purple permelia said:I'm sorry that your mom had a bad experience. I've owned 5 American pitbull terriers and 1 American Staffordshire terrier. I've known literally thousands of them since I used to show them.
Like any other large, powerful breed they require responsible owners. I've been living in the suburbs again for about 10 years and my dogs behaved better than the majority of those I see in the park or in the neighborhood. All of mine were obedience trained, passed the Canine Good Citizen test and were completely trustworthy.
Given the bad press these breeds have received, I'd have euthanized one immediately if I'd had any problems. Responsible breeders desire a people friendly, pet worthy animal.
When I encounter any dog, I watch the dog's body language to see if it is approachable; a dog's breed can only give you general information. Temperament differs from dog to dog the same way that it does for people.
GREAT point, PP. My AmStaff is a wonderful and loveable girl. And it does come down to RESPONSIBLE owners. Neighbors have 2 bloodhounds, the ***** has gone in my face 3 times, I would never have bred her (bad blood). Now they're stuck with the 2 parents AND 4 full-grown pups. Didn't research area for BH desireability. Daughter has a pit bull who attacked me first time he saw me, outside, just ran up and grabbed my arm. No training. Animals lose. They also have a 4 yo stallion (nephew to little man and Rosie!), stunted growth, no showing ,no training to ride, only breeding has been with his sister and he raped rosie. They think they'll make money breeding him. Don't even have shelter for the two, much less mare care. NC law doesn't require shelter. Sigh.
You're a champion for raising good dogs!!!! It's not the money, it's quality companions, eh?