Dog discussion: someone noted that labs were in the Top 10 list. Labs are a very common pet, and they often can have neurological problems from bad breeding practices and inexperienced backyard breeders. They're a fairly high energy dog that needs a lot of interaction and stimulation, and they can also be very protective. Some are uneasy around small children and other dogs. "Labs" are often also mutts that are labeled as labs at shelters and places like Puppy Zone. A dog can be 16 different breeds it seems but if it barely resembles a lab it'll get that label because that increases the likelihood it'll get adopted/purchased.
All that said, we used to be a lab-only family. Duck dogs and family dogs. I've broken up a lot of dogs fighting, all involved a lab. Each one of those dogs lovable sweethearts, often one of our own dogs. My dad and myself have been bitten breaking up dogs.
Earlier this afternoon our neighbors' lab came over to our fence. I reached over and gave it a pet and it licked my hand. Suddenly, seemingly without warning it lunged into the fence at my beagle. Had no interest in my GSP. And both the lab and beagle were going at it through the fence. I grabbed my dog and took him inside.
This lab has played with my dogs in my back yard. The only thing that seemed different was that their entire family was in their yard, so I assume the dog went into protective mode.
I love dogs, and I wouldn't hesitate to reintroduce our dogs in a different scenario when walls are down. I love labs too. I love pits. Have met some absolute babies of pits.
At the end of the day, dogs are inherently dangerous. They injure and kill people every year. I had a friend mauled by her grandmother's domerman that she'd known and loved since she was an infant. Another friend had to put down his GSP (had been abused) after it went after his infant daughter. I think a lot of people don't think about the wild fact that we welcome an animal with the genetic ancestry of a dangerous apex predator into our home to cuddle with our children. All (useful) dog breeds are dangerous.
I think pits are highest on the list not because most pits are aggressive and vicious but because 1. They're a very popular breed so that increases likelihood of injury from one 2. If they are set off, the damage can be more severe that many other breeds 3. They're often owned and trained to be aggressive and protective.
I think MOST pits are fantastic dogs and they can be wonderful companions. I don't think they're inherently aggressive.
If you've read this far, Go Vols.
man
