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Q: I love Pitbulls but need to know where they are
banned. Do you know where I can find a complete list?
A:
Actually, a browse through the
Pitbull Wiki site gives some idea... This is what I've
found, as to where Pitbulls are not legal to have, or
are in the process of becoming banned or strictly
regulated:
ACTIVE BANS
Miami, Dade County.
Delta, Utah
Springville, Utah
Independence, Missouri
Springfield, Missouri
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Royal City, Washington
Denver, Colorado
Prince George's County, Maryland
Yonkers, NY
Garfield Heights, Ohio
Sparta, Tennessee
Melvindale, Michigan
PROPOSED:
Oklahoma
Shelbyville, Tennessee
New York City, NY
Aurora, Colorado
Youngstown, Ohio
Richland, Washington
Tupelo, Mississippi
Parker, Colorado
Chicago, Illinois
In the UK/England, Ontario Canada,
Pitbulls are banned and not legal to own.
Q: What is all this about bloodlines and game testing?
A: Back in the days when dogfighting was legal
and socially acceptable, dogmen would "test" their dogs
in the ring against others. Testing for "gameness" would
help them decide if a dog was able to keep going in any
circumstance, no matter of exhaustion or pain. These
days, this would also apply to weightpull, springpole,
any other work or competition. This is what the pitbull
what bred for, characteristic to keep going no matter
what!
So it's really no surprise that bloodline can be a
factor, when it comes to a dog's performance. If it's
parents were very good at what they did, they would pass
their traits and likely the offspring would be very
successful as well. Two champion weight-pullers could
very likely produce champion pups.
Some breeders have
continued lines of the original pitbulls bred for
fighting. Or tried their best to keep the lines true to
what they were years ago. These are perhaps some of the
best representation of the breed today, since they
haven't changed much since the breed's creation.
Want to know more about Fighting Pitbulls?? I will not
cover it here, so check out these documentaries:
Q: Are Pit bulls good family pets?
A: This is a tough one, and all really a matter
of the person wanting to bring one home. I will not say
that a Pitbull is right for everyone. There are several
things you have to take into consideration before ever
thinking about bringing home a dog. Much more, if you
are wanting a pitbull. But I WILL say, that everyone who
brings home one of these loving, loyal dogs, falls in love
quick and won't give up their best friend for anything!
First I will mention that
a Pit bull is a bit different than a Golden Retriever,
due what it was bred to do. A Pitbull is very prone to
dog aggression, and very high prey drive. So if you have
other pets, you owe it to yourself and them to do your
research. For a new Pitbull puppy, it is very important
to keep his first contacts with other dogs, very
pleasant. I would suggest play dates with other puppies
or older dogs that are very gentle. A negative
experience with another dog, can mean bad temperament
with most other dogs for the rest of his life.
In any case, you should never leave a pitbull with any
other dog unsupervised, as even a very good tempered
pitbull cannot be trusted to not start a fight. A
pitbull may not start the fight, but will always finish
one!
I will also mention from personal experience, that you
will want to invest in a strong leash and collar. I have
gone through several that I thought would be efficient,
but they do break. A dog breaking free from you while
walking could mean disaster!
If you are looking for a great family pet that loves to
play, loves children and cuddling, a pitbull puppy could
be just what you need! It is not recommended to ever
leave any pet unsupervised with children, however.
Any kind of human aggression, is bad representation of
the breed, and is not to be tolerated.
Q: Would a pitbull make a good guard dog?
A: Probably
not.. To put it this way, a lot of pitbull owners would
probably say that if a burglar were to bring good enough
of a treat, they could steal everything in the house
including the dog!
Although, that is not to say that a pitbull would not
make an awesome watch dog. Most have the natural urge to
bark up a storm if they hear someone getting close to
their property. Probably not the best apartment-dweller,
but I and several others are proof that it can be done,
with understanding neighbors.
Due to the publicity that the pitbull has gotten
throughout the years, most people will keep away from
your home just knowing you have a pitbull. If that is
not enough of a deterrent, the powerful barking on the
other side of the door will definitely keep unwanted
strangers away, and freak out the mailman.
Q: Where can I find one?
Now, if you are still
wanting to find yourself a pitbull, the first place to
check is your local animal shelter or pitbull rescue. It
is also very important to ask about any
breed-specific-legislation in your area to make sure
it's legal to own a pitbull, or what requirements there
are to owning one. A pitbull rescue will be very helpful
in helping match you up with the perfect dog for your
family and answering any questions you may have about
the breed. If you do have other pets, make sure you
arrange a meeting for them on neutral territory before
bringing the new pitbull home.
If you insist on getting your Pitbull from a breeder,
check them out thoroughly. Ask about the parents'
health-testing and accomplishments. As for
accomplishments, this is what determines a good
representation of the breed, and whether a dog should be
bred or not. If you find a breeder with no
accomplishments in agility, conformation, weightpull,
etc.. And no health testing, what so ever, get out of
there!! This is a backyard breeder, and they are not
interested in the well-being of this breed. They are
looking for a quick buck, and it's likely you will later
end up having to cover huge vet bills, and deteriorating
genetic problems such as bad hips, or worse.
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