• @rwhitisissle@lemmy.ml
    hexbear
    45
    5 months ago

    Pitbulls are not more genetically predisposed towards biting or mauling than other breeds and the supposed "statistical data" on the subject is based around a confluence of inaccurate metrics caused by 1) people not being very good at accurately identifying dog breeds, 2) existing groups that hate pitbulls pushing bad statistics for political purposes, and 3) a self-fulfilling prophecy of pitbulls having a bad reputation and actively being sought out by people who want vicious dogs and who will treat their dogs in such a way as to encourage that behavior. And I say all of this as someone who does not own a pitbull and probably never will.

    • sooper_dooper_roofer [none/use name]
      hexbear
      7
      5 months ago

      but on the other hand anglos literally bred pit bulls to tear cattle apart while they were still alive (and it was actually illegal to slaughter cows in england using normal methods)

      I'm not saying pitbulls necessarily are genetically like that but I wouldn't be surprised.

      But regardless, let us appreciate the fact that 1800s era brits thought that the only appropriate way to consume beef was by slaughtering it with a dog ripping it's muscle off its back while tied to a pole. Even being killed by a pack of wolves or a lion would be more humane lol

    • 7bicycles [he/him]
      hexbear
      3
      5 months ago
      1. a self-fulfilling prophecy of pitbulls having a bad reputation and actively being sought out by people who want vicious dogs and who will treat their dogs in such a way as to encourage that behavior.

      I'm pretty neutral on dog genetics but tbh it still ends you at the same conclusion; not everyone should just be able to get the dog that kills you

      • @rwhitisissle@lemmy.ml
        hexbear
        3
        5 months ago

        Sure, I generally agree with that, but that being the case we should talk about dogs purely in terms of size and weight. Big dogs (and I mean ALL big dogs) are dangerous for the same reason big people are dangerous (potentially) - it's why weight classes exist in competitive martial arts.

    • Dharma Curious@startrek.website
      hexbear
      1
      2 months ago

      Add into this people who love pits and own them, but also believe they will "turn," and so constantly give their dogs subtle cues to be on edge, stressed, and like something is wrong. They're no more prone to dangerous actions than any other breed, they're just very, very intelligent dogs that learn how to react to their surroundings. The myth of the aggressive pit is what causes the aggressive pit. We need real education on dogs in general, because that Labrador you love or the poodle who was your best friend when you were a kid is just as capable of snapping or "turning." All dogs can bite, and all breeds can be sweet and well behaved.