Kas

I'm sorry to tell you, but they are different. There was a split in the breed that is recognized. My husband's good friend bred pits. He now has an Amstaff. Pitts were baiting dogs, just like boxers. My kids were around both of his dogs with no problems. But I would be the first to say not to leave a child alone with any dog if the child is under a certain age or if they are not the dog's family. I have seen more damage to children from shelties, cocker's, and dalmations. I have fond memories of Arnold (aka Gummy) and Fred, two of the sweetest pittbulls you would ever meet.

JulieR

No, they aren't unpredictable - not even a little bit. The same behaviors that signal a problem in pit bulls are the ones that signal issues in all other breeds. Dogs are dogs, as different as they may look from one another on the outside. All that really changes is their style.

Having worked with beagle rescues for many years I can tell you when a bite is going to happen. I can also tell you who caused all the scars on my arms, legs and hands, and WHY. Every single time it was MY fault - I was stressed, or didn't pay attention to signals the dog was clearly sending me.

Smaller dogs are more prone to biting because humans are more likely to forgive them, or to brush off bad behavior. They may not prompt a lot of hospital visits but believe you me, they can do some damage if we let them.

I don't fear any breed. I don't fear any dog, period. If I'm not confident I can handle a dog, I DON'T. I ignore it and let someone else do the handling - or I woman up and get in the right mindspace for it. That's a choice you'll need to make when visiting your DD, because she's already made the right decision for her and her children.

PS - Don't leave any dog with small children unsupervised. That should be common sense but turns out, it isn't.

TXyankee

I've known several pits and all sweet. They were.trained with a firm hand. I would be cautious about them since many in TX are bred for aggressive behavior to be trained to fight. Since you know the dog's history and it's been approved by the local shelter I'd trust it but be cautious till you know it well. I've been bitten by a Springer spaniel and a golden retriever. So I think it's mostly the training (or lack of).

clair

I don't have a Pit and personally I have no reasion to own one. If you google Pit Bull you can find out all about the breed or call your local animal shelter or vet. They can give you the pros and cons. Pits were bred for a specific reasion and not for family pets. Although I know there are alot of pit bull owners that will not agree with me, however they are a working dog and need a strong pack leader, and usually a child is not . Now I have a sad story about pits. in a town not far from us there was a three year old malled by two family pets, your right they were pits. But they could of been any breed of working dog. we have two cockers and I would NOT trust them around small children or pet even thought neither of them has agressive natures. It Is my firm belief that if people do there research before adding a pet to the family our pet shelters would have fewer animals to take care of. Just my opinion.

lfw045

Just to clarify...you have AKC registered American Stafforshire Terriers and you have APBT registered American Pit Bull Terriers. Most of these dogs can be double registered with UKC registration which should tell you that they are basically the same dog. Only idiots train their dogs to fight which have given the breed a bad name. I've read this whole thread and it is a given that anyone who has had a bad experience with one of this breed is not going to like them. Ditto that last statement for any breed. I've raised registered APBT myself with my 3 children and grandchildren and if trained properly they can be wonderful dogs. I say all of this to say that it does not matter what breed of dog it is, it is the training and ultimately the owner of the dog who is responsible when situations get out of hand and tragic accidents happen.

heberstitcher

My daughter adopted a dog from a shelter and she is part Pit Bull and is THE BEST dog ever. She is so good with my 3 grandchildren and good with all people and other dogs. I think it is all in the way they are raised.

donnalynett

We adopted a badly abused one year old dog after the vet did surgery to save the dog's life. She is now almost 7. She is pit,lab and boxer mix. You would think after a man kicked her so hard he shattered her kidney that she would not be kind to everyone but she is very sensitive and nice. We used to have a Min Pin that would bite everyone that came to our house and I hated that dog. He is no longer alive......so I don't believe it is just a certain breed that is dangerous.

Beffy_Boo

I have a deaf pitty with the prettiest big blue eyes. He is an angel wrapped in fur. Gentle, sweet and smart as can be. I've known many a pitbull and have found them to be delightful companions. I also volunteer at a spay/neuter clinic and can tell you the only really dangerous dog is an unsocialized dog whether it be big or small. Congrats to your child and grandchildren for not allowing stereotypes to deny them the opportunity to rescue a deserving dog and a great companion.

redhotnana

My son has had a series of pit bulls, as he prefers them to any other breed (if they have been properly socialized). As a matter of fact, his longest-lived pit, "Arnold" (because as a puppy he looked like the white pig on "Green Acres") was Jeff's best man when he got married! He didn't wear a tux, but he did wear a bow tie! He rode in the limo to the reception, but pouted for a week when he didn't get to go on the honeymoon!

llcathey

my cousin has 2 pit bulls and has had them since Anthanee was born he is now 6 yrs old, the dogs love him they are very protected and won't let anyone they don't know come up to him with out Justin or Nicole there, there very loveable dogs, I think any dog can be mean not just a certain breed, it depends on how they are raised but like any human once in awhile a mean one is born for no reason