Quote:
Originally Posted by ATLDiscoLawyer link=board=1;threadid=9242;start=msg111332#msg1113 32 date=1084954443
I understand that enviornment has a lot to do with it, but are you guys really trying to tell me that pit-bulls, mastiffs, and chow's e/g are as passive as labrodors, huskie s and poodles? I know that some dogs can be raised safely but many are not. Are you really trying to tell me that instictively and by nature these dogs are not vicious killing breeds? There is a reason these are kep for vicious fighting and protection. Of course they can be kept safely, but why risk it? What is gained out of domesticating these dogs instead of others. And if you want these domesticated, what about a wolf that I have trained to be passive. Should I be able to keep that? How about a slap happy monkey? :wink:
People keep the more intimidating breeds of dogs as protection, because of just that. They're intimidating, both in their sizes, and barks. In cases where the dogs are fighting dogs, they are trained for that. They are aggrivated to the point where they'll get violent. They're poked, pushed, and encouraged to prey on "bait dogs" (usually pups of smaller breeds).
I am definitely telling you that no dog is violent by nature. I can't stand when people generalize a specific breed by saying it's a violent type. A dog's size does not determine it's temperament. Any dog will use its built-in defensive instincts when they are provoked. I adopted a chihuahua a few years ago, who had been abused (probably by a male, since he never quite liked my husband). One day I had startled him by trying to pet his head from behind. He immediately turned his head and nipped me. So yes, a dog of any size will protect itself when it's startled, scared, or feels threatened. That is in their nature. It's not in their nature to attack when they are not provoked, or when they are raised in an environment where they feel safe and not threatened.
I feel like I'm talking in complete circles, or it may be that I'm overtired. So, I'll stop now. But, I do stand by what I've said. I go by my experiences, and what I have seen in the past.
Bottom line, abuse of any animal is wrong. People who inflict pain on, or neglect animals should be punished. This goes for the largest of animals, to the smallest.