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5/2/2014 4:04:20 PM EDT
I found a beautiful pitbull at a rescue.

Good or Bad? Older kids....
5/2/2014 4:10:53 PM EDT
[#1]
Game bred hunting dog, or family pet lineage? That can play a large role in their general temperament.





As a general rule, they require a large amount of attention to keep occupied. Lonely=frustrated=aggressive in a great deal of cases.





I would say not for an inexperienced dog owner if you're unsure.



ETA: I believe Naamah has a good deal of experience with rescue pits.

5/2/2014 4:15:22 PM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:
I found a beautiful pitbull at a rescue.

Good or Bad? Older kids....
View Quote



Sure. It's about as safe as playing Russian Roulette.
5/2/2014 4:17:43 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Quoted:
Game bred hunting dog, or family pet lineage? That can play a large role in their general temperament.

As a general rule, they require a large amount of attention to keep occupied. Lonely=frustrated=aggressive in a great deal of cases.

I would say not for an inexperienced dog owner if you're unsure.
View Quote


Lineage is everything in working breeds. Just because it's a working breed, doesn't mean it's working lines.

GSD's with show lines are some lazy, unmotivated fuckers compared to GSD's from working lines, who have high drive, insane exercise needs, and will fuck shit up if not trained properly.
5/2/2014 4:19:09 PM EDT
[#4]
In. This thread should be a bag of shit by the time my next break rolls around.
5/2/2014 4:19:26 PM EDT
[#5]
Most make wonderful family pets.

You do need to have an understanding of the breed, and a willingness to keep them exercised. Go meet the dog, have it meet your family, and go from there.
5/2/2014 4:19:36 PM EDT
[#6]
If it was abandoned because it was beginning to act aggressive or it was being raised as a fighting dog (and you'll never know if it was) then it's just a ticking time bomb.

I had a pitbull that was rescued from a dog fighting ring, he only attacked me once. But I'm a big man and didn't have kids at that time.
5/2/2014 4:22:11 PM EDT
[#7]
Only two ways I'd take on a Pit Bull.

#1 If from a rescue I'd have to be single living in my own place no kids old people etc.

#2 Only if I raised it from puppy. So I can give it a happy healthy socialized environment from the start.

I raise Rotts myself..
5/2/2014 4:26:10 PM EDT
[#8]

Quote History
Quoted:
Lineage is everything in working breeds. Just because it's a working breed, doesn't mean it's working lines.



GSD's with show lines are some lazy, unmotivated fuckers compared to GSD's from working lines, who have high drive, insane exercise needs, and will fuck shit up if not trained properly.
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Quoted:



Quoted:

Game bred hunting dog, or family pet lineage? That can play a large role in their general temperament.



As a general rule, they require a large amount of attention to keep occupied. Lonely=frustrated=aggressive in a great deal of cases.



I would say not for an inexperienced dog owner if you're unsure.




Lineage is everything in working breeds. Just because it's a working breed, doesn't mean it's working lines.



GSD's with show lines are some lazy, unmotivated fuckers compared to GSD's from working lines, who have high drive, insane exercise needs, and will fuck shit up if not trained properly.
Exactly. A pit from a line of hog hunting dogs will NOT make a good pet. It will be unhappy doing anything but hunting, and will take out it's frustration in unpredictable ways.



Some of the show dogs I see are sweet as they can be because they've never needed to be aggressive or fight a hog in 15 generations.

All they do is eat good food, work out and get handled by owners and judges at shows.





 
5/2/2014 4:27:46 PM EDT
[#9]
If it's young (and maybe if it's not) and you're willing to learn about the breed, they typically make great pets.  My last two have been from the pound.  1st was a lab/pit mix, raised with our 3 children.  She was a "ticking time bomb" for 13 years until I had to have her put down.  Never hurt anything but possums and rats.  The one I have now is a Staffordshire Bull, and the kids are older, but she hangs out with 3 cats all day long.  I don't trust her unattended around other dogs, but I don't think a person could maker her bite them short of harming one of us.  

Do not get it if you're not experienced with dogs or aren't willing to train & exercise it regularly.
5/2/2014 4:27:57 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Quoted:
If it was abandoned because it was beginning to act aggressive or it was being raised as a fighting dog (and you'll never know if it was) then it's just a ticking time bomb.

I had a pitbull that was rescued from a dog fighting ring, he only attacked me once. But I'm a big man and didn't have kids at that time.
View Quote



Most good fighting lines aren't human aggressive.  
5/2/2014 4:30:06 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Quoted:



Most good fighting lines aren't human aggressive.  
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Quoted:
Quoted:
If it was abandoned because it was beginning to act aggressive or it was being raised as a fighting dog (and you'll never know if it was) then it's just a ticking time bomb.

I had a pitbull that was rescued from a dog fighting ring, he only attacked me once. But I'm a big man and didn't have kids at that time.



Most good fighting lines aren't human aggressive.  


It doesn't matter how often that's explained.
5/2/2014 4:31:48 PM EDT
[#12]
We should just call them 'Pity Bulls' around here.
5/2/2014 4:32:10 PM EDT
[#13]
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Quoted:



Sure. It's about as safe as playing Russian Roulette.
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Quoted:
Quoted:
I found a beautiful pitbull at a rescue.

Good or Bad? Older kids....



Sure. It's about as safe as playing Russian Roulette.


WITH A GRENADE LAUNCHER! O LAWDY!!!!!!!
5/2/2014 4:33:31 PM EDT
[#14]
My Pitbull, since she found me when she just under a year old, has been a generally lazy lump. Loves to receive and give attention...many a toddler has been on the wet end of a tongue lashing.  Occasionally, she has been known to demonstrate some impressive feats of strength on a spontaneous whim between standing high jumps, long jumps, and running at insane speeds.  Greyhounds didn't hold much of an edge on her when she was in her prime.  Obedient to a fault.  Boring.  Doesn't like toys.  Can't understand the concept of "fetch."  If you try to make her swim at a lake she goes straight back to shore, sits down, and looks at you like you are a complete jerk.  In a group of other dogs at a dog park, she is THE alpha.  If other dogs start to be obnoxious, she will butt in and herd them away from the pack until they mind their manners.

Best dog ever.
5/2/2014 4:34:06 PM EDT
[#15]
One of my wifes friends husband is a career scumbag; scumbag goes to rescue and finds the biggest and meaness looking pit bull to ride around in his truck and intimidate people, imagine his massive embarrassment when he discovers that the dog loves everyone.
5/2/2014 4:35:31 PM EDT
[#16]
I used to breed hunting dogs in my younger days.

Pitbulls get a bad rap.

Pirbulls are also very stout-built dogs with a powerful bite and a tenacious breed personality.

All dogs can maul and harm, but pits are big and powerful. It's kind of like choosing being punched by the face by Seacrest of Mayweather.
5/2/2014 4:38:32 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Quoted:
If it was abandoned because it was beginning to act aggressive or it was being raised as a fighting dog (and you'll never know if it was) then it's just a ticking time bomb.

I had a pitbull that was rescued from a dog fighting ring, he only attacked me once. But I'm a big man and didn't have kids at that time.
View Quote


When I took my Pitbull in, she was bred at a very early age.  My vet explained that breeders of fighting dogs will breed at a very young age and see what they get as pups as well as the bitch's demeanor post giving birth to the pups.  If they display too good of a disposition they are either used as "bait dogs" to train other dogs to fight, shot, or dumped somewhere.

Thankfully, mine was dumped and she found me.
5/2/2014 4:38:38 PM EDT
[#18]

Quote History
Quoted:
Lineage is everything in working breeds. Just because it's a working breed, doesn't mean it's working lines.



GSD's with show lines are some lazy, unmotivated fuckers compared to GSD's from working lines, who have high drive, insane exercise needs, and will fuck shit up if not trained properly.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quoted:



Quoted:

Game bred hunting dog, or family pet lineage? That can play a large role in their general temperament.



As a general rule, they require a large amount of attention to keep occupied. Lonely=frustrated=aggressive in a great deal of cases.



I would say not for an inexperienced dog owner if you're unsure.




Lineage is everything in working breeds. Just because it's a working breed, doesn't mean it's working lines.



GSD's with show lines are some lazy, unmotivated fuckers compared to GSD's from working lines, who have high drive, insane exercise needs, and will fuck shit up if not trained properly.
I can show you SL GSD's that are IPO3 and ScH3 that'll run circles around many WL dogs.



 
5/2/2014 4:38:57 PM EDT
[#19]


I miss the old days, when the Helen Lovejoys of the world had to explain the horrors of the Rottweiler breed every time they came up.  
5/2/2014 4:39:06 PM EDT
[#20]
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Quoted:


It doesn't matter how often that's explained.
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
If it was abandoned because it was beginning to act aggressive or it was being raised as a fighting dog (and you'll never know if it was) then it's just a ticking time bomb.

I had a pitbull that was rescued from a dog fighting ring, he only attacked me once. But I'm a big man and didn't have kids at that time.



Most good fighting lines aren't human aggressive.  


It doesn't matter how often that's explained.


I used to volunteer at a pit bull rescue. We got a looot of fighters in.

People look at me crazy when I say I only would ever get a pit from a reputable fight line. Almost guaranteed no human aggression, and if you don't teach and encourage animal aggression, it won't be an issue.

Former coworker had a pit he bought from a gangbanger that had a prized fighter in his neighborhood. That dog was spot on in competitive obedience. He used the drive that was bred into it, and turned it to obedience work instead of aggression. That's really all the fighters do anyway, take that drive, and direct it into something shitty.
5/2/2014 4:39:28 PM EDT
[#21]
I was always in the "pitbulls aren't all bad" camp. My friend has one that she rescued, and it's about the nicest dog around.

Until today when I had one bound across two lawns to come after me and my dog in my own neighborhood. No sniffing, no growls, just a lunge straight for my dog's neck. I kicked the pit when it was on my dog, it came towards me, and some neighbors screaming caused the dog to move away. I've never seen a dog so aggressive.

I got my dog back to my house and the neighbors called Animal Control. Before I could return, the owner drove up and grabbed the dog. No one recognized her or knew where she drove to. Also, no collar/tags on the dog.

Afterwards I realized how stupid I was to get between the dogs. Lesson learned, if a similar situation arises, I'm not getting near the pit. I'm going to shoot the fucker.

Semper Fi
5/2/2014 4:40:40 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
Quoted:
I can show you SL GSD's that are IPO3 and ScH3 that'll run circles around many WL dogs.
 
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Game bred hunting dog, or family pet lineage? That can play a large role in their general temperament.

As a general rule, they require a large amount of attention to keep occupied. Lonely=frustrated=aggressive in a great deal of cases.

I would say not for an inexperienced dog owner if you're unsure.


Lineage is everything in working breeds. Just because it's a working breed, doesn't mean it's working lines.

GSD's with show lines are some lazy, unmotivated fuckers compared to GSD's from working lines, who have high drive, insane exercise needs, and will fuck shit up if not trained properly.
I can show you SL GSD's that are IPO3 and ScH3 that'll run circles around many WL dogs.
 


That's very true. However, those aren't standards for either line, knowing the lineage gives you a much better idea what you might be working with. Nothing is 100% in dog breeding.
5/2/2014 4:42:37 PM EDT
[#23]
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Quoted:

I used to volunteer at a pit bull rescue. We got a looot of fighters in.

People look at me crazy when I say I only would ever get a pit from a reputable fight line. Almost guaranteed no human aggression, and if you don't teach and encourage animal aggression, it won't be an issue.

View Quote


Don't ever, ever count on that if they're going to be around other dogs.  I used to believe that, FWIW.
5/2/2014 4:46:01 PM EDT
[#24]
I've had pit bulls my entire life. Rescues, puppies raised by me, rescued former fighting dogs.  Unfortunately the rescue former fighters have been raised to think this is the way to act and it's not their fault at all. (Piece of shit Michael Vick). So with that I would be careful with the kids. But from what I've found first hand they just want to please their owners. They love to make their owner happy and I will only have pit bulls the rest of my life. They aren't "born" aggressive.  It's like any dog, it's ll in how it has been raised. All my pits I've raised from puppies are scared of ther dogs because they are such babies (I raised them this way).  Let's put it this way, someone kicked my door in years ago while I was home. When the door  kicked open with a loud bang one of my pits went wagging his tail to his new best friend who just came throught the front door and my other ran behind me (thanks a lot bishop for the protection).  They aren't born aggressive, all in how it raised. Just like most other breads... I trust my beautiful nieces (ages 3 and 5) around them completely, even when I'm not around. They just lets the girls pound on them and they love the attention. I also have cats that love my pits. They are best friends and I have some pretty funny videos of all of them playing (with the cat usually getting the best of them)  (
5/2/2014 4:47:43 PM EDT
[#25]

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Quoted:
That's very true. However, those aren't standards for either line, knowing the lineage gives you a much better idea what you might be working with. Nothing is 100% in dog breeding.
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Quoted:



Quoted:


Quoted:


Quoted:

Game bred hunting dog, or family pet lineage? That can play a large role in their general temperament.



As a general rule, they require a large amount of attention to keep occupied. Lonely=frustrated=aggressive in a great deal of cases.



I would say not for an inexperienced dog owner if you're unsure.




Lineage is everything in working breeds. Just because it's a working breed, doesn't mean it's working lines.



GSD's with show lines are some lazy, unmotivated fuckers compared to GSD's from working lines, who have high drive, insane exercise needs, and will fuck shit up if not trained properly.
I can show you SL GSD's that are IPO3 and ScH3 that'll run circles around many WL dogs.

 




That's very true. However, those aren't standards for either line, knowing the lineage gives you a much better idea what you might be working with. Nothing is 100% in dog breeding.
Agree 100%.  Sometimes I wonder what some "breeders" are breeding?  



 
5/2/2014 4:57:20 PM EDT
[#26]
Quoted:
I found a beautiful pitbull at a rescue.

Good or Bad? Older kids....
View Quote


Great dogs. They require consistent discipline and training like any other dog, and some maintenance (toys= happy dog that doesn't usually chew your stuff).

I love my "pit" mix very much (AmStaff+Rottweiler) and he's a great companion- he's a little more timid than most, though. Still, he's laying on the couch next to me using my leg as a pillow.

This is in direct opposition to the other two larger dogs in the house, who are SUPPOSED to be "good family dogs" but are really high strung as fuck and about the two shittiest dogs I've ever had the misfortune of meeting.
5/2/2014 4:59:23 PM EDT
[#27]


'Breed of peace'.





At someone's risk.
5/2/2014 4:59:54 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote History
Quoted:
One of my wifes friends husband is a career scumbag; scumbag goes to rescue and finds the biggest and meaness looking pit bull to ride around in his truck and intimidate people, imagine his massive embarrassment when he discovers that the dog loves everyone.
View Quote


With bully breeds and mixes this is more the norm than the exception.
5/2/2014 5:02:38 PM EDT
[#29]
I'd be very careful with a rescue dog, especially a pit bull.  I lived in a condo complex where a number of people owned pits, but they were all owned as puppies and raised properly.  All were friendly fun dogs.  They are extremely strong, so a child would have a hard time overcoming one that got violent.

5/2/2014 5:07:24 PM EDT
[#30]
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Don't ever, ever count on that if they're going to be around other dogs.  I used to believe that, FWIW.
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Quoted:

I used to volunteer at a pit bull rescue. We got a looot of fighters in.

People look at me crazy when I say I only would ever get a pit from a reputable fight line. Almost guaranteed no human aggression, and if you don't teach and encourage animal aggression, it won't be an issue.



Don't ever, ever count on that if they're going to be around other dogs.  I used to believe that, FWIW.



In my experience, those not trained in fighting are just as likely to get in a scrap as your average Golden or Lab. When faced with fight or flight, it's a crapshoot with any dog of any breed.
5/2/2014 5:19:52 PM EDT
[#31]
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In my experience, those not trained in fighting are just as likely to get in a scrap as your average Golden or Lab. When faced with fight or flight, it's a crapshoot with any dog of any breed.
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:

I used to volunteer at a pit bull rescue. We got a looot of fighters in.

People look at me crazy when I say I only would ever get a pit from a reputable fight line. Almost guaranteed no human aggression, and if you don't teach and encourage animal aggression, it won't be an issue.



Don't ever, ever count on that if they're going to be around other dogs.  I used to believe that, FWIW.



In my experience, those not trained in fighting are just as likely to get in a scrap as your average Golden or Lab. When faced with fight or flight, it's a crapshoot with any dog of any breed.


I may not disagree, but the problem is that a "fight" for a lot of dogs consists of a lot of posturing, maybe a 5 second snapping/barking furball, then one runs off or submits.  Or it may not even get beyond the growling/showing teeth.  That sort of typically harmless stuff will most likely not happen with a bulldog.  If they get even one good bite there will be blood and lots of drama, and it will be the pit's fault no matter what started it.

Mine was raised with an older pit/lab mix, which also had never been dog aggressive, and they were fine until the youngster hit adolescence.  They were both females, spayed, and after the 1.5 year mark we had to keep them separated or it was on.  I'd have gotten rid of the youngster if the older one wasn't on her last legs.  Youngster does fine with neighborhood dogs, does fine in the open play yard at the kennel when we board her, so it may have been just one too many in the household.  But I always assume she's going to be aggressive if a dog looks at her wrong, even though she hasn't yet, because of the consequences.  And yes, I socialized, trained, exercise, etc.  I did everything you're supposed to do, but they could not live together.  A little research told me it's not uncommon.