People should stop being so discrimatory!!!

I completely and utterly agree. I personally love German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Dobermans too. Whenever I say that to people they go 'What???? How?????!!!!!!!'.

I think that the owner has 90% to do with how the dog turns out. Of course- every dog has a personality and individuality; if you have a dog who is timid and sensitive you won't need to do as much work with training it than someone who has a dog who is a very confident, wild dog.

Yes, I suppose there are some dogs (a very small number, as with every species) that are just bullies and wild and cannot be tamed etc. and I guess that it this is.....moore likely the case with a Rottweiler than a Labrador. But that doesn't mean that a Rottweiler can't be more sensitive than another Labrador.
I think people with Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Pitt-bull terriers etc. just need to do extra work in making sure they know who is 'top dog' and the one in charge. If they know that from a young age then that's going to be hugely beneficial to how they turn out.

Also- kind of irrelevent but I love Great Danes and Saint Bernards too

Angelkitty- that stupid cow who said that to you makes me really mad. She sounds so ignorant and...sorry....needs a slap round the face for being so unbelievably rude to you for no reason.

We have had two labrador-wippet crosses, and now we have two yorkshire terriers, and they have all been (and are) so lovely, so gentle and I know would never hurt anyone or anything. They are just so loving- that's all they want to do. It's all down to how you bring them up really....
I have to say- I can't help being wary when I pass a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler in the street tied somewhere waiting for its owner- but that's how i would be with any big dog! It's a healthy wariness anyone should have if approaching a large dog who you don't know lol.
When they're with their owners though I love to give them a stroke and a huggle lol- the owners never mind, but of course I always ask first.

I have an overwhelming fear of pits. I know it is unreasonable, and unfounded. However, I can't help it. Just because a dog is a pit, doesn't mean it is going to go for my jugular. I consider it to be like a fear of heights. Reasonably speaking.....Just because you're up high, doesn't mean you're going to fall to your death. Even still, it's terrifying.

But, I can understand the "discrimination" of "dangerous breed" dogs. I was raised with a doberman. I loved that dog. My parents got her when I was 2. They got the typical "you're going to allow that dog around your CHILD?" responses. The dog lived til I was 16. I never knew her as a "dangerous breed". The only mean thing she ever did to me was hog the heater vents in the winter time.

Now, I'm 28, and my parents just a year ago got their second dobe. She is energetic, high strung, a bit of a pain in the behind, but she is not vicious. My husband is not comfortable with our 7 year old being around the dog. He sees a breed, not a dopey dog. But I can say with great confidence that dog is not out to harm my child.

My point in my overly wordy story, is that if a person fears a breed, hates a breed, discriminates against a breed, don't waste your time trying to convince them otherwise. It isn't going to work. A person gets the idea in their head that a "breed" as a whole is vicious, the media plays off of that, and you aren't going to change it. Sadly.

Originally Posted by jcottonl02

Yes, I suppose there are some dogs (a very small number, as with every species) that are just bullies and wild and cannot be tamed etc. and I guess that it this is.....moore likely the case with a Rottweiler than a Labrador. But that doesn't mean that a Rottweiler can't be more sensitive than another Labrador.

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I was a groomer for 9 years and I've met far more ill tempered and ill mannered labs than I ever have rotts, dobs, pits and shepherds combined. But it's a sheer numbers thing. I think I saw twenty labs for every one of the other breeds, so of course you'll see more 'bad apples'.

I agree with this thread. It's ridiculous. I've always liked the dogs with "bad reputations" like the GSDs, Rotties, and Dobies. Now, I'm not a Pit person, but it has nothing to do with their reputation. I've met many super sweet Pits. They're just not my cup of tea. Of course, I'm more of a herding dog person, and not a "bully breed" person, but I still like the ones I mentioned. Like others have, also, said, I've met more little dogs that were mean and more likely to bite than any of the breeds that I just named. When we got the Shelties, we had done a lot of research before making the final decision. We had lots of experience with many breeds due to the rescue work and the dogs we grew up with, but we weren't sure which we wanted to focus on. We would have loved to have GSDs or Dobies, but we chose not to since we were planning to have children. Now, don't get me wrong, because I know it's the owners not the dogs, but in my area we have some absolutely horrible breeders. Due to this, I've seen many dogs with temperament problems due to inbreeding. It's sad, because these stupid people are killing these wonderful breeds. I'm seeing it some with the Sheltie too, but not towards aggression. It's more fearful dogs with them. It's horrible. I wish people would stop judging a dog by it's breed and they would stop breeding just any dog they find. It's bad breeders and bad owners that are giving the Pit, Rottie, Dobie, GSD, and others a bad name.

Gober:
That's strange. Labradors are supposed to be one of the dogs with the nicest temperments. Of course, I wasn't suggesting that no labradors would be aggressive and all rottweilers etc. would be. I was just saying that it is more likely that a rottweiler would go astray than a labrador- in theory. Clearly those labs didn't have particularly good owners!!

Originally Posted by jcottonl02

Gober:
That's strange. Labradors are supposed to be one of the dogs with the nicest temperments. Of course, I wasn't suggesting that no labradors would be aggressive and all rottweilers etc. would be. I was just saying that it is more likely that a rottweiler would go astray than a labrador- in theory. Clearly those labs didn't have particularly good owners!!

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now this number is not exactly accurate as we dont know the total labs or pittys in the town... but in a town of about 50000 people ... recorded dog bites ... LABS 97 Pit Bulls 4 that was last yr

lol! I'm not claiming to be a dog expert- not by any means lol. I didn't give any numbers- I just stated a sort of...given estimate that is usually right.
That's why American Pitt Bull Terriers are illegal in England. There was a huge thing about them mauling adults and killing children for no apparent reason. If I remember rightly then if you own an American Pitt Bull Terrier in the UK they will be killed. That is why they are imported illegally to take part in illegal dog fights- because they are naturally aggressive dogs.
I just go on information such as this- but I do understand that you can get bad-tempered labs. Fortunately I've only ever met sweeties lol

Originally Posted by jcottonl02

lol! I'm not claiming to be a dog expert- not by any means lol. I didn't give any numbers- I just stated a sort of...given estimate that is usually right.
That's why American Pitt Bull Terriers are illegal in England. There was a huge thing about them mauling adults and killing children for no apparent reason. If I remember rightly then if you own an American Pitt Bull Terrier in the UK they will be killed. That is why they are imported illegally to take part in illegal dog fights- because they are naturally aggressive dogs.
I just go on information such as this- but I do understand that you can get bad-tempered labs. Fortunately I've only ever met sweeties lol

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They are not used for dog fighting because "they are naturally aggressive" as you stated. It is because they are big powerful dogs, and when they are trained to fight they can inflict alot more damage on one another than most other breeds. That makes them more entertaining fighters. It has nothing to do with them being naturally aggressive..

angelkitty~ I'm sorry to hear you have to work with such an awful person. I used to work with one. She overheard that I drove my dog 140 miles for allergy testing and went and told the entire office about it and how stupid I was for spending that time and money on a dog.
I don't have children, but a comment like you heard would have sent me over the edge!
Again, I'm sorry and I'm glad you were able to come here and vent to us less ignorant animal lovers!

Believe me, I know what you are going through.

I'm sorry if I offended you...I have nothing against pitt bull terriers- personally I love them, even though people keep saying to me 'how could you love such an ugly dog' to which a give them a very dirty look lol
I'm going on a programme I watched the other night- where they talk about how american pitt bull terriers are illegal in the UK and used for illegal dog fighting. I'm really not claiming to be an expert I'm just simply putting across a view I heard and saw on the television.
I know that American Pitt Bull Terriers make fantastic pets- they are naturally loyal and courageous, but points are often made that they need a firm owner and need to be socialized with children and other animals at a very young age. But then again this is the same with most dogs.
It is also said a lot that they do have naturally aggressive tenancies, but these are mostly towards other dogs and other animals.

I love this breed- as I've said before- and German Shepherds, Greyhounds, Dobies etc. but American Pitt Bull Terriers are illegal in the UK for a reason and used in dog fights for a reason- however, this should not change people's views of them- many many people have loving, caring Pitt Bulls, and I think they are loyal, beautiful animals.

Originally Posted by jcottonl02

Gober:
That's strange. Labradors are supposed to be one of the dogs with the nicest temperments. Of course, I wasn't suggesting that no labradors would be aggressive and all rottweilers etc. would be. I was just saying that it is more likely that a rottweiler would go astray than a labrador- in theory. Clearly those labs didn't have particularly good owners!!

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Not to be rude or mean towards you, My comments are made to those who pigeon hold breeds, but really I don't think it matters the breed.. I've had to deal with labs that aren't particularly nice and would astray just as quickly as the rottweilers that were treated the same..

I think it is aroggant of anyone to think that just because of a breed of a dog regards to the way they act. Trust me, I have the most wonderful dog, Sheba who literally was left in a kennel for 2 months, with a dead rottweiler, and she was put on a 2 foot chain that was literally wrapped around a stake inside the kennel.. She chewed and chewed on that chain trying to get off it, she was barely ever feed, and was never given much water.. She was taken by shelter forcefully, both dogs, the dead one and Sheba. We've had Sheba for two years, and she is the best dog I've ever had.. We'll leave her kennel door open or Spike will make a hole to get out and she won't go.. I think it's wrong,degrading, and ignorant to PIGEON hole a Breed!!

Originally Posted by AmberThe Bobcat

Believe me, I know what you are going through.

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OH i bet you do... You must deal with this way more then I do... I don't get why we live in a "FREE Country" but still have to deal with ignorant self absorbed idiots!!!

We have 2 Great Dane puppies (they are almost 11 months and about 125pounds each) and then a mixed girl who is part german shephard/pit bull. The looks people give us with the Danes and ask with a mouth that big you will never stop them if they attack someone. I have showed people that even if you put your hand in their mouth they won't bite down. I took my Lola to petsmart the other day and you would think I had a sign attached to her saying "bad dog" but she is so gentle. Heck a little Taco Bell dog came running up to her and she jumped and hid behind me trying to get away from this dog nipping at her legs. She is the biggest whimp out there. But people have it in their head that a HUGE dog is out to get them.

Originally Posted by aktotx

We have 2 Great Dane puppies (they are almost 11 months and about 125pounds each) and then a mixed girl who is part german shephard/pit bull. The looks people give us with the Danes and ask with a mouth that big you will never stop them if they attack someone. I have showed people that even if you put your hand in their mouth they won't bite down. I took my Lola to petsmart the other day and you would think I had a sign attached to her saying "bad dog" but she is so gentle. Heck a little Taco Bell dog came running up to her and she jumped and hid behind me trying to get away from this dog nipping at her legs. She is the biggest whimp out there. But people have it in their head that a HUGE dog is out to get them.

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Oh i sooo know what you mean.. Spike is as big as a great dane,, and he's scared to death of cats, and other dogs.. He'll literally hide behind us if another dog come attacking,, he'll bark like a big dog,, but he has to be hiding behind us to do that.. Otherwise,, he's shaking like a big ol cowardly lion!!!

Originally Posted by angelkitty

Oh i sooo know what you mean.. Spike is as big as a great dane,, and he's scared to death of cats, and other dogs.. He'll literally hide behind us if another dog come attacking,, he'll bark like a big dog,, but he has to be hiding behind us to do that.. Otherwise,, he's shaking like a big ol cowardly lion!!!

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Yep that is ours. Even outside playing and they see someone down the street Lola is next to me with her head against me. Belle thinks everyone wants to be her friend and gets excited. They will bark and it can scare the crud out of people but Lola looks at me like "is it ok if I bark too" Mine are not scared of the cats but you know the cats are boss in the house. Oh but they are freaked out if a toad is on the porch and they have to walk by it. The danes will be against each other and just bug eyed looking at the poor toad and if it jumps near them watch out they run so fast and if they could climb a tree I bet they would. If people saw that side of them it would be great but most can't get over the bigness of them.

Originally Posted by aktotx

Yep that is ours. Even outside playing and they see someone down the street Lola is next to me with her head against me. Belle thinks everyone wants to be her friend and gets excited. They will bark and it can scare the crud out of people but Lola looks at me like "is it ok if I bark too" Mine are not scared of the cats but you know the cats are boss in the house. Oh but they are freaked out if a toad is on the porch and they have to walk by it. The danes will be against each other and just bug eyed looking at the poor toad and if it jumps near them watch out they run so fast and if they could climb a tree I bet they would. If people saw that side of them it would be great but most can't get over the bigness of them.

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You should post pics of them.. I love pictures,, and especially of big dogs!

I will have to take some news ones tonight. Last ones I have of them was back in May and they are so much bigger.

:O I hope your not suggesting I pidgeon hole breeds!!!! I most certainly do not!! As I have already said in this thread many times I do not do that and I happen to love big dogs that have rather vicious reputations.
I am not for a minute- and please stop suggesting this- that I am saying all labradors are nice and all pitt bulls etc are nasty because, and I cannot stress this enough, I do not!!!
I'm just stating how some breeds seem to get into more trouble than others and some have generally better temperaments than others. It's what dog experts say- not me lol.
I was just watching the 10 o clock news and there was this little girl who was mauled to death by their pet Pitt Bull Terrier. Now I am not saying (I just have to stress this because I dont want to be accused of anything) that all pitt bulls are like this becuase this killing happened to a little girl at the hand (or should I say teeth) of a pitt bull. It's just I have never heard of a labrador mauling a little child to death, but I've heard of lots of Pitt Bulls.
I work at a vets and the vets say they will be very careful of putting their heads near German Shepherds and Greyhounds etc. and NOT becuase they are pidgeon hole-ing the breed- just becuase it's what their experience has taught them.
I love all animals- I do not discriminate, but you cannot suggest that all breeds of dog all have the same temperement- sometimes you get breeds that are just more naturally aggressive. Of course, it depends a lot on the owner- but also on the breed sometimes. I would have any breed of dog- I love them all. Although in saying that I weigh just over 8 stone so getting something like a Great Dane which could drag me down the street if it wanted too might not be such a great idea. I'll have to start developing the old arm muscles before I consider chancing that pain and er....humiliation lol!