We are overrun with pitbulls and pitbull crosses

[Nicker]

[QUOTE=Coyoteco;7368029]
The dynamic here as I understand it is that people will adopt a pit bull rather than another dog because they feel that the pit bull is more at risk. So, the collie gets euthanized because the person wants to save the pit bull and assumes the collie will get adopted by someone else.

I had heard “of” this phenomena, and recently heard people talking at a kill shelter saying exactly that “I want to adopt a pit bull because they need more help.” Yet, the chiuahua and the lab sit there unadopted and will probably be killed.

It’s a real problem when a municipality “outlaws” any breed - all those nasty “unintended consequences” showing up again.[/QUOTE]

That definitely doesn’t happen here. We recently adopted out a heartworm positive , 9 year old Sheltie in severe need of a dental with a couple of benign masses on his belly and a chronic(but treatable) eye issue. Not to mention he was shaved nearly bald because his previous owner kept him outside on a tether and he was one huge matt when he came in. Prior to that was a 14 yr old teacup Yorkie with no teeth and hardly any hair. Yet perfectly healthy, calm and friendly pitt mixes are euthanized frequently.

I hadn’t walked through our adoptable dog section in a few days and decided to take a look today. 95% are pitts or pitt mixes. Sad, since the majority of them are awesome dogs. If we even put pitt bull down as a part of the breed the majority of people pass it over. We try to label the more mix breed looking dogs as lab, boxer or shepherd mix. It’s sad that so many people don’t look past the label on the cage to see the actual dog standing right in front of them.

[Nicker]

[QUOTE=fire_911medic;7406276]
The best statement I ever heard was “we want our kids to see the miracle of birth” great…watch a video. Why don’t you take them to the pound and let them watch the tragedy of death of those same puppies that nobody wanted ? [/QUOTE]

I think anyone who is even considering breeding their dog or cat should spend a day behind the scenes in a “high kill” shelter. I will never willingly breed an animal. “Papers” don’t matter in a shelter setting.

[Marshfield]

[QUOTE=fire_911medic;7406276]
Ignorance. The humane societies and shows like pit boss and pits and parolees lead to the idea that they are perfect for all people. I don’t say they are bad dogs but they require a certain owner one that is definitely self assured and black and white just like some horses. Great in the right hands horrible in the wrong. They are NOT everybody’s dog. [/QUOTE]

Very well said. I have met wonderful ones and I have met some frightening ones (my technician was mauled by a pit bull whose owner thought it would be “fun” to neglect to tell us that the dog had already bitten multiple people–all of whom were too “nice” to report the bites); unfortunately, far more so than any other breed, this breed often attracts “asshole owners”

Friends of mine and I use the phrase “starter dog”, there are some breeds who do well with either novice dog owners or dog owners who aren’t inclined to invest a lot of energies into training. I am sure there are some Pit bulls that make great “starter dogs” but they’re likely in the minority. And this is utterly not a knock on the breed, heck I keep corgis and most of those aren’t “starter dog”

[fire_911medic]

Sadly another breed that frequents shelters is the lab. In my opinion they are a starter dog for the right person but the reason so many find their way into shelters is because they are high energy and WILL become destructive if bored. I have had three labs or lab mixes and a newfie (that k absolutely adore). All were shelter dogs. The labs were turned in due to being in an apartment and destructive (left to their own devices for 12 hrs a day what the heck do you expect a lab puppy to do ?), jumped on the kids (training shortly fixed that), or barked too much (out of boredom only rarely barked at appropriate times with me because I gave them room to run and a job). The newfie was turned in because he got bigger than they thought (seriously did you not read how big they get? He was 68 lbs when we got him at 8 months. He is now 2 and 120 lbs and not fat. One was on his last hour.

Pits can make great dogs in the right hands. I saw one when I worked in a small animal clinic that I didn’t think was a pit. He was so calm and well behaved. But I think dog owners of ANY breed are responsible for understanding what the dog is capable of and doing responsible steps to prevent that. Limiting breeding being the start. Show dogs are stupid for requiring that they not be spayed or neutered that needs to change ! Would be like us in the horse world saying if you geld your horse you can’t show. Again. Pure ignorance

[ReeseTheBeast]

[QUOTE=Nicker;7406318]
I think anyone who is even considering breeding their dog or cat should spend a day behind the scenes in a “high kill” shelter. I will never willingly breed an animal. “Papers” don’t matter in a shelter setting.[/QUOTE]

AMEN.

I was in PetSmart the other day, and one guy was in there with his intact male pitbull. I overheard him and the random guy in line behind him talking about breeding their pits together and splitting the profits. Let’s just say I “had a feeling” that they weren’t actually professional breeders. “Is she a rednose” does not equate to responsible breeding practices or research, in my book of [admittedly] limited knowledge.

What I do have knowledge of, is how bad I wanted to put down my bags of cat food and punch both of them in the mouth for being so goddamned ignorant. Then I would have taken the intact male straight to the 24 hour clinic around the corner, got his nuts taken care of; and found the right home for him. Of this I am sure.

[FlashGordon]

I was just thinking this same thing… We have a 3 year old female hound, and added a JRT last winter who did not care for the kids. She has since been rehomed with a vet tech friend who does not have wee people. I’ve been casually looking for a 2nd dog for the last few months, with no luck. It makes me sooooo sad to see how many Pit and PitXs there are at the local shelters and rescue groups. There are usually 1-2 non-Pit dogs at the local SPCA shelters and those go within a few hours. A lot of the poor pits hang around and/or end up euthanized. :no:

I agree they can be wonderful dogs but they are also very strong animals and can take specific type of owner. I don’t feel comfortable bringing one home, with essentially an unknown history, having two kids under the age of 10. There is a lot of dog fighting that goes on around here, sadly.

That said it was a hound that mangled my husband’s hand 8 years ago, and we are now have a hound who we ADORE and is the most tolerant dog ever.

I’m not sure what the answer is, except that it is a shame that there are so many idiots breeding Pits, and then oftentimes dumping them or not caring for them.

[chancellor2]

@FlashGordon;7411040

I agree they can be wonderful dogs but they are also very strong animals and can take specific type of owner. I don’t feel comfortable bringing one home, with essentially an unknown history, having two kids under the age of 10. There is a lot of dog fighting that goes on around here, sadly.

I don’t think Pit bulls require a specific type of owner. They require an owner who is at least as smart as them.

There was a recent article that came out that said not to worry so much about the dog’s history. Look at the dog you have in front of you. Contrary to what the media would have you believe the chances of dogs “just snapping” are minimal at best and no more likely in pit bulls than any other breed. The article was however, referring to dogs in foster situations…not dogs in animal shelters where no one actually gets to know the dog.

MANY dogs who have had a background in fighting are successfully rehabilitated to become pets. Pit bulls have a strong desire to please and really good at forgiving.

[Justmyluck]

[QUOTE=ReeseTheBeast;7408546]
AMEN.

I was in PetSmart the other day, and one guy was in there with his intact male pitbull. I overheard him and the random guy in line behind him talking about breeding their pits together and splitting the profits. Let’s just say I “had a feeling” that they weren’t actually professional breeders. “Is she a rednose” does not equate to responsible breeding practices or research, in my book of [admittedly] limited knowledge.

What I do have knowledge of, is how bad I wanted to put down my bags of cat food and punch both of them in the mouth for being so goddamned ignorant. Then I would have taken the intact male straight to the 24 hour clinic around the corner, got his nuts taken care of; and found the right home for him. Of this I am sure.[/QUOTE]

My foster dog is a Pit X mainly pit but she has a narrow head. and she pushed my buttons so much the first couple of weeks. She is a really good dog but had no training and had no clue how much she weighed. With discipline and a firm hand she is just great. However she is black and no one wants a black pit. The blues and brindles turn over in rescues really fast the poor jet black pitties dont.

Any way the reason I quoted this is I work at an animal clinic and someone brought in their puppy with horrible hookworm anemia and they had the breed down as a blue nose cross. It was a brindle pit puppy. I SO WANTED to educate them.

[FlashGordon]

What is the “blue nose” and “red nose” thing with the pits? I see it listed in craigslist ads, etc.

[Moesha]

It is sad to see the damage people do by being irresponsible and selfish. The sad part is that many of the Pit Bulls end up with lunatics and idiots before finding there way to the shelters and rescues… Dogs are dogs to me, just like horses are horses, I don’t judge them by their breed or type…it’s their big hearts that matter! They may have good and bad characteristics that come with their type…but they are all individual and like shopping for a horse, look for a dog that truly fits you and you them…I just can never understand the abuse and neglect inflicted on living creatures…I tear up thinking about shelters and rescues…how people can do things to add to that or put animals in those situations is something I will never understand…
For what it is worth I have known only a few Pit Bulls, and they were all just adorable and friendly and so affectionate…

[Justmyluck]

[QUOTE=FlashGordon;7413915]
What is the “blue nose” and “red nose” thing with the pits? I see it listed in craigslist ads, etc.[/QUOTE]

Uneducated people think they are a ‘breed’ of pitbull. When in fact it is strictly a coat color.

[ThreeFigs]

What’s a “Pibble”?

Darling pix of dogs & their peeps!

[chancellor2]

[QUOTE=ThreeFigs;7414548]
What’s a “Pibble”?

Darling pix of dogs & their peeps![/QUOTE]

Its a colloquialism for pit bull. Faster to type.

[Sunsets]

[QUOTE=vacation1;7387290]
Who’s us? The great pit bull majority? The people producing these animals are producing them for a lucrative business, to make money, and that business is the acting out of inherited aggression. That trait doesn’t go away when a pit bull that failed to excel is rehomed as a pet. [/QUOTE]

Here’s an interesting piece of anecdata for you:

Last night a woman in my neighborhood was robbed at knifepoint while walking her dogs. Her two big, scary-looking rescued PIT BULLS. They didn’t do a thing to stop the two guys who chased her down. Seeing as this is Houston and breeding for fighting and “protection” is rampant, according to your hypothesis those dogs should have been all over her assailants.

Thankfully all she lost was a phone (and a poop bag) and no one was hurt.

[vacation1]

Ah, yes, the inevitable response of the pit bull owner when it senses it has fellow pibble wuvvers nearby - aggressive sneering.

1. Make broad, mocking ironic statement al a “I guess my dog is a MONSTER!!! LOL!!!”

2. Post photo of pit bull sitting, standing or lying within killing distance of another living being without attacking it.

3. Make broad, mocking, ironic statement a la “Evil killer dog, right?”

I invite you to join your fellow passive-aggressive pit owners in ignoring me. Although, if you do, try to actually ignore me, not post even more pathetic passive-aggressive comments about how you have someone on ignore and you’re so grateful that you’re ignoring this person, etc. That’s just awkward.

[vacation1]

[QUOTE=chancellor2;7399007]
As I said, probably 100s of these pictures. But of course, people like Vacation1 will never believe that a vicious pit bull can be this nice…

[endless links to photos of a pit bull not-killing something]

Vicious ain’t she? Remember, these dogs will turn on you in a second. You never know WHAT they are going to do. Oh, and before we say this is one dog. I have had three others who ALSO sleep kindly with cats.[/QUOTE]

Ah, yes, the inevitable response of the pit bull owner when it senses it has fellow pibble wuvvers nearby - aggressive sneering.

1. Make broad, mocking ironic statement al a “I guess my dog is a MONSTER!!! LOL!!!”

2. Post photo of pit bull sitting, standing or lying within killing distance of another living being without attacking it.

3. Make broad, mocking, ironic statement a la “Evil killer dog, right?”

I invite you to join your fellow passive-aggressive pit owners in ignoring me. Although, if you do, try to actually ignore me, not post even more pathetic passive-aggressive comments about how you have someone on ignore and you’re so grateful that you’re ignoring this person, etc. That’s just awkward.

[LauraKY]

[QUOTE=vacation1;7421359]
Ah, yes, the inevitable response of the pit bull owner when it senses it has fellow pibble wuvvers nearby - aggressive sneering.

1. Make broad, mocking ironic statement al a “I guess my dog is a MONSTER!!! LOL!!!”

2. Post photo of pit bull sitting, standing or lying within killing distance of another living being without attacking it.

3. Make broad, mocking, ironic statement a la “Evil killer dog, right?”

I invite you to join your fellow passive-aggressive pit owners in ignoring me. Although, if you do, try to actually ignore me, not post even more pathetic passive-aggressive comments about how you have someone on ignore and you’re so grateful that you’re ignoring this person, etc. That’s just awkward.[/QUOTE]

I won’t put you on ignore, but boy oh boy, you’ve got a problem with pit bull phobia. And you’re obnoxious about it to boot.

[2LaZ2race]

I would never judge a dog that doesn’t belong to me, of any breed.

I have a pit mix and she was never aggressive to a dog until she was attacked by another dog (not a pit bull). She can not be very fear aggressive to large dogs or any dog that comes up to her aggressively. I took her to a professional trainer to make sure I could safely control her in a situation where she may come in contact with another dog.

I don’t however, take her to dog parks or places I think might have a lot of dogs. I do carry dog mace with me in case we’d encounter a stray dog.

I fostered a small dog to see if I could adopt it and my pit mix was VERY slow to accept him. They are fine now but I never leave them together unsupervised. If I leave she is in her crate and he is as well.

I don’t give her the opportunity to be aggressive. It’s my job to keep her and other dogs safe.

add- she has NEVER shown aggression to people, even when the dog was attacking her, she tried to come back to me when I called her and he grabbed her hind legs.

[QUOTE=vacation1;7421359]
Ah, yes, the inevitable response of the pit bull owner when it senses it has fellow pibble wuvvers nearby - aggressive sneering.

1. Make broad, mocking ironic statement al a “I guess my dog is a MONSTER!!! LOL!!!”

2. Post photo of pit bull sitting, standing or lying within killing distance of another living being without attacking it.

3. Make broad, mocking, ironic statement a la “Evil killer dog, right?”

I invite you to join your fellow passive-aggressive pit owners in ignoring me. Although, if you do, try to actually ignore me, not post even more pathetic passive-aggressive comments about how you have someone on ignore and you’re so grateful that you’re ignoring this person, etc. That’s just awkward.[/QUOTE]

[chancellor2]

The problem, Vacation1, with ignoring is that other people haven’t smartened up and ignored you too. So I wind up seeing your posts anyway. It ruins my experience when I see that. So, I guess I will be stuck reading your uneducated posts about pit bulls and I can laugh at your inexperience.

[vacation1]

[QUOTE=LauraKY;7421599]
I won’t put you on ignore, but boy oh boy, you’ve got a problem with pit bull phobia. And you’re obnoxious about it to boot.[/QUOTE]

No, I’m not phobic about pit bulls and I don’t have a problem now. I had the problem when I was a pit bull cultist parroting everything pro-pit just like all the other good little dog owners out there who are being relentlessly told that to be pro-pit is to be pro-dog - when they’re not being told that pit bulls are great with people, just dog-aggressive. The people with a phobia and a problem are pit owners, who literally can’t tolerate a different perspective. You see it in this thread, in every pit thread in every internet forum where pits come up as a topic - the pit bull owners swarm. First they run through their talking points, but when they don’t achieve 100% agreement, they begin screaming and crying and banning and whining. This is an unreasoning, irrational fear. And their tactics are an obnoxious response - to immediately discredit any other POV as harshly as possible, to resort to mockery when insults would get you banned, and to use quick throwaway insults instead of a conversation. Pit bull people are phobic about conversation. The sole reason you don’t want to put me on your ignore list is that you want to be able, if I comment on a pit bull thread, to come in and make a little insult and then run away. So pathetic.