How does that word make you feel? It amazes me the stereo-type these dogs endure. Can this breed of dog be dangerous? absolutely Can other dogs be dangerous? absolutely (but I will stick to the topic I am sharing... pitbulls). In our state, someone is trying to pass a bill to ban this breed. To own one would cost you a fine of over $6,000 and a significant amount of jail time...fortunately for us, I think this has been turned down.
A HISTORY LESSON: Bull Dogs were believed to be used by butchers to chase and catch a bull by the nose, thus the name. These dogs were known for their jaw strength, as to "let go" of the bull before the butcher could kill it would lead to the death of the dog. Then in the early 1700's they began the sport of "bullbaiting". This is the sport of killing a bull for entertainment purposes, as it would be tied to a pole as a bull dog would be allowed to "attack" it. As this cruel sport declined, the entertainment of dog fights increased, thus wanting to create a stronger dog. They cross-produced the bull dog and terrier to create the Pit Dog (dogs who fight in a pit). Despite thier mannerisms in the pit, the PITBULL was a good companion and good with children. During this particular era, it was not uncommon for an injured dog (from a fight) to ride home w/ the baby in a pram (carriage). The pitbull became popular in America in the 1800's as the perfect watch dog. , specifically as a "nanny". This dog is very loyal, and would protect the children, whom were left outside to play while dad hunted, and mom cooked, cleaned, etc...This breed has a high pain tolerance which is great for babies and toddlers who may tug an ear, or pull a tail as they toddle and lose their balance.
Famous pits...
"Jack" the family dog from Little House on the Prarie
Helen Keller's companion
"Petey" on The Little Rascals
...and many other celebrities could be listed, including presidents, as owners of these beloved dogs.
Now, don't get me wrong, as there can be a problem with these dogs, but this problematic issue is with the owners, not the dog. These dogs require LOTS of attention, are eager to please, and will insist on being part of the family. To own one for a "bad" image enhancement, or for dog fights, or to just neglect in your back yard is wrong.
Famous pits...
"Jack" the family dog from Little House on the Prarie
Helen Keller's companion
"Petey" on The Little Rascals
...and many other celebrities could be listed, including presidents, as owners of these beloved dogs.
Now, don't get me wrong, as there can be a problem with these dogs, but this problematic issue is with the owners, not the dog. These dogs require LOTS of attention, are eager to please, and will insist on being part of the family. To own one for a "bad" image enhancement, or for dog fights, or to just neglect in your back yard is wrong.
Meet ASIA; our Stafford-
shire Terrier
(aka Pitbull) She will be 10 yrs old this summer. We have had her for her entire life. Bad habits: barks too much, begs at the table, gets on my furniture, does not get along well with other animals, specifically larger (intimidating) dogs. Personally, I call her a 'social reject' when it comes to her canine peers. Quirky fears: spray bottles, sneezes, and smoke alarms.
Good habits: incredibly patient w/ children, bar none! If a baby wants to pet her, she will lay submissively. If a small child were to come up to her food dish while eating, she will stop eating, turn her head away from the child, and stand like a statue. She loves attention, endlessly...
She has been in 1 fight before. Yes, she initiated it. I was pregnant at the time, outside with several of our small children. She got out, and charged a German Shephard that was running around loose near us. The fight was on, it was awful, snarling, foaming mouths every where, and when it was all said and done, ASIA never actually bit the other dog. She would not back down, and would aggressively use her body in attack mode, but, I believe due to the training she has received from us, never bit once. On the other hand, she endured several bite wounds. This same German Shephard attacked 2 other dogs in our neighborhood over the summer...ASIA may have initiated it, but just maybe she sensed something that we were not aware of?
Asia loves when Fred plays rough w/ her! She gets all snarly, loud, and foamy at the mouth....
blech! He has a blast messing w/ her, the boys love it too, and us girls (Katie & I) are not so amused. But at the end of the day, she is a lovely and affectionate pet.
All in all, we are glad ASIA is a part of our family!
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2 comments:
You are and awesome spokeswoman for this breed! You go girl! Don't forget the Target Dog. They are the true "bull" terriers for cattle.
I think a dog is what the family makes it.
We had a boxer for 9 years (until we moved down here) and I also had one growing up for 13 years...everyone was always making comments about them, and they were both GREAT family dogs.
My sister has a boxer mix (that looks like a pitbull) and the groomers put Riley in a muzzle once, without even talking to my sister...Riley never went back there!
I agree with H S F above...you'd be a great spokesfamily. Good luck!
Thanks for stopping by, it's always nice to meet other large family "real, not the Duggar's" moms :) Hope to see you again soon.
-Kathi
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