I disagree. They were not bred for sport until much later. Originally they were definitely inside dogs kept by cottagers- it was a shorter version of the Mastiff: a castle dog that was kept by the elite for similar purposes. OH, you say, Mastiffs were fighting dogs also - they were taken into war by their masters. Sure, but why do you think those dogs were following their masters? Because they were loyal, and kept as INSIDE dogs. Whatever man, wolf-hounds were bred to chase wolves and tear them to pieces - they can be great pets. Terriers were bred to kill rats, and they are vicious when they are allowed to do that - but hey they are fun dogs. Life is full of scary dogs if you are that way inclined.

The problem is that some people just don't realize that pitbulls need to be kept peaceful. They will attempt to train them to be 'mean' , force them to wear hidious studded, wide collars - and that definitely taps into their fighting nature. You would be mean too, if you were forced to wear a thing around your neck that prevented you from turning your head.

So, the image of dog and kids happily playing in the yard, making the dog jump and snatch at frizbees, is just a fantasy. For any dog, IMO. I never allowed my kids to do that. Any dog trainer will state that this sort of unregulated behavior spells trouble.

Also, children have to be taught to be around dogs just as much as dogs have to be taught to be around children. Poking at them, or grabbing their toys or food, makes them snap, and I am sorry for families who had their pet attack their child - but one has to say - were they responsible dog owners? Prolly not - given the evidence.

Also, my very young son was attacked by an uncrated poodle-cross (such a sweet dog, they said), just because that dog had no idea about children - he was protecting his prize toy, which my son tried to pick up. Usually the adults would play wild tug-of-war with that dog, with that same toy. Can you connect the dots?

I was attacked by a German Shepherd, because it took exception to my freshly showered smell. He was fine, if I didn't smell like shower products. One has to wonder how he was treated when he was a puppy, to be triggered like that. All dogs have a mean side, even chihuahuas. But, say what you like about pitbulls.

I disagree. They were not bred for sport until much later. Originally they were definitely inside dogs kept by cottagers- it was a shorter version of the Mastiff: a castle dog that was kept by the elite for similar purposes. OH, you say, Mastiffs were fighting dogs also - they were taken into war by their masters. Sure, but why do you think those dogs were following their masters? Because they were loyal, and kept as INSIDE dogs.

The problem is that some people just don't realize that these dogs need to be kept peaceful. They will attempt to train them to be 'mean' and that definitely taps into their fighting nature. So, the image of happily playing in the yard, making the dog jump and snatch at frizbees, is just a fantasy. For any dog, IMO. I never allowed my kids to do that. Any dog trainer will state that this sort of unregulated behavior spells trouble.

These days I keep an American Staffordshire (cousin of Pitbull). I keep a crate at home, so that any over-excited behavior, including jumping around, panting too much or chasing a cat, means: CRATE. And yes, I have six cats also, all alive and lazy. Another tactic is to roll her on her back, which pacifies her immediately.

Also, children have to be taught to be around dogs just as much as dogs have to be taught to be around children. Poking at them, or grabbing their toys or food, makes them snap, and I am sorry for families who had their pet attack their child - but one has to say - were they responsible dog owners? Prolly not - given the evidence. So many people think that a crate is locking the animal up, and therefore mean to the animal. It is not. It is a time-out, safe space.

Also, my very young son was attacked by an uncrated poodle-cross (such a sweet dog, they said), just because that dog had no idea about children - he was protecting his prize toy, which my son tried to pick up.

I was attacked by a German Shepherd, because it took exception to my freshly showered smell. He was fine, if I didn't smell like shower products. All dogs have a mean side, even chihuahuas.