How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

Re: How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

Thats great, congratulations on the win. But you get what I'm saying. The ADBA conformation standards lean a bit more towards the big blues and such. If a true game dog were to compete against one, it seems to me, that the judges go in favor of the fat blue, not the real APBT.

 

Re: How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

Actually, the ADBA standards are more representative of the gamedogs. It's the UKC standards that prefer the overdone, stocky dogs (btw, they change their standards from time to time to stay abreast of the latest fashion trends so that should tell you something ).

 

Re: How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

Blue is not a genetic defect...not sure where you heard that. It is simply a dilution of black...I don't recall whether it's recessive or not. Either way...it's not the color that's the problem so much as the mentality...if a great dog happened to be blue, great...but folks are breeding dogs simply because they are blue, given no thought to any other quality including something as simple as proper weight, size, health, conformation...

I'm sure you know all of this...just clarifying that it's not the color blue...it's the blue fad.

 

Re: How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

thats right. thank you for the correction!

 

Re: How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

I Had a blue and white dog. her name was cordon. Well Cordon Was probally the smartest dog that i have ever owned. She Would let the other dogs beat her up thought I had to get rid of her so my other dogs didn,t hurt her.

 

Re: How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

I don't think the blame should be put entirely on the breeders. They are just meeting the demand in the market. It is the people who go out and pay for these dogs that are the source of the problem. It's a matter of economics: there is a market for "bluffs", therefore it is only logical that someone step up to the plate and meet this demand. A breeder (as an occupation) needs to adapt with the market in order to survive. Shame on the consumers. To overcome this current "fad" apbt owners must band together and make a serious effort not to contribute their hard-earned money to the downdfall of the breed they supposedly hold so dear.

I really believe the only way to choke the sales of said breeders is to make it clearly apparent that folks that buy into these dogs are the problem. Your first time; that's your get out of jail free card, and ignorance plays its part. The second time; you have now become the problem.

It's never going to be feasible to create a separate and distinct breed, i.e. bully, english pitbull terrier, etc... Mass media will not buy into this, pitbull maulings attract far too much attention (I know, I'll pick up a paper and if it reads, "Pitbull kills 6, more info inside"). Story lines that invoke fear tend to sell papers. Once again, it is the consumers that are the problem, and in that case, I'm guilty, too.

At one point GSD were targeted. Down the road, Rotts were being singled out, and now it's apbts. It's a vicious cycle and mutt breeders aren't helping with the problem. Bide your time and watch, one day these problems will be faced by another group of dog lovers who will share our resentment when their dog's good name is smeared. Until that day, fight the good fight.

 

Re: How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

back in the good old days..we would have to put these blues to the real test..and people would change their minds pretty damn quick.

 

Re: How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

Everytime I'm outside with my dogs, some guy stops and asks me if I want to purchase one of their 'Big Head Blue Dogs'. I'm like, do my dogs look like they have big heads. Well then, get on. I hate when they see my dogs & assume we all want that type of look. Yeah, some are nice to look at, but that wasn't the original plan. They seem to think we all want that big look.

 

Re: How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

I'd politely reply "no thanks, I want my dog to live past the ripe old age of 6 without skin disorders, weakened immune systems, hip and elbow dysplasia and showing none of the original charectoristics of the breed"

 

Re: How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

I hope you're not basing this statement on genetics of a bloodline, because if you were, I would believe you were pretty shallow and in denial. "History is apart of the present but it doesnt make the present." Only way I would say for sure that this could happen is if a person still tested their dogs regularly and bred for that purpose, which I don't know of anyone that does but hey I'm just saying this if you are that shallow.

 

Re: How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

I'm pretty comfortable with chiming in here.....

I don't think that Lockjaw singled out any particular line. Just made a statement,that this type of dog wouldn't be exzempt if it cares to claim the name of the APBT.

I don't think that anyone here denies the possibility of a "blue coat" bred to standard APBT.....Might be a rare feat. However the type of dog that we are all reffering to is bred so far out and away from standard it nolonger catergorizes as the same breed. It's a type not an APBT.

They cant compete or compare.....

What I dont get, is the fact that I have No problem admitting when one of mine cant hang tough or just dont have it in em......So what's with the fact that the folks that own and breed this type of dog don't give them the same curtousies .....IMO it's a prideful bunch.But ya'll have your standards, they just don't coincide with the real deal.

 

Re: How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

Amen. I have a blue brindle curdog (it's what I call him). Although he's only about 68-70lbs & not the oversized, overdone varitey, he still doesn't come close to being an APBT. He was obviously only bred for his color. It's why he ended up as a rescue dog.


And the fact that I kept this dog should tell everyone that I do NOT hate the dogs (as he's an awesome dog with an exceptional temperament), but just those who are involved in the whole "supply & demand" for them. Got to a damn shelter for a mutt......don't buy one.

 

Re: How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

Unfortunately there are too many ignorant people in this world. Most dont even know a real APBT is and refuse to listen when others try to educate them. I know someone who thinks that APBT is suppose to be short,stocky, and with a giant size head. After joining this site, I learned that these big blues really arent and cannot be full APBT. Mine definitely isn't. Im glad I joined this site because I had a pit when I was young and it was close to standard. 45 pounds and lean. Thats all I knew a pit was until 5-7 years ago when some of my other friends were talking about wanting a "blue" pit. I only have one because my gf's bro got another blue and gave us him. But nevertheless, I still think my blue is a great dog with a excellent temperament and one of the smartest dogs I've had.

 

Re: How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

i feel you 420. i got a blue too but i neutered him so that he won't be used to further this fad. i learned exactly like you did from this site. without this site, i would have never known about the realities of game-breds and the ongoing problem with what's happening to apbt's today. it's a shame that i learned after buying a dog already. like rock said, i won't make the same mistake the second time around. i have to admit though he is a great beginner athletic dog. this will help me get ready for a more active and driven dog that i will purchase later in life.

 

Re: How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

The KEY element being that you learned!
That's all anyone can ask for: to learn, and TRY not to repeat your mistakes!

I agree, this site is pretty :cool: !

 

Re: How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

Like Suki said, the fact of the matter is you were willing & able to learn about the breed & learn from your mistake. My blue mutt is neutered too (I neutered him his 2nd day in my home ). Everyone here has made some sort of mistake when it comes to these dogs, but for those that learn from them & educate themselves, they, their dogs, AND the breed win. It's those who are opposed to changing their views or unwilling to learn all for their own ego reasons & desires that are causing the problems.

 

Re: How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

you guys need a life.

 

Re: How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

You too so I'm going to help you get out more with a temporary ban. Have fun doing something other than posting here!

Regards,

B

 

Re: How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

My 6 month old fawn colored gal has a blue father. He's heavy RBJ/Jeep bred and about 50lbs. on the chain, mid 40's conditioned. He is a great dog all the way around! (He's been bred twice this spring) Her mother is Eli breed. Some of her littermates are blue w/ white markings. All are true to the ADBA standard.

I hate those big mastiff crosses. But I love my little true breed APBT!

 

Re: How To: Change the "Big Blue" Mentality

Abusing your power huh?