[QUOTE=FrenchFrytheEqHorse;6227018]
What makes you think your pup is part pit? Do you know his parents? I don’t see any pit in him at all…[/QUOTE]
Yes, mom was half pit/ half dobie and dad was yellow lab/ basset? mix (total poster child for spay and neuter!!!) Otherwise I would not guess he had any pit in him either- you can kind of see it in his facial expressions sometimes.
Just saw that the OP’s other dog choice was a Standard Poodle. I would be way more concerned about a rescue poodle biting someone LOL.
[QUOTE=CrazyGuineaPigLady;6226205]
I wouldn’t have left my daughter alone with my 12.5 year old, arthritic, slept 20 hours a day, never showed a hint of aggression, Basset Hound for one second when I brought her home from the hospital. Or my mother’s Pomeranian. Babies cry and it’s upsetting to dogs and cats and probably birds that have never heard it.
That’s a stupid (or overwhelmed/overtired) human problem, not a Pitbull issue.[/QUOTE]
AMEN! Great post.
[QUOTE=tabula rashah;6227066]
Yes, mom was half pit/ half dobie and dad was yellow lab/ basset? mix (total poster child for spay and neuter!!!) Otherwise I would not guess he had any pit in him either- you can kind of see it in his facial expressions sometimes.[/QUOTE]
I so want to use your dog on UDBB. There is someone over there who claims you just KNOW when a dog is part pit bull. And that their phenotype is so strong…bla bla bla. I’d have never guessed there was ANY pit bull in your dog. It just further underlines what I know. You CAN’T tell what a breed of dog is just by looking. And to bring this around full circle, this is WHY that CDC report was retracted.
[QUOTE=chancellor2;6227768]
I so want to use your dog on UDBB. There is someone over there who claims you just KNOW when a dog is part pit bull. And that their phenotype is so strong…bla bla bla. I’d have never guessed there was ANY pit bull in your dog. It just further underlines what I know. You CAN’T tell what a breed of dog is just by looking. And to bring this around full circle, this is WHY that CDC report was retracted.[/QUOTE]
Feel free to use it- and even better, here’s his litter mate- PS this was for her xmas card photo we don’t normally “torture” the dogs like that LOL! 
I have two pit-mix girls. They are sisters, however one is a much different dog than the other. I’m not sure if that is just because they are mixes or if that is just because they have their own individual personalities. One is much more independent and harder to deal with than the other. They biggest similarity I notice is that they both have crazy bursts of energy followed by about an hour or two of snoring-passed out sleep. They are smart…the one is a little too smart I think. They both want to please, but the quieter one is much more of a people pleaser. They have very little interest in fetch…I want to try agility with them in the future. I think they need more of a challenge than just bringing a ball back a million times. They seem to like to problem solve.
They have been very submissive with other dogs so far. Both dogs have had a neighbor’s loose dog (we called animal control) attack them on our own property and both of the girls immediately tried to submit to him. Even the more dominant one. The biggest problem I have is that they “play” fight with each other all the time. 95% of the time it is just puppy play, but every now and then they get really snippy and I have to separate them. I would not trust them alone, together in the house. They get crated when we aren’t home.
They have been nothing but excited to see every person they have met. They will bark at a stranger, but as soon as he or she comes over they lick the person. They love on everyone in our family. You can take toys away from them with no problem and they wait very patiently for their food.
They are still young, so I don’t know how much of their personality is “puppy” and how much will stay into adulthood. The one dog I would trust off leash to follow me at this point, the other one would be gone in a second. I’m so curious to see what kind of adult dogs they grow into.
We love them to death.
[QUOTE=Houdini1220;6227828]
I have two pit-mix girls. They are sisters, however one is a much different dog than the other. I’m not sure if that is just because they are mixes or if that is just because they have their own individual personalities. One is much more independent and harder to deal with than the other. They biggest similarity I notice is that they both have crazy bursts of energy followed by about an hour or two of snoring-passed out sleep. They are smart…the one is a little too smart I think. They both want to please, but the quieter one is much more of a people pleaser. They have very little interest in fetch…I want to try agility with them in the future. I think they need more of a challenge than just bringing a ball back a million times. They seem to like to problem solve.
They have been very submissive with other dogs so far. Both dogs have had a neighbor’s loose dog (we called animal control) attack them on our own property and both of the girls immediately tried to submit to him. Even the more dominant one. The biggest problem I have is that they “play” fight with each other all the time. 95% of the time it is just puppy play, but every now and then they get really snippy and I have to separate them. I would not trust them alone, together in the house. They get crated when we aren’t home.
They have been nothing but excited to see every person they have met. They will bark at a stranger, but as soon as he or she comes over they lick the person. They love on everyone in our family. You can take toys away from them with no problem and they wait very patiently for their food.
They are still young, so I don’t know how much of their personality is “puppy” and how much will stay into adulthood. The one dog I would trust off leash to follow me at this point, the other one would be gone in a second. I’m so curious to see what kind of adult dogs they grow into.
We love them to death.[/QUOTE]
If you are raising two puppies, of the same litter or not, of the same breed or not, BUT of the same age, please read on it now.
That can be a recipe for disaster once they are mature animals and the fights they have now escalate.
You can teach them more so that may not happen, although it is instinctual and so hard to control, by training them independent from each other, taking each one out alone, keeping them in separate crates at night, giving them a chance to channel their growing time to other than living with the sibling and practicing one-upmanship.:eek:
That they may be any one breed is immaterial, that this is two puppies being raised together with not much direction is a possible problem down the road.
Just read on possible problems brought on by this, it is a very common and heartbreaking and some times deadly problem.
Wow guys, thanks for all the responses.
I honestly have to say I still don’t know if I should be considering this breed. I would probably be adopting from my local SPCA or similar type shelter, I don’t want to go through all the hassle of most of the privately run “rescues” in my area, and I’m sure I’d get turned down for one reason or another. :mad:
I’m not turned off to the breed, but the dog would be spending time at my farm, off leash, with my 2 other dogs, 4 cats, horses, boarders, our tenets (who have a dog), and occasional doggy visitors from our boarders and neighbors. I realize thats a lot to ask a dog to be “ok” with, and every dog has its limits, but that is the gist of the situation. Busy, with lots of people and animals around! I know there is probably a pit out there that would be ok with all of this, but spending months trying to find that dog, potentially adopting and returning dogs that don’t fit, it isn’t really something I want to do.
I also didn’t realize people were still in such an uproar about how “terrible” and “vicious” pits are, such a shame.
If I stumble across the right pit I’d adopt in a heartbeat, but it sounds like this breed may not be a good match for me right now.
Honestly I’ve always wanted an Aussie, but allergies are an issue. :no:
SAcres, where are you located?
[QUOTE=Bluey;6228043]
If you are raising two puppies, of the same litter or not, of the same breed or not, BUT of the same age, please read on it now.
That can be a recipe for disaster once they are mature animals and the fights they have now escalate.
You can teach them more so that may not happen, although it is instinctual and so hard to control, by training them independent from each other, taking each one out alone, keeping them in separate crates at night, giving them a chance to channel their growing time to other than living with the sibling and practicing one-upmanship.:eek:
That they may be any one breed is immaterial, that this is two puppies being raised together with not much direction is a possible problem down the road.
Just read on possible problems brought on by this, it is a very common and heartbreaking and some times deadly problem.:([/QUOTE]
Amen Bluey!!
Keeping two dogs from the same litter is one of the WORST things you can do, ESPECIALLY two females.
We have an educational handout about littermates that we give to anyone who comes into our obedience school with pups from the same litter.
If Houdini1220 is interested she can PM me with her email and I will send it to her.
You can also find info online, here is one article: http://adrienne-farricelli.suite101.com/why-raising-two-puppies-together-is-not-a-good-i-a160357
SE PA, about an hour outside of Philly.
[QUOTE=Houdini1220;6227828]
I have two pit-mix girls. They are sisters, however one is a much different dog than the other. I’m not sure if that is just because they are mixes or if that is just because they have their own individual personalities. One is much more independent and harder to deal with than the other. They biggest similarity I notice is that they both have crazy bursts of energy followed by about an hour or two of snoring-passed out sleep. They are smart…the one is a little too smart I think. They both want to please, but the quieter one is much more of a people pleaser. They have very little interest in fetch…I want to try agility with them in the future. I think they need more of a challenge than just bringing a ball back a million times. They seem to like to problem solve.
They have been very submissive with other dogs so far. Both dogs have had a neighbor’s loose dog (we called animal control) attack them on our own property and both of the girls immediately tried to submit to him. Even the more dominant one. The biggest problem I have is that they “play” fight with each other all the time. 95% of the time it is just puppy play, but every now and then they get really snippy and I have to separate them. I would not trust them alone, together in the house. They get crated when we aren’t home.
They have been nothing but excited to see every person they have met. They will bark at a stranger, but as soon as he or she comes over they lick the person. They love on everyone in our family. You can take toys away from them with no problem and they wait very patiently for their food.
They are still young, so I don’t know how much of their personality is “puppy” and how much will stay into adulthood. The one dog I would trust off leash to follow me at this point, the other one would be gone in a second. I’m so curious to see what kind of adult dogs they grow into.
We love them to death.[/QUOTE]
A couple of things, they may have different fathers therefore different personalities.
Secondly, I don’t know how old these pups are, but if you think their scuffles are bad now, just wait until they reach adolescence! Two females will fight to the death.
IMO you are in for a lot of heartache with these two dogs.
[QUOTE=englishcowgirl;6224779]
Sounds like you are looking for more of a cattle dog than a pit. [/QUOTE]
A cattle dog as in an ACD or heeler? No, not what OP is looking for. We have one and I know some others. They are not generally good with cats at all, big time chasing and herding. They have a strong prey drive. They are also quite territorial and protective. Ours and the others in our neighborhood do not get along well with most other dogs. They are serious minded dogs and don’t readily tolerate “silliness” from other dogs and puppies. The only criteria OP has that our ACD would meet are good with horses and good off leash. She’s only good with horses since she learned not to herd them, before that, no, she hassled them. She is excellent off leash, she sticks close by and is always waiting for the next instruction. Lots of shedding.
these posts about sibling rivalry have been a real eye opener for me.
my dog was attacked by a dog she was raised with and lived with until i adopted her at 7 months old. the attack occurred almost a year later. they continued seeing each other on regular basis at the barn. they were both females. my dog was severely traumatized by this attack which left her with a large puncture wound on top of her neck. i always wondered what could have triggered the attack. it was really hard for me to understand since these two dogs were effectively raised together when pups and then continued seeing each other on nearly daily basis.
i never realized this in itself could be a problem…
I have 2. Both are now 12 years old and have never been dog-aggressive. They live with a cat, and a free range bunny, and a JRT (who is the boss).
They shed a little, but its the short little eyelash furs so are easy to vacuum up.
I have met lots of pitties, some are very high energy, some are lazy. Some are more prey driven, some are more driven my the TV remote.
I would never recommend getting 2 together,it can heighten the drive in any dog and create pack behaviour…but my girls really have no drive at all for anything other than sleeping and eating. You say the word “walk” and they yawn, and curl back up on the couch.
Evaluate the individual dog 
I trust my two with everything, the JRT however…he’s another story.
I love pit bulls. However, I would say no… probably NOT the dog for you. They are a terrier, with high prey drive, high energy and tendency towards stubbornness.
I think you’ll be hit or miss with ANY breed/mix/type of dog to fit easily into the situation you are describing. I do understand wanting a dog who is okay with all that, etc.
Good luck!
ETA: I think your best bet is what someone said about adopting an adult dog who has been fostered and is well known to the staff. Or a puppy that can be raised in the environment.
[QUOTE=SAcres;6228455]
Wow guys, thanks for all the responses.
I honestly have to say I still don’t know if I should be considering this breed. I would probably be adopting from my local SPCA or similar type shelter, I don’t want to go through all the hassle of most of the privately run “rescues” in my area, and I’m sure I’d get turned down for one reason or another. :mad:
I’m not turned off to the breed, but the dog would be spending time at my farm, off leash, with my 2 other dogs, 4 cats, horses, boarders, our tenets (who have a dog), and occasional doggy visitors from our boarders and neighbors. I realize thats a lot to ask a dog to be “ok” with, and every dog has its limits, but that is the gist of the situation. Busy, with lots of people and animals around! I know there is probably a pit out there that would be ok with all of this, but spending months trying to find that dog, potentially adopting and returning dogs that don’t fit, it isn’t really something I want to do.
I also didn’t realize people were still in such an uproar about how “terrible” and “vicious” pits are, such a shame.
If I stumble across the right pit I’d adopt in a heartbeat, but it sounds like this breed may not be a good match for me right now.
Honestly I’ve always wanted an Aussie, but allergies are an issue. :no:[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Canaqua;6229543]
A cattle dog as in an ACD or heeler? No, not what OP is looking for. We have one and I know some others. They are not generally good with cats at all, big time chasing and herding. They have a strong prey drive. They are also quite territorial and protective. Ours and the others in our neighborhood do not get along well with most other dogs. They are serious minded dogs and don’t readily tolerate “silliness” from other dogs and puppies. The only criteria OP has that our ACD would meet are good with horses and good off leash. She’s only good with horses since she learned not to herd them, before that, no, she hassled them. She is excellent off leash, she sticks close by and is always waiting for the next instruction. Lots of shedding.[/QUOTE]
As an ACD owner, I agree 110% with the above poster!
My ACD is good with our cat, he grew up with him; however, other cats are fair game, and he will chase, and he will grab and shake. He hasn’t killed one yet, but doesn’t let go until I yell at him.
He is actually very good with other dogs and people who come to him. When we go to new surroundings, he is very wary of others (think vet).
He does chase the horses any chance he gets; I have to keep a constant eye on him when they are just in the paddock. While I’m riding he comes with us and does not chase them, just follows along either right beside or in front of us.
He doesn’t run off when off leash, we never hook him.
I don’t think an ACD is the right choice at all for the OP.
That being said…I absolutely CRINGE when I see pictures of babies/toddlers/young children with dogs in their faces! People…please use common sense…I don’t care how good a dog is with peopel, its just not smart to allow a dog into the face of a child, NO MATTER WHAT BREED IT IS! Just because the dog has never bitten anyone, doesn’t mean it won’t EVER. Let’s eliminate the risk, and keep dogs out of the faces of children!
What about an Australian Shepard? I know the shedding would be an issue, but I’ve always loved the breed and there are usually a few in the local shelters.
[QUOTE=wendy;6224389]
well-bred am staffs maybe, and in the “well bred” actual fighting dogs like the example everyone keeps giving of Vick’s dogs- those were “well bred” fighting dogs, and they are fine towards people, thus able to do therapy. Not sure I’d trust them to play nice with strange dogs though.[/QUOTE]
As bad as this may sound… I have been around more than a few “fighing pits”. It still happends and these dogs are dog aggressive (some animal) not human aggressive. There are their rare few that are but for the most part they are big dippy lovey dogs. I personally know one that climbed out of a very large kennel and killed another tied up outside (again NOT MY dogs) but was super sweet to ppl.
Would I trust a “Fighing Pit 100%”? Maybe not but I would still consider them. I have seen fighing pits become normal dogs and even become non-aggressive towards dogs.
[QUOTE=diffuse01;6223658]
What a negative post… FWIW, two of my dogs are from BYB’s and they have no issues with any animal, are reliable off leash, one is a therapy dog, and both are CGC’s. My Amstaff from a breeder is all of those things as well (CGC & therapy dog).[/QUOTE]
So? I had a husky/terrier mix who used to retrieve oppossums, bringing them in unmauled and unmarked and only "playing’ dead, and lived in harmony with a cat. I still wouldn’t tell someone to go find a husky/terrier mix to live in a household with small pets running loose. Individuals can have atypical traits, but on the whole, we generally don’t advise people to go shopping for a breed known to be (for example) high-energy and athletic if what they want is a laid-back couch potato. So why would you tell anyone to look for a pit bull for a home that would offer such an array of challenges for most pit bulls?
What, genetics is a media conspiracy now? Some of the Vick dogs are now permanent prisoners; residents of a shelter designed to house dogs who are unadoptable. And one of them has killed another dog in that shelter.
What? Really? I can go and “want” my collie mix into being a “solid citizen” who doesn’t tremble to chase joggers (sheep being in short supply where we live)? Sure, I can train her to not chase them, and manage her so that she doesn’t get placed in a position where she’s alone and spots a jogger - but I can’t actually just will her into not having that reaction. Dogs like it when we’re happy, but they’re not that eager to please. They have their own little lives and interior worlds. And because we’ve mucked about with their genes in order to get floppy ears, incredible noses, and various other characteristics, some of their interior worlds are on hyper-drive.
Weren’t they the group who had a loyal follower killed by her own pit bull last summer?
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