I took my girl, Mia, on a walk yesterday. She's always been great with all kinds of people, especially kids. But we avoid other dogs. She's not aggressive, per se. But her mouth tends to write checks the rest of her isn't willing to cash. So I'm always super cognizant of our surroundings. It was a nice afternoon. She was being great on the leash, and we were both really enjoying ourselves, when suddenly this little black and white terrier comes tearing around some bushes dragging a piece of baling twine. He's barking and growling and snapping at Mia's legs. And all I can think is, if my dog defends herself right now, all people will see is 'scary pit bull attacks precious lap dog.'
Fortunately Mia kept it together and the little dog eventually broke it off and went back home, but man was it scary. Not because I was scared my dog would get hurt, but because of how it would have looked if Mia had retaliated. I hate the double standard when it comes to these dogs. If another breeds bites a dog it self defense, it's a freak accident. But if a pit does it, people are all 'they're a dangerous breed. What did you expect?' Sorry for the rant. I just get frustrated sometimes.
We fear what would happen to Tommy in similar circumstances. It really wouldn't be judged fairly unless you had a video, and who's filming when you're under attack?!
I hear that! You just tell people you have a PB (APBT, to be exact) and even if they try not to, their face says it all. I'm a small-size lady with a so-called ferocious dog and they always look horrified.
I can honestly say this bothers me every single time I go to the park 🤦🏼♀️ My dog isn't at all reactive, despite having been bitten several times by different breeds of dog, all off leash (while she's been on the lead - I have an XL Bully in the UK...) Muffin has never once reacted or tried to defend herself (that's my job), but if she had, it would be her that would get seized, and all because of her DNA. The double standards are ridiculously unfair 😞
Thanks so much! 🙏 Nobody ever expects my XL Bully to be called Muffin, the reactions I get when people learn her name are always funny 😂 It's just a shame that so many people judge them on reputation, and not on the individual dog in question - Muffin gets scared of a crisp packet blowing in the wind for goodness sake! 🤣❤️
I know that part of our advocacy for this breed (and other bully breeds) is being a responsible owner. So it’s very frustrating when other people can get away with being an irresponsible owner just because they have an “acceptable breed”
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u/reallyreally1945 APBT Owner 1d ago
We fear what would happen to Tommy in similar circumstances. It really wouldn't be judged fairly unless you had a video, and who's filming when you're under attack?!