There is a local radio talk show host who has a saying. It is a take on "Not all Muslems are terrorists but all terrorists are Muslims" It is: "Not all pit bulls are owned by drug dealers but all drug dealers own pit bulls"

My comment was a bit tongue in cheek. I believe that the hype about certain breeds is way overblown.

Good way of looking at both topics.

It may seem strange to some, but after giving one warning, the Tennessee County Farm Bureau's Insurance Agents will revoke a homeowner's policy for having a Pit Bull or for them having a renter who owns one. This was due to child attacks I was told.

My GF and I were running in the neighborhood yesterday. Passed a house and two smallish dogs (mixed breed) came charging out of the yard, barking, and went right to my leg. No sizing up, no hesitation, just teeth on skin. Luckly it was minor but we called the police who in turn called animal control. I didn't care about me, but we have a lot of kids in the area who wouldn't have faired so well. The worst part is that the owners tried to ignore the whole thing like it didn't happen. And go figure, this was the first run we were on where my GF did not carry her pepper spray. She carries it religiously since she was almost mauled to death by two boxers and a lab mix. Yes they were abused and runnng in a pack. The lawsuit is still out on that one.

Bill

We (the UK) just had a nasty incident involving 2 rottweilers. From the Telegraph report: "Witnesses say the girl was in her cot upstairs when she was seized by one of the dogs and dragged out on to a flat roof, where both set upon her. The alarm was raised but she died in hospital."

Who would want to bet alot of those "attacks" by Goldies were really meant to be playfulness and just ticked off a stranger or somebody enough to report it as one? Not saying a Goldie wouldn't attack though.

My dog is well over 70 lbs. and only 9 months old. He is mostly Goldie, some Yellow Lab in him. Lots of puppy left in him. He just wants to play. But he intimidates and scares the heck out of people when he gets playful. Off to obedience school. <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I agree fully with the poster(s) who said it's the owner. I've known a few doverman (sp?), one of them I knew quite well was a good dog and very affectionate to his owner but very easily frightened... so I could never make sudden movements with him..

Unfortunately I've had two dogs on both sides of me who were beaten by owners (past / present). one was german sheppard one was a unknown breed. The other one would sneak up to you and try and nip your wrist when back was turned.
on a sad note both dogs were put down, all because of their prior experience with owners and couldn't be re-trained.
If the dogs had better owners or training I'm fully convinced that they would be different dogs.

I was going to bite my tongue on this one, as I try and stay out of topics that have the potential of becoming too contentious. I realize you were merely posting a comment made by another, from another form of media and utilizing it to make a comparison, but I find this statement to be false and truly offensive. Prior to the Twin Towers, you may recall Okalahoma City, the result of domestic terrorism.

This is an international forum, with several members who are of the Muslim Faith; I believe this statement is a terrible injustice to these members, especially as some have placed themselves at great peril while responding to terrorist attacks in their county.

<img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />Pete

Bump! Before you touch the dog or anything, play with him for a while so he sees you're friendly (throw him his favorite ball, whatever). But never touch his head upon contact, never.