Disappearing pit bulls
All week long, the local news was aflutter with the news that two pit bulls attacked and seriously injured their owner. It was on the radio a lot. One expert said that pit bulls are similar to cats (yes, cats) in that they are hard to read and react quickly to stimuli. I don’t think the expert knows dick about pit bulls because while I agree they are quick to react, they’re quite easy to read, just like other dogs. Anyhoo, turns out the dogs were not pit bulls. Of course, pit bull isn’t actually a breed.
Update: WATE is sticking with the pit bull angle and notes that noise from a lawnmower may have set them off.
September 28th, 2006 at 1:01 pm
I am ever leery of “experts” with the news. It’s likely some hack who was the first to give an official sound bite to the reporter, who was likely comfortably at his/her desk in the office making cold calls.
As for WATE, let’s just say my TV is rarely ever turned to ABC.
September 28th, 2006 at 2:10 pm
Actually, American Pit Bull IS a recognized breed. But, I agree with you, they’re easy to read. They’re pretty dern loyal, too, and the ones I’ve had were dead-on reliable and friendly as the day is long.
September 28th, 2006 at 2:31 pm
Never let the facts get in the way of a good story.
September 28th, 2006 at 3:31 pm
Looks like Melissa Gilbert is going to further trash the breed’s rep on tonight’s episode of “Nip/Tuck”–
http://tvcocktail.ivillage.com/entertainment/2006/09/niptuck_recap_tempted_by_the_f.html
Pa Ingalls would be so proud…
September 29th, 2006 at 7:53 am
I’m with Ed, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed recognized by the UKC and the ADBA. AKC recognized the breed as the American Staffordshire Terrier but some contend that, since recognition by AKC and differing breeding priorities, the two breeds have diverged. Of course, some disagree and contend that they should still be considered the same breed.
I personally think they are different. We are fostering a Staffordshire Terrier puppy for Animal Rescue of Tidewater and she has a distinctly different look from the Pit Bulls that we have fostered in the past although her temperament seems identical (friendly, great with kids and extremely loyal and obedient) and her body style is very similar, I think they have distinct differences especially in their facial characteristics.
But that’s just me, I’m no expert.