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Snarky Brides

Pitbulls?

Good morning ladies!
FI and I have some friends who are fostering an adorable red nose pitbull puppy. He is about 4 months old and so sweet. I am thinking about surprising FI with him for his birthday in a couple weeks.. He loves this dog and won't stop talking about him..
I don't know much about pitbulls. Does anyone have any "before you adopt" type of advice for me??
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Re: Pitbulls?

  • congrats, new puppies are so much fun.  I would suggest checking into the requirements of your county/state for Pitbulls.  Where I live, pits and rotts require insurance, and a fenced yard.

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  • Yeesh. There's a lot of anti-pitbull people on the boards.
    Like any breed: do your research.
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  • You could ask the pets board on the nest, they may have some good thoughts. I have known two pitbulls, one I was scared to death of (and I love dogs). The owners would hang out in the front yard with this dog off leash and all sorts of crazy things - I think animal control was eventually called on them since it would run out at people walking by and it was clear the owners had absolutely no control over this animal.

    The other was extremely gentle whenever I saw him, but the owners were fantastic with him and they said that he did have aggressive tendencies and they would never have had other dogs or kids around him.
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  • I don't know much about pitbulls, but I'd suggest going to petplace.com. They have a bunch of articles and information about dog breeds, training, etc. I use them mostly for my cat, but they have a ton of info for dogs too.

    Also, like dmiller said check with city requirements. Some breeds do require special insurance.  In my area they are chaning the laws and making you register all pets, which is irritating because it's extra paperwork on my end.
  • i agree with DMiller, do some dog restriction research before you do anything.  Don't tell your homeowner's or renter's insurance that the dog's a pitt, maybe tell them he's a mutt.

    Before you adopt, make sure you have the financial stability to deal with a dog.  Vet bills are expensive, food is expensive, boarding is expensive.
    Make sure you have enough time for the dog, especially a big dog.  They need space and play time, if you don't have enough of either, you should probably rethink.
    Figure out how the pup will be trained, crate trained or not, clicker trained or not, and whatever decision you make, stick to it.  It's not easy to train a puppy but rigid consistency is the only way to do it, if he's not suppoed to be on the couch/your bed, don't let him do it "just this once", it's confusing for them.
    Get LOTS of chew toys.  Puppies chew on stuff especially when they're teething.  If he has lots of toys to gnaw on, he will be less likely to choose your couch or dining room table as his favorite chew toy (but he still might)

    Dogs are awesome, I've had them all my life.  But it's really sad to see people fall in love with animals they can't/don't know how to, take care of.  I hope this helped!!
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_pitbulls?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:0f9d402a-0fb1-4694-8404-56557a150286Post:7b3de2c9-0f39-4304-b890-82766a0a1ad8">Re: Pitbulls?</a>:
    [QUOTE]Don't tell your homeowner's or renter's insurance that the dog's a pitt, maybe tell them he's a mutt.
    Posted by 526SadieSadie[/QUOTE]
    Are you suggesting OP defraud her insurance company?
    kd.joseph's wish is my command
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    And betrothed, I'm disgusted with most of the comments that you have posted. I don't think I've ever read such judgmental comments in my life. I'm so lucky that the girls I speak to on theknot are nothing like you...I would've never come on here for ADVICE if I would've encountered a big a bitch as you. I genuinely feel awful for your children or your future children, and I think it would be irresponsible of YOU not to invest in their future therapy sessions starting now. Because trust me when I tell you honey, they're gonna need it. ~jcaruncho2010
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  • Those are good points about the insurance.. I didn't think about that.
    Will definitely check into that and city requirements.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_pitbulls?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:0f9d402a-0fb1-4694-8404-56557a150286Post:65a35554-31da-4d81-9f69-03932af5b5bd">Re: Pitbulls?</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Pitbulls? :<span style="font-weight:bold;"> Are you suggesting OP defraud her insurance company?</span>
    Posted by betrothed123[/QUOTE]
    Ditto this. Seriously!?

    Not to mention... even if it is a mutt and just  a small amount of pitt, it's one of those breeds that you can always see in a dog. You woulnd't get away with lying about the breed anyway.

    OP- Definitely check with your area, first.  Unfortunately, there are a lot of people that still think it's ok to single out certain breeds for extra laws, etc.  Pitts are always in that group (usually with German Shephards, Chow-Chows, Rottweilers, etc.)  Although those dogs tend to be more aggressive (thats' what they were bred for, afterall), I still think the owners play a much more significant role in how the dog behaves.

    There are a few pitts at the dog park, which are the nicest, most well-behaved, trained dogs there.  However, there's one big fluffy golden retriever that is a huge aggressive jerk of a dog.  Just shows you can't always believe the breed-specific stereotypes.

    FI really wants a Pitt or Boxer, but they are unfortunately banned at our apartment complex.  However, he's mentioned many times that if we got a Pitt, he's fully prepared to spend more time training him, because they do require more obedience and training. 


  • Here is his pic, just because I think he is adorable.
  • dmiller9274dmiller9274 member
    2500 Comments Third Anniversary
    edited September 2010
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_pitbulls?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:0f9d402a-0fb1-4694-8404-56557a150286Post:7b3de2c9-0f39-4304-b890-82766a0a1ad8">Re: Pitbulls?</a>:
    [QUOTE]i agree with DMiller, do some dog restriction research before you do anything. <strong>Don't tell your homeowner's or renter's insurance that the dog's a pitt, maybe tell them he's a mutt</strong>. Before you adopt, make sure you have the financial stability to deal with a dog.  Vet bills are expensive, food is expensive, boarding is expensive. Make sure you have enough time for the dog, especially a big dog.  They need space and play time, if you don't have enough of either, you should probably rethink. Figure out how the pup will be trained, crate trained or not, clicker trained or not, and whatever decision you make, stick to it.  It's not easy to train a puppy but rigid consistency is the only way to do it, if he's not suppoed to be on the couch/your bed, don't let him do it "just this once", it's confusing for them. Get LOTS of chew toys.  Puppies chew on stuff especially when they're teething.  If he has lots of toys to gnaw on, he will be less likely to choose your couch or dining room table as his favorite chew toy (but he still might) Dogs are awesome, I've had them all my life.  But it's really sad to see people fall in love with animals they can't/don't know how to, take care of.  I hope this helped!!
    Posted by 526SadieSadie[/QUOTE]

    I would advise Against this.  Make sure that they know exactly what type of dog it is.  You don't want to have your insurance voided and be personally responsible if something were to happen....with the dog or not.

    ETA:  He is adorable, I love puppies
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    BabyFruit Ticker
  • H and I have a chocolate red nose pitty. He is 6 yrs old. But we have had him since he was 3 mos old.  He is so gentle, i tell him all the time that he is not a dog, just a big cat.  He sleeps cuddling with our kitten. He is registered as a staffshire terrior so that we don't have any complications with county laws.  Just check and see if the dog is already registered and then check your state/city requirements.

    Good luck and enjoy your new puppy.  Pitties are the best!
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_pitbulls?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:0f9d402a-0fb1-4694-8404-56557a150286Post:7b3de2c9-0f39-4304-b890-82766a0a1ad8">Re: Pitbulls?</a>:
    [QUOTE]i agree with DMiller, do some dog restriction research before you do anything.  Don't tell your homeowner's or renter's insurance that the dog's a pitt, maybe tell them he's a mutt. Before you adopt, make sure you have the financial stability to deal with a dog.  Vet bills are expensive, food is expensive, boarding is expensive. Make sure you have enough time for the dog, especially a big dog.  They need space and play time, if you don't have enough of either, you should probably rethink. Figure out how the pup will be trained, crate trained or not, clicker trained or not, and whatever decision you make, stick to it.  It's not easy to train a puppy but rigid consistency is the only way to do it, if he's not suppoed to be on the couch/your bed, don't let him do it "just this once", it's confusing for them. Get LOTS of chew toys.  Puppies chew on stuff especially when they're teething.  If he has lots of toys to gnaw on, he will be less likely to choose your couch or dining room table as his favorite chew toy (but he still might) Dogs are awesome, I've had them all my life.  But it's really sad to see people fall in love with animals they can't/don't know how to, take care of.  I hope this helped!!
    Posted by 526SadieSadie[/QUOTE]

    Umm, I agree with other posters. It would be foolish to lie about the breed. What if something DID happen and we had to file a claim? I'd be going to jail for fraud, and I'm not down with that.

    Anyways, I do have one dog already, so I definitely know about the money, time and space things. We rent right now, so that will play a big part in the decision.

    Yea, I hear ya on the puppy training part. He is very smart and is progressing really well with training so far. He is crate trained already, potty trained and is doing good with sit, stay, lay down.. basic stuff.

    He hasn't shown any aggressive tendencies, and lives with two other big dogs right now. I have yet to take mine over there to have a "playdate" but I don't foresee any issues, she is so mellow its ridiculous.
  • Do your research, make sure that your apartment complex or city ordinance doesn't have breed restrictions, and make sure you check out any pitt bulls (or any puppies, for that matter) that you are thinking of adopting before you sign any paperwork.

    Do not lie to your insurance company.  You could lose your insurance if you are caught.  Also, if something happens, God forbid, and the dog causes bodily injury to another person, your insurance company will not help you if they find out you lied.  You will be SOL, and liable for all medical expenses (and litigation) that the victim or victims' family members pursue.

    I have known wonderful pitts and aggressive pitts.  I was attacked by a pitt bull puppy last year (she thought she was playing) whose owners didn't leash, register, spay, immunize, or train her.  She only gave me some bruising and tore my shirt, but she did scare the hell out of me.  Fortunately, she was taken away from the owners and put up for adoption (I found her on Petfinder a few months later).  Hopefully she went to a good home. 
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  • Yeah, just FYI - lying to your insurance company is not the best way to go.

    I don't know much about pitbulls - so I ditto PPs - just be thorough in your research.  There are plenty of people who will argue that pitbulls are just murder waiting to happen, but I don't like when people make that generalization about a breed.

    For example, some close family friends of ours have owned two rottweilers.  The first one they had - you knew better than to get out of your car until they'd put the dog in her kennel.  She would have eaten you alive.  She hated EVERYONE who wasn't her family.  She was a killer.  But then they got another rottweiler puppy when the first one was really old and on her way out.  I thought they were CRAZY to get another violent dog.  But the new one was probably the sweetest thing I've ever encountered.  Honestly, I've met "milder" breeds that were more aggressive.  This freaking dog actually looked like she was smiling all the time and she always wanted to play with everyone she enountered, loved to be petted and was pretty much everybody's buddy.

    So yeah.  You just never know.  Don't let people tell you pitbulls are all bad - get to know your dog - do your research - and PLEASE, don't lie to your insurance company.
    panther
  • Ok, ok, don't lie. 
    Maybe don't offer the information if they don't ask?
    We have a dog that's part chow-chow, part lab.  When we told our insurance agent she just put the dog was a Lab mix, rather than a Chow-Lab because it would've made the rate go up.  That's what I was thinking when I wrote that line everyone has taken exception with.  I was not thinking of the omission as a lie, but you're all right, saying it's a mutt when you know it's a pitt is the wrong thing to do.
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  • This is a picture of my American Staffordshire bull terrier. We got her at a shelter when she was 1.5 years old and she is amazing.  Like others say do your research but if you talk to pit bull owners I think you will find that they will all say they adore the breed but you have to willing to put a little more time into them. Pit bulls are very loyal to humans but most don't like cats or small animals since they are terriers and love to chase and hunt things. Good luck with your studies!
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_pitbulls?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:0f9d402a-0fb1-4694-8404-56557a150286Post:ae8b1cb7-46f9-411b-8fa3-147fc6fedd4d">Re: Pitbulls?</a>:
    [QUOTE]Ok, ok, don't lie.  Maybe don't offer the information if they don't ask? We have a dog that's part chow-chow, part lab.  When we told our insurance agent she just put the dog was a Lab mix, rather than a Chow-Lab because it would've made the rate go up.<strong>  </strong>That's what I was thinking when I wrote that line everyone has taken exception with.  I was not thinking of the omission as a lie, but you're all right, saying it's a mutt when you know it's a pitt is the wrong thing to do.
    Posted by 526SadieSadie[/QUOTE]
    I can't imagine the company wouldn't ask.  It would be terribly irresponsible of them not to.

    I'd also be very concerned about my agent lying to the company on my behalf.  You will still be held accountable in the end of something happens, even if you weren't the one that lied initially.

    IMO the increased insurance premiums you face should be factored into the cost of getting the pet.
    kd.joseph's wish is my command
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    Just call me "Brothel"
    And betrothed, I'm disgusted with most of the comments that you have posted. I don't think I've ever read such judgmental comments in my life. I'm so lucky that the girls I speak to on theknot are nothing like you...I would've never come on here for ADVICE if I would've encountered a big a bitch as you. I genuinely feel awful for your children or your future children, and I think it would be irresponsible of YOU not to invest in their future therapy sessions starting now. Because trust me when I tell you honey, they're gonna need it. ~jcaruncho2010
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  • We have 2 pits and they honestly don't know they are dogs. We have to fight our oldest to stay out of our bed at night. She believes that she is entitled to the bed just like us.

    I definitely recommend doing lots of research before taking on the responsibility. Our dogs are very loving. If you pull up in my driveway, you'll hear them barking and would probably consider getting back in your car and leaving. But, iIf you walk into my house, they are both jumping up on you and when you sit down, they are in your lap and giving kisses. Which is why we put them in our utility room when company is coming over. Most people don't enjoy dog kisses :) The only time I have seen my dogs truly get mad is when they see a cat or horse. If this happens, I just shut our front door and they calm down.

    It is true that pit bulls grab and hold on. But what they most
    often grab and refuse to let go of is your heart

    imageimage
  • Oh and regarding insurance, like everyone else has said, don't lie. When we bought our house, our agent told us that if we had any pitt bulls, see if they could stay with a friend or family member for a couple of weeks because someone from the insurance company would be coming by our house to inspect it and if we had one, our rates would go up. He never asked, which at the time, we didn't have any pitts.

    It is true that pit bulls grab and hold on. But what they most
    often grab and refuse to let go of is your heart

    imageimage
  • ok. Dumb question- Staffshire Terrier is the same thing as a Pitt Bull right? Just a different name?
  • Steph: Pretty much. It's really according to who you talk to. There are different breeds: Staffordshire Terrier, American Pitt Bull Terrier, etc but most people consider them all pitt bulls. Some people will get damn near fighting mad about what you call them, including my MIL. She will argue about hers being Stafforshire and that they are "sophisticated", blah blah. Both of our dogs came from my IL's dogs  and I call my dogs pitts. I don't care about formal names.

    It is true that pit bulls grab and hold on. But what they most
    often grab and refuse to let go of is your heart

    imageimage
  • CellesCelles member
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited September 2010
    <p>[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Pitbulls? : Although those dogs tend to be more aggressive (thats' what they were bred for, afterall), I still think the owners play a much more significant role in how the dog behaves. There are a few pitts at the dog park, which are the nicest, most well-behaved, trained dogs there.  However, there's one big fluffy golden retriever that is a huge aggressive jerk of a dog.  Just shows you can't always believe the breed-specific stereotypes.
    Posted by Steph0871[/QUOTE]</p><p>
    I agree with this, but I'd add that the "pit bull" breeds (as PP's mentioned, there are several breeds referred to, collectively, as "pit bulls"; "pit bull" itself is not a true breed) were bred to be aggressive with other dogs, but docile and obedient with human beings.  The last thing their breeders wanted was a fighting dog turning on its handler in the heat of the moment.</p><p>
    ANY dog can be made aggressive via abuse or training.  Pit Bulls are not predisposed to show aggression to humans; if anything, the opposite is true.  Unfortunately, because of their reputation, they often attract the kind of people who TRY to make them aggressive.  It's a vicious cycle, and the dogs are the victims.</p>
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  • Socialize the puppy as much as you possibly can. Puppy classes would be great, and take it on short walks, to the dog park, etc. Any and every place it can interact with people and other animals.
      Yes, pit bulls can be aggressive to other animals, but that is true for many breeds, and can be worked on from day one.

    Be prepared for emergency vet bills. Just as an example, my border collie mix has cost maybe $300 in vet bills. My aussie has cost over $1000. Anything can happen, and you need to be prepared for those costs.

    Also, many times people call anything stocky and with a large head a pit bulls when in actuality it could be many other things.

    "Bully Breeds" need firm but gentle training simply because they grow fast and are strong.  I would work on leash training while puppy is still small.

    Congratulations!
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  • I have a 9 year old pit that I got as a puppy.

    They require alot of excersise.  They are great dogs though if you have the time for them.

    We had to get a special policy for our homeowners insurance.  Do not lie to them, because God forbid something does happen, and your pit hurts someone, they will cancel your policy and you will be screwed.  You could lose your home.

    They are wonderful dogs.  If you think its the right one for you then go for it.  I will only own Pits. 

    To answer the question about the Pit Bull being an all inclusive term for multiple breeds:  That is not true.  An American Staf Terrier is not an American Pit Bull Terrier.  I have a full bred American Pit Bull Terrier that is not a mix of any breed.  Pits are usually smaller than AmStaffs, the head size is smaller.  AmStaffs have a wider frame and are taller.

    Both breeds are recognized by the AKC as their own breed.
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  • edited September 2010
    I had a pitbull/boxer mix for 10 years.  He was absolutely the BEST dog I (or any of my family) have ever had and such a love.  A real teddy bear of a pup his entire life.  When asked about his breed I answered that he was a "terrier" mix which was true but I did not want to deal with people freaking out because he was a pitbull.  Just be sure to socialize him early though it sounds like he is a love already.  Laughing

    FYI, The Staffordshire Bull Terrier (informally: Staffie, Stafford, Staffross, Staffy or Staff) is a medium-sized, short-coated, old-time breed of dog, originally bred for dog fighting after bull baiting became illegal. With dogfighting then also being made illegal, the breed evolved into one with a temperament suitable for a pet and companion, gaining respectability and becoming a dog worthy to show. It was accepted by The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom as the Staffordshire bull terrier in 1935.[1] It is an English breed of dog related to the bull terrier and similar in appearance to the much larger American Staffordshire terrier and American pit bull terrier.  (from Wikipedia)
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  • When asked we also say our dog is a Lab mix.  He is from a rescue shelter & have been told by people he looks like a pit, but nothing has confirmed it.  He primarily looks like a chocolate lab. 
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_pitbulls?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:0f9d402a-0fb1-4694-8404-56557a150286Post:691b2210-605d-4940-a5ed-efb70997b8cd">Re: Pitbulls?</a>:
    [QUOTE]To answer the question about the Pit Bull being an all inclusive term for multiple breeds:  That is not true.  An American Staf Terrier is not an American Pit Bull Terrier.  I have a full bred American Pit Bull Terrier that is not a mix of any breed.  Pits are usually smaller than AmStaffs, the head size is smaller.  AmStaffs have a wider frame and are taller. Both breeds are recognized by the AKC as their own breed.
    Posted by Blueyed228[/QUOTE]

    We're saying the same thing, Blue.  "Pit bull" isn't a recognized breed, but American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American Pit Bull Terrier<em> are</em>.  When most people refer to pit bulls, they're referring to one of these three breeds -- or any stocky dog with a large head and unknown or mixed pedigree.  People who get all up at arms about "pit bulls" <em>and don't even know what breed they're actually talking about</em> drive me crazy.

    I love this website (<a href="http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html">clicky</a>!) for making the point.
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  • CellesCelles member
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited September 2010
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_pitbulls?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:0f9d402a-0fb1-4694-8404-56557a150286Post:00453816-4679-493a-8c81-63cff8fb4acc">Re: Pitbulls?</a>:
    [QUOTE]When asked we also say our dog is a Lab mix.  He is from a rescue shelter & have been told by people he looks like a pit, but nothing has confirmed it.  He primarily looks like a chocolate lab. 
    Posted by *BeachBride0410*[/QUOTE]

    He doesn't look remotely pit to me.  Lab and... there's something vaguely Great Danish about his features to me, but who knows?

    People have said that my Rollo looks like a pit mix, too:

    <a href="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/8/3/98f4b0d9-a963-47cc-a39c-cc13fa93b888.large.jpg" title="Click to view a larger photo" onclick="return gSiteLife.LoadForumPage('ForumImage', 'plckPhotoId', '98f4b0d9-a963-47cc-a39c-cc13fa93b888', 'plckRedirectUrl', gSiteLife.EscapeValue(window.location.href));" class="PhotoLink"><img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/8/3/98f4b0d9-a963-47cc-a39c-cc13fa93b888.medium.jpg" alt="" /></a>

    But I don't think so.  Lab and Boxer with a bit of hound, if his baying howl is any indication.
    image
  • FYI- State Farm will cover any breed as long as there is no bite history.  I found that out when our insurance told us they would drop us because they found out we had rotties.

    Personally, I don't like pitts all that much because the ones I have known tend to be somewhat aggressive with other dogs (more so than rotties, which tend to be sort of disinterested in other dogs).  My area has also had a LOT of media focus in the last few years about people who were irresponsible pitt owners AND (surprise surprise) irresponsible parents, whose dogs mauled their kids or someone else's.

    I would advise against getting ANY dog if you are planning on having kids soon (and especially a large dog).  If you have kids and then decide to get a family dog when the kids are big enough to hold their own against the dog, that's a bit different.  Our rotties are 70-100 lbs and even if they are excited and being friendly, they could harm a smaller child just by knocking them over or scratching them accidentally and that's not a risk I'd want to take.

    Definitely do your research on breeds.  Talk to your vet about what your lifestyle is like and they may have suggestions on breeds with traits that are compatible for what you are looking for.  Pitts (along with a lot of other breeds) are relatively high energy and may take more walking/exercise than you are prepared to do.  Don't make my mistake and think that the dog will inspire you to walk more.  You'll inevitably get lazy and the dog will likely get neurotic or destructive.

    If you do decide to get a dog, you MUST MUST MUST get it fixed, especially if you get a pitt or any other "high risk" breed.  Typically if you adopt from a shelter or rescue foundation they will have fixed the dog or require it before you can take the dog home.  Unfixed dogs seem to be part of the problem for people who have "aggressive" breeds.  Also, I'd suggest taking the dog to obedience classes and ALWAYS walking it on a leash- even if you trust your dog, other people feel safer seeing your dog is under your control, especially if it's a breed people have a lot of fear over.
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_pitbulls?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:0f9d402a-0fb1-4694-8404-56557a150286Post:f74089fc-cd97-4925-8602-d03910001a77">Re: Pitbulls?</a>:
    [QUOTE]FYI- State Farm will cover any breed as long as there is no bite history.  I found that out when our insurance told us they would drop us because they found out we had rotties. Personally, I don't like pitts all that much because the ones I have known tend to be somewhat aggressive with other dogs <strong><u>(more so than rotties,</u></strong>which tend to be sort of disinterested in other dogs).  My area has also had a LOT of media focus in the last few years about people who were irresponsible pitt owners AND (surprise surprise) irresponsible parents, whose dogs mauled their kids or someone else's.<strong><u> I would advise against getting ANY dog if you are planning on having kids soon (and especially a large dog</u>).</strong>  If you have kids and then decide to get a family dog when the kids are big enough to hold their own against the dog, that's a bit different.  Our rotties are 70-100 lbs and even if they are excited and being friendly, they could harm a smaller child just by knocking them over or scratching them accidentally and that's not a risk I'd want to take. Definitely do your research on breeds.  Talk to your vet about what your lifestyle is like and they may have suggestions on breeds with traits that are compatible for what you are looking for.  Pitts (along with a lot of other breeds) are relatively high energy and may take more walking/exercise than you are prepared to do.  Don't make my mistake and think that the dog will inspire you to walk more.  You'll inevitably get lazy and the dog will likely get neurotic or destructive. <strong><u>If you do decide to get a dog, you MUST MUST MUST get it fixed, especially if you get a pitt or any other "high risk" breed.</u></strong>  Typically if you adopt from a shelter or rescue foundation they will have fixed the dog or require it before you can take the dog home.  Unfixed dogs seem to be part of the problem for people who have "aggressive" breeds.  Also, I'd suggest taking the dog to obedience classes and ALWAYS walking it on a leash- even if you trust your dog, other people feel safer seeing your dog is under your control, especially if it's a breed people have a lot of fear over.
    Posted by slubkin[/QUOTE]

    Your post sounds like an awful lot of assumptions about a breed that you do not own.

    Pit Bulls scored higher than rotties with the American Temperament Testing Society (ATTS).  That test involves reactions to other dogs and people.

    My pit is wonderful with kids and LOVES other dogs.

    I did not fix her until she was 7 and her "aggression" never changed since she had none to begin with.

    Just because a bunch of punks where you live watched too many rap videos and think its cool to have bad azz dogs, does not mean that is a representation of the breed as a whole.
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