1.) Do you own a pit bull or a pit bull-type of dog?
I used to own a Pit/Staffie, Cleo. And please don't get me started on the whole "type" bs. Where I live, the police use a list of characteristics (DNA isn't even looked at) and if a dog has 4 or more, they're a pit. Problem is, the criteria they use also matches multiple other breeds, including golden retrievers and Labradors. Hence why I think "type" is a complete load of tripe.
But as for what dogs I have, I own a Staffordshire bull terrier, Loki, and a Bull Mastiff x Rhodesian Ridgeback, Chaos. Both of whom would be classed as pits despite not having pits anywhere in their bloodlines.
2.) If yes, then did you train them from a puppy?
Cleo, no. We got her as an adult from the ex of my now-disowned uncle, who used the dog for hunting and severely abused her, and the ex took her to try and get her a better life. Despite that, she was the sweetest, most cuddly dog you could ever meet. The only way she would hurt anyone would be accidentally when she was playing, never of purpose.
Chaos is the same - we found her wandering the streets and even managed to track down her breeder, who had sold her to someone on the belief she would be a spoiled lap dog. Which she is now
But again, harmless.Loki is...well, he's a spoilt brat xD But even so, he's about as likely to hurt someone intentionally as the moon is to turn polka-dot and grow wings. He's one of only two dogs we ever bought (all the rest were rescued) and it was the other bought dog who would've harmed someone if she thought they were a threat, with her being the only dog we've ever had who could be aggressive to non-family-members.
What breed was she?
A tiny, dainty little border collie.
3.) How do you feel about certain breeds being banned?
While I can't speak for some of the other banned breeds because I don't know WHY they are banned, but I think it's basically cruel to effectively condemn an entire breed simply because they had this misfortune of being used by us, the most dangerous breed of all, as status symbols and weapons.
WE are the ones at fault. Not them.
If anything, banning them has only made it worse because now they are even more desirable to the wrong people.
4.) Do you think pit bulls are dangerous breeds?
N.O.
I think they CAN be dangerous, yes. But any dog can be dangerous, if they're not trained right or if there is a genetic reason.
As said above, I am a firm believer of "Deed, not Breed". Punish the irresponsible owner, not the dog.
5.) Why do you think someone might disagree with you?
It depends. They could've had personal experience, been attacked or know someone who was. In that case, I can understand why they might disagree.
If they're just believing what the media feeds them, then I invite them to meet my "types" and see how wrong such belief can be. Heck, my best friend used to be terrified of them because she believed all the media, but then she met my babies and, after a few visits, completely changed her mind.
If they're the type of person who spouts the media tripe and aren't even willing to consider anything else....well, they better stay away from me, for their own safety. I am not a violent person and will always choose to talk. If you're willing to talk and at least be civil, even if you don't change you're mind, fair enough. You respect my choice, I respect yours.
But if you're that last type, the type who aren't open to talking and will be nasty...well. you were warned.
6.) Have you ever been attacked by a dog or know someone who has?
The only aggressive dogs I have ever met were all small dogs. Chihuahuas, yorkies, mini-poodles...
7.) Anything else?
Deed, not breed.
Don't believe something just because you heard it on the news or was told it by a friend. Think for yourself, do your research, maybe even meet a pit if you can.
Happy Holidays!
thank you, gifters!
