>>>>>>Obviously, you've never spent any time around pit bull terriers. The problem is with the humans that own them. Dachsunds and Chihuahuas are statistically far more aggressive and apt to bite, followed by the Jack Russell Terrier.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>But humans are stupid. It used to be the German Shephard, then it was the Dobies and the Rotties. Now it's the Pits.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>My wife volunteers at a no-kill animal shelter. Almost every dog that comes in is a pit bull or rottweiler (or a mix thereof). Many are completely unhandleable - they'll never be adopted. Some actually do get adopted, although there is a high return rate.
>>>>>
>>>>>Are the original owners responsible - Absolutely! Aside from getting them as puppies so they can raise them to be the toughest dog on the block (because the owners are drooling redneck winos in general) they provide the market that puppy farms need to keep breeding the things.
>>>>>
>>>>>Although I think a lot of the problem is the owners, I also think the dogs have been bred to favor the more aggressive and protective tendencies, and with the size and strength of the dogs that makes them dangerous.
>>>>>
>>>>>BTW German Shepards, Labs, and Retrievers are my kind of dogs. We currently have a huge black lab and a retriever mutt (along with some retarded little shi+-poo thing that my wife picked up for some reason).
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>There is a no-kill animal shelter near here, no more than two miles away. I will give it a few days to think it over but am seriously thinking about it.
>>>>
>>>>
http://www.saveapetil.org/pet/rover>>>>
>>>>
http://www.saveapetil.org/pet/dexter>>>>
>>>>
http://www.saveapetil.org/pet/madge>>>>
>>>>Leaning toward Dexter. An epileptic dog, I don't even know what that means. Any ideas?
>>>
>>>Same as people - prone to siezures. I'm not sure what if any treatments there are for that.
>>>
>>>Shelters are very good (as far as I've seen) about letting you get to know an animal well before letting you take it home. They'll take them back if you have issues.
>>
>>Since your wife volunteers at one you know more about it than the average bear.
>>
>>My thinking has already changed to Madge. I don't need a macho dog or to prove anything. A sweet dog would be just fine. For sure I am going to think this over. I am not going to do anything impulsive.
>>
>>A few years ago, before we got Crash the amiable yellow lab, I went to this same shelter and was very interested in a red chow. (Imaginatively named Chow Mein). They talked me out of it. They didn't like the way I tried to control him on the leash. The young volunteer said these dogs can't be controlled, Mr. Beane. She said they were bred for protection and attack and you will never control him. I didn't like that but in retrospect I respect what she said.
>
>I'd bet she knew the particular dog well. I'd listen to her.
>
>Our retriever mutt is a shelter dog. She's been a great addition around here since we got her a couple of years ago.
I did listen to her. She didn't leave me much choice ;-) But she was right.
I just have this thing about bulldogs. Here is something my beloved younger daughter posted on Facebook today. And she absolutely stole the name Winston from me.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151901910455043&set=p.10151901910455043&type=1&theater
