# Pit Bulls (continued) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 8, 2013, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714 "2013-10-08T19:18:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 20
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2013, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/381 "2013-12-26T04:25:50Z")
> [@RedFury](#): > > That said, the numbers are in – Pitbulls are simply a very dangerous breed to own. Can you enlighten us on what numbers it takes to become ‘very dangerous’? The numbers we’ve been looking at show that everyday activities people take part in are statistically more dangerous. I’m more likely to die commuting to work than I am being killed by my own pitbull. While many are appalled at the driving that takes place in Massachusetts, I don’t think I’d say I have a ‘very dangerous’ commute. ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2013, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/382 "2013-12-26T08:16:03Z")
> [@boytyperanma](#): > > Can you enlighten us on what numbers it takes to become ‘very dangerous’? The numbers we’ve been looking at show that everyday activities people take part in are statistically more dangerous. I’m more likely to die commuting to work than I am being killed by my own pitbull. While many are appalled at the driving that takes place in Massachusetts, I don’t think I’d say I have a ‘very dangerous’ commute. Exactly! How anyone can look at the numbers and conclude that pit bulls are a very dangerous breed to own suggests that the person looking at the numbers does not understand numbers. And also is not following the discussion about what causes a dog to attack. My God how can people just ignore and ignore and ignore? It’s downright freaky… ---
**Author:** ![DragonAsh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/db5fbb/32.png) [@DragonAsh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DragonAsh)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2013, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/383 "2013-12-26T17:50:04Z")
> [@Stoid](#): > > First, I don’t _believe_ in a media conspiracy, but I _know_ that the media is sensationalisitic and that individual outlets and reporters are thrilled to seize on scary, lurid stories of death and mayhem of every sort, but especially of the sort that occurs in our own backyards. This leads to hysterical claims about pit bulls splashed all over. I’m assuming you don’t think the media collectively got together and decided, ‘hey, let’s demonize pit bulls just for kicks and giggles’. Why do you suppose pit bulls became the ‘go-to’ breed when discussing dog attacks? > [@Stoid](#): > > Wait… seriously? Seriously?? You don’t know and understand that vets keep records of individual animals? You think they did this count based on “visits” vs. _patients_? God I hope this was just a little brain burp on your part or this is a colossal waste of time. I have no fucking idea how the specific data was collected or is being reported. None. How is the breed being determined? Wasn’t it you that linked to the study saying ‘even professionals & vets couldn’t accurately determine dog breeds!!’? Is the breed based on what the owner says? I guess they have data for every year going back to 2001 - What were the numbers for 2011, 2010, etc? ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2013, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/384 "2013-12-26T19:07:14Z")
> [@Stoid](#): > > I have just determined what the absollute pinnacle of comedy would be: four or five different kinds of dogs, all with [brand new booties on their feet](http://youtu.be/BcMYcKhfbbo)and eating a [huge spoonful of peanut butter that has been smeared on their palates](http://youtu.be/gn6cKL5IZv4). (Yeah, I do that. Totally ups the comedy) > > I would probably end up with a hernia from laughing so hard. That was the tamest play session I’ve ever seen them have. In fact, they were going crazy right before I turned on the camera, which was what I wanted to capture … of course! Yours are adorable. I just love watching our babies play together. Given the environment I took them from, seeing them enjoying life brings me so much joy it makes my heart melt. You should see [Dukie rocking _his_ hiking boots](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq3p9ilEZ9Y) — he _loves_ them! He is such a good boy. Merry Christmas! ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2013, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/385 "2013-12-27T01:20:19Z")
I should get boots for my kids…the biking… ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2013, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/386 "2013-12-27T01:41:59Z")
> [@DragonAsh](#): > > I’m assuming you don’t think the media collectively got together and decided, ‘hey, let’s demonize pit bulls just for kicks and giggles’. Why do you suppose pit bulls became the ‘go-to’ breed when discussing dog attacks? > > I have no fucking idea how the specific data was collected or is being reported. None. How is the breed being determined? Wasn’t it you that linked to the study saying ‘even professionals & vets couldn’t accurately determine dog breeds!!’? Is the breed based on what the owner says? > > I guess they have data for every year going back to 2001 - What were the numbers for 2011, 2010, etc? I have no idea what it is you are arguing at this point. You seem to be slipping and sliding all over the place. Please be specific regarding what you disagree with and the basis for your disagreement, with your sources for information. ---
**Author:** ![DragonAsh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/db5fbb/32.png) [@DragonAsh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DragonAsh)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2013, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/387 "2013-12-28T01:26:27Z")
> [@Stoid](#): > > I have no idea what it is you are arguing at this point. You seem to be slipping and sliding all over the place. Please be specific regarding what you disagree with and the basis for your disagreement, with your sources for information. Nevermind - I found the data myself. Banfield’s list of ‘most common breeds of dog seen at Banfield hospitals’ in 2011, had pit bulls making up…4.7% of all dogs seen ([cite](http://http://www.banfield.com/pet-health-resources/pet-health-concerns/other-concerns/state-of-pet-health-2011-report-vol-1)). Which is -exactly- what we’ve been saying about the popularity of pit bulls: About 4-5% of the US dog population. It’s ‘grown’ if you can say that, from 3.2% to 4.7%, in 10 years - barely over 1ppt a year. Why, in 100 years it might overtake Labradors! ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2013, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/388 "2013-12-28T05:55:39Z")
So today I dropped a pistachio nut (still in the shell) on the ground (we were on the patio), and Duke ran over and tried to eat it. Not wanting him to choke, my husband ( **Spiny Norman** ) walked over and put his hand in Duke’s mouth and took it away from him. Being the “land shark” that he is, Duke immediately went on the attack and shredded his arm from wrist to shoulder, darn near severing it. No wait. That was **cougar58** ’s fantasy scenario. In reality, Dukie looked up at Thomas with eyes that said, “I so sorry, daddy, I thought it was food I could eat since I saw mommy eating it. I wuv you. Pet my belly, please?” as he rolled over on his back. Those darn pit bulls! ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2013, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/389 "2013-12-28T06:04:11Z")
I love seeing all the videos and pictures of your doggies! I should take some video of my monsters. I fear it would mostly contain the cat beating the younger one up and the older one just sleeping. **Shayna** , I can’t tell you the number of times I have reached into a dog’s mouth to take something out they shouldn’t be eating. I’ve never been bit or nipped. I am at my city animal shelter at least twice a week working with pit bull type dogs of every conceivable background. Never been attacked. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/9fc348/32.png) [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2013, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/390 "2013-12-28T16:58:12Z")
> [@boytyperanma](#): > > Can you enlighten us on what numbers it takes to become ‘very dangerous’? The numbers we’ve been looking at show that everyday activities people take part in are statistically more dangerous. I’m more likely to die commuting to work than I am being killed by my own pitbull. While many are appalled at the driving that takes place in Massachusetts, I don’t think I’d say I have a ‘very dangerous’ commute. Remember that Toyota problem with sudden uncontrollable acceleration ? A massive recall was initiated and I don’t think anyone actually died from the problem. Too bad we can’t recall pitbulls and fix them. ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2013, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/391 "2013-12-28T18:00:17Z")
> [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](#): > > Too bad we can’t recall pitbulls and fix them. Correction: Too bad we can’t recall ignorant, destructive assholes that fuck up dogs and fix _them_. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/9fc348/32.png) [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2013, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/392 "2013-12-28T18:15:13Z")
> [@Stoid](#): > > Correction: > > Too bad we can’t recall ignorant, destructive assholes that fuck up dogs and fix _them_. Well then, too bad we can’t recall the parents of ignorant destructive assholes. ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2013, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/393 "2013-12-28T19:00:11Z")
> [@Rhiannon8404](#): > > I love seeing all the videos and pictures of your doggies! I should take some video of my monsters. I fear it would mostly contain the cat beating the younger one up and the older one just sleeping. > > **Shayna** , I can’t tell you the number of times I have reached into a dog’s mouth to take something out they shouldn’t be eating. I’ve never been bit or nipped. > > I am at my city animal shelter at least twice a week working with pit bull type dogs of every conceivable background. Never been attacked. That doesn’t fit with the narrative, so … DOESN’T COUNT! 😛 I vote for videos of **Rhiannon** ’s doggies (and kitty)! Who seconds the motion? ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2013, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/394 "2013-12-28T22:43:09Z")
> [@DragonAsh](#): > > Nevermind - I found the data myself. Banfield’s list of ‘most common breeds of dog seen at Banfield hospitals’ in 2011, had pit bulls making up…4.7% of all dogs seen ([cite](http://http://www.banfield.com/pet-health-resources/pet-health-concerns/other-concerns/state-of-pet-health-2011-report-vol-1)). Which is -exactly- what we’ve been saying about the popularity of pit bulls: About 4-5% of the US dog population. It’s ‘grown’ if you can say that, from 3.2% to 4.7%, in 10 years - barely over 1ppt a year. Why, in 100 years it might overtake Labradors! Since you found it, you should have read it: > [@](#): > > The most common dog breeds cared for in Banfield hospitals have changed over the past decade. There is a considerable increase in the popularity of smaller dogs, particularly Chihuahuas (+116 percent) and Shih Tzus (+87 percent), and a decrease in the popularity of larger breeds, specifically Labrador Retrievers (-20 percent) and German Shepherds (-40 percent). In addition, Pit Bulls have increased in popularity by 47 percent over the past 10 years. In 2010, three new dog breeds were added to the most common list of breeds cared for at Banfield—these breeds include the Standard Poodle as well as two small breeds: Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese. They state very clearly that the pit bull has increased **[COLOR=“black”][COLOR=“black”][COLOR=“black”][COLOR=“Red”]47% over the ten year period while labs decreased by 20%.[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]** And at THAT rate, pit bulls would overtake labs in well under 20 years. I don’t think it will continue at that rate, just pointing out how you misunderstood.) At that rate, by 2030 there would be about 8.4 million pits vs. 5.3 million labs. But getting back to the current reality, the percentages indicate that the number of pit bulls has gone from about 2.6 million in 2000 to a little less than 4 million ten years later. Labs have gone from 8.3 million to 6.7 million. ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2013, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/395 "2013-12-28T22:59:30Z")
> [@Shayna](#): > > That doesn’t fit with the narrative, so … > > DOESN’T COUNT! > > 😛 > > I vote for videos of **Rhiannon** ’s doggies (and kitty)! Who seconds the motion? me! ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2013, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/396 "2013-12-29T04:36:02Z")
[My sleepy boys.](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=737863676224227&set=a.609389552404974.1073741831.100000018040262&type=1) ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2013, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/397 "2013-12-29T04:41:22Z")
> [@Shayna](#): > > That doesn’t fit with the narrative, so … > > DOESN’T COUNT! > > 😛 > > I vote for videos of **Rhiannon** ’s doggies (and kitty)! Who seconds the motion? I will do my best to get some posted soon. Probably sometime this coming week. I am spending this weekend indulging in my other evil vice - shooting guns at a[Project Appleseed](http://www.appleseedinfo.org/index.html)Marksmanship Event. ---
**Author:** ![kambuckta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/53a042/32.png) [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2013, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/398 "2013-12-29T05:01:46Z")
> [@Shayna](#): > > [My sleepy boys.](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=737863676224227&set=a.609389552404974.1073741831.100000018040262&type=1) That dog ain’t asleep. See one eye open?? He’s just lying in wait for the _right time_ :: cue Jaws music :: 😛 ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2013, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/399 "2013-12-29T05:34:56Z")
If you people are going to get all MPSIMSish I may need to stop reading this thread. :mad: ---
**Author:** ![kambuckta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/53a042/32.png) [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2013, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/400 "2013-12-29T09:06:03Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > If you people are going to get all MPSIMSish I may need to stop reading this thread. :mad: Would it help that I am in _favour_ of virtually **banning** pitbulls or any dog that has pitbull in its heritage? Because I am, as it turns out. I **am** a doggie-person. Gimme a dog, and I’m a happy old crone. But I would be an _anxious_ happy old crone with a pittee around. With other breeds, you _mostly_ have prior indications that the dog is prone to viciousness. With pits, the most likely scenario is that they have previously been a “wonderful dog, most placid, great around kids etc etc”, until one day they aren’t. And **that** is when tragedy ensues. And sure, it most likely IS the shonky breeding practices, and the shonky character of many of the people who purchase such dogs, but shit…that doesn’t matter at the end of the day when somebody has been mauled or a child killed. If you limit the breeding and make the price fucking **extortionate** , it’s going to cut off the druggie-loser-fuckwit market, and thereby eliminate the unsocialised and untrained dogs that are out there. But I do wonder if that’s enough?? And I wouldn’t even consider a rescue-dog. There’s a damned good reason they are in a pound. If it were a “wonderful dog, most placid, great around kids etc etc” it wouldn’t be there. Nope…I’d be more than happy to see pitbulls (and their bastard offspring, whatever their ear and muzzle shape) banned or severely licensed. But I did love the photo of Shayna’s sleepy boys! 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714.md?page=19) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714.md?page=21)