Hot Debates

As a registered veterinary nurse who currently works in a busy pet emergency hospital, I would say I have mixed feelings about it.  On the one hand, I feel Pit bulls and Pit bull X's get a bad rap because of notorious headlines. I will say this, and say it loud and clear: ANY DOG can be dangerous around children, REGARDLESS of breed. Children have been known to have been killed by the family Pomeranian. Cocker Spaniels are NOTORIOUS for biting kids. We have to muzzle them for most procedures. On the other hand, Pit bulls and Pit X's, have in fact been bred to fight. Granted, they have been bred to fight OTHER DOGS, and I find at work that we have more trouble with Pits/Pit X's with the other patients than we do with staff, nonetheless, this is a breed that has been bred for fearlessness. A good quality well bred Pit who has been raised in a responsible, caring home, is no more dangerous than any other dog, but when you get gang members back-yard breeding bad bloodlines, you get bad dogs.

My opinion is that you need to take the individual dog into consideration. It is a mix? Mixed with what? Has it had obedience training? What is its temperment? Do they intend to leave the dog alone with the baby? (Never a good idea REGARDLESS of breed.) If the dog has an even temperment, has been obedience trained, and they supervise it with the child at all times, I see no problem with its breed.

"ANY DOG can be dangerous around children, REGARDLESS of breed."  I would include any free roaming animal too.

"My opinion is that you need to take the individual dog into consideration. It is a mix? Mixed with what? Has it had obedience training? What is its temperment? Do they intend to leave the dog alone with the baby? (Never a good idea REGARDLESS of breed.) If the dog has an even temperment, has been obedience trained, and they supervise it with the child at all times, I see no problem with its breed. "

Excellent advice.

Yes, of course any dog can be dangerous. Here's the choice. Do you want your six month old baby attacked by a pitbull, or a Pomeranian?

Having a pit-bull around a baby is a bad idea.

Thanks for your in depth reply. Here are answers to your questions...

Mixed with what? The dog is a female and is Pit Bull mixed with Blue Heeler supposedly, although they got it as a puppy from the humane society so who knows for sure?

Has it had obedience training? No obedience training and there's no money in the budget for this.  The dog runs in the house, pees from excitement at seeing new people, and jumps up on people and generally ignores commands to stop, down, sit, etc.

What is its temperment? Once the dog settles down, she seems complacent. Does do some gentle gnawing on owners hands during play.

Do they intend to leave the dog alone with the baby? I wouldn't say they intend to leave the dog alone with the baby, but if the dog is in the house loose and Mom or Dad turn their backs for a minute, who knows?

Thanks,

Worried Grandmother