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Ya Know What Grinds my Gears?
16 years ago
This post was triggered by some idiots in our state council trying to push through BSL, and still others blocking anti BSL legislation. As well as several blogs that popped up 1-2-3 as soon as I searched pit bull. I do not at this time own a Pitty, mores the pity, because I don't have time to spend satisfying their large need for exersise, nor in adequately socializing them. In fact I don't have any dogs for those two reasons. So I'm sorry if it seems off topic or whatever, but I had to get this out of my system, as both blogs allow posting only for members. And I may be annoyed but I'm not petty enough to join solely to bitch at people.
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A number of people have tried to say that toy dogs can not kill a person... or seriously injure them. Really? What about children or infants? In 2007 a couple left their 3 week old son in the care of a relative along with their pet pomeranian. The pomeranian got into where the child was sleeping and viciously attacked it biting it's head repeatedly the relative rushed in at the childs screams and then rushed the infant to the emergency room where it later died! Odds are the little dog was either feeling jealous (quite common for poms), or... I dunno disliked the smell or something.
When I was growing up a neighbor across the way had two dogs, a female pitbull, and a male dachshund, everyone in the neighborhood knew both dogs and knew that Beau was a dangerous and unprovoked biter. But Beau was the owners baby dog, one night they let him off leash to play and the dog made a beeline three houses down where a child was playing and attacked... Beau was a dachshund, the child was 4. I happened to be outside watching and Beau lunged not at the ankles or hands he was aiming for the childs throat, fortunately the kid noticed and held out an arm to try and fend the dog off. Beau then grabbed ahold and started mauling the toddlers arm, if his father hadn't rushed out and kicked the Dachshund across the street the kid would've lost his arm.
And what did the owners say? "He's just a poor defenseless little dog were gonna sue you if he dies!"
The child was rushed to the hospital, and I never say him playing outside again... he lived don't get me wrong but he would run straight from the house to the car and back again.
And don't even get me started on ChowChows, several people have mentioned them as though they were incapable of harming a person, but those dogs were originally bred to act as guard dogs... which means that, unlike pit bulls, their original purpose was to attack people! I personally have been attacked by 2 different chows on two seperate occasions... it's hard when something like that happens to blame the dog, but with the clearness that only comes with hindsight I can see that both attacks were triggered by other people near me making the dog nervous so that it struck at the closest object. In one the dogs tail was stepped on by the owner, in the other a kid poked it with a stick. Spitzes (especially Chows) still make me nervous, but I can recognize that both cases it was a human problem not a dog one.
Some of the meanest dogs I ever met were spaniels, for the idiots who keep naming them as harmlessly nice. And it is those stupid mean spirited spaniels that help me make my last point, the breeding of the parents does affect the offspring. Yes I'm agreeing with the bullie haters on that point,
BUT
If three generations of bad breeding can make an agressive spaniel, or dalmation, or poodle... all dogs with originally wonderful temperaments... then three generations of good breeding can make a difference in any line of dogs with poor temperaments.
This isn't speculation on my part either it has already happened in several breeds, and is in the process of happening in several others.
English Bulldogs - were originally bred for the same intent as the bully types, but a dedicated group of fanciers started breeding the Bulldogs with mellower temperaments and now they are sweet and affectionate family pets. And they beat out Labs as the most popular dog breed last year.
Boxers - Were bred as rough tough guard dogs, who would attack any intruders. But now days if you ask any dog expert to name the 5 best dog breeds for children the rowdy and fun loving Boxer will be in the top 3.
MinPins - Were bred down from the ruthless and driven German Pinscher, to make a companion and ratter. They are now one of the most popular small dogs around.
English Bull Terriers - The funny dog with the roman nose in all those target commercials. Still have some issues with dog aggression particularly towards the same gender, but they make excellent and tolerant family companions, with temperaments like a more energetic version of the Old English Bulldog.
Doberman Pinschers - Were once the #1 most feared dog in america, they were considered dangerous and unpredictable back in the day when the PitBull was the most popular pet in america. Now Dobies are shaking off the bad rep, and the bad attitude, thanks to careful breeding by Dobie fanciers.
Apparently the Doberman pinned his rap on the Pitbull as his final criminal act.
ChowChows - Yes I know I just said they were more dangerous than pitbulls, but it's not fair of me to let my own prejudice to get in the way of the truth. The temperament of the Chow has improved by leaps and bounds (even as the health of the breed deteriorates). While this medium sized guard dog is still suspicious of strangers they are no longer the feircly agressive bears I knew growing up in the early 90's. 10 years has turned them into a regal and aloof, but tolerant companion.
Jack Russel/Parson Russel/or-whatever-the-fad-is-today Terrier - Okay so this ones a fraud Jacks haven't really changed. Their still nippy, hyperactive, dominant, little overachievers but everyone loves 'em anyway.
Now the dog breeds that have gone in the opposite direction growing more aggressive as time passes.
Poodles- Seriously who doen't know at least one vicious poodle?
Spaniels - Once the epitome of gentle loyalty, have become unpredictable or timid at best, and snappish unsociable fiends at worst.
Dalmatians - This breeds loyalty and courage was sacrificed on the alter of fashion after 101 Dalmatians came out. Now they are nervous, snappy bundles of raw energy... I find they've become overly typey as well. Having lost the sturdiness they display in old photographs.
Dachshunds - I already explained why, and I could name several other examples of bad Doxie behavior. Unfortunately as with most little dogs they're so cute the owner ignore all signs of agression.
German Shepherds - GSDs are the #1 bite risk in the US... in most cases when the temperament of a dog breed worsens it's because of bad breeding but in the Shepherds case it's because of good breeding. What? No it's true! In order to make dogs that can function well in police work, military service and as personal protection dogs breeders select dogs with trait like fearlessness, and prey drive, high energy levels, focus, and dominant personalities. Now let's think what happens if a dog who fears nothing has lots of energy and lots of focus is also dominant and sees a person fleeing? Well their prey drive kicks in and suddenly the world is minus one jogger.
Golden Retreivers - You heard me right folks, everyones favorite dog has a temperament that is steadily worsening, there have been an sharp increase in the number of Golden bites in the past 5 years. Personally I beleive it's because people who should never own or breed this dog are doing both, they take a lot of time and energy. And being a naturally mouthy breed anyway have become unfortunately prone to biting down.
PitBull (Type)- Back from the turn of the century up till the early 1990's Pit Bulls were regarded as one of the most loyal, patient and affectionate family dogs. They featured in TV shows, served honorably in the military and for police (they still do), and were in fact considered the national dog of the USA. Exemplifying our courage and sense of honor, as well as our determination to never give up. Practically everyone had a Pit Bull, or an American Bull dog, or an American Stadfordshire Bull Terrier, Or an English Bully (at the time they looked just like a Pitty). In the US these were Nanny dogs and almost never fought in the ring. But as drug trafficiing and crime increased in the 80's and 90's PitBull types began to be used by less than savoury people. Criminals took advantage of their intense loyalty and desire to please, and used them to guard their drugs, they also rediscovered the blood sport of dog fighting, and used the dogs in fighting rings to make extra dough. Or to flaunt their own toughness.
As the majority of Pit Bull breeders became criminals the temperament of the dogs began to suffer... although when compared to that of the other fallen breeds they have still shown a remarkable resiliency in holding onto their key traits...
Pit Bulls are still Couragous, Loyal (sadly <b>too</b> loyal), Determined, and with a high pain tolerance. Pit bulls are also attentive to their owners emotions and insanely eager to please, they would jump off a cliff if they though it would bring their master joy. They PitBull may have fallen but no breed is without hope of redemption.
You can ban pit bulls... but it won't solve the problem. In fact it will make it worse since the only people who will own them will be criminals, so the quality of the breed will continue to deteriorate until they really are as vicious as the reports make them out to be.
And here's the thing, if you ban pit bulls because of who owns them, it won't stop the same people from owning them and will also punish many innocent people and dogs. And laws are meant to protect the innocent not to punish them! People who raise their dogs right and worked hard to make sure they were good citizens... and dogs who still hold true the spirit of their forefathers like Seargant Stubby- The Most decorated military dog in US history. You would be destroying a part of the heritage of the US, and any time you do that the nation is weaker for it.
And what kind of message are you sending to the children?
"Sorry but we're too lazy to fix this problem, and too selfish to take responsibility for our actions, so were just going to kill some innocent dogs. There are plenty of other breeds so it's not like anyone will miss them."
There is no such thing as a "bad breed" only "bad breeders"...
Just like there is no such thing as an inately bad dog, only incompetent owners.
Anyone who says otherwise is a fool!
There I'm done now, and I'm sorry to rant, but prejudice of any sort really pushes my buttons!
_____________________________________________________
A number of people have tried to say that toy dogs can not kill a person... or seriously injure them. Really? What about children or infants? In 2007 a couple left their 3 week old son in the care of a relative along with their pet pomeranian. The pomeranian got into where the child was sleeping and viciously attacked it biting it's head repeatedly the relative rushed in at the childs screams and then rushed the infant to the emergency room where it later died! Odds are the little dog was either feeling jealous (quite common for poms), or... I dunno disliked the smell or something.
When I was growing up a neighbor across the way had two dogs, a female pitbull, and a male dachshund, everyone in the neighborhood knew both dogs and knew that Beau was a dangerous and unprovoked biter. But Beau was the owners baby dog, one night they let him off leash to play and the dog made a beeline three houses down where a child was playing and attacked... Beau was a dachshund, the child was 4. I happened to be outside watching and Beau lunged not at the ankles or hands he was aiming for the childs throat, fortunately the kid noticed and held out an arm to try and fend the dog off. Beau then grabbed ahold and started mauling the toddlers arm, if his father hadn't rushed out and kicked the Dachshund across the street the kid would've lost his arm.
And what did the owners say? "He's just a poor defenseless little dog were gonna sue you if he dies!"
The child was rushed to the hospital, and I never say him playing outside again... he lived don't get me wrong but he would run straight from the house to the car and back again.
And don't even get me started on ChowChows, several people have mentioned them as though they were incapable of harming a person, but those dogs were originally bred to act as guard dogs... which means that, unlike pit bulls, their original purpose was to attack people! I personally have been attacked by 2 different chows on two seperate occasions... it's hard when something like that happens to blame the dog, but with the clearness that only comes with hindsight I can see that both attacks were triggered by other people near me making the dog nervous so that it struck at the closest object. In one the dogs tail was stepped on by the owner, in the other a kid poked it with a stick. Spitzes (especially Chows) still make me nervous, but I can recognize that both cases it was a human problem not a dog one.
Some of the meanest dogs I ever met were spaniels, for the idiots who keep naming them as harmlessly nice. And it is those stupid mean spirited spaniels that help me make my last point, the breeding of the parents does affect the offspring. Yes I'm agreeing with the bullie haters on that point,
BUT
If three generations of bad breeding can make an agressive spaniel, or dalmation, or poodle... all dogs with originally wonderful temperaments... then three generations of good breeding can make a difference in any line of dogs with poor temperaments.
This isn't speculation on my part either it has already happened in several breeds, and is in the process of happening in several others.
English Bulldogs - were originally bred for the same intent as the bully types, but a dedicated group of fanciers started breeding the Bulldogs with mellower temperaments and now they are sweet and affectionate family pets. And they beat out Labs as the most popular dog breed last year.
Boxers - Were bred as rough tough guard dogs, who would attack any intruders. But now days if you ask any dog expert to name the 5 best dog breeds for children the rowdy and fun loving Boxer will be in the top 3.
MinPins - Were bred down from the ruthless and driven German Pinscher, to make a companion and ratter. They are now one of the most popular small dogs around.
English Bull Terriers - The funny dog with the roman nose in all those target commercials. Still have some issues with dog aggression particularly towards the same gender, but they make excellent and tolerant family companions, with temperaments like a more energetic version of the Old English Bulldog.
Doberman Pinschers - Were once the #1 most feared dog in america, they were considered dangerous and unpredictable back in the day when the PitBull was the most popular pet in america. Now Dobies are shaking off the bad rep, and the bad attitude, thanks to careful breeding by Dobie fanciers.
Apparently the Doberman pinned his rap on the Pitbull as his final criminal act.
ChowChows - Yes I know I just said they were more dangerous than pitbulls, but it's not fair of me to let my own prejudice to get in the way of the truth. The temperament of the Chow has improved by leaps and bounds (even as the health of the breed deteriorates). While this medium sized guard dog is still suspicious of strangers they are no longer the feircly agressive bears I knew growing up in the early 90's. 10 years has turned them into a regal and aloof, but tolerant companion.
Jack Russel/Parson Russel/or-whatever-the-fad-is-today Terrier - Okay so this ones a fraud Jacks haven't really changed. Their still nippy, hyperactive, dominant, little overachievers but everyone loves 'em anyway.
Now the dog breeds that have gone in the opposite direction growing more aggressive as time passes.
Poodles- Seriously who doen't know at least one vicious poodle?
Spaniels - Once the epitome of gentle loyalty, have become unpredictable or timid at best, and snappish unsociable fiends at worst.
Dalmatians - This breeds loyalty and courage was sacrificed on the alter of fashion after 101 Dalmatians came out. Now they are nervous, snappy bundles of raw energy... I find they've become overly typey as well. Having lost the sturdiness they display in old photographs.
Dachshunds - I already explained why, and I could name several other examples of bad Doxie behavior. Unfortunately as with most little dogs they're so cute the owner ignore all signs of agression.
German Shepherds - GSDs are the #1 bite risk in the US... in most cases when the temperament of a dog breed worsens it's because of bad breeding but in the Shepherds case it's because of good breeding. What? No it's true! In order to make dogs that can function well in police work, military service and as personal protection dogs breeders select dogs with trait like fearlessness, and prey drive, high energy levels, focus, and dominant personalities. Now let's think what happens if a dog who fears nothing has lots of energy and lots of focus is also dominant and sees a person fleeing? Well their prey drive kicks in and suddenly the world is minus one jogger.
Golden Retreivers - You heard me right folks, everyones favorite dog has a temperament that is steadily worsening, there have been an sharp increase in the number of Golden bites in the past 5 years. Personally I beleive it's because people who should never own or breed this dog are doing both, they take a lot of time and energy. And being a naturally mouthy breed anyway have become unfortunately prone to biting down.
PitBull (Type)- Back from the turn of the century up till the early 1990's Pit Bulls were regarded as one of the most loyal, patient and affectionate family dogs. They featured in TV shows, served honorably in the military and for police (they still do), and were in fact considered the national dog of the USA. Exemplifying our courage and sense of honor, as well as our determination to never give up. Practically everyone had a Pit Bull, or an American Bull dog, or an American Stadfordshire Bull Terrier, Or an English Bully (at the time they looked just like a Pitty). In the US these were Nanny dogs and almost never fought in the ring. But as drug trafficiing and crime increased in the 80's and 90's PitBull types began to be used by less than savoury people. Criminals took advantage of their intense loyalty and desire to please, and used them to guard their drugs, they also rediscovered the blood sport of dog fighting, and used the dogs in fighting rings to make extra dough. Or to flaunt their own toughness.
As the majority of Pit Bull breeders became criminals the temperament of the dogs began to suffer... although when compared to that of the other fallen breeds they have still shown a remarkable resiliency in holding onto their key traits...
Pit Bulls are still Couragous, Loyal (sadly <b>too</b> loyal), Determined, and with a high pain tolerance. Pit bulls are also attentive to their owners emotions and insanely eager to please, they would jump off a cliff if they though it would bring their master joy. They PitBull may have fallen but no breed is without hope of redemption.
You can ban pit bulls... but it won't solve the problem. In fact it will make it worse since the only people who will own them will be criminals, so the quality of the breed will continue to deteriorate until they really are as vicious as the reports make them out to be.
And here's the thing, if you ban pit bulls because of who owns them, it won't stop the same people from owning them and will also punish many innocent people and dogs. And laws are meant to protect the innocent not to punish them! People who raise their dogs right and worked hard to make sure they were good citizens... and dogs who still hold true the spirit of their forefathers like Seargant Stubby- The Most decorated military dog in US history. You would be destroying a part of the heritage of the US, and any time you do that the nation is weaker for it.
And what kind of message are you sending to the children?
"Sorry but we're too lazy to fix this problem, and too selfish to take responsibility for our actions, so were just going to kill some innocent dogs. There are plenty of other breeds so it's not like anyone will miss them."
There is no such thing as a "bad breed" only "bad breeders"...
Just like there is no such thing as an inately bad dog, only incompetent owners.
Anyone who says otherwise is a fool!
There I'm done now, and I'm sorry to rant, but prejudice of any sort really pushes my buttons!
