Little Girl Killed Trying to Free Stuck Pit Bull

[Jeana (DP)]

I completely agree with you. And as I said before, I in no way condone what happened and think this dog should be euthanized. But, too many times the focus is on the dog breed and not the fact that it's an ANIMAL ATTACK. That is my point. Animals are animals and will attack. Some more than others and some more aggressively than others, but an animal attack is still an attack. But the focus gets put on one breed and people may think others are just dandy. Training and proper upkeep and treatment of dogs is the key.

I have a little mix breed something - I have no idea what he is, but he the most aggressive dog I have. He growls at every other dog or person. He looks sweet and angelic, but I will not allow people that he doesnt know to touch him because I can not say he wouldnt bite.

My point has just been to say that all dogs bite. And again, I am going to say that I am not defending this dog, his owners or whatever else. Just dont forget that all dogs have teeth and are animals and can bite at any given moment.

Tell the owners of the pit bulls who have been killed by their own dogs that they didn't train the dog properly. Pit Bulls do not discriminate against whom they will attack. They'll attack the very hand that feeds them or the child who lives next door. There is something NOT RIGHT about that breed of dog. Sure, there are pits who have been raised and trained to fight, but usually the ones we hear about are the ones "who wouldn't hurt a fly" and "he's never even snapped at me" pits who end up taking off a kid's face. And its not just that "animals attack." Its that these animals WILL NOT stop attacking until they are put down. Even a shark will retreat when punched in the eye. Not a pit bull.

 

[dingo]

baybee, you are flat out WRONG.

*sigh* once again (and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again... i'll say it as many times as i have to!)......

the breed DOES matter.
which breed is likely to do serious, life-threatening damage if it bites? a poodle, or a pit bull?

which breed is more likely to kill someone-- a child, or even an adult? a schnauzer, or a pit bull?

which breed is more likely to snap and clamp down on a person's or another animal's neck until they're dead? a lab, or a pit bull?

which breed was bred for many generations TO BE A FIGHTING DOG and to fight to kill, and to kill just for sport? and english sheepdog, or a pit bull?

which breed's body shows obvious physical characteristics of being a serious fighting dog-- including wide, strong jaw (and yes, one that LOCKS) and wide muscular body, and talon-like claws? a weimeramer, of a pit bull?

which breed is more likely to have the tendency to SNAP and go into a killing frenzy without provocation... NO MATTER HOW THEY ARE RAISED???... a borzoi, or a pit bull?

which breed is more likely to be on lists of 'high liability' and banned breeds for property owners all over the world, for obvious reasons (hello---look at the statistics)? a dachshund, or a pit bull?

to say "the breed doesn't matter" is just, logistically, a ridiculous and out-of-touch-with-reality statement on every possible level.

Ill answer B to all of the above.....not that it matters .....this topic always seems to go around in circles.
BTW......I enjoy reading your posts.......usually very informative and well thought out

 

[SadieMae]

Welcome to WS Baybee!

I really agree with reb and other posters about the danger of the Pitt bull BREED. Many of these dogs that have killed were loving family pets, raised from a puppy that for some reason snap! Training is a key to a dogs behavior, but I feel breed characteristics can override even the best training. Agreed any dog will bite if provoked, injured or out of fear. But a Pitt doesn't need any of those factors to be present to attack. They don't just bite to warn an offender off, they go straight into the mindset of KILL. I would not own one even if I did get it as a puppy.
Many posters know I have owned Great Danes for many years. Every one of my dogs were rescues. My first 2 were abused & neglected and I had NO history on their behavior or breeding because I found them on the streets. Yet I have never had any fear of these fully grown dogs who exceed 135# because the BREED in general is NOT aggressive. I have recently adopted 2 male Danes and they have pretty much the same temperament as the 3 others I've owned...goofy and sweet.
We are not hearing of other dog breeds KILLING besides the Pitt bull type dogs. If it's based on how well a dog is trained, then other breeds who have no training or socializaation would be in the news for killing and maiming people also.

 

[Baybee]

baybee, you are flat out WRONG.

*sigh* once again (and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again... i'll say it as many times as i have to!)......

the breed DOES matter.
which breed is likely to do serious, life-threatening damage if it bites? a poodle, or a pit bull?

which breed is more likely to kill someone-- a child, or even an adult? a schnauzer, or a pit bull?

which breed is more likely to snap and clamp down on a person's or another animal's neck until they're dead? a lab, or a pit bull?

which breed was bred for many generations TO BE A FIGHTING DOG and to fight to kill, and to kill just for sport? and english sheepdog, or a pit bull?

which breed's body shows obvious physical characteristics of being a serious fighting dog-- including wide, strong jaw (and yes, one that LOCKS) and wide muscular body, and talon-like claws? a weimeramer, or a pit bull?

which breed is more likely to have the tendency to SNAP and go into a killing frenzy without provocation... NO MATTER HOW THEY ARE RAISED???... a borzoi, or a pit bull?

which breed is more likely to be on lists of 'high liability' and banned breeds for property owners all over the world, for obvious reasons (hello---look at the statistics)? a dachshund, or a pit bull?

to say "the breed doesn't matter" is just, logistically, a ridiculous and out-of-touch-with-reality statement on every possible level.

Reb... I am the owner of 11 dogs.. I do not need a lesson like the one you are trying to give me here. Not only am I the owner of 11 dogs, but I've also owned a pit bull and have a Pit/Sharpei/Chow mix now. 99% of Pits out there ARE raised by the wrong people for the wrong reasons and if the ONLY way to control the breed is to ban it from being owned by individuals, then I am all for it. Why? Because THEY can be aggressive and sometimes OVERLY aggressive. For some reason a few people are taking my replies as I'm for everyone having a pitbull and everyone should go out right now and buy one. This IS FAR from the case. Pits are not a dog breed for 99% of the population. I have not had another full blooded pit since my one and only that I had several years ago. The reason being is that I live in an area with a lot of children and I myself have a daughter and also I have other dogs. Pits are not a dog I'd have with children and other dogs or cats around.

As far as jaw locking - as far as I know, the pit is the ONLY dog breed that the jaw does lock and for that reason alone they should not be owned by just anyone. I do know what kind of damage can be done by a pit and I do know that 9 times out of 10 the damage is extensive.

I will say this ONE MORE TIME - I am not PRO PITBULLS here people. I am simply stating that ALL DOGS ARE ANIMALS, ALL DOGS CAN BITE. It doesnt matter the size of the dog when it comes to those two facts. I am being so misunderstood here and I dont understand why? Is everything I'm saying being read or only certain parts or what?

My Rottie mix is muscular and rotties have that rep of being aggressive. However, since I completely raised this dog from the day she was born (removed her from the placenta, cut her cord and bottle fed) I do know that she would not attack anyone unless they were intruding into her home or hurting one of her family. Then I do expect her to rip someone a new and she definitely would. She is 6 years old and weighs 90 lbs. However, that is much different there than a dog attacking a child or a person for no reason.

So let me reinterate here - I am not pro pitbulls at all. Just simply lending a little bit of knowledge about dogs since I do have it to share.

 

[Sheromom]

LOL; Baybee; don't worry about it; if it involves a Pitt, everyone is off on their own tangent here. Welcome to the group!

 

[LionRun]

LOL; Baybee; don't worry about it; if it involves a Pitt, everyone is off on their own tangent here. Welcome to the group!

I second that Baybee. It is good to have you here. Welcome again!:blowkiss:

Lion

 

[reb]

OK baybee, truce..... but i think we know that "all dogs can bite". however that's not the issue here. the issue here is that pit bulls in general, are dangerous & something needs to be done. size doesn't matter?? i think it does. size, and strength. and "better education" is not enough to fix the problem.... (i wish it were!) the fact is that the wrong people are always going to own them, and even when the 'right' people own them, bad things are still going to happen.. as their genetics are often likely to transcend their upbringing.
thank you for not being in denial of the seriousness of the issue, for not making the usual excuses that people make, and for being one of the responsible owners. but the problem is way beyond anything that can be fixed by a minority of responsible owners having them.. and way beyond anything that can be controlled and monitored by authorities, IMO.

 

[SadieMae]

The "wrong kind of owners" will just move on to the next breed of dog with a bad rep even if Pitts are banned. Remembering back, in the 70's I saw a lot of Dobermans being owned, in the '80s the macho dog was a Rottie, now it's the Pit. I'm sure there will be another breed to take it's place should the Pit be banned. It won't be long before a dog like the Presa Canario will hit the streets. All it would take is for a few to own one, and a lot of back yard breeding going on...jmo Now THAT's a scary dog!!!!!

 

[reb]

right-- but at least if they were illegal, people couldn't have them out in the open without being fined & arrested, & the dog would be confiscated. right now, NOTHING is being done (in most places)- and anything's better than nothing.

 

[Malapoo]

I think too many of the folks attracted to Pitts are the "wrong type". A good number of owners are thugs themselves or people who don't really want a "family member" but a "pet" out in the back yard. You know the really lazy owner types with the big old 5 gallon bucket of water that never gets cleaned, just refilled when you think about it and the automatic feeder (a particular peeve of mine) and the chain with the lovely delapidated lean to dog house. The breed was created with the intention of "no surrender" and when they use their teeth it's not just to "warn". I know some really sweet Pitts, but I would never ever trust one anywhere near my Grandson EVER. If my step daughter thought about a Pitt (no way she would thank goodness) she'd be in for a huge lecture from me.

I know there are good Pitts and good Pitt owners, but I must say a ban wouldn't upset me though I know the bad owners would still get them - it's not a solution truly. But I would add that Pitts aren't the only breed that ever need banning. Yeah those Presio's are freaky dogs.

And though the first few Saint Bernards I ever knew were AWESOME dogs who helped "raise" human children, the ones I've known recently were untrustworthy psycho dogs who were nice then nuts and I've known quite a few freaky Goldens and the list goes on and on. All it takes is popularity to ruin almost any breed by appealing to the puppy mills and back yard breeders. Many of the tiny breeds will bite you in a heart beat, but they can't really tear your jugular. And no, I'm not adding these to the ban list, just saying their are nut cases in many/most breeds if you look hard enough.

I'm a Beagle girl, but I have met a few Beagles that were nut cases as well. The big issue with Pitts is the fact that they rarely nip and go - when they come at you with teeth, you're probably going to get very seriously injured in the best case scenario.

 

[Baybee]

OK baybee, truce..... but i think we know that "all dogs can bite". however that's not the issue here. the issue here is that pit bulls in general, are dangerous & something needs to be done. size doesn't matter?? i think it does. size, and strength. and "better education" is not enough to fix the problem.... (i wish it were!) the fact is that the wrong people are always going to own them, and even when the 'right' people own them, bad things are still going to happen.. as their genetics are often likely to transcend their upbringing.
thank you for not being in denial of the seriousness of the issue, for not making the usual excuses that people make, and for being one of the responsible owners. but the problem is way beyond anything that can be fixed by a minority of responsible owners having them.. and way beyond anything that can be controlled and monitored by authorities, IMO.

:crazy: Reb... all of what you are saying I agree with there. It's like all the crazy crime happening, it's never going to go away because there are idiots out there. Actual breeders do own pits without so much a peep out of them. So I do think that that very tiny percentage of people are fine with their dogs. But, there is that BIG bunch out there that just continues ruining the dog and egging on its already aggressive personality. So, they wont stop, so yes, the breed does need to be ownership controlled.

As Sadie was saying, they'll just go to the next breed. Rottweilers were on the list a while back for red flag dogs. Luckily, I think it's pretty much been shown that these dogs are not as they were made out to be. Who knows which breed will be next. This is why if anyone ever sees animals being mistreated they need to call their local police or animal authorities. I know that I have done that myself and even confronted someone about the treatment of their dog. It was a pit bull and the guy was "walking" the dog. He had the dogs leash tied to a concrete cinder block and was making the dog drag the block down the road. There is only ONE REASON that he'd be having this dog do that and we all know why. So, I called the police and ran out the door and asked him if was really that stupid. I think the police ended up having animal control take the dog. At least I hope they did.

 

[cynpat2000]

The "wrong kind of owners" will just move on to the next breed of dog with a bad rep even if Pitts are banned. Remembering back, in the 70's I saw a lot of Dobermans being owned, in the '80s the macho dog was a Rottie, now it's the Pit. I'm sure there will be another breed to take it's place should the Pit be banned. It won't be long before a dog like the Presa Canario will hit the streets. All it would take is for a few to own one, and a lot of back yard breeding going on...jmo Now THAT's a scary dog!!!!!

I agree. The presa canario actually has more violent tendancies than the pit bull.

I think the dog in this case was caught and freaking out and acted out violently, if the owner hadnt had him chained in the first place it never would have happened. I blame the owner not the dog. for example guinea pigs dont like to be on their backs I didnt know that and turned my piggie over on her back to rub her tummy and she was flailing to get over and bit the crap out of me, point is animals that feel threatened act out, no matter what kind or breed.

 

[eve]

Reb... I am the owner of 11 dogs.. I do not need a lesson like the one you are trying to give me here. Not only am I the owner of 11 dogs, but I've also owned a pit bull and have a Pit/Sharpei/Chow mix now. 99% of Pits out there ARE raised by the wrong people for the wrong reasons and if the ONLY way to control the breed is to ban it from being owned by individuals, then I am all for it. Why? Because THEY can be aggressive and sometimes OVERLY aggressive. For some reason a few people are taking my replies as I'm for everyone having a pitbull and everyone should go out right now and buy one. This IS FAR from the case. Pits are not a dog breed for 99% of the population. I have not had another full blooded pit since my one and only that I had several years ago. The reason being is that I live in an area with a lot of children and I myself have a daughter and also I have other dogs. Pits are not a dog I'd have with children and other dogs or cats around.

As far as jaw locking - as far as I know, the pit is the ONLY dog breed that the jaw does lock and for that reason alone they should not be owned by just anyone. I do know what kind of damage can be done by a pit and I do know that 9 times out of 10 the damage is extensive.

I will say this ONE MORE TIME - I am not PRO PITBULLS here people. I am simply stating that ALL DOGS ARE ANIMALS, ALL DOGS CAN BITE. It doesnt matter the size of the dog when it comes to those two facts. I am being so misunderstood here and I dont understand why? Is everything I'm saying being read or only certain parts or what?

My Rottie mix is muscular and rotties have that rep of being aggressive. However, since I completely raised this dog from the day she was born (removed her from the placenta, cut her cord and bottle fed) I do know that she would not attack anyone unless they were intruding into her home or hurting one of her family. Then I do expect her to rip someone a new and she definitely would. She is 6 years old and weighs 90 lbs. However, that is much different there than a dog attacking a child or a person for no reason.

So let me reinterate here - I am not pro pitbulls at all. Just simply lending a little bit of knowledge about dogs since I do have it to share.

Here's what I want to know, and I'm serious: why would any responsible dog owner want to own a breed that 99% of the wrong people want to own?

Why do these wrong people want THIS breed? For the same reason that no one else should want it! You said it yourself - 9 times out of 10 damage will be extensive.

If just any breed could be "turned" into a killer by the wrong people, numerous other dogs would be sought for that purpose, given the fact that we know these low-life people want fighting dogs.

These people choose pit bulls. Which begs the question, again, why?

We know why.

In addition, even a well-trained pit bull will snap. A pit bull doesn't even NEED the fighting training to turn into a terminator. I wouldn't trust one, ever.

My poodle will growl when people come near me in a "threatening" way, like my kids, egging him on (which they should NOT do). He is so protective. But if I say "stop" he stops. He could probably do a number on a burglar's ankles, and I think he would, but at 15" and 12 lbs., that's about it. He KNOWS the difference when it is a welcome stranger. Pits turn on their owners!

I am a big believer in genetics when it comes to dogs. We are just so arrogant to think we could change their basic nature. Breeds have distinct characteristics after years of evolving.

Eve

 

[Baybee]

And though the first few Saint Bernards I ever knew were AWESOME dogs who helped "raise" human children, the ones I've known recently were untrustworthy psycho dogs who were nice then nuts and I've known quite a few freaky Goldens and the list goes on and on. All it takes is popularity to ruin almost any breed by appealing to the puppy mills and back yard breeders. Many of the tiny breeds will bite you in a heart beat, but they can't really tear your jugular. And no, I'm not adding these to the ban list, just saying their are nut cases in many/most breeds if you look hard enough.

This goes back to my first post here.... My Saint Bernard. I had him since he was 12 weeks old. He was fine until he starting realizing that he was BIG. After his realization of that, it pretty much went down hill from there. He was "crazy psycho" but was overly aggressive toward anyone (including family and my other dogs) that came around me or where I was at. Then you turn around and look at his sister who my mom owns, Stormy, she's the most loving dog. She actually hugs you with her paws, leans her head on your lap and all that stuff. Then I have a female who I got from somewhere else other than where we got Charley and Stormy. Mystic is a very shy, sweet girl. But very protective of her yard. Its just amazing to me the difference in the 3 Saints. Charley was the biggest at 170 lbs. His head measured 40" around, it was massive. Mystic weighs about 130 lbs. and Stormy is about 110 lbs. Stormy is tall but slender. Charley was short & bulky. I miss him with all my heart but I do know that I did the right thing.

 

[Malapoo]

And as hard as it was, I commend you for making the hard choice. A lot of people live in denial and believe they can control the situation and avoid a bite etc and sadly, someone eventually pays for that belief. Unexpected things can ALWAYS happen at any time without warning. Unless you live alone in a completely isolated environment or keep a "ricky" dog confined alone 24/7 which is cruel in itself, there is always that risk that an untrustworthy dog will have that one moment with another animal or person.

And there are so many wonderful animals who die every day because there's no room in the rescues and shelters. I don't mean to sound cold hearted because I know many of these temperamental dogs ARE loved by someone, and some can be rehabilitated, but when the risks become too great, I respect those who can let go. Maybe then when they're ready, they can make room for another who would otherwise die.

 

[eve]

I STILL WANT TO KNOW:

Here's what I want to know, and I'm serious: why would any responsible dog owner want to own a breed that 99% of the wrong people want to own?

I know there are PB owners out there...

Eve

 

[Meduza]

Reb... I am the owner of 11 dogs.. I do not need a lesson like the one you are trying to give me here. Not only am I the owner of 11 dogs, but I've also owned a pit bull and have a Pit/Sharpei/Chow mix now. 99% of Pits out there ARE raised by the wrong people for the wrong reasons and if the ONLY way to control the breed is to ban it from being owned by individuals, then I am all for it. Why? Because THEY can be aggressive and sometimes OVERLY aggressive. For some reason a few people are taking my replies as I'm for everyone having a pitbull and everyone should go out right now and buy one. This IS FAR from the case. Pits are not a dog breed for 99% of the population. I have not had another full blooded pit since my one and only that I had several years ago. The reason being is that I live in an area with a lot of children and I myself have a daughter and also I have other dogs. Pits are not a dog I'd have with children and other dogs or cats around.

As far as jaw locking - as far as I know, the pit is the ONLY dog breed that the jaw does lock and for that reason alone they should not be owned by just anyone. I do know what kind of damage can be done by a pit and I do know that 9 times out of 10 the damage is extensive.

I will say this ONE MORE TIME - I am not PRO PITBULLS here people. I am simply stating that ALL DOGS ARE ANIMALS, ALL DOGS CAN BITE. It doesnt matter the size of the dog when it comes to those two facts. I am being so misunderstood here and I dont understand why? Is everything I'm saying being read or only certain parts or what?

My Rottie mix is muscular and rotties have that rep of being aggressive. However, since I completely raised this dog from the day she was born (removed her from the placenta, cut her cord and bottle fed) I do know that she would not attack anyone unless they were intruding into her home or hurting one of her family. Then I do expect her to rip someone a new and she definitely would. She is 6 years old and weighs 90 lbs. However, that is much different there than a dog attacking a child or a person for no reason.

So let me reinterate here - I am not pro pitbulls at all. Just simply lending a little bit of knowledge about dogs since I do have it to share.

I have been donating my time at our local animal shelter and averaging a good 40 hours per week helping out for several months now. I have seen it all including a couple of attacks made by dogs who appeared to be quite friendly and their breed not known for attacking people. Our last attack was made by a collie and the gal that was attacked, received several stitches to her face, neck, arms, and hands. Yes we do get our share of pitbulls in and most of them are euthanized just because they are unpredictable and their history isn't known, simply because of it's breed. Actually our shelter will keep an obviously aggressive animal for 3 days before it will be euthanized, allowing the owner to claim it. Of course on the rare occassion someone claims it, some heavy duty tickets and fines are handed to them. Even jail time, depending upon the judges mood the day they appear in court. Anyways, my point is every dog has the ability to attack in any given situation. I have seen mean labs, cocker spaniels, and even little dogs like poodles or weiner dogs. In many cases the owner was abusive to the dog and it is pretty obvious when you see how each dog reacts to movements and it's new environment. Recently we recieved in a group of 7 cockers and a litter of 7 pups that were removed from a single owner. Aside from the pups who were about 4 weeks old, all of the dogs showed signs of phsyical abuse. They all would cower in a corner of their pen and to put them on a leash and take them for a walk, scared them tremendously. It took almost a full week of kindness and attention before these poor dogs would actually come up to the front of their pens for some lovings and about 14 days before we could actually get them to walk outside and not crawl a foot or so when they moved. Grab a brush or raise your arm to fast and we were back to square one. Did they growl, you bet they did, did they snap, of course they did because they were scared. Did we euthanize them, nope not a single one of them. They were all taken in by a group of folks who will turn them into helper dogs for people with handicaps. In this case, these animals were not bred for their violent nature, but who knows how they will react once they are placed in what one hopes to be a permanent home, because of the abuse they did receive.

 

[Baybee]

And as hard as it was, I commend you for making the hard choice. A lot of people live in denial and believe they can control the situation and avoid a bite etc and sadly, someone eventually pays for that belief. Unexpected things can ALWAYS happen at any time without warning. Unless you live alone in a completely isolated environment or keep a "ricky" dog confined alone 24/7 which is cruel in itself, there is always that risk that an untrustworthy dog will have that one moment with another animal or person.

And there are so many wonderful animals who die every day because there's no room in the rescues and shelters. I don't mean to sound cold hearted because I know many of these temperamental dogs ARE loved by someone, and some can be rehabilitated, but when the risks become too great, I respect those who can let go. Maybe then when they're ready, they can make room for another who would otherwise die.

Thanks Malapoo. It's been hard, as he was my "dream dog". I'd always wanted a Saint. I did find a little guy at the SPCA that needed a home who was all alone. And I adopted him. He's great. But he's very protective of me too. Anyways, I will leave with these words that have helped me deal with losing my Charley:

"I can never lose one whom I have loved unto the end; one to whom my soul cleaves so firmly that it can never be separated does not go away, but only goes before..."
St. Bernard of Clairvaux

 

[reb]

eve... i am wondering that too, and always ask the same questions.. "with all the cool dogs a person could own, why....??" maybe we will get some answers.....???

i am guessing these 3 possibilities, besides the obvious, "i'm a (or aspire to be one) and a want a mean bad dog who can kill someone":

1) you unexpectedly fall in love with a dog that you find, you adopt them, and it happens to be a pit bull

3) there's the borderline people, who aren't thugs, but who reject mainstream society and ARE attracted to them because they are a scary-looking, marginalized breed that people are afraid of, and they want to prove that they can be trustworthy dogs, because of how you raise them, and that 'they can be cured with love'. they secretly DO like the thuggishness of them whether they admit it or not. they believe that they alone can tame and redeem the monster. in other words, they think pits are cool because they are like 'outlaw dogs', but ones who should be treated nicely. they want to show the world that their pit is cool and you shouldn't 'discriminate' against them.

3) then there's the enlightened folks who genuinely like the characteristics (the positive ones) of the breed, or its strong, stocky build... know their breed history, and take them seriously. but this leads once again to the first question. with all the other dogs out there... why.....??

 

[kgeaux]

baybee, you are flat out WRONG.

*sigh* once again (and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again... i'll say it as many times as i have to!)......

the breed DOES matter.
which breed is likely to do serious, life-threatening damage if it bites? a poodle, or a pit bull?

which breed is more likely to kill someone-- a child, or even an adult? a schnauzer, or a pit bull?

which breed is more likely to snap and clamp down on a person's or another animal's neck until they're dead? a lab, or a pit bull?

which breed was bred for many generations TO BE A FIGHTING DOG and to fight to kill, and to kill just for sport? and english sheepdog, or a pit bull?

which breed's body shows obvious physical characteristics of being a serious fighting dog-- including wide, strong jaw (and yes, one that LOCKS) and wide muscular body, and talon-like claws? a weimeramer, or a pit bull?

which breed is more likely to have the tendency to SNAP and go into a killing frenzy without provocation... NO MATTER HOW THEY ARE RAISED???... a borzoi, or a pit bull?

which breed is more likely to be on lists of 'high liability' and banned breeds for property owners all over the world, for obvious reasons (hello---look at the statistics)? a dachshund, or a pit bull?

to say "the breed doesn't matter" is just, logistically, a ridiculous and out-of-touch-with-reality statement on every possible level.

Their jaws do NOT lock. They really don't. They are powerful, and they can hold on, but they are completely able to release when they want to. You can check with your vet to verify this.

Just trying to correct a common misconception.