Top 10 Most Dangerous Breeds

Top 10 Most Dangerous Breeds

Which breeds are the most dangerous?

Which ones bite without warning, or can just snap?  Which ones are likely to attack unprovoked, or take up a pack mentality?  Which breeds have unstable temperaments, and just can't be trusted?

Quick - which breeds come to mind? Are you thinking Pitbulls, Presas, Rottweilers? Dobermans or Chows?  German Shepherds or Akitas?

Wrong. In fact, really wrong.

Contrary to popular belief, these breeds are not the most dangerous.  In fact, not a single animal welfare organization on the planet will give you a list of dangerous breeds, but we will..............

Just The Facts

But before we do - let's give you the facts.

Fact: The CDC has stopped reporting bite statistics by breed, as these numbers are driven by eyewitness reports, and are very often inaccurate.  Why did the CDC stop? Because misidentification of breed is extremely common, making eyewitness reports an unreliable source.

In her book,  Fatal Dog Attacks, author Karen Delise has studied the statistics and the stories behind these rare but deadly events. A top expert in this specialized field, she has concluded that a number of factors are present in a fatal attack.

Fact: On average, there are fewer than 30 deaths annually in the U.S. due to fatal dog maulings.  Statistically, these tragedies are incredibly rare, as the dog population of 79 million.  The stats on deaths by breed are available, as there are so few, and yes, Pitbulls and Rottweilers are on the list.  But so are other breeds you might not imagine.

The media and headline-hungry pols love to point to these stats, and with great authority point to Pitbulls and Rottweilers as top offenders. 

But what the media and politicians don't tell you is that the breeds on this list are driven by breed popularity, and that over the years, the types of breeds on this list have shifted.

So why are these breeds on the list? The answer is this - breed popularity drive the stats, but perhaps even more intangible is that breed popularity with irresponsible dog owners is an even bigger factor.

The #1 Factor

The absolute, number one factor that determines whether or not a dog will become dangerous is...............  ownership.

And in compiling this list of dangerous breeds, you'll note they all share one trait in common - they are all human. 

That's right, Kory, Jackie & Michael - humans are most reponsible for dangerous dogs. Humans are responsible for creating the circumstances and behavior that lead to dog bites or maulings.  Get it right, Bubba  - Humans.

So without further ado here are the...................

Top Ten Most Dangerous Breeds

10. Criminal Dog Owners - They vary in size, shape, color and creed. Whether urban or rural, they thrive in environments where crime does pay.

This breed may deliberately train dogs to be human aggressive. This breed  has been known to shoot dogs for fun it.  They fight dogs and use sweet tempered dogs as bait. Here in the New York area  - they've been known to feed dogs ground up glass and gun power to toughen them up - you know-In case the police kick the front door - they're out the back - and the dogs are in between.

9. Irresponsible and Ignorant Dog Owners

Characterized by a complete lack of common sense and or manners, these dog owners come in three distinct varieties - Dumb, Dumber and Plain Stupid.

However they do share the same breed traits, like

1. Complete disregard for local leash or pooper scooper laws
2. Stubborn, self-centered rudeness
3. The inability to see the potential consequences for their behavior

So here are the three types if I & I's:

• Dumb- When Snowball whines to go out, they throw open the front door and let her out to wander the neighborhood.  Snowball is free to poop and pee wherever she likes.  And if Snowball should wander into my yard and my dog defends its territory, like many dogs .......we've got a problem.
• Dumber - Easy to recognize, this genius nonchalantly walks their dog off leash in the neighborhood, like it's no big deal. WEll in my book - it is a big deal. How would you like it if I let my dog run up to your children off leash.   Or run up to any person who may be afraid of dogs.  (and BTW - I support off leash space - just not on the block).   And it's not OK if your dog takes a dump in my flowerbed, got that?
• Plain Stupid- Waaaaay short on common sense - they let their children play unattended with dogs, or let them run up to pet a stranger's dog or get in a strange dog's face.

8. Negligent or Abusive Dog Owners

Like sociopaths who lack basic the human trait of compassion - this all-too-common breed is well known for a lack of care or concern.  They are, however, gifted and talented in the areas of neglect or cruelty.

These G & Ts routinely fail to give their animals even the basics of food, water or shelter or fail to provide vet care. David Owens, an employee of Child Services in New York, has been accused of leaving his dying Akita out in the cold for weeks.

Even beating the dog is OK  for these people- it's only a dog. Even if it's not their dog!  Kick it if it gets in your way, wants food or attention. OK - so cruel and unusual punishment is against law, so giving them the same treatment is out. Too bad.

6. Ignorant Shelter Workers & Rescuers

We give shelter and rescue workers big snaps for the great job they do on a daily basis.  That said - they are some bad apples in this bunch.  Who? These people are marked  by their staggering ignorance, leaving the rest of the dog world stammering in surprise. 

Statements from these so-called "professionals" include, "We don't adopt out Pitbulls - they have locking jaws", and "We don't adopt out Rotties or Dobermans - they're aggressive".  Better yet, they hide a dog's health or behavioral history, thinking that all dogs can be saved, from adopters who may be in for a big surprise. Someone needs to teach this breed a lesson - and quick.

5. Ignorant Dog Fanciers

Nose and tail always in the air with, "Breed restrictions don't really apply to me - I own a PUREBRED dog".  Oh, really ?  Maybe you'd like to share you magical powers with the rest of us....or better yet ............

4. Arrogant Dog Fanciers

Not only are nose and tail always in the air, but his type will even dis their fellow dog fanciers with, "it's not my breed".   Ain't that special? Now bend over ...........this won't hurt a bit....

Numbers 4 and 5 do a diservice to the many hardworking, ethical home breeders who care deeply about their dogs and the welfare of dogs in general.

3. Irresponsible News Media

They attack -unprovoked, when you least expect it.  Out of the blue, and really just when those ratings are starting to take a dive.  That's just the perfect time to lead with a dog story.  These media outlets target large working breeds, they thrive on fear.   And they are yellow to the core.

• Yeah - I'm talking to you, Kathryn McIntyre of the Commerce City Journal for your lack of editorial integrity for publishing the street addresses of pitbull owners.  Sex offenders have more privacy rights than dog owners.
• And yeah - I'm talking to you all you local metro broadcast news outlets, like CBS Channel 2 News in New York that that invariably portray "dangerous" dogs as Pitbulls or Rottweilers. In journalism - we don't automatically portray stories of rapes with images of black or Hispanic men.  Nor should we visually support dangerous dog news stories with pictures of Pitbulls and Rottweilers, by default - like the one shown here from the CBS News site:
• And yeah, I'm talking to you, for any print or web media that shows that same doctored photo of a snarling pitbull with digitally elongated teeth. 

This ain't news - it's titillating info-tainment designed to spike fear, ad circ, and ratings at the same time.

It's time to run these out-of-control puppies back thru the basics - you know, fair and balanced reporting, media ethics - all that stuff they swore by in journalism school.

2. Greedy Insurers

These insurers aren't dogs - they're pigs.  And who's to stop them when...........

• they can chow down of easy profits on the backs of good dog owners by denying, limiting or eliminating coverage of dog owners in 37 states?
• they stuff so much of their piggy bank bucks into the pockets of politicians? 

Then politicians, hoggin' up all that campaign dough , do the bidding of the insurance sector, blocking bills that would make it illegal for insurers to discriminate against good dogs and good dog owners.

There's a saying - pigs get fat, but hogs get slaughtered. I'd like to invite you all to a barbeque :-)

1. Opportunistic Politicians

These dogs will whine - they beg - they'll do anything for attention - and money - especially from those fat cats in the insurance lobby who ensure obedience with juicy campaign donations.  These politicians breed fear, thrive on ignorance and count on apathy. Prime examples are :

Michael Bryant - Ontario's infamous "Puppykiller" for the province's sick and twisted breed ban.  One must "prove" that a dog isn't a pitbull and the law requires all pitbull type puppies be shipped out of the province, sent to reseach facilities or euthanized.

Jackie Speier of California, AKA "The Breed Exterminator" , and notable author of SB 861, which is having a chilling effect on dog ownership in California

Paul Wesslehoft of Oklahoma - whose bill to ban certain breeds just went down in flames in the state legislature there.

Molly Markert of Aurora, Colorado's Town Council - that smiling Miss Prim (we hear she smirked to the audience when the breed ban passed) - and noted dog-hater, a leader in passing Aurora's 12 breed dog ban

I've got a message for you - kick these headline grabbing, egg-suckin', political opportunists  of ANY political persuasian to the curb in the next local or state elections.

The Most Dangerous Breeds? 

I'll tell you the most dangerous breeds - write these down!

#1 All Time Dangerous Breed:

The #1 most dangerous breed are media outlets that deliberately breed fear, spreading myths and lies about dog breeds and canine behavior through irresponsible reporting and reinforcement of undeserved and negative breed stereotypes

What You Can Do About It:

• Call up the paper, the TV station or email the website and complain about the biased dog story
• Ask for the Editor, Sales Manager and/or Program Director
• Tell them you won't read, watch or visit
• Tell then you won't patronize their advertisers until they stop their biased coverage
• Tell them they have the opportunity to spread knowledge, not fear
• Tell them My Dog Votes!

#2 All Time Dangerous Breed:

The #2 most dangerous breeds are the local and state politicians that feed on the fear created by the irresponsible media, and the public's ignorance.  They are greedy for the headlines, campaign dough and do the bidding of the private sector instead of truly advocating for the public health, safety and welfare.  They pass breed bans , weight or size restrictions, public space bans, and mandatory microchip laws, and other anti-dog legislation limiting the rights of responsible tax-paying citizens rather than deal with their criminal and social problems.

What You Can Do About It:

• Call or write the offending local of state elected official and complain about the breed ban or other anti-dog legislation
• Tell them you want the ban overturned in favor of breed-neutral legislation
• Tell them you want any other anti-dog legislation stopped or overturned
• Tell them you will vote them out in the next election
• Tell them you will vote out any politician that supported the ban
• Tell them you will rally every dog owner in town against them
• Tell them they have the opportunity to educate instead of legislate
• Tell them My Dog Votes!

#3 All Time Dangerous Breed:

The #3 most dangerous breeds are the apathetic dog owners who say nothing, or do nothing because they think they cannot affect change, or fight the sytem, or it doesn't affect them directly. Or maybe they just don't care - or won't care - that is - until they come for their dog.

What You Can Do About It:

• Tell all of your friends, neighbors, relatives and associates, regardless of whether or not they own a dog about the breed ban or other anti-dog legislation
• Tell them they must support their fellow dog owners, friends,  and neighbors
• Tell them if we don't stand together now, we all fall
• Tell them they have the opportunity to unite the community, not divide the community
• Tell them to do it for their dog
• Tell them My Dog Votes!

Now get off your butts and go do it.

Comments

[danielle]

Finally a sane article, I have a 2yr old rottweiler and he is the biggest baby, my baby! I really wish people wouldn't judge dogs by their breeds, but by the people who take "care" of them. My dog is so friendly, he even let someone to come in my home and steal my computer!

[Tiffany (again)]

I just read some more comments. Quit being rude, guys! This is valuable information and if you are criticizing the author for it, YOU are the ones who are maggot meat heads.

[Tiffany]

Thank you for posting this article. The sweetest dog that I ever met was a Rottie. The next sweetest was a Pit Bull. I own a wonderful German Shepherd named Cookie, and my uncle has one too named India. There are no dangerous breeds, just dangerous owners.
Keep up the good work!
(The only thing I don't like about reading other's comments is that they make me burn up sometimes because of what they say.)
Oh, and in comment to the other comment, I have met 2 or 3 Airdales, and you know what? They were SO well-behaved and friendly! Dangerous are they? Now that's a joke! No dog is unless the owner raises and trains it wrong. And that's a fact. You can hate so-called dangerous breeds if you wish, but remember there are those of us who will cry out hearts out if those breeds are banned. Myself proudly included. Down with BSL!!!!!!

[DAVE STANSBURY]

AIREDALE TERRIERS ARE DANGEROUS! THEY ARE VERY AGGRESSIVE AND DOMINENT ESPECIALLY MALES. PAST HISTOR OF AIREDALES SHOW THEM AS BEING THE MOST POPULAR GAURD DOG OF THE EARLY 19TH CENTURY AND EVEN HAVE STORIES OF THEM IN COMPETITIVE FIGHTING WITH PITBULLS.

[Megan]

I applaude your blog, and I have copy and pasted this article onto a forum I frequent. My friends there also loved this and are forwarding it to all of their friends as well. As the owner of a Chow mix, I have had to deal with breed discrimination despite the fact that my dog is nonagressive and has been deemed nonagressive by multiple vets. I have fought tooth and nail against insurance companies that tried to force me to get rid of her based soley on her appearance with absolutely no knowledge of her personality whatsoever. I'm also an animal health technologist and have worked with many many dog breeds. Pit Bulls and Rotties are probably some of the sweetest best tempered animals I have had the pleasure of working with. People need to open their eyes and stop allowing themselves to be force fed all of the media bias that comes out against these animals. Pit Bulls and other breeds are popular scape goats because they are large, powerful animals that can easily invoke fear based on appearance alone. Stories wouldn't bring about half as much publicity if the offending animal was a bouncy Lab or an animal of undetermined breed.

All animals have the capability of being aggressive or dangerous. The difference between a friendly compliant dog and an aggressive trainwreck? The owners and the manner in which they train and handle their dog. The only ones hurt by breed specific legislation are repsonsible owners and their well-behaved animals.

Punish the deed, not the breed.

[crissy]

pit bulls arnt violent at all the only reason they attack is because of thier owners

[Deborah Martin]

I have to put in my two cents especially since I am a dog lover myself.
First of all it is not the breed it is people, insecure people, unstable people. People make dogs into what they are or become. So this crock about dog breeds is absolutely insane!
Just look at what some people have done to their own children and what strangers do to children. If they can do this to their own flesh and blood or species they are not going to give a rat's as about any other species OK! I could go on and on but get your heads out of your butts and see that we the people (humane beings) have power over every thing in this world.
I recommend tuning into Cesar Millan the "Dog Whisperer" on National Geographic Explorer.
Talk about a ally. Or go to his website and see what he has to say about this topic. He is the best thing that has ever happened to dogs and dog lover's, even animal lovers.
I really respect and look up to him.

[Diane Nunya]

This is in response to Robert Gale's comment:

"So...I click on this site to get information about the most dangerous dogs. What I get is drivel."

Searching for information under such a parachute as "dangerous dogs" is not likely to get you the information you seek, unless it is MISinformation sent out by the news media that you want. You would have to actually expend the time and energy to research each and every individual breed of dog and study their collective temperament; the American Temperament Testing Society has a web site. Pit bulls ranked higher than Golden Retrievers in 2007, FYI. See their web site here:
http://www.atts.org/statistics.html

"The article does exactly what it accuses the "media" of doing - misrepresenting facts to get particular point accross."

Which facts are misrepresented here, exactly? The statements made about the CDC are true. They did a twenty-year study on dog biting, after which the findings for any one breed having the propensity to bite over another breed were deemed "inconclusive." It was deemed inconclusive because eye witness accounts are unreliable due to the high levels of stress surrounding dog bites, because people sometimes LIE, and because not everyone can readily identify a certain breed. Here is the link to the pdf study on their site:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/dogbreeds.pdf

Can you identify a "pit bull"? Test yourself.
http://understand-a-bull.com/Findthebull/findpitbull_v3.html

If you don't think the media blows things out of proportion, try looking into this web site:
http://understand-a-bull.com/Articles/MistakenIdentity/WrongId.htm

"My intention of viewing this ad was to find which breeds (taking all the stupid owners actions into consideration) present the greatest risk to my family."

Congratulations - you found it. You cannot take into account stupid pet owners and come to the conclusion that dogs are, by breed, more "prone" to present a danger to your family. You are targeting the wrong end of the leash. The greatest threat to your family is the stupid human who doesn't train their dog (large OR small) to obey or regard human beings as superior in the pack structure.

"No one is placing blame on the animal (do you understand?)."

Do YOU understand that placing blame on the dog is exactly what you're trying to do by searching for dangerous dogs by breed? Sure, some dogs are more powerful than others, but small dogs, if left with children unsupervised, can kill. Case in point:
http://archives.cnn.com/2000/US/10/09/pomeranian.kills.ap/

"If a child is hurt by a dog, does it really matter WHY?"

Yes, it absolutely matters WHY. Why does it matter why? Because without the understanding of how and why these things happen (owner negligence), we cannot pass laws that help curb these incidents (leash and chain laws) and so, in our infinite wisdom as all-knowing superior human beings, we begin to create legislature that blankets the problem (if it isn't here, we won't have that problem) and does nothing to prevent dog bites. BSL (breed specific legislation) is proven ineffective against dog bites, yet it is still being passed. Why? Because politicians don't LIKE to admit failure and they have the powerful tool called MEDIA to back them up.

"...the only thing that matters is that the child is hurt, a situation to be avoided regardless of why the dog attacked."

How can the situation be avoided if we don't know the reasons behind it? Of COURSE we're concerned with the person hurt by the dog, but I, for one, am thankful in the extreme that animal control officers and the court system need more than the fact of the bite itself to decide whether or not a dog (or it's owner, or the person bitten) is dangerous.

My advice to you is to not get a dog, if that's what you were looking into. In fact, it would probably be best if you didn't get any pet at all, if you're so dedicated to the idea that they are mindless, uncontrollable, untrainable dangers to the public.

[Lisa]

There is a case in Arvada, CO set for trial on January 11, 2008 where a German Shepard has been sent to death row. Please see www.rolodog.com to see the details of the case. Fortunately, Rolo the dog, has a lawyer (Joseph A. Lazzara) who agreed to take the case pro-bono because of his love of animals and his belief that the dog does not deserve the death penalty. There needs to be better laws to protect animals from stupid humans.

[lolorb]

I have spent almost a week doing research on the issues that you are highlighting so well on this site. I've just joined this listserve. I'm putting together a post for a democratic blog (www.bluemassgroup.com) after a very disturbing post was made on pitbulls. My intent is to spread the word and to dispel the myths on these topics. It is very hard to put all of the pieces of the BSL puzzle together without slogging through thousands of web pages. In particular, studying the case law is a nightmare, and determining where all the non-factual data came from that is used in such cases and by politicos is difficult. My original assumption that Dems were less likely to buy into lies has sadly proven wrong. It seems that ignorance is universal. Thanks for all of the info here.

[Robert Gale]

So...I click on this site to get information about the most dangerous dogs. What I get is drivel. The article does exactly what it accuses the "media" of doing - misrepresenting facts to get particular point accross. My intention of viewing this ad was to find which breeds (taking all the stupid owners actions into consideration) present the greatest risk to my family. No one is placing blame on the animal (do you understand?). If a child is hurt by a dog, does it really matter WHY? No. It doesn't matter why, or who is to blame, the only thing that matters is that the child is hurt, a situation to be avoided regardless of why the dog attacked.

[stephanie]

wow i had dobermans for 10 years and had retird air froce dogs and a have had a pit mix great dog

[Heather]

I have a Pitbull, and I have plenty of friends who do have them. My dog has been alive for almost 15 years (yeah, he's going to die soon :( ) and has NEVER attacked anyone. The few times he did go after people is when they went after a family member. HE never physically bite them or touched them, but tried to get them out of our home.

I've had more problems with smaller dogs then I have with big dogs. I've seen Huskies attack children, Great Danes attack children, and German Shepards. Mine.. knocks them down and licks them to death! Is that really a threat?

[Ben - Texas]

If legislature passed making Pitbulls illegal in my state, they'd better outlaw firearms also.

I'm not coughing up my dog because some 52 year old, fat, bald politician was snarled at by a deranged mutt when he was 9, or because he got bored and googled "Killer Dogs" and decided to prevent loss of human life.

Here's a study: Drop a few hundred dollars (out of your hundreds of thousands) and buy a pitbull terrier. Raise him for 8-10 months and see if your perception on "Killer Dogs" has changed. The dogs being banned are the same ones being used by government agencies across the nation. I guess you'd better start looking into getting Chihuahuas for the state police. Bet that will go over well. I just don't understand how these dogs go from being war heroes and children's television show stars to being banned. Just like that. Before putting pen to paper, they should study the topic for any period of time longer than 3 minutes, and take a minute to think about the enormous impact of their actions.

Editor's Note: Ben - we couldn't agree more. But look no further that HSUS and PETA in promoting the "bad" image of the APBT - and having their press machines feed the media this garbage until it's all pervasive.

Then, look no further that you own backyard - and make sure every local yokel politician knows that if push comes to shove, you'll gladly shove his butt right out the door (every so politiely) in the next local election.

Now get out there and VOTE - and make sure you tell them that My Dog Votes.

[Savalifeadopt]

I was wondering if I could use this info for my myspace for shelter pets where Im trying to promote people to buy from shelters instead of puppy mills and stores and being stupid about where they get these dogs/cats from. I try to also promote that any breed can be dangerous as you have said. I work at a vets office and surprisingly (not really) chihuahuas are the most dangerous. 8/10 we have WILL bite whereas the pitbulls we have do not even need a muzzle!!! its all in the way you behave around them!

Editor's Note: - Please share this site by all means!

[Mike Wilson]

I have had Akita's most of my life. Akita's, known in my native England as Child Mauling killing machines. At 1 point i had 4 of these great animals, 2 males and 2 females. and yes I have had to jump in between two fighting Akita's at time, they are working dogs and as such have been trained in pack order, I have never had as much injury as I have taken from my wifes k9. A TIBETAN TEMPLE DOG. You heard me a Shih Tzu. The little sh@t has put its teeth in me more I can imagine, where as my akita's have, no mater how wound up they whereand ready to kill their kin folk, have NEVER decided to bite me. TO me the smaller they are, the more prone to be a biter

[Tyler]

My Rhodesian ridgeback seems all nice but when someone comes in it gets all crazy and trys to attack them. It has attacked one of my friends but it was partially my friends fault for acting like an idiot and teasing it

[sunny rottweilers rule]

I like rottweilers more than anything. right now i have a chuiwawa mix with a jack russel about 2 months old i got him when he was like three weeks and an adult rottweiler 7 years old . My rottweiler is the nicest dog in the world the only things he hurts are little bugs that fly around in the night he jumps up and catches them. the first time i showed my chuwawa (will) to my rottweiler (ricky) ricky just sniffed him and left to drink water and when he sat down will ran and jumped on him and started to lick him every where and annoyed him but he didnt do anything.

anyways i agree there is no such thing as a vicious dog its a dum or irresponsible owner. my dad and uncle dont beleive that rottweilers are good dogs they just think that if insurance doesnt cover it that something has to be wrong about them.

I have been looking for this kind of an article for a long time Thanks!!

[Emily]

I am just here to say I own a pit bull and i could not ask for a better dog. My children, my nieces and nephews love her. She is great with children and other animals. My favorite thing that we all love about her is she has never hurt a single person in her life and she is over 2 years old. Pitbulls are not a vicious animal it is the person who raises them. Anyone who knows our dog sees she is a lap dog and the biggest baby there is. As for the politition's not biting children and such is just one factor because they can do worse to children then biting them. When a dog bites they have to be put to sleep but when a politition does something it is a slap on the hand and sent home to the ones they love.

[Jennifer Lynn]

I agree completely.
I've been searching for my first dog for quite some time now, and I've actually run across quite a few pits that I was rather fond of.
But my parents will not let me get one. It's 'in their blood' to kill, apparently. I personally think that's bullshit--- it's not the dog, it's the owner.
'Punish the Deed, Not the Breed'.

There should be no ban on breeds. That asinine.
That's like banning races here in the U.S.
But, really, banning races would get a larger uproar than banning breeds, because quite a lot of people really don't care about animals. 'People are more important. Animals don't have feelings'.

There were just TWO stories on the news about 'Pit Bull Attacks', both 'unprovoked'.
I don't see them commenting about the OTHER dog attacks in the nation. They just want to drag the pit bull name down. It's already got a bad reputation.

Thanks for posting this.

[Gillian Shippen]

A truely great article.
Banning the so called top 5 or 10 "viscous" breeds of dogs is only going to move the next 5 or 10 popular breeds up the order.
I now have two rottweilers, the first I got because I wanted to prove in the right hands and trained correctly they are a wonderful breed. I proved that very well. My new boy is an ex show dog with only show lead training and nothing else - his original owner obviously felt as the dog had such a nice personality (he does) he didn't need to worry about any other form of training, such as manners, so I have a job in front of me but he is responding really quickly, even accepting my cat. His original owner was an idiot, hoepfully we can get Chevy on the right path.
I also love an other breed of dog that is generally consider nasty too - Chihuahua's! But all mine have been beautiful, non snappy, non yappy, truely loving creatures, some of them rescued from misunderstanding owners for various behavuioral issues!
My original Rotty loved the chihuahua's and now loves the cat and he is trying to teach the new Rott manners.
I hope you will be successful in stopping the draconian laws in canada over the pit bulls.
you are correct - there is NO viscous breed of dog, the problem is the owner, the media and politicians that make knee jerk policies on the run without actually consulting real experts!

[nick]

my nieghbor was attacked by a pitt bull and had to go to the emergency room. nonetheless i dont have anything against pittbulls. the owner was probably stupid. (he was like 100)

[Beth]

I can understand your feelings. I once owned a rotty who ended up turning on me when I was pregnant with my third child we ended up having to get him put down. At the moment we have 2 cross bred pittys and they are absolutely gorgeous they are no different to any other normal dog and they are too labelled as dangerous. Because mine are crossed I am too afraid to tell people what they have in their blood line because of the whole Pit Bull stigma its unfair to people who have to do that when I was 2 years old I was mauled by a doberman. All the bull shit that people go on with is just hype and from my past experiences a pit bull is no more dangerous than a maltese terrier. I don't care what anyone say's I honestly think it's because of the way they look. They are a very robust and staunch breed but that by no means makes them dangerous and it's not fair to us owners who treat our dogs well and train them manners that we can't walk proudly down the street with our pitbull without people shittin themselves. Last but not least I fully trust my dogs with my kids and they love and adore them and I know for a fact they would die for us and it doesn't matter what breed you own that's the kind of dog you want to have.

[Concerned Citizen]

You've fallen out of your tree. Politicians do not bite kids..

[Laura]

I'm a professional trainer, and I can tell you that breed does NOT determine the dog's behavior. Sure, there are influences -- sighthounds chase movement and scenthounds sniff -- and there are breeds which have too much energy or instinct for the average suburban pet home. But there is no gene anywhere for "attack people!"

Don't make the mistake of thinking I'm just a soft-hearted animal lover with no practical view -- I've had my face reconstructed after a bite. The media could have had a field day -- except the dog that bit me was a mid-sized mixed breed, fuzzy rather than short-coated, so of course it must be safe...!

Dogs bites wouldn't be an issue if people would 1) research their dogs (breed and/or breeder) before bringing them home, and 2) do some basic socialization and training. It's not difficult, folks. But most people put more time into choosing a car than their dogs.

I have two multi-titled Dobermans (one a rescue) and a Rottweiler (also a rescue). It's not the dogs, it's the irresponsibility.