| It is popular right now to say that pit bulls, or | | | | are fatal to the small animal. |
| American Staffordshire Terriers, as they are more | | | | Before getting any dog, you should think carefully of |
| properly known, are unfairly maligned. The problem, | | | | what humans and other animals that animal will |
| such thinking goes, is that the owners of such dogs | | | | encounter. A small, skittish dog may trip an older, |
| are at fault, not the dogs themselves. This over | | | | unsteady adult. A dog that jumps up on an older |
| simplifies the issue. | | | | person could knock them to the ground with tragic |
| It is true that most dog maulings occur when dogs | | | | results. |
| are running loose. If they were kept indoors, or in | | | | Finally, while most American Staffordshire Terriers are |
| fenced enclosures, the dogs would not be in a place | | | | gentle with humans, when they do bite, their jaws |
| to maul a human. In that way, owners are at fault. | | | | close powerfully and it can require the death of the |
| At the same time, dogs have been bred in the | | | | dog to release them. Because of the size of the dog, |
| amazing array of breeds they come in to do some | | | | they can do substantial damage with one bite and |
| very specific tasks. Australian Cattle Dogs herd by | | | | can take a lot of punishment before dropping the |
| nipping at the cow's heels to get them moving. That | | | | attack. This is, after all, what you would expect of a |
| makes the dog more likely to nip at a child's heels to | | | | dog used to fight bulls or bear in a pit for human |
| move them than a Great Dane might. Doberman | | | | amusement. |
| Pinschers were originally bred by the Germans for | | | | Knee-jerk sentimentality serves no one. Research |
| guard dogs. They are more likely to bite than Golden | | | | any breed of dog thoroughly before purchase. Do |
| Retriever. | | | | not obtain a dog on a whim, even a free one. |
| Biting is not the only issue to think through before | | | | Consider the needs of all of the people and animals in |
| getting a dog. What other animals are there around | | | | your home before adding a dog. Some dogs are just |
| your home? Greyhounds are gentle, loving couch | | | | not the breed for beginners. A reputable breeder will |
| potatoes. However, they have a high prey drive and | | | | be honest with you about whether their breed is for |
| will whip over and snap at a passing rabbit or squirrel, | | | | advanced owners only. |
| or cat or small dog, before thinking. Often the results | | | | |