Girl killed by pit bull terrier

[Alf W]

The blame lies neither with the child nor the dog, both of whom were probably doing what their natural instncts told them to do. The blame lies firmly with the idiot who decided to leave such a potentially lethal combination together unsupervised.

I've got a four year old child and I wouldn't dream of leaving him unsupervised in the company of an animal that I would struggle to overpower if it turned nasty (and I wouldn't be naturally curious enough to be pulling its tail / ears / whatever).

[Pondlife]

The blame lies firmly with the idiot who decided to leave such a potentially lethal combination together unsupervised.

Agreed. And who lets a five year old kid and a dog wander around the house at 4:30 in the morning. Parenting at its best.

[DaveB]

What's in a name. The point I made is still equally valid. Staffies are still mistaken for the Pit Bulls that are dangerous.

If you are going to make a point, make one. Don't split hairs.

The reason they are mistaken for the other breeds much of the time is because people who don't know the breed don't make the distinction, or use the wrong name to describe them. By describing them as "Staffordshire Pit Bull Terriers" you put entirely the wrong emphasis on the breed. Rightly or wrongly people see the words "Pit Bull" in any context and assume the dog concerned is a dangerous breed. Yes Staffies can look intimidating, especially when kitted out with ridiculous harnesses or studded collars but so can almost any other dog. Describing them as a Pit Bull type is wrong and only serves to confuse those people not familiar with the breed.

[MarillionFan]

I have to say chaps. Reading that link has made me think that perhaps this is the type of Forum we should take our next holiday to.

A dog lovers forum where we play devils advocate.....

[wendigo100]

I have to say chaps. Reading that link has made me think that perhaps this is the type of Forum we should take our next holiday to.

A dog lovers forum where we play devils advocate.....

But I hate dogs!

[Denny]

The reason they are mistaken for the other breeds much of the time is because people who don't know the breed don't make the distinction, or use the wrong name to describe them. By describing them as "Staffordshire Pit Bull Terriers" you put entirely the wrong emphasis on the breed. Rightly or wrongly people see the words "Pit Bull" in any context and assume the dog concerned is a dangerous breed. Yes Staffies can look intimidating, especially when kitted out with ridiculous harnesses or studded collars but so can almost any other dog. Describing them as a Pit Bull type is wrong and only serves to confuse those people not familiar with the breed.

I described the difference quite fully and adequately, therefore I still don't see your point.

[bogeyman]

But I hate dogs!

I don't hate dogs, but I think they are utterly cowardly and despicable.

On my grand-dad's small-holding (circa 1965) , we had several dogs of various sizes, a large population of laying hens, a thriving colony of cats to keep the vermin down, and assorted goats, pigs and other critters.

The essential and well-understood hierarchy amongst these animals was: -

1) Humans (big or small ones)
2) A mature and formidable ginger tom cat ("Rufus")
3) "Rooster Number 1" (a one-legged, agressive, mental cock bird)
4) Yappy, hyperactive Jack Russell bitch ("Trixy")
5) Vicious and smelly billy goat ("Jasper")
6) Large, elderly black and white spotted male dog of uncertain parentage ("Patch")
7) Wives and offspring of #2 above
8) Pigs and other ungulates (intelligent, yet utterly unambitious)
9) Sundry nanny goats and their kids
10) Horses (not much brains)
11) Sheep (no brains at all)

The Dogs on the plot grew up to recognise the authority of humans, cats, goats and any other creature that had the strength of will to put them in their place. They yapped and snarled and bayed at anything that didn't stand up to them.

Dogs want leadership. They don't want to be boss - they want you (or anyone other than them) to be the boss.

When dogs find that they are the boss, they lose it completely!

[Bagpuss]

Why would anyone want a dog?

A/ They smell of sh1t
B/ They make your house smell sh1t
C/ They sniff and lick sh1t and then lick your face
D/ They eat everything, including furniture
E/ They are really really stupid

[Troll]

Because they keep the local cat vermin problem down

[Bagpuss]

Because they keep the local cat vermin problem down

They don't though do they? My cat used to chase dogs.

DOgs stink, at least cats are clean, and don't sh1t all over the footpath