# 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:** 55
**Author:** ![JcWoman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jcwoman/32/2889_2.png) [@JcWoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JcWoman)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2015, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1081 "2015-05-27T13:32:02Z")
I very much recommend you read the book called Pit Bull Placebo. It’s available on Amazon or wherever you like to get books. The title sounds a bit political to me, so try to ignore that. It’s a good book, well researched and easy to read. It documents dog attacks in U.S. history to try to figure out why in one decade bulldogs are the Most Dangerous Breed, the next decade it’s doberman, then German shephard, and now pit bull. In a nutshell the answer is it’s a construct of the media, but read the book for the full explanation which is good and logical. More to the point of the last post above mine: lately the media has a sloppy-ass habit of reporting all bad dog incidents as pit bulls. Follow up research into many cases has found that the “pit bulls” were actually misidentified laboradors, bulldogs, terriers, boxers, and mixes of such. tl;dr: you can’t trust the media accounts further than you can spit. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2015, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1082 "2015-05-27T14:36:17Z")
> [@JcWoman](#): > > I very much recommend you read the book called Pit Bull Placebo. It’s cute if you think that’s actually going to make a difference. The same point about confirmation bias and poor breed identification was raised almost two years ago to no effect. ---
**Author:** ![crucible](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f8ce5/32.png) [@crucible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crucible)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2015, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1083 "2015-05-27T14:52:29Z")
> [@JcWoman](#): > > I very much recommend you read the book called Pit Bull Placebo. It’s available on Amazon or wherever you like to get books. The title sounds a bit political to me, so try to ignore that. It’s a good book, well researched and easy to read. It documents dog attacks in U.S. history to try to figure out why in one decade bulldogs are the Most Dangerous Breed, the next decade it’s doberman, then German shephard, and now pit bull. In a nutshell the answer is it’s a construct of the media, but read the book for the full explanation which is good and logical. > > More to the point of the last post above mine: lately the media has a sloppy-ass habit of reporting all bad dog incidents as pit bulls. Follow up research into many cases has found that the “pit bulls” were actually misidentified laboradors, bulldogs, terriers, boxers, and mixes of such. > > tl;dr: you can’t trust the media accounts further than you can spit. 0 Okay, then, either way, start with pit bulls and then extend the recall to all other large dogs who bite and refuse to let go. I’m in agreement with you, many large dogs are dangerous and, as a result, having such animals in proximity to people needs to be examined for rationality. ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2015, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1084 "2015-05-28T01:50:37Z")
> [@crucible](#): > > Yet, if you think about it, if a car manufacturer produced a car in the millions where over the course of a year a hundred or so people died because of a defect in the car – not because they drove, or someone else drove, badly, something that causes hundreds to die every day – the manufacturer would be forced to recall those automobiles and to repair or replace them. > > 99% of all pit bull ‘computer chips’ work just fine. 1%, to suggest a fair number, are faulty, resulting in those dogs going out of control at least once during their lifetime. > > If pit bulls were cars, they would be recalled. I know you aren’t ever going to get anything through that thick head of yours but you analogy contines to fail. In nearly every instance of dog attacks there is evidence of ‘someone or someone else’ driving badly. You can’t blame the car for the poor drivers it attracts. Demonstrate ‘pitbulls’ exhibit a trait or characteristic not found in other dogs. You keep claiming design flaw yet can never point to it. Having short hair doesn’t make a dog more dangerous. ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2015, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1085 "2015-05-28T01:55:09Z")
> [@crucible](#): > > 0 > Okay, then, either way, start with pit bulls and then extend the recall to all other large dogs who bite and refuse to let go We’ve already provided evidence other breeds of dog with different bite styles cause as much damage as those that grasp and hold. Why do you feel your criteria is meaningful? ---
**Author:** ![Robert163](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/4af34b/32.png) [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2015, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1086 "2015-05-28T01:59:15Z")
> [@boytyperanma](#): > > You can’t blame the car for the poor drivers it attracts. Demonstrate ‘pitbulls’ exhibit a trait or characteristic not found in other dogs. Not relevant. Even if the owner is bad, the relevant point is the amount of damage a pit bull can cause. ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2015, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1087 "2015-05-28T02:08:07Z")
> [@Robert163](#): > > Not relevant. Even if the owner is bad, the relevant point is the amount of damage a pit bull can cause. Canines can cause a lot of damage to people. This is not a unique trait to pitbulls. Pitbulls bites aren’t super powered. Other breeds can be as damaging and some are more damaging. ---
**Author:** ![Robert163](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/4af34b/32.png) [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2015, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1088 "2015-05-28T02:15:14Z")
> [@boytyperanma](#): > > Canines can cause a lot of damage to people. This is not a unique trait to pitbulls. Pitbulls bites aren’t super powered. Other breeds can be as damaging and some are more damaging. I’m no expert on dogs. But I did own a pit bull for a year. Well actually it was my roommates dog but I have depression and he let me take care of the dog, she was in my possession 95% of the time. One thing I learned from playing tug of war with a pit bull. Once they bite they don’t let go. ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2015, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1089 "2015-05-28T02:25:46Z")
> [@Robert163](#): > > Once they bite they don’t let go. This is not a trait unique to pitbulls nor is it proven to be anymore damaging than a dog breed such as a German Shepherd that uses multiple lacerating bites. ---
**Author:** ![Robert163](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/4af34b/32.png) [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2015, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1090 "2015-05-28T02:33:54Z")
> [@boytyperanma](#): > > This is not a trait unique to pitbulls nor is it proven to be anymore damaging than a dog breed such as a German Shepherd that uses multiple lacerating bites. I think the relevant point is that an aggressive pit bull bite is very very dangerous. In other words, if other breeds are dangerous it doesn’t make pitt bulls any less dangerous. ---
**Author:** ![Sitnam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2015, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1091 "2015-05-28T02:50:45Z")
I wonder if the psychological underpinnings of this position isn’t the same for firearm aficionados when discussing gun control. “This thing is very important to me so I am emotionally invested, and sure they have been known to be dangerous, but not _mine_ because I am a legally abiding responsible owner and training and other stuff. It’s the media’s fault this is an issue, pools kill more people every year.” ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2015, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1092 "2015-05-28T02:52:10Z")
> [@Robert163](#): > > In other words, if other breeds are dangerous it doesn’t make pitt bulls any less dangerous. All mid-large breeds are dangerious, singling out pitbulls doesn’t solve any actual issues. The evidence supports breed specific legislation doesn’t work. The most effective programs to reduce dog bite incidents have had no breed specific components. ---
**Author:** ![Robert163](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/4af34b/32.png) [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2015, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1093 "2015-05-28T02:57:23Z")
> [@Sitnam](#): > > I wonder if the psychological underpinnings of this position isn’t the same for firearm aficionados when discussing gun control. > > “This thing is very important to me so I am emotionally invested, and sure they have been known to be dangerous, but not _mine_ because I am a legally abiding responsible owner and training and other stuff. It’s the media’s fault this is an issue, pools kill more people every year.” a very good analogy ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2015, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1094 "2015-05-28T03:10:07Z")
> [@Sitnam](#): > > I wonder if the psychological underpinnings of this position isn’t the same for firearm aficionados when discussing gun control. > > “This thing is very important to me so I am emotionally invested, and sure they have been known to be dangerous, but not _mine_ because I am a legally abiding responsible owner and training and other stuff. It’s the media’s fault this is an issue, pools kill more people every year.” I never seen anyone arguing banning a specific make of gun would solve the gun problem. This is essentially the argument the anti-pit crowd is trying to make. If you want to ban all machine guns or all hand guns I think there is responsible debate to be had. If your position we should ban only Glock 9mms I think you’re incredibly misinformed. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2015, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1095 "2015-05-28T15:24:04Z")
HOW HAVE WE MANAGED TO GO NEARLY TWO MONTHS COMPLETELY NEGLECTING THE MOST VITAL ISSUE THAT HAS CURRENTLY BEEN RAISED IN THIS THREAD??!? > [@Jackmannii](#): > > Speaking of positivity, [here](http://www.orvis.com/news/dogs/announcing-the-winners-of-the-orvis-cover-dog-photo-contest/?adv=352841&cm_mmc=linkshare-_-je6NUbpObpQ-_-1-_-352841) are the 2015 Orvis cover dog photo winners (check out my man Stan). Wow, that cover dog is **yours**?!? OMG he’s **adorable**. I want his pawtograph! Now returning you to your regularly scheduled quarrel about pitbulls. ---
**Author:** ![JcWoman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jcwoman/32/2889_2.png) [@JcWoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JcWoman)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1096 "2015-05-29T14:40:48Z")
> [@Sitnam](#): > > I wonder if the psychological underpinnings of this position isn’t the same for firearm aficionados when discussing gun control. > > “This thing is very important to me so I am emotionally invested, and sure they have been known to be dangerous, but not _mine_ because I am a legally abiding responsible owner and training and other stuff. It’s the media’s fault this is an issue, pools kill more people every year.” That’s not the case with me. Pit bulls aren’t actually my breed of choice. I have a thing for greyhounds and most other breeds pale by comparison in my opinion. But I can spot irrationality and ignorance when I hear it. It was good to see the author of the book document it. ---
**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:** [May 30, 2015, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1097 "2015-05-30T12:39:14Z")
> [@Robert163](#): > > I’m no expert on dogs. But I did own a pit bull for a year. Well actually it was my roommates dog but I have depression and he let me take care of the dog, she was in my possession 95% of the time. One thing I learned from playing tug of war with a pit bull. Once they bite they don’t let go. You learned nothing of the sort. You lived with exactly one pitbull…and the behavior of one dog tells you nothing about all dogs, or all dogs of a given breed. MY pitbull lets go when we play tug, the minute I say “gimme”, just like all my other dogs, who all had to be trained to let go, because all dogs playing tug don’t want to let go, because that means they lose the game. ---
**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:** [May 30, 2015, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1098 "2015-05-30T12:43:17Z")
> [@Robert163](#): > > a very good analogy A completely garbage analogy, for reasons mentioned, plus dogs do not exist for the purpose of killing, maiming, and destroying, which is the only reason that guns exist at all. The purposes of dogs are many, and entirely positive. ---
**Author:** ![raventhief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/raventhief/32/4_2.png) [@raventhief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raventhief)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2015, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1099 "2015-05-30T15:15:33Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > HOW HAVE WE MANAGED TO GO NEARLY TWO MONTHS COMPLETELY NEGLECTING THE MOST VITAL ISSUE THAT HAS CURRENTLY BEEN RAISED IN THIS THREAD??!? > Wow, that cover dog is **yours**?!? OMG he’s **adorable**. I want his pawtograph! > > Now returning you to your regularly scheduled quarrel about pitbulls. WOW Stan is a beauty! Who’s a good boy? Who’s a good boy? YOU ARE! You’re a good boy, Stan! ---
**Author:** ![crucible](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f8ce5/32.png) [@crucible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crucible)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2015, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1100 "2015-06-05T12:43:13Z")
Pit bull owners…question. Are all pit bulls ‘game’? IOW, will any ‘pit bull’ fight if tossed into a fighting ring with another dog? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714.md?page=54) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714.md?page=56)