Pit Bull "expert" discusses traits, history...

Pit Bull "expert" discusses traits, history...

Pit bull expert discusses breed's history, traits

By Jessie Pounds (Contact)
Sunday, June 15, 2008



Once, Paul Miller could unclip a pit bull he wasn't familiar with from its chain without fear. Today, that's no longer the case, he said.
Miller, the executive director of the Humane Society in Hagerstown, Md., and an expert on pit bulls, gave a public lecture Saturday at University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine on the history of the breed.
He said in the past almost all pit bulls were bred to fight other dogs and never harm humans.
Trait dilution in the breed since the 1980s has changed things.
One pit bull might be happy in the company of other pets, he said. But another might attack humans with the same fight-to-kill mindset traditionally reserved for other dogs.
"With the unknown breed history in a lot of them, you have to be aware of the factors in their environment," Miller said. He later added, "How far they are from fighting, we don't know."
Miller's talk to about 30 people, including many pit bull owners, was the third about the topic he has given in the past few days in Knoxville. He has also spoken to law enforcement officers and shelter workers.
Pit bulls have gained notoriety for fatally attacking humans in recent decades, including a 21-year-old woman in Knox County in November.
Several pit bull owners spoke about the good qualities they see in their dogs, like eagerness to please.
Joyce Montgomery, who owns one herself, said before she attended the event she was unaware of how much pit bulls had been bred for fighting.
"I thought it was more training, but there is genetics," Montgomery said, adding that although her pit bull is sweet to people and pets at her house, she probably wouldn't take him to a dog park.
Jessie Pounds may be reached at 865-342-6414.

curious about opinions regarding.... Trait dilutions changing things...
yay or nay?

 

Re: Pit Bull "expert" discusses traits, history...

Ahh... disappointing!

It is sad how these "experts" make such ignorant and "bunk" correlations!


Ill break it down:

Trait dilution = Staffies and Bullies

they are no longer APBT after the traits have been diluted

 

Re: Pit Bull "expert" discusses traits, history...

I got something different from the article, Jman11. The man said that almost all pit bulls were bred to fight other dogs and never harm humans.

I'll break it down.

Almost all pit bulls were bred to fight other dogs and never harm humans. Dog fighting makes people safe. Dog fighting is good. You would think the executive director of the Humane Society in Hagerstown, Md. would be against such illegal activitys.

Ferk out

 

Re: Pit Bull "expert" discusses traits, history...

Did you miss the part about trait dilution?
Maybe so?, because that is what the article is about

the traits being diluted and these new-age pits (staffies and bullies ) attacking humans

Now, i do agree with what you posted, however, I do not feel that is what the article was regarding

 

Re: Pit Bull "expert" discusses traits, history...

The part where he states, "How far from fighting, we don't know?"

I believe this to interpret that he means, the closer to the true fighting dog of the past the better the temperment of your dog will be. I completely agree!

 

Re: Pit Bull "expert" discusses traits, history...

My point exactly.

Ferk out

 

Re: Pit Bull "expert" discusses traits, history...

I think they were talking about these people that breed their dogs to be human aggressive and are proud of it. I have met several of those people. None of my dogs are good watch dogs and will let anyone in my yard. Hell they would probably help you tote the tv out if you promise them a car ride!
Hey, maybe I will email them and ask exactly what they were referring to.

 

Re: Pit Bull "expert" discusses traits, history...

some "expert." what a crock of shit. dude hasn't met too many pit bulls.

 

Re: Pit Bull "expert" discusses traits, history...

Wow long time no see... welcome back

 

Re: Pit Bull "expert" discusses traits, history...

seeing this, is worth logging in for~

SO nice to 'see you around' idgie. and agreed, the guy needs to get better acquainted with this 'breed'...

 

Re: Pit Bull "expert" discusses traits, history...

Another reason why anyone in the bulldogs should be firmly against and HSUS because they are against you and your dogs. They will overlook the constitutionality of laws to punish you and your dogs.