pitbull help please!!

[tigereize]

ok, I visited my local animal shelter looking for a dog. I went through 5 dogs there to find the right one, and I fell in love with the last one. SHe is a 5 month old pitbull mastiff cross, absolutely beautiful and shes has a lovely personality. I paid my deposit, and I have to bring my parents choclate lab (13 months old) in the meet her before they will let me take her home. So I told my mother about her, and she said she sounds great, except she said that my step father (who is very closed minded, may I add) had just said that same day to her that all pitbulls should be shot!!! I can't even explain how angry this made me! My mom tried to tell him that any dog has the capacity to be aggressive, and I grew up with an Akita (that he bought), which was very aggressive. We couldn't bring strangers or other animals any where near him. He really isn't the type of guy to try to convince him to go against his own stubborn beliefs, so I am trying to devise a plan and say that she is am. staff. and mastif cross. Do staffordshire terriers have a bad rep? any other ideas? I am determined to take this little girl home! :mad:

[FemaleCheetah]

A "pitbull" is a staffordshire terrier. Pit bull is only a term that describes many dogs with certain traits/personality. Pit bull is NOT a breed... so a staffordshire terrier can also be called a pit bull.

So to answer ur question, yes they do have a bad rap but not because they are bad but because of people.

[bruises]

Honestly, there's no real need for your step-father to know the breeds, if you're going to be the primary caretaker. Does your step father have anything against mastiffs? If not, just tell him it's a mastiff mix. Or just simply that it's a mutt. Shelters often get dogs they don't know which breeds are involved, after all. All that matters is that you know and can take care of the breed-specific things, and your step-father can stay clueless.

[jennawing]

Not to insult your shelter, but rescues do tend to generalize breeds and combos of breeds in their descriptions. If you look at Petfinder, you will see some pretty way-off guesses on what these dogs are made of. Anything black is a lab, anything strong-looking is a pit, anything with spots is a dalmations, anything with short legs is a dachshund, etc etc. It serves their purpose, as people like to know what the dog is, but it also hinders at times, as people tend to focus way too much on the stereotype of the breed and not the individual dog's personality. Stereotypes are never fair- as there are always exceptions to the rule, and stereotypes are based on popular opinon- which happens to be the opinion more people are ready to believe. I wish they would just describe them as color/weight/coat/appr. age. That would be a lot more helpful, and then let the adopting family decide what the dog is- or not.

All the commentary to make a simple point- you really can't be 100% sure of the accuracy of their description, and even looking at the dog it may resemble one or two breeds, but breeds all came from other breeds, so you technically would have a very long list. I wouldn't focus on what breed the dog is- I would meet him, discuss his temperament with the rescue, etc, and consider if he is the right dog for your space and time and experience.

[lneill84]

Just something to think of that no one has mentioned before, and something that i have come across. It sounds as if you still live with your parents. I dont know how old you are, but when you decide to move out, etc., and if you rent a place, you will be hard pressed to find a suitable apartment that will allow "pit bulls". Just a word of caution, and something to think of. I havent found an apartment complex run by a mangement company and very few private rentals that allow a "pit bull" to be housed there. I only found one place in my area that allowed any dogs over 30 pounds. Something else to check is your homeowner's insurance. Many companies have now decided that they will void or will not insurance a house where the family owns pits, rotties, dobies, dalmations, etc. Its unfair, but something to double check. That being said, Jennawing brought up a very good point. The first priority should be the new dog getting along with the family and other animals first, and worry about breed later.

[Kristal007]

A "pitbull" is a staffordshire terrier. Pit bull is only a term that describes many dogs with certain traits/personality. Pit bull is NOT a breed... so a staffordshire terrier can also be called a pit bull.

A pitbull is a breed. It's an American Pitbull Terrier, only recognized by the ADBA, and CKC . A Staffordshire Terrier is very similiar, but is a different breed, and the AKC recognizes it. Pit bulls are super dogs, and in my book they'll always be #1. They are a great family dogs. You can always tell your dad she is a mastiff mix, because like someone else said, they don't always know exactly what it's mixed with.

[Kristal007]

Just something to think of that no one has mentioned before, and something that i have come across. It sounds as if you still live with your parents. I dont know how old you are, but when you decide to move out, etc., and if you rent a place, you will be hard pressed to find a suitable apartment that will allow "pit bulls". Just a word of caution, and something to think of. I havent found an apartment complex run by a mangement company and very few private rentals that allow a "pit bull" to be housed there. I only found one place in my area that allowed any dogs over 30 pounds. Something else to check is your homeowner's insurance. Many companies have now decided that they will void or will not insurance a house where the family owns pits, rotties, dobies, dalmations, etc. Its unfair, but something to double check. That being said, Jennawing brought up a very good point. The first priority should be the new dog getting along with the family and other animals first, and worry about breed later.

Yep, you probably won't find a place that will take mastiff or pit bull mixes. It's very un-common. There are also some states and cities that have banned them. There are a lot of insurance companies that will not insure you, however at least there are some companies that will, they'll just need to make sure the dog does not have a bite history, and their might be special clauses in your insurance policy because of the breed. Hopefully one day, this will all change, but I don't ever see it happened. So, when you do move out of you parents house, I hope you plan to buy your house or you might be able to find a private renter that has some common sense, and will rent to you knowing your dogs breed.

[tigereize]

Yes, I live at home with my parents, and I am 21 years old. About the whole apartment thing, they are not in my future. I am graduating from college soon, and my fiance and I are moving to alaska where we are having a house built. I work for a vet hospital, and there is a difference between the American Pitbull terrier and the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, as well as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. They are seperate breeds. The Staffy is shorter and stockier, while the pit is more leggy. You can also find the info at www.akc.org and www.dogbreedinfo.com.

http://www.akc.org/breeds/american_staffordshire_terrier/index.cfm

http://www.akc.org/breeds/staffordshire_bull_terrier/index.cfm

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americanstaffordshire.htm

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americanpitbull.htm

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/staffordshirebullterrier.htm

don't worry, I have done my homework ;)

[jennawing]

A pitbull is a breed. It's an American Pitbull Terrier, only recognized by the ADBA, and CKC . A Staffordshire Terrier is very similiar, but is a different breed, and the AKC recognizes it. Pit bulls are super dogs, and in my book they'll always be #1. They are a great family dogs. You can always tell your dad she is a mastiff mix, because like someone else said, they don't always know exactly what it's mixed with.

UKC also recognizes APBTs- they are pretty big in UKC

[Lacey]

This is to Femalecheectah
I don't know where you get your informationfrom but American pitbull terriers and Staffordshire terriers are two different dogs! Head sizes , weight and size are different and staffies are more of a family dog. Pitbulls do come in different varities blues nose red nose ect but are no way a Staffordshire Terrier

[jennawing]

Wanted to give a link to my comment about apbt and ukc- here it is- apbt ranked #2 in ukc.

http://www.ukcdogs.com/RegUKCBreedsTop20.htm

[Kristal007]

UKC also recognizes APBTs- they are pretty big in UKC

Yep...I cna't believe I left that one out, I was posting this quickly before I had to go rushing off to my meeting...My apbt is ukc registered :o

Tiger - sounds like you have things under control! Good luck w/ the pup, and I hope everything works out! :D

[Chaos]

Remember, if you dog LOOKS like a pit bull, no matter what she's crossed with, she'll be judged as a pit bull. Make sure she has great manners in public, for the whole breed. And good for you for not being breed bias, its true, ANY breed can and does go bad.

Yes, "pit bull" incorperates any of the bull and terrier breeds, but the APBT is a very real breed, older than the AmStaff, as well as usually still bred for work, rather than show. Staffs and APBT's have no genetic differences, just bred for different things.

[tigereize]

Krystle and chaos:
thank you very much! And yes, I will be putting her through lots of obedience classes... she will be a very obedient and well socialized pup! :)

[Pippin]

This is to Femalecheectah
I don't know where you get your informationfrom but American pitbull terriers and Staffordshire terriers are two different dogs! Head sizes , weight and size are different and staffies are more of a family dog. Pitbulls do come in different varities blues nose red nose ect but are no way a Staffordshire Terrier

American Pit Bull Terriers do NOT come in "varieties". The blue nose/red nose thing is just something backyard breeders came up with to make their dogs sound special.

American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers are very similiar breeds and dogs can be dual-registered as both. Depending on who you ask, they are basically the same breed with the AmStaff bred more for show.

But Staffordshire Bull Terriers are shorter and different.

"Pit Bull" can certainly refer to any and all of these breeds and mixes. It is a general generic term when speaking of bully breeds. But if you are being specific and know what you are talking about then it can represent the American Pit Bull Terrier. Honestly, it's a vague term and you can use it both ways. There is no right or wrong.

[jennawing]

from the ukc apbt standard-

NOSE - The nose is large with wide, open nostrils. The nose may be any color.

Nose pigment is effected by the gene that also determines coat color. Doesn't make it a variety.

[Kristal007]

posted multiple times

[Kristal007]

posted multiple times

[Kristal007]

American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers are very similiar breeds and dogs can be dual-registered as both. Depending on who you ask, they are basically the same breed with the AmStaff bred more for show.

Are you saying that you can register an APBT as an APBT and Staffordshire? If that is what you mean, that is not true.

[FemaleCheetah]

yes they are two different dogs but they all have the same tempermants etc... Here "Pit bull is NOT a breed. It's a generic term often used to describe all dogs with similar traits and characteristics often known by the public as "pit bulls".



that might explain it better

[FemaleCheetah]

thanks pippin u said exactly what I was trying to saying but u explained it 10x better :)

[FemaleCheetah]

Heres some info for u guys

*Pit bull is NOT a breed. It's a generic term often used to describe all dogs with similar traits and characteristics often known by the public as "pit bulls".

Remember that little is known about the background of rescue dogs. Some may be gamebred APBTs (from fighting lines), some may be registered show dogs, some may be AmStaffs, some may look like APBTs but might be mixed with other breeds, etc. Since there is no way to know for sure unless you have the pedigree of the dog, we recommend following the guidelines offered by PBRC for any pit bull type dog. See PBRC's FAQ for more information.

Basic Breed Overview
Pit bulls are wonderful animals that deserve a chance to have a good life like any other dog. However, it's important to remember that pit bulls are not just any other dog - They are a little more of everything a dog can be.

Pit bulls have superior physical and mental characteristics that make them excellent partners for responsible, active, and caring owners. On the other hand, these same outstanding qualities can make them a little difficult to handle for people who don't have a lot of experience with dog ownership, or for those who don't understand the breed very well. Luckily, pit bulls are very responsive to training and eager to please. It is therefore strongly recommended to take them to obedience classes as soon as they are up to date with their shots. (Pit bulls are prone to parvovirus, so it is important that they receive all their vaccinations before coming into contact with other dogs or going places that other dogs frequent.) A well behaved and obedient pit bull will be a great ambassador for the breed and help fight prejudice and misconception.

Pit bulls are very adaptable and will even do well in urban living provided they have enough exercise or other positive outlets for their energy. Many pit bulls are easygoing couch-potatoes but can also be somewhat rambunctious until they mature. Maturity can come pretty late with this breed (2 to 3 years old in some cases). Pit bulls remain playful all their life and have a great sense of humor. Real clowns at heart, these dogs will make you laugh like no other.

Pit bulls are strong, energetic, agile, and powerful dogs. They are also very resourceful and driven. Determination is one of their most notable traits. Whatever they set out to do, they put their heart and soul into it...Whether it is escaping an inadequately fenced yard to go explore the neighborhood, destroying your new couch when left home alone, or climbing into your lap to shower you with kisses! They just don't give up easily.

Stahlkuppe (1995) writes, "The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), or the AmStaff, is certainly not the right pet for everyone. Being a powerful dog, it will require sufficient and adequate control. Some prospective elderly owners or children, will not be able to supply that control... A first-time dog owner, in the minds of many experienced dog breeders, should not buy an APBT or an AmStaff! An insecure person who wants only an aggressive dog to bolster some personal human inadequacy should never become an owner of one of these dogs. An uncaring or negligent person should not buy an AmStaff or an APBT (or any other dog for that matter)."

Another very important characteristic of pit bull dogs is their amazing love of people. Many people are surprised by the loving personality of these dogs the first time they meet one. Pit bull dogs are indeed remarkably affectionate and truly enjoy human attention. They are wonderful cuddlers, and nothing beats a belly rub. In fact, most pit bulls think they are lap dogs!

Dunbar (1999) writes: "Today, a properly bred pit bull is so exuberantly happy upon meeting her owner's friends (or even friendly strangers) that new owners sometimes worry that their dog is too sweet and fun-loving to protect their home and family... A multi-talented companion, the well-trained pit bull is suited for a variety of exciting activities. He excels at obedience, agility and weight-pulling competitions, events which showcase intelligence, trainability and strength. In addition, the pit bull's pleasant nature makes him an ideal candidate for therapy work with people."

Human aggression, severe shyness, and instability are not traits typically found and accepted in the APBT breed. Dogs with these traits are not good representatives of the breed and should not be placed into adoptive homes.

Like any other breed, pit bulls can develop behavior problems if poorly bred, mishandled, abused, unsocialized, etc., that could result in inappropriate aggression. Any large, strong, and powerful dog that attacks can do a lot of damage. This is why temperament evaluation is important when dealing with dogs of certain size and potential.

Unlike the myth propagated by the media however, human aggression is NOT a problem specific to pit bulls. In fact, pit bulls tend to do better than average in temperament tests.

The American Temperament Test Society provides temperament testing around the country for dog breeds, and gives a passing score for the entire breed based on the percentage of passed over failed within total number of the particular breed tested. As of December 2003, the American Pit Bull Terrier has a current passing rate of 83.9%, and the American Staffordshire Terrier passes at 83.2%. In comparison, The Golden Retriever passing rate is 83.2%.

Pit bull type dogs are wonderful, loving, and very loyal companions. It is important however, to understand the breed's nature, to provide a structured environment, and to establish a positive leadership role. In order to do so, pit bull owners must understand the original purpose of the breed, and respect its limits and potential.

The Breed's Original Purpose
Humans have created specialized dogs through emphasizing desired traits and eliminating unwanted ones. It is no different with the pit bull type dogs. The American Pit Bull Terrier has been "selectively" bred for hundreds of years to fight other dogs. This is the sad "work" these dogs were created for. In the same way that Labradors were bred to retrieve birds, APBTs were bred to face other dogs in mortal combat. Even in dogs that are not recently bred from fighting lines, the urge to fight can arise at any time. Not to strongly emphasize this fact would be negligent.

That said, we can't blame specialized breeds for behaving as they were bred to. Specific traits were bred into the dogs and are now part of the breed's character. It's like the digging instinct of many Terriers, the herding behavior in Shelties, the compulsion to run in Greyhounds, etc. Your Pointer may have never spent a day on a real hunt, but he may still point and flush birds as his ancestors did.

It's a mistake to think that the fighting gene can be trained or loved out of a dog, or that early socialization will guarantee your pit bull will always get along with other animals. There are precautions to take when owning pit bulls, especially in a multiple-dog environment. Unfortunately these precautions are often viewed as acceptance for the sport of pit-fighting when nothing could be further from the truth. Knowing how to avoid a fight, as well as how to break it up if, despite all efforts one strikes, is proof of smart and responsible pit bull ownership.

Never trust a pit bull not to fight...
It is not a hate of other dogs that causes pit bulls to fight, but rather an "urge" to do so that has been bred into the dogs for many generations. Pit bulls may fight over hierarchic status, but external stimulus or excitement can also trigger a fight. Remember that any canine can fight, but pit bulls were bred specifically for their drive, intensity, and determination to win.

Pit bull owners must be aware of the remarkable fighting abilities these dogs posses and always keep in mind that pit bulls have the potential to inflict serious injury to other animals. A pit bull may not even be the one starting a conflict, but he has the genetics to finish it. Remember that pit bulls are almost always blamed no matter who initiated the hostilities, and often end up paying the price...as does the owner!

That said, some pit bulls get along great with other pets and may live happily with other dogs without incident. We just can't assume that this is true for all of them, or take for granted that pit bulls getting along with other pets today will do so tomorrow. Pit bull owners must have common sense and make sure they don't set their dogs up for failure by putting them in inappropriate situations.

Every negative incident involving a pit bull adds to their reputation and jeopardizes our right to own these great dogs. Keep your pit bull out of trouble!

Please remember that animal-aggression and people-aggression are two distinct traits and should never be confused. Unless they have been very poorly bred and/or specifically "trained" to attack humans (often by undesirable individuals through abusive methods), pit bulls are, by nature, very good with people. They are, in fact, one of the most loving, loyal, friendly and dedicated companions one can have.

PBRC hopes this article will help people understand why so many of us are deeply dedicated to these wonderful dogs. Pit bull dogs need more help, compassion and understating than many other breed, but they will pay you back with more love and loyalty than you ever thought possible.

[RavenRose]

Remember, if you dog LOOKS like a pit bull, no matter what she's crossed with, she'll be judged as a pit bull. Very good point, but other than her being judged as that by other people, if she looks it, your stepfather may not allow her in the house.... he may see it even if you don't tell him what she is. As an example, my dog, Brenna, has chow in her. My dad doesn't like chows, he thinks of them the same way others do pits, they're all unstable and will snap at some point. He didn't really notice it at first and we didn't tell him, but then he saw her tongue. After seeing that it was mostly black, he started noticing the traits that looked chow and got leary of her for awhile. Luckily, I didn't live at home anymore though, so he had no say in whether I kept her or not! Now, he probably prefers her to my other dog, but it took awhile.

[Chaos]

Again, Pit Bull's are most definately a breed, the American Pit Bull Terrier. Just because the AKC refuses to acknowledge any breed with the word "pit" in it, doesn't mean anything. They also don't recognize an APBT with a red nose, or over 80% white. "red nosed" dogs are not a variety, just a colour, but are becoming quite common. "blue" or "blue nosed" dogs are often crossed with mastiffs for size, not all, but a lot are. An 80 lbs pit bull thats like, 5 inches from the ground, with a 24 inch head is NOT an APBT, just a backyard bred mutt. All to often these monsters are blue. Anyone ever seen the pedigree for Gotti? His dam is totally missing from his ped, makes you wonder if they snuck a mastiff in there for size, doesn't it?

And yes, APBT's can be dual registered with the AKC and UKC, as two seperate breeds. Petey from the Little Rascals was the very first dual registered APBT and Amstaff.

[Chaos]

Double post, sorry.

[lneill84]

I have a slightly different view on why the AKC refuses to recognize a pit bull. It is a controversial breed, but I read somewhere that it is the second most popular dog to being involved in backyard breeding. There are so many people, as Chaos herself pointed out, breeding the Pit Bull, with many different types, head sizes, colors. Because there is no standard for pitties, the AKC won't recognize them, and since there's no standard, there's no way of telling who is the best and whose not. Its a viscious circle.

[Dogwmn]

I know that this is off topic but...RavenRose, tell your dad that just because your dog has blue/black spots on its tougue does not mean that your dog is a chow mix. Just like a dog that looks like a chow and has an all pink tongue is probably either a chow mix or may not have any chow in it at all. Over 30 different breeds can have blue/black spots on their tongues, they include goldens, some terriers, dobies and cockers.

[FemaleCheetah]

yes the American Pit Bull terrier is a breed, I know that!

[K9BOB]

"Because there is no standard for pitties, the AKC won't recognize them, and since there's no standard, there's no way of telling who is the best and whose not. Its a viscious circle."

And for many dog owners the AKC standards are somewhat worthless as they do not always reflect what makes a particular breed BEST>>>>..especially herding and working dogs..

Border Collies where never meant or bred for appearance/size show standards and GSDS where never intended to have such exagerated rear leg angularzation as it dramatically reduces physical performance. ect ect.
k9bob

[RavenRose]

I know that this is off topic but...RavenRose, tell your dad that just because your dog has blue/black spots on its tougue does not mean that your dog is a chow mix. Just like a dog that looks like a chow and has an all pink tongue is probably either a chow mix or may not have any chow in it at all. Over 30 different breeds can have blue/black spots on their tongues, they include goldens, some terriers, dobies and cockers.
Oh, I know that, but most people see black tongue and assume chow, so he did.... but, she really did have a chow-like face when she was a puppy, he just didn't see it until he saw the tongue. I do know better than anyone that you can't tell breeds just by looking, but whether she has chow in her or not, she looked it then. When she was a puppy, I included it in what I told people I thought she was, and if they really ask what mix I think she is, I'll tell them, but for the most part I just say GSD mix anymore.

On another note on the tongue, I had some crazy lady tell me that black on the tongue meant they were mixed breed. LOL, she looked at both my girls and said Brenna was a mix and Angel was a purebred. I told her that she was crazy and tongue color had nothing to do with it and she looked at me like I was stupid. I proceeded to tell her that Angel was, in fact, positively a mix, and again, she looked at me like I was stupid. Oh well, I tried!

[K9BOB]

The tongue characteristic always brings me a chuckle...LOL

[Dogwmn]

The tongue thing gets me too. I was pretty sure that you knew that, but like you said, most people assume that black tongue=chow. I have had people try to tell me that Freddy was a lab mix (I'm 99.999% sure that he is not, but you never know for sure what is in a rescued mutt's background) just because he was black. I have people ask me if I'm sure that Bella was a pure dobe, she just doesn't "look" like one. She is on the small side (60 lbs), but I'm still not quite sure what their version of a dobe should look like.

[Chaos]

I have a slightly different view on why the AKC refuses to recognize a pit bull. It is a controversial breed, but I read somewhere that it is the second most popular dog to being involved in backyard breeding. There are so many people, as Chaos herself pointed out, breeding the Pit Bull, with many different types, head sizes, colors. Because there is no standard for pitties, the AKC won't recognize them, and since there's no standard, there's no way of telling who is the best and whose not. Its a viscious circle.

Thats true nowadays, sadly, but back when they were first being registered, there was no AmStaff. The AKC took a pit bull, grabbed the name "Staffordshire" from where they're supposed to originate from, then added "American" since they were "perfected" as pit dogs there, then lobbed on terrier, when most pit bulldogs have little terrier at all, and are much more like the original bulldog than a "terra" or earth dog.

[Pippin]

I have a slightly different view on why the AKC refuses to recognize a pit bull. It is a controversial breed, but I read somewhere that it is the second most popular dog to being involved in backyard breeding. There are so many people, as Chaos herself pointed out, breeding the Pit Bull, with many different types, head sizes, colors. Because there is no standard for pitties, the AKC won't recognize them, and since there's no standard, there's no way of telling who is the best and whose not. Its a viscious circle.

The AKC does recognize a pit bull breed....it's called the American Staffordshire Terrier. And, according to who you ask, the Bull Terrier and Miniature Bull Terrier are also pit bull breeds under the AKC.

As far as dogs not being dual registered as an AmStaff with the AKC and as an American Pit Bull Terrier with the UKC (or any other APBT registry)...well, here are some pics of some lovely dogs who are just that:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1574/6622086/12768599/188711490.jpg
That is AKC Ch/UKC GrCh. FAST"E"Hartagold Standing Ovation, CD, NAJ, SCT, CGC, OFA, CERF, DNA-VIP, ROH
American Staffordshire Terrier / APBT
Here is her pedigree: http://www.hartagold.com/MeMesPedigree.htm

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1574/6622086/12768599/188711781.jpg
AKC/UKC CH.
Hartagold Devil In Disguise, CGC,OFA
(hips, elbows, cardiac, patellas), PennHip .41/.36
His page: http://www.hartagold.com/presley.html

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1574/6622086/12768599/188711997.jpg
AKC/UKC CH, UWP, UAG1 Hartagold Yankee Rose,CD,TT, CGC,OFAgHips, OFAc, OFAp, PennHip .41/.36,CERF,ROH
Her page: http://www.hartagold.com/doodle.html

[Pippin]

Are you saying that you can register an APBT as an APBT and Staffordshire? If that is what you mean, that is not true.

When you say "Staffordshire" you need to be more clear. Are you referring to the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier? Becuase they are two unique breeds. And, yes, I am saying that an APBT and and AmStaff (NOT a Staffy Bull) can certainly be dual regiestered. Just see the dogs I posted above.

[K9BOB]

That Doodle is one FINE looking dog!
k9bob

[thefab4]

Those are some realy gorgeous dogs. I love Doodles color.

Ravenrose, I think your dad is going to know the dog has pit in it. Maybe once your dad meets the dog he will feel diferently about her. I know a lot of people say bad things about pits and they've never even met one. I have met tons of dogs working in the petstore and the nicest ones were Pit Bulls.

[K9BOB]

"There are so many people, as Chaos herself pointed out, breeding the Pit Bull, with many different types, head sizes, colors. Because there is no standard for pitties, the AKC won't recognize them, and since there's no standard, there's no way of telling who is the best and whose not"

For me and others (who trains and trials herding dogs to include ocassionaly breeds Border Collies) the AKC is nothing more than a registry organization who's purpose is to make money and has come up with particular standards for what THAT organization THINKS a particular dog should be like. It is only a subjective opinion of a group of people and therefore is simply that. There are arguments that go on everyday all across the country and especially europe as to what constitutes the CORRECT standard for a Border Collie and if one is familiar with this breed you would understand that there are dozens of variations in sizes,shapes,porportions,tail set,carraige,and color...not to mention biddablity and temperment levels. And then there is herding drive...
The AKC has a big headache in deal with Border Collies when trying to set standards because of so many variations that are considered important or exceptable for this breed and thus deciding which dogs are BEST just is not practical,agreeable, and thus possible...Even by the AKC which are vastly different from that of other Border Collie registries...\\


just something to ponder on when considering which dogs are BEST..

k9bob

k9bob

k9bob

[K9BOB]

You might try presenting you dad with a well behaved chiwawa and a well behaved "PIT" whatever you describe that to be and explain to him which one was harder to come by.. LOL. And then ask him again which breed needs to be "shot" when approaching the issue from that perspective... you fortunately can substitute others breeds in the place of the chiwawa if you would like...

k9bob

[FerretMom]

I didn't read this whole thread but the subject line caught my eye.

Pits have a bad reputation, and it is undeserved..... by most. Unfortunately, some pits fit the description as dog/people aggressive.

If you are a minor, it is a very bad idea to try to "convince" your parents to get a dog they're not completely on board for. Especially one who falls in the bully breed category. Home owners insurance is an issue., not to mention the possibility of BSL. Have you checked the laws in your area for pit/pit mixes? Cities such as Cleveland, Ohio, require a 6 foot enclosed fence WITH A TOP, and secure lock, and $100,000 homeowners insurance policy. ANY pit owner should do LOTS of research before taking on a dog of such power. Even the most experienced Pit owner can slip up and bad things can happen. And then what?

I cringe when I get the feeling of an inexperienced person (a MINOR at that) wanting to take on a bully breed. It can be an accident waiting to happen. And when it does, it's just one more bad mark for the entire breed.

[K9BOB]

WOW! thats what I tell people when buying a vehicle,gun,or picking a fight with someone....
Be sure you can handle the powerful ones and have plenty of insurance......and knowing what you are doing helps also..... the same for choosing friends and mates....LOL
k9bob

[RavenRose]

If you are a minor, it is a very bad idea to try to "convince" your parents to get a dog they're not completely on board for.
ANY pit owner should do LOTS of research before taking on a dog of such power. Even the most experienced Pit owner can slip up and bad things can happen. And then what?
I cringe when I get the feeling of an inexperienced person (a MINOR at that) wanting to take on a bully breed. It can be an accident waiting to happen. And when it does, it's just one more bad mark for the entire breed.
Not to sound rude or anything, but this is why it's a good idea to actually read the thread, as you said you did not. The OP is NOT a minor, she's 21, she just is currently living with her mom and stepdad. As soon as she graduates college, which she said is soon, she'll be moving out and it won't matter what he thinks/wants. But for now, she is in his home, so she needs his approval.
Now, the research thing, I can't be positive on. BUT, she has given the indication that she has at least done SOME sort of research, which is a lot more than I can say for most owners.