Pits and other "bully breeds"

[nedim]

Ok, I have a few questions. How come people will say that "extra care" needs to be taken when raising a pitbull or other bully breed? What is it that distinguishes them from the rest? I know all about the misconceptions people will have when it comes to bully breeds, but why are pitbulls for more experienced owners? When I adopt another dog (in the distant future), I think I would like him/her to be a pit or some kind of bulldogge. What would be the best age to adopt? Why? Would it be potentially dangerous to adopt a shelter pit because of past abuse or use in fighting? I'm open to hear everything, I'm just curious as to why bully breeds are for more experienced owners.

[BigDog2191]

Well, it's nothing special but they are more prone to aggression than other dogs so an unexperienced owner who is not used to dealing with ANY dog or a dog with a very soft temperament isn't exactly recommended.

If you were to get a puppy, you want to do a LOT of socialization and obedience training. Maybe more so than another dog. With pitbulls reputation these days and as a responsible owner, you want yours to be a good representative.

You've been on here a long time so you've probably gained some valuable info on how to care for any dog-- plus your experiences with past dogs should help tremendously. But if you do some research on the breed or if you know someone who owns one, you can ask for info that you're looking for.

If you get a dog that was a fighter before, then it wouldn't be great with other dogs but should be fine with you.

I think the age is really a matter of preference. Good luck with it.

[corykins22]

i dont know a ridiculous amount about the breed, but i really think it is unfair the reputation that bully breeds have been given because it has all been the fault of humans and how they have brought up. it has been irresponsible owners that fight them or dont socialize or whatever.

pitts that i have been around at work, with the exception of some who we have suspicions that they fight them, have been awesome. totally good with kids, friendly, and overall happy dogs. its just how you raise them.

if i were to get a pitt, i think i would get a puppy that way its raised with socialization and training. but its totally up to you of what age you go for. i just know that if you get one from a shelter or a rescue there are regulations in the adoption, at least there is here. which i can understand because they have come from prior bad homes and you cant be for sure what they are going to be like.

good luck when you do get one though! i really think they can be absolutely great dogs!

[pitbulliest]

corykins...the people you say you suspect fight their dogs....have you ever thought of maybe trying to get more out of them and potentially notifying authorities to at least monitor these people...if enough of you say that you suspect something, I would think at least animal control might be interested.....?

Dog fighting is a very serious problem..and although I hate to say it, it almost seems like its getting worse... :(

[MyDogsLoveMe]

Nedim, I think that you will find that those who own and or breed these bully dogs may take some additional steps to show that their dogs are not mean or aggressive. I know that when I got Nalla I did make sure that she was raised with all the love and companionship I could give her so that when people approached her they may of not been afraid, but she is just a big baby anyhows, didnt need to raise her differently.

[pitbulliest]

nedim..its primarily because ofthe BSL....whether we like to admit it or not, these dogs are political targets...and under BSL pressure, some people simply will give up their dogs because they can't "handle it"...well if they can't handle it, they should have gotten a goldfish...

These dogs need alot of exercise, time, and devotion..but that goes for any dog...but owners also need to have a tough skin.....and be able to take criticism and mass hysterical comments from ignorant people without crumbling...

Alot of pits also possess animal aggression, which alot people seem to associate with human aggression...so again, they're not a dog for everyone....they need someone that has had experience with owning a dog and basic training...

[nedim]

Thanks for all that info everyone. Would it be wiser to get a dog from the shelter or from a breeder? I'm all for rescue and I will most likely get an older shelter dog.

[BigDog2191]

I think that's also a matter of preference. If you're into rescuing an older one would be nice. And there's all the matter of whether you want to raise a puppy or not. If not, get from a shelter.

If you do though, I would recommend going to a breeder. Because you'll know who it came from, it's bloodlines, temperament, etc.

But you could get both at a shelter.

[nedim]

I think that's also a matter of preference. If you're into rescuing an older one would be nice. And there's all the matter of whether you want to raise a puppy or not. If not, get from a shelter.

If you do though, I would recommend going to a breeder. Because you'll know who it came from, it's bloodlines, temperament, etc.

But you could get both at a shelter.


Thanks for the info