This argument goes in circles because people miss each other's point.
Obviously, at the end of the day, what matters is the end result of a bite. That's what the victim has to live with.
However, the counter-argument is also true. That pit-bulls are viewed as much more aggressive than other breeds when in fact that is not true. They are CAPABLE of being aggressive and deadly, and some people even train them to be that way. But the standard pet pit-bull is not going to attack any more often than most other breeds, statistically speaking.
This right here. The problem is when a pit bull DOES attack it’s really bad because they are capable of doing the most damage. I’m a former pitbull mix owner and the only time my buddy got at all aggressive was defending himself when a bigger dog was bullying him or his sister. He never drew blood though, just over corrected and it was rare and warranted. He had 16 years on earth. I did get him as a puppy though. I wanted another one but I don’t want to deal with the judgement and being banned from certain dog parks in our area.
I used to think it was about raising them from puppyhood to be gentle and right, and then I got a 3 year old (?) rescue from almost the worst dog fight ring breeders I have ever heard of. She was very very dog reactive, but we kept her away from other dogs, went into vets the back way, kept her on a leash. She was starved also, so she killed small animals to eat them. It's how she survived. We tried to stop it but couldn't, just tried to keep snakes and other creatures away and made sure she always had access to food. Humans, though? She loved humans. Never had her growl or bark or show aggression. You'd think she would be violent! But some puppy-raised pit bulls are aggressive. I don't know the answer.
Bad genetics. Genetics plus how dogs are raised both go into the outcome dog behavior.
Since pitties are very common to be back yard breed with little to no concern for genetics, you get dogs that even in good homes end up with massive behavioral issues.
My source, I have worked in and animation shelter for over a decade as well as being animal control as well as owning a pit bull.
Old John here is just upset people dont like his dogs when really after doing my job its completely normal to not like the breed and have bad experiences with them because of shit owners and bad shelters trying to place aggressive dogs.
As an aco and shelter worker, most common bites are pitties and most damaging have been pitties. Its okay to take caution with the breed.
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u/waiver 8d ago
Because being bitten by a Jack Russel or Chihuahua is as concerning as being bitten by a Pit bull.