[thebluejackal]

I find that interesting because some of the MOST dog aggressive dogs I have met at K9U have, in fact, been labradors. Labs tend to have exceedingly rude body language as well, which can tick off many other breeds and spark a fight.

So what dogs are on that list? I can think of several off the top of my head that tend to be a little more testy with other dogs, so many, in fact, that breed banning and other legislation still seems ridiculous to me. For example, regardless of size . . . Chihuahuas, Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Shiba Inu, Kai Inu, Akita Inu, Tosa Inu, Doberman, Rottweilers, a vast amount of terriers, GSDs (Alsatians), Belgian Malinois, Belgian Tervuran, Great Danes, Greyhounds, a smattering of Mastiffs, APBTs, AmStaffs, Staffie Bulls, Bull Terriers, AmBulls, Pomeranians, Chow Chows . . . The list could go on for quite a while if I kept this up. Might as well keep ALL dogs muzzled!

APBTs have been freakishly misrepresented by the media over and over and over again, leading to these rather ludicrous bannings. They tend to be extremely friendly and outgoing dogs, especially with people, but the fear and sensationalism has built up to the point that if one trots up to someone seeking attention and wanting to give a kiss, it's suddenly written up as an "Attack." Yes, real attacks have occurred with abused, illbred, and/or mishandled dogs, but this occurs with any other breed. I've heard accounts of Labs, GSDs, JRTs, and even Pomeranians mauling people and children with and without fatalities, but these rarely ever make the news because it wasn't a "Pit Bull".

I personally think there's a huge lack of education out there, not to mention too many people with no dog sense owning these dogs. They're not very large (at least they're not SUPPOSED to be, meaning 40 - 60 pounds), but they are powerful and muscular. No, their jaws don't lock. This is a myth. They do have remarkable stamina and speed, something that is leading many sporting APBTs to beat many retrievers in field trials, plus that wonderful terrier tenacity. They don't back off a task easily which can be an awesome quality in dog training and sports, but it's also what leads many of them to finish a fight whether or not they started it.

Sorry, but this is an issue I get passionate over. I am a lover and advocate of all dogs and it really cheeses me when a breed becomes grossly misrepresented.


Also, did people expect to see a mauling when watching "Our Gang?" No? Well, isn't that interesting! Petey was a Pit Bull!

The APBT graced several WWII posters as a symbol of the United States as well . . .

It's amazing how a dog can go from the All American Dog to America's Canine Enemy #1.