Why do pitbulls have such a bad rep?

Question

I have two pit bulls pic attached. But, it seems like everytime I tell someone that I have pitbulls they start asking things like "Aren't you afraid for your kids" My dogs are great with humans they just tend to become territorial when other dogs are around. They even sleep with our cat. Isn't it usually the owners who make the dogs behave bad?

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d122/lorenville003/GiaNiko005-1.jpg

One Fish obviously you find our questions interesting because you keep reading and answering them.

Cave Cavem, Thank you for the referencing website. I do know that many times the media reports dog attacks as the dog being a pitbull as long as it remotely resembles a pitbull. Recently there was an attack here in Arizona on a little girl. The dog that attacked her was a Bulldog but, the media kept repeating that it was a pitbull. This is not a good rep for my dogs. Of course unlike any other animal I supervise them constantly and I never leave them alone with my children. I don't trust ANY animal with my kids period. I researched the breed before I purchased them and know the pros and cons of having them. I would have to tell you that I had to get rid of a male cat because it attacked my 5 yo son when he was sleeping. My son ended up with three now he is 9 and still has the scar on his eyebrow. We never found out why the cat did that but, up until then I never really felt threatened by domesticated animals especially a cat.

Answer 1

Alex, read Karen Delise's "Fatal Dog Attacks" and "The Pitbull Placebo." She explains the flaws in these so-called studies. Well researched and insightful books.

Answer 2

Pit bulls are widely used for dog fighting. So they have been bred for that purpose. Genetics takes a large roll in an animals temperament. although Pit bulls can also be the best dog to have as a part of the family. But the media doesn't show the good side of the breed. And people will believe whatever they are told. I believe that one of the most aggressive breeds is actually the chiwawa but when was the last time you saw something on the news about a chiwaw hospitalizing or killing a person or another dog? Pit bulls are large, strong, and have locking jaws all of which make the attacks more severe. If raised properly a pit bull can be a great pet. I used to have one and it was the best dog I have ever been around. It wouldn't bite anything unless it was a cat or a sock.

Answer 3

Sadly, negligent owners make these, along with Rottweilers the top dogs for bites. It's been noted on a scientific study:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/dogbreeds.pdf

I personally think Pit Bulls, and Rottweilers are wonderful dogs, even owning a Rotti myself, but people look at these studies and at just the dogs of bad owners and ignore the good dogs. It's a shame.

Answer 4

My husband's a K9 officer, and his K9 Tank, is a pit bull. Tank has been outfitted with titanium braces in his teeth, so he doesn't break them working. People ask me often, if I fear my husbands K9. I tell them, the only thing I fear is dog slobber from all the kisses.
He has many awards from the city, but to him, he doesn't care. He likes being a good boy, and doing a great job.
Tank's 2 years away from retirement. I hope all goes well when my husband takes a new K9 to work. Hopefully he'll enjoy staying home with me, and the life of a coach potato.

Answer 5

Because they're good at what damage they could do. I've never seen an entire cat skeleton inside any other dog's stomach.

But as with any dog, it's who raises it. The thing is, pit bulls tend to make the news more often.

Answer 6

A lot of people associate pit bulls with dogfighting. When they're not trained, they bite and bark at people.
The owners make the dogs behave bad. I believe all dogs can be kind and nice if you train them right.

Answer 7

I believe it comes from a long line of "Back yard" breeding. I have known people that have had great luck with this breed, but the dogs also came from a long line of other well bred dogs. I am a firm believer that although genetics play a important role, environment is the decider.

Answer 8

i have 3 dogs, two bichons. who every one coos and ahhhs at.. and now i added a staffie who everyone worries about..
i get what about your poor bichons he will kill them, or why would you get an evil dog when you have two small ones and kids in the house..
My male bichon would and can be more agressive than the staffie..
If someone is messing around in the house and he thinks they are hurting me, he is the first to jump into the middle..
All dogs get along fine..
yes i am more aware he will be much bigger than them, and when dogs reach adult hood there is always the chance for minor disagreements.. but thats my job to not ALLOW it..
Its all in how you raise your dogs..

Answer 9

i have a 7 month old pit bull, and shes the nicest out of all 4 of my dogs(all different breeds), people tell us the same thing, i have no idea why people think they are so bad

Answer 10

Maybe these statistics will help you understand the lay persons fear of pit bulls.

http://www.dogbitelaw.com/Dog%20Attacks%201982%20to%202006%20Clifton.pdf

Edit:
Thanks Cave Canem, it was interesting reading. I just hope that you read all of the data relating to the statistics rather than dismissing it first hand.