Let's cut the BS about pitbulls

by Bart
(Yukon Ok USA)

Pitbulls have the POTENTIAL to be far more dangerous than other breeds. There are a number of reasons for this. Regardless of what our wishful thinking may be, the breed has a bloodline that some believe goes as far back as the ancient Egyptians, and during most of that time, the dog was bred for fighting and hunting.

In the old days, the dogs that survived the brutal fighting pits were truly genetically gifted for fighting, not only in physical ability, but mostly in their "gameness" or mental attitude. While not applying to every individual, most pitbulls find that fighting comes very natural; they are very dominant and territorial; they have a "never quit" attitude and will often fight to the death; and they are fearless. Most will not tolerate other dogs, and while other breeds will practice what's referred to as "slashing" (moving in, taking a number of quick bites, then retreating) pitbulls will bite, and "shake the bite out," only letting go to establish a more secure bite.

As far as physical attributes are concerned, they are heavily muscled, extremely strong, agile, and have a keen sense of kinesthetic awareness, a superior immune system, and tremendous bite power and very powerful, muscular necks. They have tremendous stamina.

The pitbull's reputation in the fighting pits was legendary, and attempts to "blueprint" breed other dogs, like the Akita, failed to create a formidable foe for the pitbull.

If pitbulls bite people, there is far more potential for broken bones and nerve damage, or worse. It will likely become necessary to incapacitate the dog to end the attack- bad stuff.

The good news is that back in the old days, breeders and those who fought pitbulls simply couldn't afford to have a dog that was aggressive to people around, due to their ability to inflict such damage, so those dogs were removed from the gene pool. As a result, pitbulls typically exhibit an amiable disposition toward people, even if they are intolerant toward other dogs.
Unfortunately, (Depending upon how you look at it) the breeding of today is muddying up those waters.

As others have stated, the problem becomes exacerbated by irresponsible owners, those who fight the dogs, and those who abuse them in attempt to "make them mean."

Before you condemn or attempt to discredit my opinion, let me be clear: I've owned pitbulls for most of my life, and love these dogs, and dogs in general. I have NOT ever fought my dogs intentionally, nor have I ever attended a single dog fight. I HAVE been attacked by a pitbull, an attack that took nearly a year to fully recover from. I still love the dogs, and will have another when my children are grown.

The fact remains, they were bred to fight, and fight to the death will they, most of the time.