Pit-Bull's...friend or foe?

[BrinkofSunshine]

They are realistic concerns! I think it's always a good idea not to rush into anything. Could she look for an older, quieter dog from maybe someone who had a family situation like a fire or a divorce? A dog who would be ok hanging out most of the day but would need a nice walk when your Mom gets home and on weekends?

There is a program, I forget what it's called, where servicepeople are looking for someone to take care of their dogs while they're overseas. Maybe she might be interested in something like that, where she could do something good and perhaps get to take care of a nice, older, quiet dog.

That's an interesting idea! I'll run it past her. I think she may be looking for a dog to call her own though.

Ideally, she is looking for an older (or at least not a puppy) dog that is on the calmer side. She had her heart set on adopting a retired racing greyhound (since they're such couch potatoes).. she had one for two weeks but it was so anxious having never lived in a home before it became destructive and way too much for her to handle and was returned to the rescue. I still think the right greyhound would be a much better choice for her, though.

 

[Wendy31]

I wish I could convince her to get a GSD (a dream dog of mine since childhood).

I don't think she takes the shelter aggression seriously. I also worry that the dog may have way too much energy for her. My mom works full-time and lives in a small apartment. As soon as this dog was taken out of her pen and let go into the fenced play area she ran around like crazy (understandably!).. but seeing as though my mom has no yard and I'd be worried about that dog at a dog park... ugh, I know I'm preaching to the choir. At this point I'm just venting.

Does your mom really want a guard dog, or she is more interested in a watch dog? Those are 2 different types of dogs bred for 2 different things.

My DH works nights, so I get wanting a dog. However, I didn't want a guard dog because I knew, w/ my personality, I probably wouldn't be able to manage & control a true guard dog. And I didn't want to worry about my dog attacking someone.

Instead, I was more interested in watch dog - a dog that would alert me.

Tell your mom to look at Keeshonden. Keeshonden were never bred to attack/guard/herd. From the beginning, they were bred to be companion watch dogs on Dutch barges.

Keeshonden are medium sized dogs & are less stubborn than other Spitz breeds. Their cousins are the Samoyed & the Pomeranian. They're wonderful companions & have been used as therapy dogs. They're also great w/ children.

They also don't require a lot of exercise - which is good for someone older. Just an easy walk is perfectly fine. And they're good apartment dogs.

Their coats are kept natural, so their grooming is pretty easy too. They don't get "doggy stinky," & don't require a lot of bathing - frequent bathing can actually harm their coats.

They don't shed like other dogs - they blow out their coats twice a year, but it's "clumps" of hair/fur instead of the fine little hairs like GSDs or Retrievers.

They have a little bit of the Golden Retriever personality but are out of the puppy stages more quickly. They tie w/ the Collie at #16 on the Dog Intelligent Scale.

They're also really good watch dogs & have a "bigger dog" bark.

We have a large bay window in our living room, & it's one of our dog's favorite spots. When he's there, I can honestly imagine his ancestors on the Dutch barge ships, overlooking everything.

 

[luvsJack]

There is a reason GSDs are used by police, military, and other agencies.

Ok?

I was agreeing with you that they are fabulous dogs. Not sure why you feel you to defend them. Besides, they aren’t the only breed used.

 

[luvsJack]

Here’s the thing about that, Akitas are an awful aggressive breed. That’s like saying well a wolf’s bite is worse. Yeah we know, but we don’t advocate owning them. I have no doubt an Akita is worse. Personally, I don’t think there are any good Akitas, but that doesn’t make me any more willing to gamble on a pitbull either.

Someone asked about the strength of the dog’s bite which is why I posted that. Has nothing to do with a good or bad dog.

Aggression and strength of bite have nothing to do with each other. It’s the PSI of the bite. I mentioned Akitas because one article listed them as the strongest and another article listed a different dog as the strongest. Again, not about aggression.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

@Wendy31 Definitely a watch/alert dog. Thank you for the info- I'll tell her to look into that breed!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Ok?

I was agreeing with you that they are fabulous dogs. Not sure why you feel you to defend them. Besides, they aren’t the only breed used.

The discussion at the time was about aggression and viscousness of various breeds, etc.
I was trying to impart the specialness that a good GSD has to people who may not know.
I was trying to explain (and I guess I didn't do a very good job) how reliable they are the vast majority of the time because of their intelligence, temperament and disposition, and how they instinctively know the difference between friend and foe.
Your response that they were just like other dogs made me realize I didn't quite get my point across, I guess.
But it's true, the GSD has been chosen for over a century as a working dog in many agencies because of these characteristics. The Belgian Malinois has begun to replace the GSD because of bad breeding in the GSD (which is the same reason I had to take a break from them, myself, having had two on wheels that just about broke my heart. Ive been looking for another but haven't found the right one for our family yet).
Most people I meet either say they had a GSD growing up, they have one, or they want one. A few say they are afraid of them.
I believe that is different than how many people feel about the pit bull.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Someone asked about the strength of the dog’s bite which is why I posted that. Has nothing to do with a good or bad dog.

Aggression and strength of bite have nothing to do with each other. It’s the PSI of the bite. I mentioned Akitas because one article listed them as the strongest and another article listed a different dog as the strongest. Again, not about aggression.

This I am confused about. What do you mean?

Aggression and strength of bite, to me, are related, and are discussed together in most articles about dog bites.

What they know they've learned from actual incidents.

I read one article the other day that showed a picture of an actual mauling where all that was left of an elderly woman's head was the skull and a shock of beautiful wavy gray hair. Seeing that makes one understand the damage an aggressive dog can do. We hear and read about stories, but seldom see these pictures.

As domesticated animals descended from wolves, dogs often have a distinctive pattern of biting when they kill. As I mentioned previously, this is studied forensically when there is an incident. Any dog who has a PSI of greater than [I believe it was] 200 is capable of breaking human bones and bringing a person down. Once down, it is difficult for the person to defend themselves as they are shocked, disabled, and now at a big disadvantage. They then go for the head and throat if they mean to kill, and if not stopped, they will.

How is this not all related? The larger and stronger the dog, the larger the head, and the larger PSI of the bite, in general. Larger dogs are more capable of killing. Some of the larger more aggressive breeds can easily kill a human, especially a child, elderly person, or weaker person. They are also known to kill smaller animals like cats and dogs with more frequency. I am always cautious when walking my terrier. I have taken on two GSDs before who were attacking my GSD, and I'm sure I'd also take on a Pit Bull or any other dog who was attacking my dog (we had a Canine Corso who did some damage locally not too long ago) but whether I'd actually come out of it, idk. I certainly hope to never find out.

 

[torene03]

They are realistic concerns! I think it's always a good idea not to rush into anything. Could she look for an older, quieter dog from maybe someone who had a family situation like a fire or a divorce? A dog who would be ok hanging out most of the day but would need a nice walk when your Mom gets home and on weekends?

There is a program, I forget what it's called, where servicepeople are looking for someone to take care of their dogs while they're overseas. Maybe she might be interested in something like that, where she could do something good and perhaps get to take care of a nice, older, quiet dog.

https://pactforanimals.org/military-foster-program/

That's an interesting idea! I'll run it past her. I think she may be looking for a dog to call her own though.

Ideally, she is looking for an older (or at least not a puppy) dog that is on the calmer side. She had her heart set on adopting a retired racing greyhound (since they're such couch potatoes).. she had one for two weeks but it was so anxious having never lived in a home before it became destructive and way too much for her to handle and was returned to the rescue. I still think the right greyhound would be a much better choice for her, though.

You can also check out: https://www.dogsondeployment.org/

 

[PAsFab5]

That's an interesting idea! I'll run it past her. I think she may be looking for a dog to call her own though.

Ideally, she is looking for an older (or at least not a puppy) dog that is on the calmer side. She had her heart set on adopting a retired racing greyhound (since they're such couch potatoes).. she had one for two weeks but it was so anxious having never lived in a home before it became destructive and way too much for her to handle and was returned to the rescue. I still think the right greyhound would be a much better choice for her, though.

Hi! Based on what you say your mom is looking for I would suggest you and your mom work with a foster based rescue group that has its adoptable dogs in peoples homes.

Adoptable dogs in foster homes have had time to decompress from the shelter environment and the foster family knows the true personality of the dog. The rescue will most likely put you in touch with the foster family (and if they don’t offer ask if you can speak with them) and the foster family will tell you everything...the good, the bad and the wonderful. Fosters want only the best for the dogs and want to find the perfect family.

I am not against shelter adoption, my personal dogs were adopted from shelters and most of our fosters come direct from shelters to us... but based on what you described I truly believe a foster based rescue could find your mom the most perfect dog for her.

 

[Floridaman999]

I lost this girl to a pit, so I'm probably a bit jaded...

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I lost this girl to a pit, so I'm probably a bit jaded...

View attachment 389083

Oh, no. What happened?

 

[Floridaman999]

Oh, no. What happened?

The pit was loose and I didn't know. We were walking to the car to go for a ride to the park and she was attacked. It was instant, severe and terrible.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

The pit was loose and I didn't know. We were walking to the car to go for a ride to the park and she was attacked. It was instant, severe and terrible.

That is so tragic, and I'm so sorry. I can't imagine the devastation and anger.

 

[Floridaman999]

That is so tragic, and I'm so sorry. I can't imagine the devastation and anger.

Thanks, I appreciate that. The whole event is something I'll never forget. It's just not fair.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

I lost this girl to a pit, so I'm probably a bit jaded...

View attachment 389083

That’s so awful, I’m so sorry.

 

[TashK]

Much better than the Cocker Spaniel who almost drug her down when she was walking him.

One of my favourite breeds but my Cocker Spaniel was aggressive if he didn't get his own way i.e being asked to get off the lounge. Again he never drew blood or left marks but he certainly threatened to and like some Pitt Bulls they are known for going into a frenzied state.

 

[luvsJack]

This I am confused about. What do you mean?

Aggression and strength of bite, to me, are related, and are discussed together in most articles about dog bites.

What they know they've learned from actual incidents.

I read one article the other day that showed a picture of an actual mauling where all that was left of an elderly woman's head was the skull and a shock of beautiful wavy gray hair. Seeing that makes one understand the damage an aggressive dog can do. We hear and read about stories, but seldom see these pictures.

As domesticated animals descended from wolves, dogs often have a distinctive pattern of biting when they kill. As I mentioned previously, this is studied forensically when there is an incident. Any dog who has a PSI of greater than [I believe it was] 200 is capable of breaking human bones and bringing a person down. Once down, it is difficult for the person to defend themselves as they are shocked, disabled, and now at a big disadvantage. They then go for the head and throat if they mean to kill, and if not stopped, they will.

How is this not all related? The larger and stronger the dog, the larger the head, and the larger PSI of the bite, in general. Larger dogs are more capable of killing. Some of the larger more aggressive breeds can easily kill a human, especially a child, elderly person, or weaker person. They are also known to kill smaller animals like cats and dogs with more frequency. I am always cautious when walking my terrier. I have taken on two GSDs before who were attacking my GSD, and I'm sure I'd also take on a Pit Bull or any other dog who was attacking my dog (we had a Canine Corso who did some damage locally not too long ago) but whether I'd actually come out of it, idk. I certainly hope to never find out.

The strength of a dog’s bite is measured in PSI. National Geographic did tests on dogs using a digital bite meter to test their strength. So not actual incidents.

The strength of a dog’s bite is not related to his aggressiveness. If you believe it is then you are contridictibg yourself as a GSD’s bite is slightly stronger than a pit.

You are the one that mentioned bite strength. The pp asked if studies had been done. They have and I posted a link. Then the other pp said something about the Akita’s and I was answering her. I don’t know a thing about Akitas just that one one article they were the strongest and in another they were not.

A chihuahua and dachshund are listed as some of the most aggressive dogs but they don’t have a strong bite. Some that have a very high PSI bite are considered some of the “General giants” (with exceptions of course)

 

[luvsJack]

One of my favourite breeds but my Cocker Spaniel was aggressive if he didn't get his own way i.e being asked to get off the lounge. Again he never drew blood or left marks but he certainly threatened to and like some Pitt Bulls they are known for going into a frenzied state.

His name was Robbie and he was so pretty. Jet black. But he was bigger than mom thought he would get. Some how mom always had dogs that got bigger than they were supposed to.

Anyway, he was usually just a big old mop laying around the house but loved going for walks. And he would pull hard on the leash. She really couldn’t handle him. I don’t remember him ever showing aggression.

I didn’t know they were known for frenzy. Guess I just always thought of the pretty little dog in Lady and the Tramp lol

 

[Snap Crackle Pop]

I only met one Pit Bull that was very docile, and a big pushover but she was a pitbull mix.
I'm terrified of all other pitbulls though (and big dogs in general) so i'm going to say foe.

 

[Disneyland1084]

I wouldn't say I dislike pitbulls, I just don't care for the breed. Last year, my SIL was walking her two dogs when two lose pitbulls (her small dog got away and ran back home) viciously attacked her big poodle mix. The owner came running out and said "Sorry, they've never done anything like this before." Bull!!!!! I know there's good pitbulls out there and you always here people say "It's the owner." While I believe that's true in some cases, the fact is dogs are born with certain traits and characteristics. Take the German Shepherd for example. My mom grew up with those dogs and my grandparents had them for as long as I can remember. They're fiercely protective of their owners and will attack on a second's notice if they believe they're being threatened. One day when my mom was a kid, one of her GS got out and ran after the mailman. Luckily my grandpa was outside and put an immediate stop to it. Had he not been there, no doubt the mailman would have been killed or seriously injured. The sad thing about pitbulls is if it gets in a fight with another dog, even if it's not at fault, the pitbull will always be blamed because of the reputation of the breed.