"Dangerous Breed List", My Opinions

mammoth853 · May 2010

For those who havn't heard of this, there are many differing versions of a "Dangerous Dog Breeds" list put out by several organizations. Many cities ban or restrict the breeds on these lists. I hadn't really put much thought into this list considering I lived way out in the country and there are little if any restrictions on dogs out here. But a few months ago my sister couldn't take care of her shepard/husky mixed dog. I've always called him Big Mook, even though that isnt his name

Anyways, she asked if I could care for him. I was happy to, he's a jolly everybodies buddy kind of dog who listens well. But when I was about to move to the place I rented, which told me they accepted dogs, I was stopped by the owner when he saw my Big Mook. He asked what breed he was. Then told me I couldn't keep him there because his breeds were on this Dangerous Dogs List. I asked if it was the law there. He said no, that it was just his personal opinion. After a bit of discussion, friendly arguing, and him playing and meeting Big Mook, he was able to stay, thankfully. I'm not calling this list stupid or idiotic. I understand people wanting to keep themselves, children, tenants, and other animals safe. This I can respect. I have lived next to dangerous and vicious dogs, it's not something I wish on anyone. But I didn't like the idea of listing dangerous breeds. Where I grew up everyone had dogs. The more the merrier seemed to be the philosophy. So Ive had my share of run-ins will all sorts of breeds. Ive been bitten or seen others get attacked by breeds that were not on these lists, and there were breeds on this list that I have never had any problems with. My opinion is that dogs should be judged on a dog to dog basis. There are many dangerous and deadly dogs out there, I won't deny that. But I think we should be more reasonable about this. To make a long story short, I was just wondering what peoples opinions were on this list? Have you had any experiences with it like I have? :) -LeoTaurus

RoyalRaccoon · May 2010

I both agree and disagree with it. Some breeds don't belong on it, and then some breeds that aren't on it should be on it. My opinion is that it's just impossible to judge on a dog-to-dog basis, so the next best thing is to target dog breeds that are associated with aggressive behavior(whether it's natural or trained), fighting, and power/strength. My only experiences with this kind of thing was with dobermans. From the time I was a baby I grew up with dobermans, and they are often put on these lists. I don't agree with it, and I've actually never met a truly aggressive one that would try to go after people. Other than their intimidating image built up by the media, I don't even think they make the best guard dogs. Anyways, about 5+ years ago my grandmother's insurance company updated their list to include dobermans. That's just one of the reasons she never got another one.

Night Walker · May 2010

Hem Yeah. i suppose the list isnt all bad. the part i dont like is when people Ban the dog from a certain area... Ive had he top dogs on that list for many years without incident. Some of the dogs on the list where some of the nicest dogs in the world with huge hearts and nothing but love to give. Ive had American Pitbull/dobie mix, Ive had a wolf hybrid. and a regular dobie. with lots of little kids around. the only time i can imagine them hurting anyone is if i was getting threatened.

Goldy · May 2010

Dog to dog basis sure would be nice, however it's just not something most companies/landlords are going to do, especially if it's a very large corperation. So unfortunately we're stuck dealing with this to keep things effcient; it's just a matter of how breeds of dogs "are born that way", which we can all agree is totally false. Buttt, I'm glad you got around the judgement and I wish everyone luck dealing with these such systems....

Zagari Wolf · May 2010

I think it's rediculous. You can't judge an entire breed on one or two incidences. I have an APBT who for the record, has never harmed another living thing. I'm not saying that she wouldn't hurt another ANIMAL, I'm just say that she hasn't as of yet. Anyway, like it's always preached... it's the owner, not the dog or dog breed. If someone is going to own a so-called dangerous breed they need to be responsible about it. They need to have that dog under control at all times. It's been so hard to get insurance because of my dog's breed. I'm not above paying more so that I can keep my dog. I will do anything to keep her and I am responsible about her. I just wish more dog owers were more worried about their dog's safety and well-being more so than their image.

DeathWish · May 2010

Dangerous dog lists are a load of crap if you ask me. It's nothing to do with breed but how the owner trains said dogs. These lists are purely based on appearance most of the time. If the breed looks vicious/large/powerful then BAM it's on the list. That being said, there is reason for this. What gangster is going to look intimidating with a little white fluff ball walking beside him/her? Not very. Regardless of whether it truly is vicious or not, it's image is small, cute and fluffy and thus people will assume this breed of dog is harmless. On a wider scope, it's kinda sad that society judges and bases everything on appearance.

Erra · May 2010

Not to mention all accounts of it being supported by the Center for Disease Control are misquotes designed to mislead. The CDC has stated specifically that BSL is NOT statistically supported.

Alabama · May 2010

I can and always have understand putting big dogs who have a history of aggressiveness on a list. I mean what's more likely to kill you? A poodle or a pitbull? Poodle comes after you, you can kick it away, it's gonna bite and maybe injure, but chances are it won't be able to kill you. A pitbull? I'm sorry, one comes after you and you are in some deep doo doo. And don't get me wrong, I actually like big dogs more than small dogs. Yes, it's the responsibility of the owner to contain their dog, however, that doesn't help the people who are in danger because an owner isn't responsible. And paying damages or doing jail time after an attack doesn't help the innocent victim either. Last week, my 4 year old and I were in the backyard with my big mutt of a dog who we think is part American Bulldog. I had left the gate open because Micky was going back and forth and usually my dog will stay in the yard even with the gate open as long as someone is with him. He suddenly took off out the gate and I knew he was after something, so went running after him and of course, Micky was right behind. Across the street is a German Shepherd and a Pitbull running loose. They belong up the street somewhere. I stopped to consider how I was going to break up a fight without getting hurt and to yell at Micky to get back up to the house. She turned around and headed for the front porch. By now, the dogs had met up, and they weren't fighting, so I went on across to get my dog back. About the time I reach them, the pitbull takes off toward our house. Micky had come down to the end of the driveway and it was going after her. As soon as the German Shepherd noticed, it too went running after my 4 year old, who is by now terrified and trying to run back up the hill to the house. All I could do is scream "NO", thinking maybe Micky will stop running (prey drive) or the dogs will stop chasing, as I chase after them. Each of these animals are at least twice her weight and the German Shepherd could reach her throat without even jumping. At that instant, I would gladly have given up my American Bulldog mix as long as the people down the street didn't have their Pitbull or German Shepherd. Luckily, the dogs just tapped her hands with their noses as they ran on past and I caught Micky up before they turned around. If it had been two smaller/medium size dogs, I certainly would have been mad if they'd injured her, but even if their intent was to injure her, chances are, I would have been there kicking some heads in before it was serious. (Pointy-toed cowboy boots are more than just for looks) Against a Pitbull and German Shepherd, unless my dog joined the fray, I doubt there would have been much of a chance of both of us getting away without serious injury. So yes, if a law will keep these big dogs out of irresponsible hands, by all means, please enforce it. If a person is responsible and wants to keep the dogs, they will find a way to do so while understanding why the law is in place.

Erra · May 2010

I think a good compromise might be that to own such dogs you need to have a certain certification. That would prevent them from being (officially) owned by those who were not willing to go the the effort of getting their certification, and the process would also register said owner as the keeper of said breed. I do not think BSL will prevent potentially dangerous dogs from falling into the wrong hands (it has proven that it does not) and I do think it wrongfully discriminates against responsible dog owners.

BuffyBoarding · May 2010

Bama i definitely agree with you there. Some dogs on the list shouldn't be there in my opinion, but someone had to suggest them being added for them to be there. You can't satisfy everyone. There are many irresponsible dog owners, that is the point of banning breeds. You cannot force people to be responsible with their animals or anything else. If everyone was responsible, there would not have to be laws of any kind in the first place. If you live in an area that doesn't allow your breed and you care enough about your dog, move. That is part of being responsible.

Magical · May 2010

I dont agree with the dangerous dogs list. I doknow that it isn't the dog, it's the owner... But, their are some breeds that have been breed to be dogs that cab be aggressive. Take German shepereds for example, they are a lovely breed, adorable pups and I have known some very nice ones(my next door neighbours owned one and she was just lovely and we would talk to her when she peeked through the hedge in my backyard to see my dog.sadly she had to be put down buut she was just lovely) and some not so nice ones.... They are police dogs and tend to be very loyal to their owners and were bred to be working breeds and will fight to protect and obey their owners Its not just big dogs either, I have been attacked by a nasty little poodle And any dog that is teased or abused and is aggressive should be controlled properly or should be put down.. I understand if people are against this but if you have seen some of the wounds from an attack of an dog its scary and on a little kid can be scarring, I know some people who are afraid of dogs after a bad experience. I personally am not a big fan of great danes anymore because I was nearly attacked by a extremely large dane, he wasn't dangerous according to the owner but he once tore through a screen door to attack 2 teenage boys. I was delivering papers and was right infront of the replaced screen when he nearly busted thorugh again Needless to say I skipped that house the next time.

reina__ · May 2010

Yeah, that's true, about the fact any dog can be dangerous including the little ones. But like someone above me said, the chances of a small one (like a Chihuahua or one that doesn't have the type of prey drive that increases to a hunt drive) seriously injuring someone is very low. I mean, small dogs have seriously injured infants and children but that's just bad ownership. Every individual dog is different... but in general (and this is coming from a fancier of several large guard dog-type breeds), the dogs listed on the Dangerous Dog list can be and usually are aggressive. There are soooo many "ifs" after my previous statement though. I'm sure if you went up to a random person on the street and asked, "Would it make more sense to put a Golden Retriever or a Doberman Pinscher on the Dangerous Dog list?" I doubt anyone would say the Golden, even though the Dobies I've come across wouldn't even hurt a fly. My sister and brother in law are interested in getting an American Staffordshire Terrier... and the city that they're in requires an owner of one of the quote unquote "Pit Bull breeds" to have a registration number, and every month they come and check on the home and the dog to make sure people aren't fighting or chaining the dog, and to make sure it's well socialized. Now I think THAT is a good idea... the city can still keep an eye on each individual dog without completely banning a dog people know and love.

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"Dangerous Breed List", My Opinions

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