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Opinion: Reputation Shows Pit Bulls Don't Make Good Family Pets

Breed Choice Matters
Huntington, WV - In a recent article written by Diane Mufson, a licensed psychologist, and published by The Herald Dispatch, Mufson warns against choosing pit pulls and other known aggressive breeds as family pets. She notes that there are reasons why cities and countries forbid pit bulls and other breeds from residing in their communities. We urge all parents to read her wonderful article and to understand the truth about pit bulls and children: the combination is not worth the risk.

Reputation Shows Pit Bulls Don't Make Good Family Pets

By Diane Mufson, The Herald Dispatch
February 18, 2009

The selection of a dog as a family pet has been in the news lately as President Obama's family tries to choose the right pup for the Obama girls. It's clear from their deliberations and a variety of news reports that all breeds of dogs are not equally good as family pets.
Having owned three wonderful dogs of different breeds (two were recognizable breeds) and being a frequent admirer of dogs and puppies, I believe it's obvious that despite the all important training and care, the breed of a dog has much to do with the animal's demeanor.
No breed or mix of breeds can be guaranteed as ideal for a family pet, but some are clearly better than others. Yet some folks who want a family pet insist that a pit bull or other breed known for aggressive behavior or viciousness is a fine choice for a home with young children. It isn't.
While some carefully raised pit bulls may grow up to be good pets, reports of pit bulls attacking people, especially young children and infants, occur often enough to be a valid concern around the globe. Some countries and metropolitan areas forbid pit bulls and similar breeds to reside in their community...

Read: Article in full

Related articles:
02/06/09: Ecuador Joins International Trend: Bans Pit Bulls and Rottweilers as Pets
11/24/08: Pit Bull-Mix Owner "Surprised" by Sudden Attack
10/30/08: Two Children Attacked by Family Pit Bulls in Spokane