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Since you're aware of the statistics, how can you reconcile that only pitbulls seem to have bad owners? Wouldn't we assume a more normal distribution of bad own

Since you're aware of the statistics, how can you reconcile that only pitbulls seem to have bad owners? Wouldn't we assume a more normal distribution of bad owners across breeds, making golden retrievers, great danes, or bloodhounds just as likely to maim and kill other pets or children?

mcphage 3y ago
> Wouldn't we assume a more normal distribution of bad owners across breeds I don’t think so… given breeds have different reputations, there’s no reason to expect that anything about their owners distributions to be random.
hotpotamus 3y ago
Dog breeds are an object of human fascination with fashion. https://www.vox.com/2016/8/31/12715176/most-popular-dog-breeds https://www.vox.com/2016/8/31/12715176/most-popular-dog-bree... I don't really have a strong opinion on the subject, but in my life, Doberman Pinchers and German Shepherds have gone through phases of being seen as dangerous breeds as well. My suspicion is that owners who desire aggressive dogs also tune into this and train their dogs accordingly.
teaearlgraycold 3y ago
If you’re an owner who wants an attack dog pitbulls will be on your short list along side German Shepherds. Now, there are definitely some breeds that don’t have it in them to attack (and if they do it’s less likely to be reported). Even if you get bitten by a chihuahua you’re not super likely to file a police report. And I will admit that you would be hard pressed to get a French Bulldog or Pug to hurt someone. But I don’t think pitbulls deserve to be singled out.
- anonym29 3y ago
  I've known a lot of German Shepherds (>10), and while they tend to be incredibly protective of their owners and their home, they don't seem to have the externally-directed aggression that I've seen from pitbulls. YMMV of course. Also, FWIW, the only dogs I have been bitten by were a Chihuahua and a Pomeranian.

mcphage 3y ago

> Wouldn't we assume a more normal distribution of bad owners across breeds I don’t think so… given breeds have different reputations, there’s no reason to expect that anything about their owners distributions to be random.

hotpotamus 3y ago

Dog breeds are an object of human fascination with fashion. https://www.vox.com/2016/8/31/12715176/most-popular-dog-breeds https://www.vox.com/2016/8/31/12715176/most-popular-dog-bree... I don't really have a strong opinion on the subject, but in my life, Doberman Pinchers and German Shepherds have gone through phases of being seen as dangerous breeds as well. My suspicion is that owners who desire aggressive dogs also tune into this and train their dogs accordingly.

teaearlgraycold 3y ago

If you’re an owner who wants an attack dog pitbulls will be on your short list along side German Shepherds. Now, there are definitely some breeds that don’t have it in them to attack (and if they do it’s less likely to be reported). Even if you get bitten by a chihuahua you’re not super likely to file a police report. And I will admit that you would be hard pressed to get a French Bulldog or Pug to hurt someone. But I don’t think pitbulls deserve to be singled out.

anonym29 3y ago
I've known a lot of German Shepherds (>10), and while they tend to be incredibly protective of their owners and their home, they don't seem to have the externally-directed aggression that I've seen from pitbulls. YMMV of course. Also, FWIW, the only dogs I have been bitten by were a Chihuahua and a Pomeranian.