American Bulldogs

[Plantaholic]

I didn’t know where to put this. I stopped on the green to go into the cafe and noticed as I stepped through the doorway that very close to my feet was an American Bulldog was lying asleep. I decided it was too busy so came out again and the owner said she won’t hurt you. The dog certainly looked peaceful but I am sure if I had stepped on it, my foot would have been in it’s mouth. This gentleman is always at the cafe in the morning, sitting outside talking to anyone who would listen. I told him what I thought about the dogs (it had it’s ears clipped) and that they should be banned. I suppose he had acquired the dog as a rescue dog it makes him look big. Sil knows him as an idiot and wasn’t surprised about the dog. I think the cafe owner should ask him not to bring the dog, he usually keeps it in his car. If I were a mother or father with a child I would certainly have words with him. Well I told him what I thought and I hope I don’t see it there again. At least he will not be there when the children come out of school.

[Oma]

Plant
Sadly it’s not the dogs that are bad it’s the owners and breeders ,
They train and breed them to be aggressive.
Good owners train that out of them and have control

Like all dogs where small children are you can’t take chances ,
Also all dogs have the potential to be a danger
Storm is the most gentlest of dogs but I still wouldn’t leave him alone with a small child.

Some of the most aggressive dogs I have seen have been small dogs like Terriers or Pekingese , Chihuahua’s etc


I can’t understand why they need to clip the ears, do they think it makes them look tougher ?
I think maybe the way to go with these dogs is they must be muzzled in public, Im not a fan of Muzzles but good owners will understand the need .

[Lizzie48]

I was once bitten in the calve by a ....poodle!!!!

[Gemini]

Plant I think if in any doubt about any dog, stay away from them.

[Nanto2girls]

I was bitten by a Jack Russel quite a few years ago.
Agree about the owners and breeders not being responsible enough.
I know all dog owners here take the best care of their dogs,but i have never been a dog lover.
I'm ok with my SISin laws dog,but thats it.
Many a time i have crossed a road to avoid a dog walking on the same side of the street as me.

[Daisy]

I agree, Oma. The problem lies at the other end of the lead.

Nanto, I can understand your caution. I always try to take the kerbside route round any oncoming people, with Eva on a very short lead furthest away from the other person, whether they also have a dog or not. She's not aggressive, but she is friendly and curious and I totally understand that not everyone wants to be "Eva-loved".

But some people stop you and ask if they can say hello to the dog. This usually means they want to pat or stroke them - it's a bit like a strange person coming up to you in the street and asking to hug you. You just wouldn't want to do that, and sometimes a dog doesn't want to be greeted by strangers. I say 'no' (nicely).

If a dog has to be muzzled it needs muzzle training - it's a scary thing for them and inhibits natural behaviours like panting. As the law on "banned breeds" stands at the moment an 'exempt' dog (one who is deemed to be a banned breed but not considered dangerous by the Courts) not only has to be muzzled and on lead in public, it also applies in your own car. You have to have third party insurance but you can't get pet health insurance. You can't give it away or sell it. The ironic thing is that a dog is considered to be a banned breed by the measurements of its face. Pedigree papers or DNA tests aren't considered. There is no breed standard for American XL Bullys, so quite what is going to be 'banned' is a bit of a mystery.

[Plantaholic]

I understand the real problem with these dogs is their jaw is so large and they don’t let go. They have maimed and killed children and adults, sorry but I think they are very dangerous and even the most careful owner can’t control them if they decide to attack. I don’t think any bites you have experienced would have either maimed or killed you.

[Gemini]

I know I am not a dog person ( although I am fond of dogs I know) but I find it hard to understand why anyone would choose a dangerous breed of dog with huge jaws etc? If someone just wants a pet, I can't see the point.

[Oma]

Gem
A lot is for status with these XL bully’s , it’s a case of look at me I have a big dog I’m tough .
I remember many years ago there was a bit of trouble withBoxers yet they have proven to be loving family dogs ,
I agree these powerful large jawed dogs are scary , if I was walking Storm and someone was walking one I would turn the other way just to be safe ,

have just read how a child was set on by a pack of 10 bull dogs kept in a mobile home on someone’s drive ,
The man has been jailed and banned for life from keeping animals ,
10 in a mobile home how ridiculous not only will they be cramped but they will fight amongst themselves for dominance,
Again a bad owner and the poor dogs are the ones that suffer .

I do think in the not so distant future these breeds will be banned in this country
I also believe anyone with a dog should have to be licensed and prove they have secure gardens etc to keep them in plus personal insurance , because as Daisy said you can’t insure these breeds .