When I had rotties people used to get freaked out, and since my dogs were sweet, lovey, trustworthy, and wonderful it amused me because people weren't afraid of my smaller dog and she was the one you had to watch out for. Now it's different and BSL is not a teensy bit amusing so I wouldn't get a kick out of it, but I love the rottie breed so much. I know that if brought up right and trained properly, they make amazing pets, and my dogs were very well trained, so people did partially overcome their fear of rotties. Even when I felt bad that people were afraid of them when I took my dogs out, I never really questioned giving the breed up. I don't have rotties now with me, but I still will most likely end up with this breed again. I just love them.
To owner who have or have had "scary" breeds
- Thread starter Amstaffer
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L
I don't care what people think of my dogs. If they are misinformed about something, and voice it, I will tell them they are wrong and what the truth is. The only "misinformation" people have had so far is:
I have a muzzle on my dog. *It's a halti. Duh!*
They look like 'hounds'. *They are Labs, purebred, through and through.*
A dog that tastes blood will turn mean. *Not.*
Big dogs bite. *No, poorly bred and/or poorly trained dogs may bite.*
*I have started letting Gunner go downstairs, by himself (off leash) to potty. If everyone elses dogs get some freedom (leashless) then mine deserve it sometimes too. Tira gets to play fetch and frisbee sometimes out back with her leash off.*
Anywho - Nope. I wouldn't switch breeds just because someone thought they were something they weren't...or to make things "easier" for me. That's not what having a dog is about.
I have a muzzle on my dog. *It's a halti. Duh!*
They look like 'hounds'. *They are Labs, purebred, through and through.*
A dog that tastes blood will turn mean. *Not.*
Big dogs bite. *No, poorly bred and/or poorly trained dogs may bite.*
*I have started letting Gunner go downstairs, by himself (off leash) to potty. If everyone elses dogs get some freedom (leashless) then mine deserve it sometimes too. Tira gets to play fetch and frisbee sometimes out back with her leash off.*
Anywho - Nope. I wouldn't switch breeds just because someone thought they were something they weren't...or to make things "easier" for me. That's not what having a dog is about.
I have 2 lab mixes and a bichon so i wouldnt know but it must suck to have a dog that people fear. but it might come in handy at some point. People have never hesitated before letting their kids pet my dogs, but when i was walking my cousins GSD people hesitated alot and when the kids asked their parents to pet the dog, the parents almost always said no
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I would never switch a breed because some people are ignorant. I'm glad people dont want to run up to my dogs. Alot of it has to do with the dog itself, too. Some dogs just look menacing. Like Caza, if you run up to him he will give you a look that makes you back up and think twice. Neeko has the softest expression in his eyes that draw people to him. Hondo kinda has the "dont f*ck with me" look, even as a puppy it still turns people away.
I've heard all those before!!
I've heard many parents tell their children that Missy is going to "get" them if they don't listen. And then they walk away quickly and leave the child screaming and crying in the middle of the sidewalk.
My personal favorite "those police dogs don' like black people" (I would never talk like that, but that's what was said from a group of about 15 african americans - talking about Missy
)Today I head "Dark dogs are vicious"
I don't own dogs to socialize with other people.
My dogs aren't an "ice breaker" per se.
My dogs are just that my dogs. Whatever look they have, or personality trait is what *I* like.
Since I've had Hades, (I was never really on the "pitbull train") sometimes it angers me that people have misconceptions, but that in no way affects my decision on getting dog.
To be honest, I could care less if people want to pat my dog or not, and like Jenn said sometimes I like the fact that people don't bother to crowd my dogs and coo to them.
The only places that my dogs *have* to interact with people that may be afraid of them because of their appearance is either in my own home, where if you don't like it leave, and at the vets.
My dogs aren't an "ice breaker" per se.
My dogs are just that my dogs. Whatever look they have, or personality trait is what *I* like.
Since I've had Hades, (I was never really on the "pitbull train") sometimes it angers me that people have misconceptions, but that in no way affects my decision on getting dog.
To be honest, I could care less if people want to pat my dog or not, and like Jenn said sometimes I like the fact that people don't bother to crowd my dogs and coo to them.
The only places that my dogs *have* to interact with people that may be afraid of them because of their appearance is either in my own home, where if you don't like it leave, and at the vets.
No, not at all. I've always had Rottweilers, and now have a Rottie and a Dobe. I'm used to people running from them, I'm used to all of the comments, etc. Does it bother me? Yes, of course it does. Morgan and Winston both love attention and rarely get it from the public. Would I switch breeds because of this reason? No. I won't ever have another Doberman I don't think, but that has nothing to do with how the public views them. I also won't have many more Rottweilers, but again, not because of how the public views them. In a few years, I plan on getting a Belgian Shepherd...one of the most feared breeds by those who have heard about them around here. I don't really care. If people want to make fools of them selves and run (and seriously, I mean run! - you wouldn't believe a few of the reactions I've had if you didn't own a 'dangerous' breed) the opposite direction, oh well. That's their problem, not mine. I know my dogs are friendly, I know they love people...that's really all that matters to me now. People are even afraid of Tango (retriever mix) because she has a gold/brown eye colour and that Border Collie stare, so I've never really had a dog of y own yet that people actually want to approach. Yes, it would be a whole lot easier to socialize my pups/dogs if people wanted to pet them, but I didn't get dogs to make friends in the public. In fact, I think I prefer that people fear them as it makes me feel somewhat safer while out for a walk or such. I don't want people crowding my dogs, and as much as they love people, I think that would be too much for them also. I don't go up to parents and say "oh, your kid is so cute...may I come visit her/him?" - I view my dogs about the same way. Why would everyone need to pet my dog?
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I don't own a "dangerous breed" but frankly, I'd love it if people ran off when they saw my dogs, or at bare minimum avoided touching then. Moco is not the friendliest dog in the world and it would make life a lot easier if everyone did not see a "cute tiny dog" and run up to pet him.
If I owned a "dangerous dog breed" I'd never let my opinion on them be influenced/ruined by the public.
If I owned a "dangerous dog breed" I'd never let my opinion on them be influenced/ruined by the public.
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To be honest.........when i have Maddison with me walking (without Bailey) she will want to "Pet" every dog she sees.
Now she knows that she has to ask the owners permission and she always does this.
I notice that it is alot of the owners with smaller breed dogs who say that they don't really like children.........the larger breed owners are always quite happy to have the children "Pet" the dogs and the dogs just love it
Now she knows that she has to ask the owners permission and she always does this.
I notice that it is alot of the owners with smaller breed dogs who say that they don't really like children.........the larger breed owners are always quite happy to have the children "Pet" the dogs and the dogs just love it
That's great! Like that story.
I don't care what other people think about much of anything, and certainly not about what breed of dog I have. I love my Doberman. And, like others, I actually prefer that his breed does have a bit of a reputation. It makes me feel safe to have a Doberman by my side. He's protective without going over board, knows the good guys from the bad, knows what situation is OK and which isn't. He has shown that on several occasions. He's well socialized and while fairly aloof, is accepting of strangers, is gentlemanly and within a few minutes, depending on the person, can become quite friendly.
There's another point about cropped ears. (which I don't mean to lead this off topic, but....) They make a Doberman look like a Doberman. If he had floppy ears, people might think he was a black and tan coonhound and come running up to pat the friendly "hound." He would not like that. It would make him uncomfortable to be lunged at with affection, the way so many people do with strange dogs. It's so annoying. The cropped ears make him look the part. And keep people a little more reserved, as they should be with any dog. They often ask if they can pat him, if he's safe and I say, "sure."
So, no...having a "dangerous" breed has no bearing on what breed I'd have in the future.
I don't care what other people think about much of anything, and certainly not about what breed of dog I have. I love my Doberman. And, like others, I actually prefer that his breed does have a bit of a reputation. It makes me feel safe to have a Doberman by my side. He's protective without going over board, knows the good guys from the bad, knows what situation is OK and which isn't. He has shown that on several occasions. He's well socialized and while fairly aloof, is accepting of strangers, is gentlemanly and within a few minutes, depending on the person, can become quite friendly.
There's another point about cropped ears. (which I don't mean to lead this off topic, but....) They make a Doberman look like a Doberman. If he had floppy ears, people might think he was a black and tan coonhound and come running up to pat the friendly "hound." He would not like that. It would make him uncomfortable to be lunged at with affection, the way so many people do with strange dogs. It's so annoying. The cropped ears make him look the part. And keep people a little more reserved, as they should be with any dog. They often ask if they can pat him, if he's safe and I say, "sure."
So, no...having a "dangerous" breed has no bearing on what breed I'd have in the future.
i dont think cropped ears have much to do with it - at least 3/4s of the public are able to recognize my dogs as dobermans no matter what they look like - even my blue male. in fact, this weekend we had 4-5 people come up and say they loved my doberman, without me having to reassure them what they look like.
having to have cropped ears so that people wont approach my dog and get bit is a really shitty reasoning, IMNSHO.
having to have cropped ears so that people wont approach my dog and get bit is a really shitty reasoning, IMNSHO.
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Have any of you who owned or have owned "scary" breeds ever thought about switching breeds the next time you get a dog because of how people view your dogs?
NO, and why should you worry about what people think? You should never go down this road, live your life for yourself, and forget about conforming to society for society sake, otherwise, what will be next?
NO, and why should you worry about what people think? You should never go down this road, live your life for yourself, and forget about conforming to society for society sake, otherwise, what will be next?
It's not that simple. Most of us don't care what other people think. But there are other factors at play. They way people view your dogs affects all aspects of owning such a breed.
-Many rental proporties/apartments won't allow "dangerous" dogs.
-If you own your home, good luck getting homeowner's insurance.
-BSL. What do you do if your dog is outlawed in your city? Move?
-Groomers, petsitters, kennels and even some dog trainers will not work with "dangerous" dogs.
-Say you travel with your dog. What happens if you happen to pass through an area with BSL? Your dog could be euthanized if it's discovered.
-A dangerous dog is much more likely to be stolen. Sadly, criminal types like these kinds of dogs, and will steal them.
-Say something happens and your dog gets into a fight with the neighbor's collie. No matter what the circumstances, it'll usually be blamed on your "dangerous" dog.
I've always wanted a pit bull. But with the price of homeowner's insurance, I don't know if I'll ever be able to get one. Sad.
-Many rental proporties/apartments won't allow "dangerous" dogs.
-If you own your home, good luck getting homeowner's insurance.
-BSL. What do you do if your dog is outlawed in your city? Move?
-Groomers, petsitters, kennels and even some dog trainers will not work with "dangerous" dogs.
-Say you travel with your dog. What happens if you happen to pass through an area with BSL? Your dog could be euthanized if it's discovered.
-A dangerous dog is much more likely to be stolen. Sadly, criminal types like these kinds of dogs, and will steal them.
-Say something happens and your dog gets into a fight with the neighbor's collie. No matter what the circumstances, it'll usually be blamed on your "dangerous" dog.
I've always wanted a pit bull. But with the price of homeowner's insurance, I don't know if I'll ever be able to get one. Sad.
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True, but the fact of the matter is, you will be discriminated and people will form their prejudice about you one way or another, whether you are rich/poor, fat or thin, loser or winner, by the way you dress, car you drive, the area you live, what job you do etc....
You will never be able to be everyones "friend" and be accepted by everyone, that is a fact of live.
The point I am trying to make is that you cannot please everyone, as long as you are respectful, polite, they should in turn return the favour. They are entitled to think what they like, but should keep it to themselves and respect you whether you have a poodle or Dobie.
This morning I had something happen that give me hope for man kind
I live near Miller Park in Milwaukee and it is on my route for my morning dog walk.
This morning I stopped to buy some tickets for this Sundays game, while I was talking to the ticket lady about which seats are best Sal and Athena were sitting by my side.
As usual people in line behind me were giving me a very wide space compared to the other lines. People were staring and giving odd looks especially at Sal.
Just when I was thinking all these people are so intoxicated by our culture of fear in the USA when a little girl (7ish) steps out of the crowd and politely asks if she can please pet my dogs. I tell her yes and she come over and pets Sal and Athena for about 3 minutes.
At first the people watching were shocked and then their faces turned to smiles as they saw Sal attack with Kisses rather than teeth. Maybe the people and I both learned something from that little girl.
I live near Miller Park in Milwaukee and it is on my route for my morning dog walk.
This morning I stopped to buy some tickets for this Sundays game, while I was talking to the ticket lady about which seats are best Sal and Athena were sitting by my side.
As usual people in line behind me were giving me a very wide space compared to the other lines. People were staring and giving odd looks especially at Sal.
Just when I was thinking all these people are so intoxicated by our culture of fear in the USA when a little girl (7ish) steps out of the crowd and politely asks if she can please pet my dogs. I tell her yes and she come over and pets Sal and Athena for about 3 minutes.
At first the people watching were shocked and then their faces turned to smiles as they saw Sal attack with Kisses rather than teeth. Maybe the people and I both learned something from that little girl.