ALL Dogs can be Dangerous! Don't blame a specific breed!

I couldn't agree with you more and I learned this lesson through my Pit Bull Mix Bandit. I got her off the street when she was 6 months old. At first I didn't want her with that big pit bull head because of the news I was afraid of her. After a week of going back and forth if I was going to keep her she made her way into my heart. She was abused when I first got her it took me a whole month just to get her to walk on a leash. She would lay flat I am assuming whoever had her before was abusing her. Now she is 10 years old and is spoiled rotten. She has me very well trained. I have learned through her how wonderful these dogs are and how smart they are. It is not the dog but the owner and yes any dog can be mean and aggressive. I also don't think we should stereotype dogs. I have had a few people tell me Bandit is going to turn on me which has never happened. Unless you call a kissing marathon a attack. She loves to give kisses a lover not a fighter. If you want love from a dog you have to show it. If you beat them and are cruel what do you expect they are only learning from their masters. People forget Petey from The Little Rascals and you never heard anything about them being attacked. Petey was a Pit Bull and everyone loves him.

That is so very true. It is not the breed of the dog. It is rather the individual dog that can be dangerous. I mean, I have seen dogs from the same breed by the complete opposite. One dog could be ill tempered and quick to attack. The other could be rather well adjusted and friendly. It is very unfair to brand all dogs in the same boat to be honest with you. I mean, isn't it the same thing with humans? I mean, saying that a certain group of humans are all dangerous because of the actions of a few is not right. In fact, I believe in most societies that would be classified as racism. So how is it right to condemn one form of stereotyping with humans, while approve of another form of stereotyping with animals such as dogs? I don't really understand it but there you go. It is the dog not the breed, just like it is the human and not the race they are part of.

basically i guess its because of the tv shows,movies and other media sources that mostly pit bulls and other dogs are shown very violent. I also admit that dogs are very loving,sweet and it take away stress when you played with them.

It is true that any dog can decide to be mean, or territorial, and snap. I have done a lot of research on pitbulls, and it seems they are more of a single owner type dog. They are very loyal, and very territorial. They do not like to share, and that means affection of their master, especially with children, or other dogs. Also, I learned that while they are young it is not bad, but as the dog ages it will become more territorial, and aggressive. I read that right from a pitbull expert. As they age a few years they get more, and more aggressive. I would not personally own one, because I have children. I do not despise them, but I do feel they are an especially dangerous breed, with extremely powerful jaws, and strength. Not an animal to mess with, and not worth the risk.

You're right, all dogs have the potential to be very dangerous. Mine is sweet and he wont even step on a bug but Im sure that if someone was to try to hurt me or my husband, Id hate to be in their shoes. So all dogs can use what they were born with to hurt if they're provoked.

I've never owned a Pit Bull but I do believe that the way they are treated is the primary factor in how they will respond in any given situation. However, I think a lot of it has to do with the individual dog's temperment. Some dogs are as said previously, one person dogs. I think in general, these dogs are best kept away from small children just because of the potential risk factor. That being said, a dog that grows up with children should never show aggression towards them. I think some dogs just have some mental issues like some people. My sister and brother-in-law had a dog that they raised from a puppy. No one could go near the dog. He was scared of his shadow. They never once harmed that dog. They ended up having to keep it in a dog run outside. No one could even get close enough to pet the dog, he wouldn't let you get near him. It was sad really. I think all dogs are territorial and if a child wanders into their yard some dogs will attack just because they are protecting their territory. Some breeds are more prone to this than others. If that should ever occur,the risk of the attack being fatal is much higher with a pit bull. This is what scares people. However, I don't think any dog raised with love and tenderness will ever attack its owners.

I agree that all dogs can be aggressive regardless of their breed and size. I think that I would be more scared of a small dog then a big one just because i think that they tend to snap at you alot more then a bigger dog would. I think that it is definatelt the dogs temperment and what the dog is used to.. You are also right that little dogs attack all the time to they just don't make the paper the way that a big dog would

I agree. Any dog no matter the breed can being loving or violent. My aunt's pit bull used to be abused and tried to be used as a fighting dog because of its breed. She was later rescued by a shelter where my aunt adopted her. Now she has a good home and she's just the sweetest thing but it breaks my heart to think of other dogs being abused because of their breed.

You stated that sometimes it is the owners fault. GET IT STRAIGHT, ALL THE TIME IT'S THE OWNERS FAULT. Terriors all terriors and all other breeds nedd to be trained. You can train a dog from your couch or in front of your computer. Terriors are terrors. They are bred to hunt out vermin rats, raccoons etc. That is what they do naturally. That was their purpose in life, so when they get in a scrap they fight. They have to be trained otherwise like any other dog. My wife and puppy was attacked by 2 pit bulls by an uncaring owner. They where put down. My wife was bitten. All dogs will bite they have to be socialized and trained as puppies to behave and be a proper citizen.. REMEMBER ALWAYS LUV/ CARE FOR YOUR DOG/ PET, THEY WILL ALWAYS LUV U..

Right there with you on that statement! I once had a Rot/chow mix and several neighbors complained as they were afraid of the dog-the manager told me it was either the dog or me...I told her that I think they wanted that dog gone for a reason-say maybe breaking in?! He was the sweetest pup you ever did see and highly misunderstood for his size. I agree-a dog is a dog...any animal can be dangerous...they act on instinct..and that's hard to ignore in some situations. Our maltese is more dangerous than our Sheltie

Really? That's actually contrary to what they really are. Pit Bulls are naturally loving to humans, but aggressive to animals. I used to believe that Pit Bulls are dangerous to humans, but in my little research I found out that the opposite of my belief is what's true.

I had a pitbull, took him in when he was just 2 months old. When he grew bigger, at around 6 months, he became aggresive towards other dogs and (unfortunately) my landlord. He killed a smaller dog owned by my landlord and even bit my landlord (not a big bite, just a nip). I had to give him away or get evicted from the place I was renting. It was very hard, to see him go. I was so heartbroken and I miss him until this day. I don't know what happened - he was very gentle and playful with me. People tell me he probably thought he was just 'playing' with the other dog without realizing he was killing it. I have never had a problem with him being aggresive except with other dogs. As for our landlord, thank God he was clear of the bite - he wasn't infected. Things like that just really happen. I know it doesn't happen with pitbulls only, and that other breeds have attacked humans. But now, if given the chance to own another dog, I'd go with a Labrador - since they are known to be more friendly and harmless to kids. I guess I'll be a more responsible dog owner too. To know the temperament of my pet dog.

yes you sure are right, the only difference is that when a pitbull bites someone the wounds will be bigger than when a chihuahua bites someone. but still you are right.

I thik all dogs are potential to be dangerous,but only they feel thierslves or thier onwers are getting threaten ,they will attack.If owner can get along well with your dogs and understand thier temperament and personality,and strangers don't burn him up ,attacks will totally be avoid.So if dogs lose thier temper ,which are the faults of human being.

I completely understand how you feel. However, like it has been stated by others here, pit bulls as sweet and wonderful as they can be, are more likely to cause serious damage if something did go wrong. I have never met a Rottie I didn't like, but I wouldn't own one. NO more than I would own a bear or lion, even though they are exquisite creatures. Why? Because I couldn't control it if it did go a little loopy. They are SUCH powerful animals! With a Rottie, doing the "Hi! You're home" butt wiggle (which they always do, sweet things) can be painful if you are standing close! Muscles on legs!! I hope you and your buddy have a long happy anxiety free life together!

I totally agree with you. I just read a new study that put Chihuahuas at the top of the list as the #1 most stranger-agressive dog breed. Pits were closer down on the list to Goldens. You know, it makes me so angry every time the news comes on and they feature a story about a Pit bite. It's almost like they want to fuel people's ignorance of a wonderful breed. I have four, and they get along great with my children. Like all responsible dog owners, I am very watchful when the kids and dogs interact, but I am not watching because I am scared that my dogs will bite. I am scared that my kids will hurt one of them and therefore give the dogs a reason to nip.

You are right! All breed can be dangerous if we give they provocation. My dog are very sweet and loyal but he tend to be very protective to us. I think pit bull reputation is because it used for dog race/battle, maybe feared more because its looks. I think our dog personality is depend on us.

On the contrary all dogs can be friendly and loving. You must not keep the dog chained all the time. You must not confine the dog in a smaller place. Let him be free and fondle and play with the dog as much as you can and he would never be dangerous.

well I use to have german dog,well he was very aggresive and pounce on the strangers,what i saw that he was more aggresive than the others one!well still you can generalize!

I agree! I am an avid dog lover and have 5 of my own all different breeds. I woill never tell anyone my dog will not bite, because no one ever knows that for sure. It is important to have control of situations at all times. I have 4 grandchildren, and the only dog i allow out in the family area is the 5 pound chi-poodle mix. They love ot go to the room to see the dogs, but they are large and intimidating, but even my dogs could bite. I hope that it will never happen but as long as I keep control of any problems that can occur it will be fine. four of my dogs are 9years of age and older, and heav never bitten anyone. I worked as vet tech, and I do agree with you. Pitt Bulls have gotten a bad rap, it all depends on how they are raised, just like any other dog.