The problem with Pitt Bulls and Pitt mixes is usually the owner, everyone is correct in that assumption. To own a breed, any breed, you need to be knowledgable about the breed and take on the responsibility of training your breed of choice.
People who raise fighting dogs or bet on pit fights, know that the tenacity of the breed, coupled with an extremely powerful jaw lock make these animals very popular in underground arenas. When I was Kennel Master at a Florida Animal Shelter, fighting dogs were, sadly, euthanized on an almost daily basis.
These dogs have a bad reputation, much like Rottweilers, or Dobermans. The Cane Corso breed has been added to the list lately as well. I have owned Rottweilers and Dobermans in the past. Would I own a Pit Bull? Not on your life.
And here's why: A pitt bull is a mixed breed dog that has any type of bull dog breed in the genetics. This can be Dogo Argentino, Cane Corso, Staffordshire, Presa Canario, the list goes on and on.
It can be a volatile mix; you don't know what you're working with. And yes,I do believe in the power of responsible dog ownership and raising an animal with kindness as well as discipline. But the breeding of Rottweilers and Dobermans is more established. I knew more of what I was getting when it came to genetic make-up and there were certain bloodlines I stayed away from. With a Pitt, you don't know what you're getting.
Still though, this isn't a viable argument when it comes to all the families who own Pitts and love them wholeheartedly.And many people will say they've seen other dogs far more vicious and aggressive then their Pitts(smaller dogs are usually more of a bite risk).
The problem is no one is ever sure of a dog's "triggers" especially shelter dogs. And when a Pitt does bite and attack, the jaw lock makes them a very formidable dog. And while a smaller dog may bite, the end result can usually be dealt with. The worst case scenario is usually a trip to the ER and some stitches. Not so with a Pitt Bull.
