Your thoughts on ownership of certain dogs

Are you impressed by or afraid of people who own large, powerful, potentially dangerous dogs?

Conversely, if you have a dog that is or soon could be, on the 'dangerous dog list', are you seeking to impress or frighten people with it? Or indeed neither.

It is a question to explore reasons as to why people have the dog that they have.
Of course there are people who are very responsible owners but there are unfortunately those who are not. This is becoming a matter that needs addressing in view of certain incidents in the UK in recent times.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...e-XL-Bully-breed-following-spate-attacks.html


Provided for thread context, although the language in the article seems rather biased.

In my personal experience, the dogs most likely to attack are the yappy little lap-rats. The people who own such "dogs" (and I use the term under protest) typically make excuses for the bad behaviour instead of preventing it. That's stupid. Stupidity is neither impressive nor frightening, but is simply best avoided.

To avoid stupidity you would have to live alone. And, even then, you are likely to encounter it.

I love dogs and will probably always have one or two... but I have had my share of dog bites and attacks (not from mine)

The little ones seem to have a Napolean complex …but most of them wait until you turn your back…. then get you in the calf…..those are painful….even worse than attack dogs (not that they are pleasant).

I would much rather deal with a larger attack dog….. Large are quick, but some smaller ones like pits are extremely quick… and I do like pits, if raised right, they are the sweetest dogs on earth…

I have always had big dogs (German Shepherd and German Shephard mixes) growing up. I was drawn more towards bigger dogs as I found the smaller dogs more fragile and hyper. However after having some cats recently I would consider smaller dogs. My dad always liked GSD type dogs since they are very intelligent, protective, loyal yet loving, which was how I was introduced to them. Before, I used to think that any dog that didn't offer some protection was a useless dog. However, after having some cats, I am more accepting of dogs who don't offer protection. I'm biased against pit bulls based on news coverage. Some large dogs like dobermans I find not nice looking/ a bit ugly, but I may be open to a Rottweiler.

The only dog I have ever been bit by is a Chihuahua

Large Bully XL dogs have killed people and terrorise some neighborhoods. So why do their owners have such dogs?
If it is for protection, then it means the owner expects their dog to hurt or kill anyone who attacks them. Aggression is expected of them. That is bad enough but even worse is when such dogs are not kept under control and attack innocent people including children. This is unacceptable.

Personally I have a small, gentle dog that provides companionship and love. That is my motivation for having a dog in my life. If I had a business, a German Shepherd would be an excellent guard dog. Obviously working dogs of all kinds fulfill their purpose.

What I question is very ordinary, often inadequate persons, owning powerful aggressive dogs to make up for their own lacks. To give themselves a 'hard' image and reputation. Is this not an accurate description in at least some cases?

My GSD dogs thankfully never had a chance to "protect" us and they never attacked anyone/any animals. Or maybe their existence/barking alone prevented any incidents (plus others walking will try to avoid us). If there was a home break-in etc. I believe they would have. There are some bully dogs and the owners should be held responsible, as I believe the owners train them this way. However, I understand how you feel about large dogs as I now have cats and I don't want any large dog endangering them.

Indeed, owners of small dogs shouldn't have to live in fear for their safety nor for their cats.
There have been some dreadful cases in recent times and it shatters the peace and security for people.

monkey see, monkey do! lots of people get big mean dogs because someone else in the neighborhood got 1 & to be impressive. Labs are the top choice. very kid friendly, family friendly, great swimmers & protectors & don't bark a lot.