Are you more nervous around the "bully breeds" than other breeds?

Question

I know a great majority of the people on here understand the facts: There are no bad dogs, only bad dog owners.

BUT is anyone willing to admit that, despite knowing the facts, they are still a bit more cautious around "bully breeds" like Staffordshire Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers, than other dogs?

Be honest! Hold back on the thumbs if they are not necessary (positive thumbs are okay)! And NO bashing!

Answer 1

I have an male Akita, who is not always tolerant of other big dogs, and I am extra cautious around other dog aggressive breeds because of this, particularly when the other dog is off leash. Pits are banned in my town as of now, but many other breeds of potentially dog aggressive breeds abound. I am constantly looking head to see what kind of dog is approaching, looking at breed as well as body language to judge if a safety issue could arise.

If I saw a Pit or other notoriously dog aggressive breed walking up, I know to step in an be confident so my dog doesn't feel he needs to act protective. I actually go out of my way to be very calm and relaxed with a potentially aggressive dog, and give my boy no reason to think the dog is a danger. If I pulled in his leash and acted too alert, my dog would be more likely to see the other dog as a danger. I also try to call out to the owner in a very bright friendly voice showing no cause for alarm. Something like " my dog is in training, should we go around you?" I can usually gauge the owner and their dog that way by how they respond.

If another larger dog shows an aggressive stance to my boy, he will see it as a challenge he can't turn down, part of owing his breed I'm afraid all breeds have some downsides after all. Thats why mine is never ever ever off leash. My dog HATES this male Chow Chow he has had try to start a fight with him, and his stupid owners had him running loose. I always carry dog spray with me in my dog pack when walking my boy, just in case I ever need it. I never have so far, but that Chow had a real close call with being maced that day. I know if my boy had the chance he would try to rip this one dog limb from limb now.

If there were more Pits around my neighborhood, I would be more cautious, not only because of their breed being at issue, but mine as well. I am not "afraid" of them by any means, my first dog was a PittyX, but I am respectful of the breeds' natures and give them their space if needed. Same goes with Rotts, Dobs, and many other breeds.

Caution is not the same as thing as fear in my mind. Dog aggression is VERY common to many breeds and you need to understand and respect that if you choose a breed with that potential. Bullys get too much attention on their low dog tolerant potential, and too many people do not understand what is NORMAL for dogs to be like. It used to be a good trait for a dog to guard you against wolves or roaming strays, but times have changed!!

Add: When I was living around more Pits I would go out of my way to say hi to the owners, because I know what a tough time they have had in the last several years. I want them to know I am one person who doesn't hate the Bully Breeds, I still would when my dog isn't with me.

Answer 2

I'm not more cautious around just bully breeds, I'm cautious around any dog that I don't know...but ONLY if their owner looks like some irresponsible idiot who doesn't give a **** if his dog is trained at all. I still give them all a chance, but if I see any dog with an irresponsible owner, I am more cautious. Especially when it comes to the bully breeds...unfortunately they tend to end up in very irresponsible hands. I do not automatically judge them in any way, but I will admit that I am a bit more cautious until I see how well trained/behaved the dog is.

However, I volunteer at the Humane Society, and work with the pit bulls/pit mixes all the time. I know nothing of their history, but I still trust them completely. I have worked with many pit bulls there, and have never once seen any aggression, even though they come from bad backgrounds. I fostered a female pit puppy about two years ago, and even though both of her parents had actually been used in dog fighting, she was the sweetest thing.

Great question Stina! I'm excited to see the responses!

Answer 3

I am cautious with any dog.
I feel more aware and more protective of bully breeds. I am more careful with the dogs I have now (both bully looking) than I have been with non-bully dogs in the past. I am also more likely to stop and offer these breeds a pat on the head than another breed, I know from experience how much that means to a bully dog's owner.

Answer 4

Yes, my neighbor has a bulldog as a foster and he is the sweetest dog. He just wants to be pet and give kisses but I am still nervous around him because I don't know him as well as I know the other dogs and I don't know the breed as well as other breeds. I have never had a bad experience with a bully breed or any dog for that matter, I think it is just that little voice in my head telling me not to let my guard down because of the breed, which I know is stupid. Eventually though this will go away.

Answer 5

In general, I am pretty relaxed around the "bully" breeds. Most of the ones I have met were just big teddy bears anyway.
My scariest vicious dog incident actually involved a golden retriever who had obviously been trained that way.

I encountered a pitt at work yesterday, however, who made me back away. It wasn't so much the dog-he was a rescue-but the fact that the owner didn't even see the telltales signs of fear in his dog. Tail between legs, ears held out to each side, eyes darting back and forth, wary eyes, all the signs of a dog who is nervous. I pulled the other associate with me as I backed away.
Shame is, the owner will probably learn how to deal with this the hard way.

Answer 6

To be honest, not really. But I'm sure that would change if I had a bad experience with them. So far I haven't had any, thus the lack of fear.

BUT- if I were to come near a bullly dog and sense somehow that the owner was a "bad owner", then I would have a reason to be cautious around that dog. As you have said, there are no bad dogs, only bad dog owners. A bad dog owner would make me a bit more cautious around that particular dog.


EDIT
I just remembered that I had a not-so-pleasant experience with a Rottie at the vet's office (I was assisting the vet with a client) when he bit me. Nevertheless, it wasn't that traumatic or anything and I haven't felt any different toward Rotties after that incident. My answer is still the same as before- I judge the owners before I do the dogs.

Answer 7

Not really because whenever I see a Bully breed smile at me I just have to pat them and say hello. It's pretty much the same for every dog anyway. My neighbor's Labrador follows me around the house whenever I'm there because she likes to play with me. It's much more scary to have this 65 pound just-past-puppy trying to jump on you than a calm Bully looking for a hug.

When I was younger I used to be terrified around dogs when they'd jump, no matter the size. When I was 3, my parents' friends' dog, who was about 40 pounds, jumped up and cut open the back of my hand. It took me a long time to get over that fear. So if I had a bad experience with a Bully breed, I'd probably be a little bit afraid around them.

Answer 8

I'm more cautious around 'bully' dogs that I don't know. My town is filled with ignorant people and I don't trust what they've taught their dogs. There is a man who owns a beautiful blue Pit two blocks from me and the dog will pull his owner down the block to come give me kisses, I'm not at all cautious around him:D. Once I know both owner and dog I am overly friendly with 'bully' breeds.

Answer 9

no honestly I'm more scared of the Lil dogs like Chihuahuas
just the other Day i was at the park with my family while my cousins were playing football we watched and had our 4 pits out they were tied down having fun when a Lil dog kept getting in the way of the game so i went to get the dog to take it to the vet which was right next store when i bent down and called the dog over it bit me!!!! and around where i live they call me the doggie whisper i love dogs especially pits i can touch any pit even when there vicious and mean and never get bit but this Lil dog was different!!! ill never touch a small dog again!!!!

Answer 10

There is only 1 breed that I admit I am nevous around....Chows. I've just had so many bad experiences with them over the years that I steer clear and wont groom them. Too unpredictable for me. I know it's all about the breeding and how they are raised, but grooming for 17 yrs and only having 1 Chow NOT try to bite me....somethings not right with the Chows around here.

As for Staffies and Pits...I dont have a problem with them. I dont think I have ever had to muzzle one for grooming either...maybe one or 2 for the nails, but thats not biggie. I muzzle more Poodles and Cockers than I have Pit.