I don't "like" or "hate" the breed. I just like to look at reality. Dog breeds are not a natural phenomenon. They are basically genetically altered
wolves. Altered by humans over millenia. They were bred for specific reasons. Dog breeds created as "companion" or "family pet" animals is a very
recent development.
Pit Bulls, as their name suggests, were specifically bred for aggression and to maximize tissue damage in the act of pit fighting, for gambling
purposes.
Several quantifiable reports and studies have been done, despite protests to the contrary. Pit Bulls have a severely disproportionate amount of
responsibility for dog attacks that result in permanent damage or death. Actuarial liability experts unanimously agree on the major liability that
comes with the breed. These people don't get involved with "profiling". They deal in pure numbers and facts to best cover their employer or clients'
legal behind.
Would the defenders of pit bulls claim that pointers are not genetically predisposed to be good hunting dogs or that border collies are not
predisposed to be good herding dogs? If they concede that, then it is hard to deny that pit bulls are genetically predisposed to be good fighting
dogs.
One also has to understand the nature of the dog. It makes us fuzzy inside to think that our dogs are just nice and loyal. Truth is they are pack
animals displaying pack behavior. The very large majority of dog breeds are bred to be submissive to their human overlords. I do love my lab, but I
also understand her behavior is indicative of an animal bred to be submissive to me. Pit Bulls were "reverse engineered", so to speak, in their
breeding process to have the proper amount of aggression for the gambling pits. Bulldogs were originally used but didn't always fight and didnt
provide enough bloodshed for the spectators. Hence the breeding of a more aggressive and destructive animal.
And it is always, ALWAYS, the family dog "who would never bite or attack anyone and never displayed that kind of behavior before." Hear it all the
time.
A secondary issue is, in general, the people who are attracted to the breed. Thugs, hooligans, and irresponsible buffoons of all races, ethnicities,
and sexes love to own pit bulls.
Even if the breed is no more likely to attack than another breed, which I doubt, they absolutely create major damage and they are well known to be
very willful. While chihauhas are aggressive little $h1+s, you can kick it, problem solved. If a dalmation bites you, you go to the hospital and get a
bandage. If a pit bull attacks, you are much more likely to see permanent maiming and scarring or worse.
Bottom line: Pit Bull ownership should require training and licensing as you are dealing with a dangerous, "special needs" animal.
Also, owners should be criminally liable for anything their dog does, regardless of breed.
edit on 7-5-2012 by pierregustavetoutant because: sp
