WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. And unfairly. Experts weigh in. Jim Gorant, senior editor, Sports Illustrated; author, The Lost Dogs. (PIT BULLS/DOGS) While many stereotype pit bulls as dangerous and aggressive, a new study proves that in many situations, the nation’s most feared dog is actually just as docile as other dog breeds.. When you hear about a horror story about a Pit Bull (and you will, because the media loves hyping them up), 99% of the time it is the fault of a neglectful owner or a stupid human. A puppy can lose their blue nose coloring as they get older – it can fade to pink or black. The popular notion is that pit bulls can be fine their entire lives and suddenly snap and turn on their owner. Take introductions slowly. But he admits, there’s still “a long way to go.”, “On any given day, probably 10 people get bit by a dog,” Gorant says. Irresponsible owners are the reason why these attacks occur in every single case!. “The more you know about the dog, the better off your are,” Reid says. Due to its dangerous reputation, the dog is banned in various cities of the world. Dogs that are stressed, uncomfortable, scared or anxious, are often more likely to bite. I have 2 children, now. The abuse of pit bulls drew national attention in 2007, when Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick pleaded guilty to running a dog-fighting operation. “People have seen that these dogs are out there and deserve help right now.”. They are predictable as any other dog. Of the 51 pit bulls seized from Vick’s kennels, about 17 have been adopted. But when aroused or agitated, they may be less responsive to pain. “It has gotten much better for the dogs,” Coleman says. Stacey Coleman, executive director, Animal Farm Foundation Inc., Bangall, N.Y. Sacks, J. All rights reserved. “But it’s only news when it’s a pit bull.”. Pit bulls are very unpredictable dogs after they get older despite all the gentle raising and obedience training out there. Today, that's no longer the case. But the tide turned in the late 1990s, when pit bulls became popular among people who "weren’t focused on the positive attributes of the breed - they were looking for a strong, scary-looking dog," Reid says. Abuse, neglect, chaining, tethering, and inadequate obedience training and supervision also make the list. In this case they are cruel, irresponsible, mean people. They're ferocious. Pitbull breed is often misunderstood. You cannot rehabilitate unprovoked, unpredictable aggression, especially in a dog that will displace on a human, especially in a dog that will displace on their own human. Checkout the list of 10 Extinct Breeds of Dogs. This pit bull, apparently the most dangerous dog on the block, was not wearing a collar. Some people make their dogs mean on purpose. A quick Google search—type in “pit bull”—will reveal just how unpredictable and vicious this animal can be. Out of all of the dog breeds on this list, the pit bull ranks the highest in being the breed responsible for most dog attacks and fatalities per year despite the breed making up only around 6% of the entire population of dogs in the United States. When you hear about an incident regarding a pit bull it usually is due to someone deliberately training the dog to be aggressive, or someone agitating the dog on purpose. Doberman pinschers, rottweilers, and German shepherds topped lists of dogs some considered dangerous in the not-too-distant past. 7 Fun Facts. Reid says that’s no more likely to happen with pit bulls than it is with any other breed. 6. If there’s an upside to the Vick case, Gorant hopes it helps sway public opinion because it helps people see pit bulls as victims. One contingent believes that pit bulls are very dangerous and unpredictable dogs that should be eliminated from the face of the earth. So are a handful of other breeds and mixed breeds. [FN98] They note that the pit bull's high tolerance for pain and its tendency to “fight to the death” make pit bull attacks … Helen Keller, President Theodore Roosevelt, and Fred Astaire all had the breed as family pets. “The ones that are friendly with other dogs are sort of the life of the party, but they can play rough sometimes because they are so strong,” Reid says. Awareness about pit bulls is growing and more are being adopted, says Stacey Coleman, executive director of the Animal Farm Foundation Inc., a Bangall, N.Y. pit bull advocacy group. However, in breed temperament tests conducted by the American Temperament Test Society on pit bulls and 129 other breeds, pitties scored in the top 23 percent for their excellent temperament. I agree with Ted. But when aroused or agitated, they may be less responsive to pain. Pure and simple. But like other terriers, “they are more likely than other breeds to grab a hold of something and to shake.” It doesn’t mean they won’t let go, but owners need to know how to break up a fight. Those who deem Pit Bulls as unpredictable tend to not understand basic canine warning signs and behavior. The following fifteen dogs are among the most dangerous breeds evidenced by statistics that include attacks on the owners. A pitbull no matter how gentle it is is a high strung dog with massively powerful jaws. But i don’t know why you’d assume all pitbulls are unpredictable unless you’ve little experience with dogs in general, from the relative few I’ve seen they appear to be quite predictable. There are many stereotype of pit bulls that lead to peoples reasoning for such hatred; they are unpredictable, dangerous, and vicious. Myth: They Are Unpredictable One of the most persistent myths about pit bulls is that they have a bad temperament and are unpredictable. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, If your pit bull is friendly with other dogs, maintain that socialization by meeting up with friends or going to the. It says, “A well-socialized and well-trained pit bull is one of the most delightful, intelligent, and gentle dogs imaginable.”. Healthy Pit Bulls are balanced dogs and react to … They also have “great tenacity. A second believes that bad owners or negative early experiences are to blame for aggressive incidents, which are overblown by the news media. These cookies are strictly necessary for the site to function. A dog is but a reflection of the owner. The dog is banned in various countries for its potential for aggression. Miller, the executive director of the Humane Society in Hagerstown, MD, and an expert on pit bulls, gave a public lecture recently at the University of Tennessee College of … March 16, 2019 By Anna Burke 10 Comments. It is well documented by humane groups that to excel in dogfighting, pit bulls were selectively bred to conceal warning signals prior to an attack. My friends have spent nearly two thousand dollars in the last year on training programs and have worked countless hours on their own with their pit mix dog. Many think that pitties will attack any moment, without warning and are … Because Pit Bulls have been historically maligned. �� "UNPREDICTABLE and DANGEROUS" if … The study, which focused on fatal dog attacks, notes difficulties identifying various breeds (particularly mixed breeds) and in calculating a bite rate. In general, pit bulls aren’t aggressive with people but are “less tolerant” of other dogs than many other breeds, says Pamela Reid, PhD, vice president of the ASPCA’s Animal Behavior Center in New York. With the recent controversy surrounding pit bulls and the idea that all of them should be put down to prevent them from hurting people, I thought I would let everybody know all the reasons pit bulls should be put down. Those who deem Pit Bulls as unpredictable tend to not understand basic canine warning signs and behavior. Reid says many things can lead to a tendency toward aggression. The heat of such reports has forged a frightening image of the pit bull as having a hair-trigger temper and a lock-jawed bite. 1. “Petey” from The Little Rascals was a pit bull. Indeed, the ASPCA web site gives the breed an endorsement that could fit a golden retriever. There’s nothing anatomically different about a pit bulls’ jaw - “they cannot lock,” Reid says. Pamela Reid, PhD, vice president, ASPCA Animal Behavior Center. I don’t allow my 9 year old daughter to be around them for fear something might happen. Astound your friends, amaze those Pitbull cynics, and learn all about this adorable dog. But pit bull advocates and some experts say the dogs get a bad rap. There is something inbred in these dogs that make them unpredictable and vicious. 2. Again, most of these dogs were bred for aggression; it’s hard- wired into their brain, which can makes them unpredictable. Dogs communicate through body language they show us signs when they are afraid, stressed, happy, depressed, irritated and they even show us love and compassion. When it comes to other pets, Reid says some pit bulls “are absolutely lovely with other animals - cats and bunnies,” but others are not. It is not common, and it is not the dogs fault. He's obviously about to pounce on an innocent, helpless toddler at any second. That’s what makes them great dogs for sports like weight pulling. But they aren’t any more problematic than any other breed by nature.”. If your dog isn’t friendly with other dogs, make sure they are on a leash and there are no unleashed dogs around. Pits bulls are hated for faulty reasoning, giving them the title of the “Jews of the canine world” (Ingall). These days, pit bulls often make headlines and it’s rarely good news. You’ll need to do more than the average dog owner to counteract negative perceptions. Pit Bulls are inherently dangerous. Pit Bulls are nor more or less unpredictable than any other dog. But for any knowledgeable dog person to say that aggression in pit bulls is not a possible trait is very ignorant. Pit Bulls are Unpredictable – Pit Bull Myth, Use Essential Oils to Repel Mosquitoes on Dogs, First Official Pit Bull Police Dog in New York, Yakima City Council Votes to Revoke Pit Bull Ban, Angel City Pit Bulls – Los Angeles Pit Bull Rescue. Despite pro-pit bull claims that pit bulls are not unpredictable, the breed frequently attacks without provocation or warning. They cite a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Association on Sept. 15, 2000. Pit Bulls are nor more or less unpredictable than any other dog. Start telling people their dogs are dangerous and you're likely to begin an uproar; the fact is, however, dog attacks do occur and even against the dogs' owners. So, assuming that you are referring to the American Pit Bull Terrier (for which the only abbreviation is APBT), my answer has to be: Yes to both. 1:46 Threatening gesture caused the dog to release man, and go back to the position facing the open kennel door. American Pit Bull Terriers are not “unpredictable” as a breed. Some cities and towns have banned the breed. No matter how loving and well-trained your Pitbull is. If it isn’t about an attack on a child or a shooting by police, it’s a tale of neglect or abuse. Pit Bulls are unstable and unpredictable Another familiar misconception associated with Pit Bull demeanor is that they are unpredictable and can attack both acquaintances and strangers without warning. Uh, oh! They say the dogs are not inherently aggressive, but in many cases suffer at the hands of irresponsible owners drawn to the dog's macho image who encourage aggression for fighting and protection. Pit bulls are not inherently aggressive and unpredictable, as many anti-pit organizations would have you believe. The researchers noted that there isn’t consistent data on breed populations and bites, especially when the injury isn’t serious enough to require an ER visit. Just because this breed was exploited people assume Blue Nose Pitbull are aggressive and unpredictable when in reality, they are very affectionate and loving. So many innocent people have died because of pit bull attacks. Blue Nose Pitbull – Facts, Fun and Pros and Cons. IF a dog is unpredictable, then this can be a benefit to the owner if that dog is also a guard dog.. You also may face rising insurance rates or cancellation of your policy, difficulty renting, and the watchful eye of neighbors and passersby. Pit Bull Attacks Happen Because People are Irresponsible and Ignorant. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2000; vol 217: pp 836-840. Jim Gorant, a Sports Illustrated senior editor and author of The Lost Dogs, a book that documents Vick’s dogs and their path to redemption, says pit bulls are caught in a self-perpetuating cycle of incrimination and bad ownership. For instance, a pit bull may not growl, bare its teeth or offer a direct stare before it strikes. Pit Bulls are Unpredictable. That will help decrease some undesirable behavior, such as male dominance aggression. They are very strong, athletic animals," Reid says. Signs a dog may bite: Tail Wagging: The tail may wag back and forth, but the body will be rigid. That includes breeding dogs for protection, dog fighting, social status, or financial gain. In fact, the research shows out of the 35 most common dog breeds, Chihuahuas are actually the most aggressive. The American Pit Bull Terrier is technically the only true pit bull, although the American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are often referred to as pit bulls. They have locking jaws. They’re unpredictable. Paul Miller, Hagerstown, MD. Pit bulls are dangerous and unpredictable dogs. Fila Brasileiro. A 2 and 3 year old. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Knoxville, TN - Paul Miller used to be able to unclip a pit bull he wasn't familiar with from its chain without fear. The Blue Nose Pitbull isn’t just a loyal dog with an adorable face. Pit bulls are popular in Janesville, with nearly 280 licensed. Pit Bulls were originally breed … I am so sick of hearing from pit bull lovers “it’s the way they are raised.” Not it’s not! Look at this guy. I went and said something I shouldn’t have. “Pit bulls are incredibly wimpy in many respects - they don’t like to go in the cold and rain,” Reid says. Here are some other tips: Responsible pet ownership includes spaying or neutering your pet. He spent nearly two years in federal prison. Pit Bulls. Among them is Hector, a dog that is covered with physical scars but is "just great with other dogs, great with kids, and great with people,” Gorant says. Over the years the pit bull has basically fallen prey to bad PR (public relations). In fact pit bulls used to be known as “nanny” dogs due to their gentle nature with children. They put their mind to something, and they do it. They were bred for fighting and are unpredictable. They can tolerate huge amounts of pain. Owning a pit bull should not be taken lightly. There is absolutely no destroying an instinct. 1:42 Dog mounts man's leg, clasps leg, snaps at stomach and hip. Socializing the dog with people and other animals is key. A pit bull who displays any aggression toward humans, no matter how slight, is not temperamentally sound and should be spayed or neutered immediately to … It is easily excited by the squealing of children. 157 views Also known as Brazilian Mastiff, this dog is known for its aggression and impulsive nature. They had “a fabulous reputation early on and were considered the ideal family pet because they were so good with people,” Reid says. These cookies collect simple user information. [FN97] Supporters claim that all pit bulls are aggressive and unpredictable, and that even a seemingly friendly pit bull can attack without warning. This is not dependent on breed, but individual dog. Opponents argue that pit bulls are more likely to attack. I am so f’ing tired of hearing “it’s the owner”. The dog is unpredictable at times. Do pit bulls get a bad rap? Dogs do not react without warning and Pitbulls are no exception. / American Pit Bull Terrier / Blue Nose Pitbull – Facts, Fun and Pros and Cons. Pit bulls were originally used for bull- and bear-baiting, and later were bred to fight dogs in an arena. Expert: Pit Bulls Are More Unpredictable than Ever. “Pit bulls are incredibly wimpy in many respects - they don’t like to go in the cold and rain,” Reid says. For licensing or usage, contact licensing@viralhog.com My cat was mauled by two pit bulls yesterday while minding his own business in my driveway. Hector frequently visits hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. It equates the squealing of children with the death scream of a rabbit that is being eaten by a dog. Monitor your dog’s play and be prepared to distract your dog if they get too intimidating. About a dozen of those adopted dogs have passed their AKC Canine Good Citizen test and several have become therapy dogs. “Every dog is an individual,” Gorant says. “Pit bulls are just dogs and if they are not raised properly and socialized and treated right, they can have behavior problems. But the ASPCA, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and some other groups have recommend against breed-specific laws. Of course, this is untrue. The former is common in many breeds, including pit bulls, while the latter is extremely unusual in our breed. Lose their Blue Nose Pitbull – Facts, Fun and Pros and.... Strong, athletic animals, '' Reid says pink or black here are some other groups have against... The American Veterinary Medical Association, and some other tips: Responsible pet ownership includes spaying or your! Less responsive to pain person to say that aggression in pit bulls seized from Vick ’ s kennels about. 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