Question?

[Red_ACD_for_me]

Originally Posted by Elysium

And honestly not meant to be inflammatory:

why do pit bull owners seem like they want to breed their dog more often than other dog owners? In the South (and in the West too) there are a CRAP LOAD of pits/pit mixes in shelters that are going to end up being killed because, let's face it, no one wants these dogs. I wouldn't adopt a pitbull if it were the last dog in the shelter (and I have adopted several dogs). What's the deal? What makes your breed so special? Why not get them fixed? Not a lot of people want pits, seriously. Most lay people think they bite children and kill other dogs. I don't see bichon or lhaso apso owners breeding their dogs like wild fire (though, for some reason, Chi owners seem to want to propogate that tragic little breed, even though they have numerous behavioral problems). I would never dream of breeding my dog(s) because I have a conscience. I wonder what happens to everybody else?

[end rant]

I have to say that I agree 100% with what you are saying! Most pitbull owners and I say "most" not all *wink*are usually unfixed, intact, not N/S whenever I come across a pitbull owner. They want to breed them or keep them intact just because. Especially the male owners I come across. We are overloaded with pitbull and pitbull mixes in Boston and some of these dogs get fought in underground basements. You don't see many middle and upper class familys owning them either for they are usually what I refer to as the "ghetto dog" unfortunately. It is a shame and the ones I do see owned by middle to upper class familys are S/N ,well socialized, wonderful temperaments, and well taken care of. I'm not saying that to get flamed because I am from a middle class family and we have had pitbulls in the past rescued out of the MSPCA. Pitbulls are wonderful dogs and deserve a better reputation. These dogs suffer enough by the hands of neglectful and negligent owners and when it comes time for another dog a pitbull is high on the top of my list to rescue!

[rhinecat]

Originally Posted by Elysium

And honestly not meant to be inflammatory:

why do pit bull owners seem like they want to breed their dog more often than other dog owners? In the South (and in the West too) there are a CRAP LOAD of pits/pit mixes in shelters that are going to end up being killed because, let's face it, no one wants these dogs. I wouldn't adopt a pitbull if it were the last dog in the shelter (and I have adopted several dogs). What's the deal? What makes your breed so special? Why not get them fixed? Not a lot of people want pits, seriously. Most lay people think they bite children and kill other dogs. I don't see bichon or lhaso apso owners breeding their dogs like wild fire (though, for some reason, Chi owners seem to want to propogate that tragic little breed, even though they have numerous behavioral problems). I would never dream of breeding my dog(s) because I have a conscience. I wonder what happens to everybody else?

[end rant]

Nice, with the "tragic little breed." My breed is a phenomenal one which is unfortunately being ruined by people breeding for profit--just like literally every other popular breed out there. Keep your breed prejudices to yourself.

Plenty of dog owners with EVERY breed and mix breed their dogs irresponsibly--it's just hard to notice, because breeds which are in demand get adopted quickly, and breeds with bad reputations (like the ones you're damning, with no knowledge of them at all) get euthanized quickly.

I completely agree what Red ACD said about there being a huge problem with people having Pit Bulls for the wrong reasons and having them just to breed and look mean. I think that is a horrible situation. And you are right, it is the middle class people (when they own these dogs) that do the best for them. Not saying that all middle class people will treat a dog right but for the majority of middle class pit bull families, their dogs are N/S and have wonderful temperments.

I am still wondering why the OP said she would never adopt one if it was the last dog in the shelter. That saddens me a bit. A well tempered Pit would be the first dog I brought home with me from a shelter.

[Whisper]

Pit bulls are in shelters in abundance because people breed irresponsibly in other cases, and think they can take care of them but can't. A lot of them are in the same reason as the goldens and other popular breeds for regular reasons, financial, etc.
I am really curious as to why you would never own a pit bull even if it was the last breed?
I've never owned a pitbull. Would I? Definitely. I know they make wonderful pets, as wonderful as any other breed, if they are bred/raised right.
Yes, i do admit that pits are more susceptible to dog aggression, dominance, etc, and that's not the breed's fault. it's because that was the purpose of them when the breed was originated. Some people have a steriotype about pit bulls and think it makes them look intimidating or powerful. Then they breed them and sell them to friends. These dogs are unstable temperament-wise, and then they end up in shelters
it's peoples' fault that pits are so misrepresented.
BUT pit bulls need a great deal of training and a firm, kind hand. Not everybody has this combination and should therefore not own pits.
I also doubt that pit bulls are any more likely to bite than other small breeds that are badly bred. They just do a lot more damage.
As to your assumption about chihuahuas, why do you think that? That's not in their disposition. Just like other breeds, they are overbred. Some people think they don't need training just because they're small. There we go again. The fault of humans. i definitely don't think Pits are bred more than small dogs, either. I just think they find home more easily because they're more "appealing."

[StillandSilent]

Our Animal Control is always swimming in Pits and Pit mixes. Unfortunalty the area is also swimming in dog fighters.

[xx speed]

My friend has two pit bulls, one rescued from our Humane Society, and they are wonderful dogs. It all depends on the way they are raised.