Pit Bull Terriers: Should we require background checks and licensing?

[BringBackFergy]

https://wnyt.com/news/pit-bull-attack-3-year-old-girl-schenectady/5376111/

 

I know I’ll take a lot of flack from some members here, but Pit Bulls seem to be the most popular breed committing these types of atrocious attacks. And I get it: it’s not necessarily the dog’s fault. The owner typically has something to do with the aggressive tendencies. But this breed has a crossed wire in it’s genetic makeup somewhere that needs attention. 

 

It’s rare for a golden retriever, yellow lab, pug or an assortment of other breeds to commit this type of unprovoked attack. This girl was sitting on her grandmother’s lap and yanked to the ground suffering major leg and nerve injuries. 

 

Here’s the other problem: this ***** owned not one, but TWO pit bulls. Double the aggressiveness huh? Battling for food? Battling for attention. So when the kid gets yanked to the ground, they fight over the little girl. Less of a chance to separate them. 

 

I read a story about a young woman who left her TWO pit bulls with her uncle for a few months, came back to visit them and walked them in the woods. They later found her mangled body in the woods with the pit bulls near by. 

 

There’s a couple with two pit bulls behind my building. The pit bulls are in a 10x10 cage and just basically stay out there all day. If they ever get out they are 30 feet from the main sidewalk used by young kids to walk to school. Scary. 

 

Like I said, some of you guys are responsible owners and would certainly pass a background check. But this breed needs better monitoring or should, perhaps, be discontinued altogether. The genetic makeup must be all screwed up to have these types of incidents arise as often as they do. 

 

JMO

[teef]

i know pits that are very sweet.  my wife's cousin has one, and i love the dog.  that being said, i don't trust that dog or the breed.  i make sure my kids aren't at face level with the dog, and i always make sure i have eyes on them around him.  i know some people will come on here with some garbage about how they're as trustworthy as other breeds, and that's absolutely not true.  too many times have i heard about these ***** snapping and going after someone unprovoked...even with good owners. 

 

it's tough to place blame on an entire breed, but i personally don't feel comfortable around them for the most part, and i love all dogs.  our local human society won't let you adopt one if you have a city zip code, which is the only restriction i've come across.  that and home owners insurance rates will go up if you own one, along with a few other breeds.

[BringBackFergy]

2 minutes ago, teef said:

i know pits that are very sweet.  my wife's cousin has one, and i love the dog.  that being said, i don't trust that dog or the breed.  i make sure my kids aren't at face level with the dog, and i always make sure i have eyes on them around him.  i know some people will come on here with some garbage about how they're as trustworthy as other breeds, and that's absolutely not true.  too many times have i heard about these ***** snapping and going after someone unprovoked...even with good owners. 

 

it's tough to place blame on an entire breed, but i personally don't feel comfortable around them for the most part, and i love all dogs.  our local human society won't let you adopt one if you have a city zip code, which is the only restriction i've come across.  that and home owners insurance rates will go up if you own one, along with a few other breeds.

That's not a bad idea. At least it's a start. If someone really wants to adopt one (or TWO!!!), they should demonstrate how they will be controlled, trained, supervised, exercised, fed, etc.  I've read too many stories about their "vicious propensities" relating to adults to walk up to one...I can only imagine what they can do to a little 3 year old girl or boy. 

[Gugny]

This is a tough, controversial, subject.

 

I know that many people have owned pit bulls and have never had problems with them.

 

I also know that in nearly every pit bull attack on a human that I read, a common comment is, "we've had the dog for years and it's always been so sweet."

 

It is my opinion that the aggression/viciousness is "hardwired," into this breed.  It may be a recessive trait that can be suppressed, but it is always there.  And the unpredictability of when it will show is what's scariest.  I've read about multiple "otherwise sweet," pit bulls attacking their owners. 

 

I am personally scared to death of them.  For that reason, I won't go near them, as I fear that they'll pick up on my fear.

 

I don't think the breeding of pit bulls should continue. 

 

People can say, "it's the owners who make them mean," but the statistics don't tell that story at all.

[Johnny Hammersticks]

I was with a group of college friends at a music festival in Geneva in 1999, and a female friend of mine saw a young couple with a pit bull sitting under a tree relaxing.  She was a huge animal lover, so she went and asked the couple permission to pet the dog.  The couple said “sure!  She’s so gentle and wouldn’t harm a fly.”  She offered her hand so the dog could smell her, and after a few minutes when the dog seemed chill, she began to pet it on top of it’s head.

 

I remember it like it happened two minutes ago.  She bent down slightly and reached down with her other hand to pet the dog, and the dog just flat out bit half of her face off.  Bit her up around her neck and ear, and thrashed around which essentially peeled that side of her face down to her chin.  I could see her skull.  I will never forget that as long as I live.

 

 

[teef]

9 minutes ago, BringBackFergy said:

That's not a bad idea. At least it's a start. If someone really wants to adopt one (or TWO!!!), they should demonstrate how they will be controlled, trained, supervised, exercised, fed, etc.  I've read too many stories about their "vicious propensities" relating to adults to walk up to one...I can only imagine what they can do to a little 3 year old girl or boy. 

i thought it was a good idea too.  in fact, the moment they knew we were looking at dogs, it was the first thing they told us.  not that you can't have good owners from the city limits, but that tends to be where the problems are.  a couple of years ago a remember that 3 pits got loose,  started roaming neighborhoods, and ultimately attacked a guy minding his own business.  he lived but it was bad.

 

 

 

4 minutes ago, Johnny Hammersticks said:

I was with a group of college friends at a music festival in Geneva in 1999, and a female friend of mine saw a young couple with a pit bull sitting under a tree relaxing.  She was a huge animal lover, so she went and asked the couple permission to pet the dog.  The couple said “sure!  She’s so gentle and wouldn’t harm a fly.”  She offered her hand so the dog could smell her, and after a few minutes when the dog seemed chill, she began to pet it on top of it’s head.

 

I remember it like it happened two minutes ago.  She bent down slightly and reached down with her other hand to pet the dog, and the dog just flat out bit half of her face off.  Bit her up around her neck and ear, and thrashed around which essentially peeled that side of her face down to her chin.  I could see her skull.  I will never forget that as long as I live.

 

 

a girl that worked next to me in grad school who had the same pit for year.  i met the dog.  very nice.  well...he had a friend over and they were all sitting out the couch.  the dog was being pet and bam...the dog just bit the friend in the face.  never had an incident before, but the guy ended up with pretty bad scaring.  there's just too many stories like that.  i have no idea what appeal the breed has for people.

[BringBackFergy]

4 minutes ago, Johnny Hammersticks said:

I was with a group of college friends at a music festival in Geneva in 1999, and a female friend of mine saw a young couple with a pit bull sitting under a tree relaxing.  She was a huge animal lover, so she went and asked the couple permission to pet the dog.  The couple said “sure!  She’s so gentle and wouldn’t harm a fly.”  She offered her hand so the dog could smell her, and after a few minutes when the dog seemed chill, she began to pet it on top of it’s head.

 

I remember it like it happened two minutes ago.  She bent down slightly and reached down with her other hand to pet the dog, and the dog just flat out bit half of her face off.  Bit her up around her neck and ear, and thrashed around which essentially peeled that side of her face down to her chin.  I could see her skull.  I will never forget that as long as I live.

 

 

Sorry to hear this. And we all know other breeds can do the same...but it seems PB attacks are not only more prevalent, but more vicious in that they “finish the job” more so than just one bite. 

Here’s another story (with the typical defense of PB included...i.e. they are not inherently aggressive/fighting dogs). Beautiful young woman mauled by her “puppies”. Sad. 

 

https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/12/17/571460563/virginia-woman-mauled-to-death-by-her-pit-bulls-during-walk-in-woods-says-sherif

[BringBackFergy]

And another pair of “gentle puppies” that wouldn’t stop once they tasted blood. This 70 year old lady must have really provoked them. 

https://amp.delawareonline.com/amp/2800295002

[Johnny Hammersticks]

I have met gentle pits...great dogs.  Beautiful and loyal companions, no doubt.  I still don’t trust them though, and I won’t let my children near them.

 

This is going to sound strange, but the only other breed that I’ve had horrible experiences with are mini dachshunds.  Those things are such a crap shoot.  You either get a lovely, gentle one, or they are completely bat ***** crazy.  

[Jauronimo]

35 minutes ago, teef said:

i know pits that are very sweet.  my wife's cousin has one, and i love the dog.  that being said, i don't trust that dog or the breed.  i make sure my kids aren't at face level with the dog, and i always make sure i have eyes on them around him.  i know some people will come on here with some garbage about how they're as trustworthy as other breeds, and that's absolutely not true.  too many times have i heard about these ***** snapping and going after someone unprovoked...even with good owners. 

 

it's tough to place blame on an entire breed, but i personally don't feel comfortable around them for the most part, and i love all dogs.  our local human society won't let you adopt one if you have a city zip code, which is the only restriction i've come across.  that and home owners insurance rates will go up if you own one, along with a few other breeds.

You hear about it because of their capacity to inflict injury.  When a pit snaps it will mess you up.  When a chihuahua bites someone, like they do every day (vicious c@$ts), its not a newsworthy event.  

 

Pit attacks are also part of a larger narrative that the public thirsts for.  If it happens somewhere in the US, it will be a national story.  In the 80s it was German Shepherds, then Dobermans, then Rotweilers, and now its pit bulls.  Had a pit bit someone in 1982 no one cares, since the breed was less known.  Had a shepherd bit someone, its on 60 minutes.

 

It certainly does not help the breeds reputation that they're preferred by scumbags of all walks for dog fighting, guarding drugs, and dudes who think having a tough dog is cool. 

[Johnny Hammersticks]

4 minutes ago, Jauronimo said:

You hear about it because of their capacity to inflict injury.  When a pit snaps it will mess you up.  When a chihuahua bites someone, like they do every day (vicious c@$ts), its not a newsworthy event.  

 

Pit attacks are also part of a larger narrative that the public thirsts for.  If it happens somewhere in the US, it will be a national story.  In the 80s it was German Shepherds, then Dobermans, then Rotweilers, and now its pit bulls.  Had a pit bit someone in 1982 no one cares, since the breed was less known.  Had a shepherd bit someone, its on 60 minutes.

 

It certainly does not help the breeds reputation that they're preferred by scumbags of all walks for dog fighting, guarding drugs, and dudes who think having a tough dog is cool. 

 

Interesting take.  Especially the last paragraph.

[BringBackFergy]

3 minutes ago, Jauronimo said:

You hear about it because of their capacity to inflict injury.  When a pit snaps it will mess you up.  When a chihuahua bites someone, like they do every day (vicious c@$ts), its not a newsworthy event.  

 

Pit attacks are also part of a larger narrative that the public thirsts for.  If it happens somewhere in the US, it will be a national story.  In the 80s it was German Shepherds, then Dobermans, then Rotweilers, and now its pit bulls.  Had a pit bit someone in 1982 no one cares, since the breed was less known.  Had a shepherd bit someone, its on 60 minutes.

 

It certainly does not help the breeds reputation that they're preferred by scumbags of all walks for dog fighting, guarding drugs, and dudes who think having a tough dog is cool. 

A bite from a poodle, Doberman or Collie, yes they happen all the time. I’ve just never read stories about those breeds attacking and mauling victims (as in the above stories). I know what you’re saying but this breed exemplifies “warrior”. 

[Gugny]

1 minute ago, Jauronimo said:

You hear about it because of their capacity to inflict injury.  When a pit snaps it will mess you up.  When a chihuahua bites someone, like they do every day (vicious c@$ts), its not a newsworthy event.  

 

Pit attacks are also part of a larger narrative that the public thirsts for.  If it happens somewhere in the US, it will be a national story.  In the 80s it was German Shepherds, then Dobermans, then Rotweilers, and now its pit bulls.  Had a pit bit someone in 1982 no one cares, since the breed was less known.  Had a shepherd bit someone, its on 60 minutes.

 

It certainly does not help the breeds reputation that they're preferred by scumbags of all walks for dog fighting, guarding drugs, and dudes who think having a tough dog is cool. 

 

I partially agree with this.  I still think continuing to breed them makes no sense.

 

In the 80s, the "mean dogs," were Dobermans and Shepherds, as you said.  I don't remember ever seeing a pit bull - I might not have even heard of them back then.

 

Pit bulls are being overbred and poorly bred and - as you stated - sold to scum bags (yes ... that's a gross generalization).  I have a couple who works for me who breeds pit bulls.  One of my other employees bought one ... and she has her 1-year-old granddaughter living with her.

 

I don't ever remember Dobermans or Shepherds being nearly as common as pit bulls are today.  That's another big part of the problem (as well as a contributor to the stats) ... there are way too many of them.

 

The breeding needs to stop.

[DC Tom]

I want to say no...but I also think "There's no bad dogs, only bad owners."  So maybe it's not such a bad idea.

[BringBackFergy]

Just now, Gugny said:

 

I partially agree with this.  I still think continuing to breed them makes no sense.

 

In the 80s, the "mean dogs," were Dobermans and Shepherds, as you said.  I don't remember ever seeing a pit bull - I might not have even heard of them back then.

 

Pit bulls are being overbred and poorly bred and - as you stated - sold to scum bags (yes ... that's a gross generalization).  I have a couple who works for me who breeds pit bulls.  One of my other employees bought one ... and she has her 1-year-old granddaughter living with her.

 

I don't ever remember Dobermans or Shepherds being nearly as common as pit bulls are today.  That's another big part of the problem (as well as a contributor to the stats) ... there are way too many of them.

 

The breeding needs to stop.

Agree. If these dogs just punctured a thigh or bit a hand, shoot, that happens with many dogs. But with PB’s, they take it to another level when blood is drawn. It becomes a challenge for them to take the victim down and silence it’s screams. The more the person cries for help, the more ferocious they seem to get (as evidenced by 70 year old woman story above); either that or she had a meatloaf sandwich in her front pocket. Shame on her. 

[eball]

44 minutes ago, Gugny said:

This is a tough, controversial, subject.

 

This.  I have several close female friends who would defend the breed all day long.  When I see someone get down in a pit bull's face nuzzling the animal I absolutely fear the worst.

 

I don't trust pit bulls despite the fact I'm a firm believer that dog owners are responsible for most of the problems with dogs.  It does just seem to be the case that something "snaps" with that breed unlike any other.

[HereComesTheReignAgain]

You can debate the fact that pit bulls are more likely to attack than other breeds, but you cannot debate the fact that they are capable of doing much more harm than almost all other breeds.  They should absolutely only be owned by very experienced and vigilant dog owners.  I do not see why anyone would breed pit bulls.  If you care about the breed at all, you would realize that the shelters are overflowing with pit bulls and there is zero need for any more at this time.  A little off topic, but I hope they close the loophole of "emotional support dogs" that allow people to skirt breed restrictions in many cases.  Apartment complexes should not be forced to accept the huge liability that comes with certain breeds of dogs and irresponsible owners.  Not to mention the danger to other residents and dogs that share the grounds with them.

[PromoTheRobot]

I don't know if pity bulls are naturally more aggressive but any big dog that decides to kill you can do it. That's why I prefer chihuahuas.

[Misterbluesky]

57 minutes ago, BringBackFergy said:

 I know what you’re saying but this breed exemplifies “warrior”. 

Yes,sir.

Our Ellie turns 10 next November.

[Misterbluesky]

1 hour ago, Gugny said:

This is a tough, controversial, subject.

 

I know that many people have owned pit bulls and have never had problems with them.

 

I also know that in nearly every pit bull attack on a human that I read, a common comment is, "we've had the dog for years and it's always been so sweet."

 

It is my opinion that the aggression/viciousness is "hardwired," into this breed.  It may be a recessive trait that can be suppressed, but it is always there.  And the unpredictability of when it will show is what's scariest.  I've read about multiple "otherwise sweet," pit bulls attacking their owners. 

 

I am personally scared to death of them.  For that reason, I won't go near them, as I fear that they'll pick up on my fear.

 

I don't think the breeding of pit bulls should continue. 

 

People can say, "it's the owners who make them mean," but the statistics don't tell that story at all.

Damn...so much for you ever excepting a invitation to my home when you make it in.

I never thought of you as being a closed minded guy.

[Gugny]

Just now, Misterbluesky said:

Damn...so much for you ever excepting a invitation to my home when you make it in.

I never thought of you as being a closed minded guy.

 

I'm definitely not close-minded, man.  I'm just afraid of pit bulls.  I'm sure your dog has been a wonderful pet and I'm sure you're a great dog owner.  My thoughts on pit bulls don't mean I don't like them, per se.  I'm simply afraid of them and I think they live their entire lives "this close" from mauling someone.  That's not their fault and, thankfully, 100% of them aren't triggered in their lifetimes.

 

But too many of them are.

[Logic]

It would be peak 2019 America to make it harder to get a pit bull than an AR-15.

[T&C]

6 minutes ago, Gugny said:

 

I'm definitely not close-minded, man.  I'm just afraid of pit bulls.  I'm sure your dog has been a wonderful pet and I'm sure you're a great dog owner.  My thoughts on pit bulls don't mean I don't like them, per se.  I'm simply afraid of them and I think they live their entire lives "this close" from mauling someone.  That's not their fault and, thankfully, 100% of them aren't triggered in their lifetimes.

 

But too many of them are.

I'm the same man... really don't like being around them either, no matter of "oh he's a big baby" what an owner says. Give me a black lab all day long. I hate those little teacup style dogs too... don't really care what Mimi is wearing or did today or yesterday or ever.

[Gugny]

Just now, Logic said:

It would be peak 2019 America to make it harder to get a pit bull than an AR-15.

 

Was it logical to bring gun control into a thread about dogs?

[Logic]

1 minute ago, Gugny said:

 

Was it logical to bring gun control into a thread about dogs?

Is it illogical to think that a gun should be harder to obtain than a dog?

[Misterbluesky]

2 minutes ago, Logic said:

It would be peak 2019 America to make it harder to get a pit bull than an AR-15.

You people are nuts.

[Gugny]

Just now, Logic said:

Is it illogical to think that a gun should be harder to obtain than a dog?

 

This isn't the thread to discuss that.  Out of respect for the OP, the topic should remain pit bulls ... which has nothing to do with firearms.

[Misterbluesky]

2 minutes ago, T&C said:

I'm the same man... really don't like being around them either, no matter of "oh he's a big baby" what an owner says. Give me a black lab all day long. I hate those little teacup style dogs too... don't really care what Mimi is wearing or did today or yesterday or ever.

Do you really ever think I would put you in harm's way???????

Anybody with a invite to my HOME becomes part of us...you people are strange,not trustworthy...

 

[Gugny]

Just now, Misterbluesky said:

Do you really ever think I would put you in harm's way???????

Anybody with a invite to my HOME becomes part of us...you people are strange,not trustworthy...

 

 

Your passion is not surprising to me.  Other pit bull owners will eventually come to this thread with similar passion.  I, for one, will not judge; you've had a pit bull for a decade with no problems.  That is awesome.

[teef]

1 hour ago, Jauronimo said:

You hear about it because of their capacity to inflict injury.  When a pit snaps it will mess you up.  When a chihuahua bites someone, like they do every day (vicious c@$ts), its not a newsworthy event.  

 

Pit attacks are also part of a larger narrative that the public thirsts for.  If it happens somewhere in the US, it will be a national story.  In the 80s it was German Shepherds, then Dobermans, then Rotweilers, and now its pit bulls.  Had a pit bit someone in 1982 no one cares, since the breed was less known.  Had a shepherd bit someone, its on 60 minutes.

 

It certainly does not help the breeds reputation that they're preferred by scumbags of all walks for dog fighting, guarding drugs, and dudes who think having a tough dog is cool. 

oh absolutely.  it's all part of it.  funny you mention dobermans and rots.  my best friend has dobermans that i get excited to see, and my brother has a rotweiler that i completely trust my kids around.  i probably should, but i don't carry nearly as much fear for them as i would a pit.  

 

I'm like gugny...i'm just nervous around pits, and now i get anxious that they pick up on it, which makes them more nervous, and more likely to react.  the stories i've heard, (and you're right...the media loves to pump them up) are just too much, but on the same note, the stories exist for a reason.  

 

i think part of it too is the point of my life i'm living right now...small kids are present.  we have a yellow lab the kids absolutely crawl all over, and all that dog does is give me a ***** you look, and takes it.  he'll never bite, nor do i have a fear he will.  i can't say the same about certain breeds, including more than just pits.

[Logic]

A roommate of mine had a pitbull for about 8 years. I have mixed feelings.

On the one hand, 99% of the time he WAS the sweetest, gentlest, most playful dog around. 

On the other hand, there were times when he would display a really intense prey drive and go after my cat is if he was going to kill him. Now, obviously a dog going after a cat is pretty normal, natural stuff. But like I said, the ferocity and suddenness with which he would go from "playful and sweet" to "trying to kill" was pretty wild. Rarely, there were also certain human visitors to the house that, for whatever reason, he just didn't like. His demeanor became rather scary around these people, as well.

At the end of the day, I stand by the notion that the most vicious dogs I've ever met have generally been chihuahas. Nasty little buggers!

[/dev/null]

I'm pro-gun and pro-dog

 

 

An AR15 is an inanimate object that is only dangerous when controlled by a human

A pit bull is a live animal that can be dangerous when not controlled by a human

 

[Gugny]

6 minutes ago, /dev/null said:

I'm pro-gun and pro-dog

 

 

An AR15 is an inanimate object that is only dangerous when controlled by a human

A pit bull is a live animal that can be dangerous when not controlled by a human

 

 

But even some of the most loving, well-behaved, otherwise peaceful pit bulls who've been carefully controlled and raised by responsible dog owners, can snap.  And when they snap, people aren't getting stitches.  They're having reconstructive surgery or being buried.

Edited June 4, 2019 by Gugny

[Augie]

2 hours ago, Logic said:

A roommate of mine had a pitbull for about 8 years. I have mixed feelings.

On the one hand, 99% of the time he WAS the sweetest, gentlest, most playful dog around. 

On the other hand, there were times when he would display a really intense prey drive and go after my cat is if he was going to kill him. Now, obviously a dog going after a cat is pretty normal, natural stuff. But like I said, the ferocity and suddenness with which he would go from "playful and sweet" to "trying to kill" was pretty wild. Rarely, there were also certain human visitors to the house that, for whatever reason, he just didn't like. His demeanor became rather scary around these people, as well.

At the end of the day, I stand by the notion that the most vicious dogs I've ever met have generally been chihuahas. Nasty little buggers!

 

I know people who love them and swear by them. Almost all the time they are great pets.....but I don’t ever want to fear for my safety or that of anyone around me. I don’t have to worry if our little grandson pulls on my Golden Retriever’s ear. Nothing bad is EVER going to happen, and I am certain of that.  

 

Aside from the breed, some of the owners are wacko. Just a handful, as most are great. But I worked with a guy who was getting one and on his list of reasons was “I like to see the fear in a man’s eyes.” WTF???

 

 

.

Edited June 4, 2019 by Augie

[/dev/null]

2 minutes ago, Gugny said:

 

But even some of the most loving, well-behaved, otherwise peaceful pit bull who's been carefully controlled and raised by a responsible dog owner, can snap.  And when they snap, people aren't getting stitches.  They're having reconstructive surgery or being buried.

 

When pit bulls snap, do they snap on their family or do they snap against another person they are not as familiar with or trained to be obedient to?

Serious question, my experience is with more docile breeds

[Gugny]

Just now, /dev/null said:

 

When pit bulls snap, do they snap on their family or do they snap against another person they are not as familiar with or trained to be obedient to?

Serious question, my experience is with more docile breeds

 

This topic comes up here from time to time.  Years ago, I did a deep dive into pit bull attack statistics.  I do remember reading that a "higher than one would think" percentage of pit bull attacks were on owners/family; the dogs were historically well-behaved.

 

I do think that there are scores of horrible pit bull owners who do "help" the dogs become mean.

 

But it is abundantly clear that it's simply part of their genetic make-up. 

[Teddy KGB]

I’m on my second pit and think I’ve signed up on the pitbull owner for life dotted line.   

 

Wonderful dogs who need to be saved by people like me because .0001% of them have bit or killed someone. 

 

 

 

Edited June 4, 2019 by Teddy KGB

[Teddy KGB]

3 hours ago, PromoTheRobot said:

but any big dog that decides to kill you can do it

 

This seems pretty far fetched, just smush their cheeks together and yell at them. 

 

Gotta alpha that dog ?.  Or start going to a gym 

Edited June 4, 2019 by Teddy KGB

[GoBills808]

4 hours ago, Jauronimo said:

You hear about it because of their capacity to inflict injury.  When a pit snaps it will mess you up.  When a chihuahua bites someone, like they do every day (vicious c@$ts), its not a newsworthy event.  

 

Pit attacks are also part of a larger narrative that the public thirsts for.  If it happens somewhere in the US, it will be a national story.  In the 80s it was German Shepherds, then Dobermans, then Rotweilers, and now its pit bulls.  Had a pit bit someone in 1982 no one cares, since the breed was less known.  Had a shepherd bit someone, its on 60 minutes.

 

It certainly does not help the breeds reputation that they're preferred by scumbags of all walks for dog fighting, guarding drugs, and dudes who think having a tough dog is cool. 

 

Statistics...crap owners tend to go for certain breeds, hence the stigma around pit bulls, rotweilers, dobermans etc. Has very little to do with genetics imo.

[Gray Beard]

When I go to a humane society web site and look at the available dogs, almost all of them look like they are some sort of pit bull.  This tells me that people are getting them, realizing they are too hard to handle, then getting rid of them.