Reply #153: But I don't agree that it is just the one breed [View All]

[lukasahero]

And I don't think you do either. That also creates a false sense of security. People think 'ban the pit bulls and there won't be any more problems'! But the pit bulls aren't the only problem. No one should ever leave a dog alone with an infant and if they do, they're too stupid to have a child never mind a dog. Even a small dog can kill an infant. A large dog can kill a child - not because they're mean but because even the best dog will defend itself if necessary.

I think suggesting the problem is specifically with pits misses the mark. The problem is with big dogs that were bred for specific purposes being bred by unscrupulous breeders and raised by either unscrupulous or stupid people. A German Shepherd IS just as capable of killing a small child as a pit bull and given that both can easily be raised to attack, telling people it's just the pit bull that's the problem will set them up for a world of hurt.

Did you see that info about the instable temperament of Goldens I posted upthread? Goldens aren't bad dogs - they're being overbred and people who care nothing for the breed and the temperament are the ones responsible for the next child that gets attacked by a Golden Retriever. It's coming, don't think it isn't. The gentlest dog on the planet, the Newfie, is notorious for being good with children but it is still big enough and DOG enough that if it's raised wrong, it can easily kill a child.

I would be in favor of requiring classes and licensing for dog owners. I'm in favor of even more restrictions on breeders. Let's talk about how we solve the problem, come up with ideas and actually DO something to save our kids and our dogs instead of just talking past each other all the time.