressive towards other dogs but loving and protective of its owners. i have a three year old pit and she is the most loving dog i have ever owned. she plays well with other dogs because i socialized her when she was young. i have also never had a problem with her around young kids (2-3yrs.). when someone she doesn't know comes over she will bark and let them know it is her house, but as soon as i tell her to say hi or say its ok, she backs off and lets them pet her.

and to respond to those that say they are breed for fighting: yes, i agree, but if they turned on their owner they were killed on the spot. they were breed for a trait called "gameness" which is the utter disregard for pain when fighting another animal, and extreme loyalty to others in its "pack" (which today would be the family raising the dog).

Answer 6

No, its all about how u raise the dog. Pit bulls are not the perfect breed for kids, though. I would pick a poodle, b'c they a gentle, fearless, smart, don't shed, and come in different sizes. A Maltese is also a good choice. A pug, bull dog, or terrier would also work Good Luck!

Answer 7

Contrary to popular belief, pit bulls were bred to be VERY docile to people, because when they were in a dog fighting ring, the owners had to be able to go in and seperate the dogs without getting bitten themseves. But you should NEVER leave a child unsupervised with a dog. I dont care what breed it is.

Answer 8

That breed was deveolped for fighting. I am sure that most Pit Bull owners would tell you that it will make a fine dog, but I would never ever leave it alone with your children.

Answer 9

PEOPLE GET REAL PIT BULLS DONT TURN ON THERE OWNERS THAT IS A MYTH JUST LIKE LOCK JAW AND THE TASTE OF BLOOD AND FROG PISS CAUSING WARTS.
A PIT BULL IS A VERY GOOD DOG AROUND PEOPLE JUST NOT OTHER ANIMALS AS IT WAS BREED TO BE ANIMAL AGGRESSIVE NOT HUMAN
MOST PEOPLE DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT A REAL PIT BULL LOOKS LIKE SO THEY BLAME MISS HAP'S ON THEM WHEN A BOXER MIX BITES SOMEONE ITS SAID TO BE A PITBULL
PITBULLS RANK AMONG THE HIGHEST ON TESTING OF HUMAN CONSTABLE AND BITE THEY ARE SAFER THAN A YOUR 101 DALMATIAN AND POS ROTTS.

Answer 10

No. Socilizaton is key to a good Pitt.
All dogs have the potential to be born crazy or be naturally more agressive. Chihuahua's can be nasty dogs. The vet clinic where I work, we have more small muzzles than large ones. We always muzzle Chihuahuas but bigger dogs only as needed
The problem is that Pitt's cause a lot of damage while smaller dogs don't.

Answer 11

i would think that a properly socialized pit bull puppy would be less likely since they tend to be fiercely loyal to their families.

i have a pit, pit mix and i'm fostering a pit. my four year old daughter is constantly dragging our pit around the house and he lovingly obliges.

BUT.. with any breed of dog.. you should never leave them unattended with small children. any dog, of any breed could turn on you or your child.

also, if you're considering getting a pit bull.. please take the time to learn about the breed before you do. and if you take that leap.. PLEASE ADOPT!