Should the military continue to ban Bully Breeds based on their reputation?

SPC Daniel Edwards — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 21:50:07 -0400

I am an avid dog lover. I worked at a dog boarding facility for 2.5 years before I joined the Army. During my time there, American Staffordshire Bull Terriers and those with that breed mixed into it were singled out because people believe that they are to dangerous. I have yet to meet an aggressive breed.

The military believes that bully breeds should be banned because they pose a hazard to bite someone. I know from personal experience that all breeds are capable to bite but the bully breeds are some of the nicest ones I have ever met. I knew one that was so scared of her own shadow that she had to be isolated because she was so nervous. I knew another one that you would think swallowed an entire case of Mexican Jumping Beans he was so hyper. Conversely, I knew a bipolar Pomeranian that bit her own owner. I was bit by a "friendly" golden retriever.

My question is this: Should the military continue to ban specific breeds because of the irrational fear that they don't pose or can we find a way to allow breeds on bases and base the ownership on a case by case situation. I personally believe that every dog should be given a chance.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2014 10:39 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 22:39:30 -0400

NO is the simple answer they are made to be that way not bread. Outdated theories.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2014 10:50 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 22:50:12 -0400

Sorry I just don't trust pit bulls. So I would have to say yes even if it might be unpopular. Just my opinion right or wrong.

Response by SPC Daniel Edwards made Oct 27 at 2014 11:06 PM

SPC Daniel Edwards — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 23:06:00 -0400

um...someone want to explain how a picture showed up that I didn't put up? bizarre

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2014 12:25 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 12:25:31 -0400

I dont believe in "Bully Breeds", they arent born like that, all of that crap falls on the owner of the dog and how they raise it

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Oct 28 at 2014 12:47 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 12:47:51 -0400

My college roomate had a Black Lab/Pit Bull mix. Most loving dog I have ever met in my life. I would be on the couch trying to study and she'd come up an put her head in my lap....then try to crawl onto my lap when I started to give her some attention.... ;o)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2014 1:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 13:23:19 -0400

Bully breeds, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier
can make for great family pets when they're properly trained and socialized. There is a great deal of debate as to the relationship of the three breeds, with some saying that they are completely separate breeds, and others saying that they are mere varieties.

The history of the bully breeds began in 1835 when British Parliament passed the Cruelty to Animals Act. This act banned two of the most popular sports in England, Bear Baiting and Bull Baiting; blood sports that pitted Mastiffs against bears and Bulldogs against Bulls, often in fights to the death. The loss of these sports (and the gambling revenue associated with them) created a void that was soon filled by dog fights and by the early 1840’s dog fighting had become incredibly popular in England, especially in London and Staffordshire.

Any breed of dog can get a bad rap. Just ask chihuahua owners, rottweilers stuck in little bodies.

Response by SPC Anna Larson made Oct 4 at 2016 12:28 PM

SPC Anna Larson — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 12:28:27 -0400

When I worked as a Vet tech in the early 1990's breeds weren't banned. What was banned was vicious animals of any breed who'd had three bite reports filed against the animal. The worst offenders were cocker spaniels, and all those little ankle bitter type dogs (toy breeds) While on Active duty, I was bitten several times. Once by a cocker, once by a rottweiler (fear bitter not aggressive), once by a rabbit, and all the rest by little toy breeds. I think the dogs need to be evaluated based on temperament not based on breed.

Response by SPC Carlton Phelps made Nov 12 at 2021 9:04 AM

SPC Carlton Phelps — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 09:04:34 -0500

We have rescued PitBulls for over 16 years, and as we tell people, this breed will do whatever you ask them to do. As SPC Bergseid stated, " how they raise it(bully breed).