Question for owners of "dangerous" breed dogs..probable debate

[NMAmy]

My dog now is of a belgium breed. They are typically bread to be police dogs. They jump, bite, growl, all that good stuff. She is large and very strong but she is a sweet heart. She loves everyone and loves to play and lick. I have never seen her bear her teeth or even growl at anything. She even is gentle with my 3 cats, 1 of which torments the dog. (My rotty also loved the cats and never once tried to hurt them) Then there is a family's dog that is the total opposite but we won't go there.

Is it a malanois? We had a malanois/German shepherd mix--she was a wonderful family pet. Her father was a police dog.

With that said, I still watched that dog with an eagle eye. She was so big, she definitely could have hurt someone and she was very protective of dd and myself.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I do not agree with the idea that we should make certain breeds extinct though - who are we to play God?!

I don't think I agree that it is playing God. Dog "breeds" were created by man and I honestly don't see anything wrong with man discouraging further continuation of these exact bloodlines. If man can create a "Puggle" to try to make a Beagle that is a little less stupid, then they can certainly try to alter the Pit Bull personality as well.

I haven't heard anything current on this particular case today. Apparently there was to be a meeting this morning to decide if criminal charges will be filed.

But by all accounts I have heard so far - these were not viscious dogs by reputation. They were known in the neighborhood, and the owners also seem to be known and respected by their neighbors. The owner of the dog is in severe danger of losing his thumb because he threw himself between the dogs and the kids trying to protect him. Last I heard, the 10 year old boy is still in critical care. Apparently a door in the house was left ajar, the dogs saw the kids outside -- and just took off. I have a dog that manages to get off her leash about once a month, so I really can't claim superiority there.

It is just a tragic story.

 

[BeNJeNWaFFLe]

Is it a malanois? We had a malanois/German shepherd mix--she was a wonderful family pet. Her father was a police dog.

With that said, I still watched that dog with an eagle eye. She was so big, she definitely could have hurt someone and she was very protective of dd and myself.

Yes she is! She is a beautiful dog and a wonderful pet. She is too smart for her own good though.

 

[eclectics]

I think all domesticated dog breeds make wonderful pets IF they are raised and trained properly. Any untrained dog is not going to be a angel. Also, if you don't get your dog as a puppy you are taking a chance the person who had your dog beforehand did a decent job. That said, all dogs should be leashed, or fenced, and kept in your control at all times, regardless of your local laws. It doesn't matter how sweet you think your dog is. You never know what's going to spook them and if you're not in control, anything could happen. I don't think any breed should be banned. It's just a matter of common sense when they are around unfamiliar surroundings and keeping your dog securely in it's place. A lot of love helps too! aw:

 

[Tarheel Tink]

Has anyone here heard of the P.A.T. tests? It is Puppy Aptitude Testing that is done on puppies at 7 weeks of age. Our local breed clubs were enthusiastic about it and I have done it numerous times and have followed the littermates until their death in many cases.

It is a series of small behaviors tested in the puppies by a stranger and judging their reaction on a score of 1-5. Examples are holding the puppy on it's back for 10 seconds, opening an umbrella suddenly, banging a pan suddenly, asking the puppy to follow you, tossing a ball of paper for it to retrieve, etc. If a puppy isn't feeling well or the breeder of the litter is surprised by the reaction, it can be retested later.

I found it to be an excellent tool in placing puppies in an appropriate home. I was pretty amazed at how accurate it could be in seeing if a puppy was going to be dominant, submissive, bold, fearful and timid, etc. Based on the results and conformation of a puppy helped me in choosing the best puppy for the home- a "3" was great, a "2" went to an experienced home who knew the puppy would be a handful and needed firm training, a "4" was a bit soft and gentle. A "1" would not be a candidate for any home and a "5" would end up a possible fear-biter who was scared of every thing and sound. There could be quite a range in a litter and a breeder just loves a 3 with great conformation!

I guess I'm leading up to choosing a puppy in a litter- so many people love the bold puppy who is underfoot and chewing on their shoes so they choose him only to regret it later. Likewise those who choose the shy sweet one hiding in the corner- they may regret it later. The test is done at 7 weeks for a reason- sorry I can't remember the exact reason; something about working with adult brain waves that are blank (so environment doesn't affect?).