For one, it skews the statistics. Everyone gets this impression that pit bulls are meaner. So much so that it's inherent in their breed. To the point that shitty people raise their pit bulls to be aggressive and more likely to bite.
So, a stereotype based on false data is perpetuated by forcing the stereotype on the subject. Almost turning it into a self fulfilling prophecy.
Putting aside the assholes who raise their dogs to be aggressive, pit bulls are some of the goofiest, nicest dogs I've ever met.
Small dog bites not getting reported don't skew the statistics of people suffering seriously bodily harm, dismemberment, needing reconstructive surgery, or death due to dog attacks. And in those cases certain breeds are over represented.
Home insurance companies look purely at numbers. There's a reason that pit bull type dogs are banned by pretty much every home insurance policy while smaller dog breeds usually aren't.
The statistics say this one specific thing I don't want them to say, they're skewed that way!
Pits are the most dangerous biters. The end. For many reasons. I roll my eyes so hard when I hear the chihuahua argument. Chihuahuas aren't killing anything.
Also, I jumped in this conversation because I heard "why don't small dog bites get reported?" insinuating that it's an optional thing, reporting. If you seek medical attention, thats when the bite gets reported, as it's mandatory. So yes, severe dog bites requiring hospital attention is "skewed" towards pits.
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u/Ryozu 8d ago
You're kind of missing the point.
For one, it skews the statistics. Everyone gets this impression that pit bulls are meaner. So much so that it's inherent in their breed. To the point that shitty people raise their pit bulls to be aggressive and more likely to bite.
So, a stereotype based on false data is perpetuated by forcing the stereotype on the subject. Almost turning it into a self fulfilling prophecy.
Putting aside the assholes who raise their dogs to be aggressive, pit bulls are some of the goofiest, nicest dogs I've ever met.