If a Pit Bull bite is no worse, than say, that of a beagle, why the media coverage?

Question

Seems to me if there was a rash of viscious attacks by a breed like, a beagle or golden retriever the public would want to know about it. Why would the media keep such infomation from us?

Answer 1

A pit bull bite's IS worse than say a beagle or most other breeds' bite. The design/anantomy of a pit bulls' head/jaw is different than most dogs and can exert more energy/pounds per square inch of pressure than most other dogs of comparable size. Therefore the bite can do more damage.

As for the media coverage supply and demand....

Answer 2

If there were a rash of attacks by these breeds then we would know about it. You are correct that an attack by any breed is the same: vicious.

I think that all the attention goes to the pit bulls because there are so many out there that are trained to be guard dogs and for fighting that when one attacks, it is a big deal.

Very often these attacks occur because the dogs are not secure in yards and can very easily get out. Most dogs are territorial around their home and will protect it. My lab would protect our house if he thought a suspicious person was trying to intrude.

Recently in the LA area there was a German Shepard that was biting people after jumping a six foot fence. That was all over the news, the same as a pit bull attack.

We should really focus our attention on educating dog owners about the responsibility we all have to secure our dogs. Also many parents need to teach their children to ask before they pet a dog. I can't tell you how many time little kids run up to my lab and just start to pet him. He is friendly, but we did have a rescue lab that was not.

Answer 3

Pits are the ones the media chose to villify. Rotties and Dobies had their day too, luckily that is fading, but unfortunately the Pit is replacing.

They do tend to be used for fighting and 'protection' of illegal goods and such, so they make an easy target. Add that to their look-mouthy dogs are immediatly not trusted by most people, and the pit's face is pretty much just a mouth---I think theyre cute, but many people disagree.

To make matters worse, most people cant even identify a pit. My puppy is Rottie/Lab, both parents are registered so we know what he is. He is regularly accused of being a 'pit-mix' because of his small forehead and large mouth.

Also, pits, like all other terriers and 'guard' style dogs require more out of their owner than other breeds. They are unfortunately mistreated too frequently because they do require certain training and easily become a 'bad dog' without it. Dogs are not animals to be gotten then ignored, then punished when they dont handle it the way you want, but people dont see that. They expect their dog to immediatly know not to chase a cat when they say no, and to automatically know how rough he can play with the kids despite having no guidance.

The problems are the owners and an overzealous media, not the dogs.

To all the people who've had children injured and such via Pit or other dog attacks. Why were you not there to tell the dog 'no' before the attack? Ive NEVER seen a dog attack without warning. Kids shouldnt be alone with dogs, and kids-especially those in a dog household-should know what to do if the dog growls or shows any behavior that may be dangerous.

Answer 4

Because Pit Bulls have a "reputation" in a way. Stupid people want others to be afraid of pit bulls, even though they are never vicious. It is only the owner who can and does turn them vicious. People in the government, media, and just typical people on the streets want people to bann pit bulls just because they seem vicous. You see, pit bulls were the first dogs to be out in the newspapers, etc. as mean dogs because they are the first breed that PEOPLE TRAINED to be evil. Ever since then, that is the single breed that people have picked to be put out in the news for all to see as evil killing dogs, even though once again that is on the owner's part. People are now seeing that in some places pit bulls are being banned, so now they don't even care if they are banned, but if they show say a beagle or a golden retriever attack, then they know that the same thing will happen and people will start to bann them to. So basically, all in all, since pit bulls have been seen as "mean" throughout the years, a lot of people don't care if they are banned. However, apparently they would care if beagles and golden retrievers started being banned.

Answer 5

This question comes up again and again on this forum. I really admire those pit bull enthusiasts who understand and acknowledge the genetic makeup and tendencies of the breed.
--------------------------------------- Pit Bull Rescue Central:
"Never trust a pit bull not to fight...
It is not a hate of other dogs that causes pit bulls to fight, but rather an "urge" to do so that has been bred into the dogs for many generations. Pit bulls may fight over hierarchic status, but external stimulus or excitement can also trigger a fight. Remember that any canine can fight, but pit bulls were bred specifically for their drive, intensity, and determination to win.

Pit bull owners must be aware of the remarkable fighting abilities these dogs posses and always keep in mind that pit bulls have the potential to inflict serious injury to other animals. A pit bull may not even be the one starting a conflict, but he has the genetics to finish it. Remember that pit bulls are almost always blamed no matter who initiated the hostilities, and often end up paying the price...as does the owner! "

Answer 6

No Pittbulls aren't bad dogs its the breeding of them with bad traits & the people who own them & do bad thing to them putthem in fights that are bad

I'm sure id there were Beagles attacking people randomly when they excapte the yard there would be reports of it - but generally if a Beagle did attack someone it wouldn't have enought jaw power to do what a Pitt bulls can do ( thousands of pounds of pressure & lock its jaw)
Pitss are sweet sweet dogs with very bad raps & sadly they get into the wrong owners hands.

Answer 7

Bc pitt bulls are more viscious by nature and it probably happens more often then a lot of other breeds. Unfortunately the cause of this are that people have dog fights with them (horrible) when they are young then they are rescued but its already in their system. The worst part is that dog fighting is still allowed in some states! Its so terrible but the media want the public to be scared if something so the public tunes in more to get the latest info. More people tune in the better the ratings.

Answer 8

dog attacks are rare. A good deal of "pit bull" attacks aren't pit bulls. That is the "Big Bad Scary dog" dog of the day. Before APBT is was Rotties, Dolbies, and GSD. In a few years it will be some other poor breed getting picked on.

Answer 9

OK Mr I like to ask 300 questions in one day about pit bulls!

My Queensland Heeler is more vicious than my pit bull. He has bitten 2 children and has serious aggression issues.

However you don't hear about that breed do you?

Why might ask? Because ratings are a crazy thing!

Answer 10

Because bad people train pit bulls to fight and everyone things pits are mean due to the fighting. Every pit I seen has been just like other family dogs, its people that makes dogs mean. News media what to make money so they report news that sells, right or wrong, true or false.