| Many of the stories you've heard about particular | | | | a careful breeder, these dogs make great pets |
| breeds of dogs are just myths. Take the American | | | | because they are calm, trustworthy, and obedient. |
| Pit Bull Terrier (Pit Bull), for example. Do you think | | | | Doberman Pinschers, or Dobermans, are military dogs |
| they're vicious, or killers? If so, you're not alone; | | | | that were bred from the Rottweiler, German |
| many countries have restrictive laws about breeding | | | | Pinscher, Manchester Terrier, English Greyhound, and |
| and muzzling these dogs. But this story is the result | | | | Weimaraner. They are very intelligent and quick, but |
| of history. | | | | irresponsible breeding has tarnished their reputations |
| The Pit Bull, a cross between the Staffordshire Bull | | | | by producing nervous dogs that are sometimes |
| Terrier and the fighting Bulldog, was specifically bred | | | | unfriendly and may bite. Heart disease is another |
| in the 1800s to be the ultimate breed for dog | | | | problem. But dogs from a respected breeder are |
| fighting. They are designed to be aggressive and | | | | likely to be obedient, observant, and clever |
| downright mean, so many are dangerous - but in the | | | | companions, especially with early training. Just like all |
| right circumstances, so are all animals. As long as you | | | | animals, however, you should not leave animals or |
| raise a Pit Bull with the proper training, your dog, | | | | young children alone with Dobermans. |
| despite its reputation, will be no more dangerous than | | | | There are two common types of Rottweilers: |
| any other. Remember, though, that these often | | | | American and German. The Rottweiler, bred to drive |
| require specific handling in capable hands, so they are | | | | cattle and be a guard dog, is another example of |
| not the right choice for everyone. | | | | how poor breeding can be corruptive: behavioral |
| English Mastiffs are another vilified breed. They have | | | | problems have become more common. They are |
| strong teeth and jaws, but they won't necessarily | | | | strong-willed and smart, so they are best suited to |
| bite you. These are some of the world's largest | | | | owners who are committed and active - especially |
| dogs, so their owners need to be both strong and | | | | because these strong dogs need so much exercise. |
| experienced: they can be stubborn and might | | | | They love attention, and will make spectacular family |
| overpower someone small. But these dogs actually | | | | pets or guard dogs, because they are aloof toward |
| make great pets, as long as you give them ample | | | | strangers and protect their territory. |
| room to run - so they aren't a good choice for | | | | Have you heard that your dog will "turn on you" if |
| apartment dwellers. | | | | you feed him raw meat? This is a myth. A bone with |
| The bullmastiff is slightly smaller but more active and | | | | some raw meat can be an occasional treat for your |
| faster, so these dogs still need an experienced | | | | pet, but your dog may be possessive. Just |
| handler. They can be somewhat aloof and aggressive | | | | remember to let your dog know that this behavior is |
| toward other males. They were bred to help | | | | unacceptable: do not growl at or threaten your dog; |
| gamekeepers, chasing and trapping intruders, so they | | | | just stand up slowly. Also, don't mistake your dog's |
| make great guard dogs - but they can sometimes be | | | | playful behavior for aggression. |
| overprotective of their families and resist obedience | | | | Another myth is that dogs and cats will never get |
| classes. | | | | along. This is not always true, because it depends on |
| The biggest problem with German Shepherds is that | | | | the individual characteristics of the animals. Some |
| they have been irresponsibly bred because of their | | | | dogs love cats, some cats love dogs, some dogs |
| popularity. This has led to increase health problems, | | | | hate cats, some cats hate dogs, some dogs hate |
| like arthritis, eye disease, and digestive disorders. | | | | dogs, some cats hate cats, some dogs don't even |
| These dogs have also become nervous, timid, or | | | | know they are dogs - and so forth. |
| aggressive around other dogs. As long as you choose | | | | |