The only difference here is that if a chihuahua with DA gets lose, it isn't much of a danger to anything but itself. Not to mention chihuahuas aren't inherently dog aggressive, they're just frequently poorly socialized and trained. They weren't bred to fight. Any dog with poor socialization and training can be a danger to small children. Not all breeds have an inherently dangerous trait.
Again,
these are working dogs. No, you're right, I don't want them watered down so that any JQP could own them. There are breeds out there that are suitable for people who like the dog park. I don't see why this one should have to be the same. As stated in a previous post, the drive these dogs possess is not only controllable, but it also serves them well in working venues. These dogs were bred to work and work hard, whether that's fighting in the pit, or doing something else.
Dog aggression -- is this the trait you're referring to as inherently dangerous? -- is in ALL breeds. It is a natural part of canine behavior. If you are now suggesting that our breed is a bad one because they are strong enough to follow through with it, that's tunnel vision.
So. Just for discussion's sake, let's take a look at some of the different breeds' standards with regard to temperament. You can decide for yourself which breeds are too big and strong to be allowed to be aggressive.
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"Because most APBTs exhibit some level of dog aggression and because of its powerful physique, the APBT requires an owner who will carefully socialize and obedience train the dog." (American Pit Bull Terrier)
"An aggressive or belligerent attitude towards other dogs should not be faulted." (This is in the standard for the Rottweiler and Doberman)
"Aggressive toward other dogs." (Akita)
"It is also by nature watchful of other dogs and may, on its own territory, react aggressively to intruding dogs." (Akbash)
"spirited, alert, courageous, and self-confident, with the natural aggressiveness of a ratter and hedge hunter; as a companion, friendly and affectionate. Faults: Shyness or aggressiveness toward people [not other dogs]." (Australian Terrier)
"...full of fire..." (Bull Terrier)
"Alert, with terrier-like qualities." (Chihuahua)
"...very suspicious of strange people or dogs." (Causasian Ovcharka)
"...clever, lively and courageous to the point of rashness..." (Dachshund)
"There is a heedless, reckless pluck about the Irish Terrier which is characteristic, and which, coupled with the headlong dash, blind to all consequences, with which he rushes at his adversary, has earned for the breed the proud epithet of 'Daredevil.'" (Irish Terrier)
"...by nature, watchful of other dogs and may, on their own territory, react aggressively to intruding dogs." (Jindo)
"...an instinctive wariness of strange dogs..." (Kangal)
"...can be aggressive toward other dogs, especially of the same sex." (New Guinea Singing Dog)
"...aggressive with other dogs." (Presa)
"At times aggressive toward other dogs..." (Shiba Inu)
"...on the tip-toe of expectation at the slightest provocation." (Wire Fox Terrier)
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I didn't look at every standard, so undoubtedly there are others. Actually, many standards don't even specify what reaction is appropriate when faced with another dog.
