Will people who have never owned a member of the "bully" breed ever realize what great dogs they are?

Question

Don't get me wrong, I know that there are those out there that are "dog lovers"....it doesn't really matter what kind of dog. There are also those out there that are on a "mission" to save dogs. All of that is great.

My problem is with the people that have never owned a member of the "bully" breed, yet they talk about them as if they are monsters. I have two American Pit Bull Terriers, and they are, by far, the best dogs I have ever owned. They are loving, loyal, and willing to please. I've never had any of the so called "problems" that I hear these pit bull "haters" talking about. My experience has been so good with them, I wouldn't ever think about owning another breed of dog.

My heart hurts because my daughters come home telling me horror stories that the neighbors kids have told them about our dogs, and what they will do, and these people have never spent any amount of time around our dogs. My dogs are part of my family, and I am a responsible owner. What can I do?

Thanks to all of you for the wonderful support. It helps to know I'm not the only one out there that feels this way.

I will continue to educate my daughters about dogs, especially our breed of dog. I will continue to demonstrate their best qualities, while remaining a responsible dog owner...Thanks again.

Answer 1

My heart hurts for you - I'm one of the general dog lovers, and I know that your dogs are probably wonderful.

We can all help make sure that we get our dogs from good breeders - breeders who don't breed pits to fight. We can all arm ourselves with knowledge and have the courage to speak up. You can tell your daughters that some people think your dogs are dangerous because some dogs that look like your beautiful ones have really hurt others, but that doesn't mean that your dogs are bad.

You can spread the word by being present in your neighborhood with your dogs, patiently educating your neighbors and telling them your dogs aren't vicious, even though you understand that some pit bulls are. I agree with one of the other answerers - learn the history of the breed, including the parts that really suck. Support breeders who are looking to overcome the dogs' aggression. Bulldogs used to be notoriously aggressive, and now they're incredibly even-temperamented.

One thing I've heard suggested is to put a big bow on your dogs when you take them outside. People will approach a "scary dog" with a bow on it. Perhaps this will help. Good luck, and it's not just the pit bull owners on your side. Beautiful dog in your avatar, I'm guessing that's one of your pair? Absolutely beautiful.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

Once again, KingTootin spews his bile.

Terriers are often dog aggressive, and are WELL KNOWN for this trait, even precious Jack Russells and Airdale's can be dog aggressive. So lets try not to be biased, mmkkkkaaaay??

Secondly, I do completely understand, as an APBT where you are coming from on this whole pitbull reputation deal. I, however, have not experienced this bias first hand. I live in Alaska, a very "I don't give a ****" state. No one cares what type of dog you have, or what you're using it for. Your dog is your dog, and that's what people have to understand. If I want to take a risk and own a "deadly weapon" as some would say, then what the funk ever, I will.

The problem is people can't butt out of everyone elses business, it's truly immature and pathetic, and what happens when pitbulls and other bully breeds are gone, and they start going after the ever vicious cocker spaniels, or the chihuahua's, or our "family dog" Labradors or Golden Retrievers, who's going to save their *** then? I sure as **** won't, they couldn't show me any common courtesy, I won't show them any. It's a give and get situation, and until someone gives a little they aren't going to get.

What you can do is be dilligent, show people that your dogs are excellent examples, your dogs are how pitbulls SHOULD BE, not this ill bred, ill raised mongrels the media likes to show. Fight BSL locally and nationally, sign petitions, get involved in anti-BSL organizations, and volunteer, volunteer, volunteer! If we all band together, eventually, we can make a difference...

Answer 3

I thought for years that Pits were rather ugly dogs (I just have never cared for short haired breeds and the "bullet" head of the Bull Terrier REALLY turned me off) Then we found Guinness. She is a Rott/Pit mix. She was going to be put down but we adopted her instead. She is BEAUTIFUL, even tempered (and has the silkiest coat I have ever felt on a short haired dog)

One thing you can do is offer to introduce the neighbors to your dogs, perhaps at a BBQ or something so every one can meet and discover that the neighbors go home with all of their bits at the end of the night. Also offer up CORRECT information about the history of the breed. Like how they WERE NOT bred to fight each other, they were bred to assist cattlemen and butchers will culling cows and BULLS (hmmm that sounds familiar, perhaps where their name comes from?) from a herd. That is why they are so powerful and have such a high pain threshold, they were working with BULLS trying to keep an annoyed bull from crushing their master and they would often get kicked or stepped on in the process.

If you want a good source of info on Bullies and the good they do Today and the good they did in years gone by check out Bully Breeds from Dog-fancy. Arm yourself with knowledge!

Answer 4

People think pit bulls are bad dogs because of the idiots that own them. I've never had a pit bull, but know many people who do. They are the sweetest dogs and are so playful! Anyway, back to the idiots in this world. People are scared of pit bulls due to those owners that raised them to fight and be mean. That is not the dog's fault... they are just obeying their cruel masters. I think you should talk to your children, and explain to them why people don't like your breed of dog. Don't get too offended though, there are always going to be idiots in this world that mess things up for other people. I just hope someday (soon) people get over the fact that pit bulls are mean... because they aren't unless they have stupid owners! I want a pit bull, but that will have to wait until I get my own place :o) I hope everything goes well with you! Don't let others affect the way you feel!

Answer 5

Here is an opinion from someone who would not own a pit or large dog:

It sounds like you are a great owner and you have great dogs. Just keep doing what you are doing.

Personally, I would never say I hate a certain breed but I can say that I would not own a large dog. That's just me though. If a dog can overpower me, I would not feel comfortable having it in my house or around my kids.

I have met many sweet large dogs, including pits, but I still would not have one. Don't hate me.....it's just MY opinion.

Answer 6

people that have let the media fill their heads with crap about bully breeds have to be shown what these dogs really are!!! walk your dogs and make a point of introducing them to people....dont say anything about what breed they are until ask,that way alot of times people will pet them first then when they ask you can proudly say "These are my APBT's arent they sweet?"that will get your foot in the door to tell them a little about the breed.......we as owners of bully breeds need to always make sure to use any opportunity to let the public see what makes us love these dogs!!!!! if your community has any functions where you can set up a booth maybe you could set up a "get to know a bully " booth,pass out flyers on the history of the APBT and also flyers to warn against BSL....if your dogs are like mine you could have a "Kiss-a-Bull"booth and for $1 let your dogs give kisses with the money going to your local rescue group.......educate your kids so they know how to properly defend their dogs...all 3 of my kids could give a full lecture on the APBT and why spay/neuter is so important by the time they hit 3rd grade...lol...good luck and just keep lovin your dogs!!!!!

Answer 7

I know, it's terrible that people think ALL PITT BULLS are like that. My younger sister is on your side.

Of course, while not all are like that, there is quite a history on their furry backs, which is, inevitably, that years ago pit bulls were bred to be bullies.

I know not all are like that and I'm so happy that your aren't!

If you want to set them straight, take your dogs for a walk. Go around and introduce them to the neighbors, one by one (IF your dogs aren't good around people, try and sort that out first). That might change their minds.

BUT... And I mean this seriously:

While your pit bulls may seem like wonderful dogs, and I don't doubt that they are, remember their history. No dog is truly predictable.

Answer 8

The only thing you can do is talk to your kids AND the kids that are telling them horror stories and tell them that not all pits are bad - just like not all people are bad...

Pits, rotties, Dobies - they all have a really bad rep at this point and it will take time for that to blow over (which I hope it will) all we can do is try to convince people that it has a lot to do with where they come from / breeder quality and handler quality...
Don't be/get upset, just ignore those that are to ignorant to realize all the facts...

Answer 9

Up until june I was owned by one of the sweetest rotties around (he passed from cancer). I got a lot people having opions about what horrible dog rotties are, sigh.

You sound like a responsible owner. Keep talking to your kids about your dogs and being responsible. Maybe you can get together with the parents of the neighborhood kids and talk to them about your dogs and what you do to be responsible. Odds are the kids are hearing this stuff from their parents.

Good luck

Answer 10

I have Doberman Pinschers, have had them for over 26 years & I think they are magnificent dogs with big hearts & a whole lotta love to give.
My daughter has Pits & they are nothing more than big babies.
Most people already have an opinion of these dogs & nothing will probably ever change their minds.
Lack is knowledge creates ignorance!!!