Former Pitbull hater here:)

[Zidane]

Hello, I'm an APBT convert. I used to despise this type of dog because of, I hate to say, my own ignorance. I'd like to share how I have formed a new opinion of this dog. It started with a type of paper that I had to write in an English class here at Cal. It was a defitional argument paper regarding any subject matter I chose which meant that I picked a definition that I wanted to challenge and put forth my alternative view on the matter. That night I came across one of many news reports about 'pitbulls attack good samaritan', or whatever the sensationalist headline was that night. I knew that it couldn't be that bad. I remembered that Petey from the Little Rascals was my favorite dog growing up and he definitely wasn't a killer. But I also hadn't realized that he was a pitbull type dog either. I had my subject!
I found this site during my research into the history of the 'dog type' and bookmarked it because it has been a great source of information and detail. Now that I've written the paper and introduced my professor as well as the other people in the class to the beauty that the APBT represents, I'm here everyday searching, reading, searching, reading. I really appreciate those who are trying to keep the APBT as true to it's roots as possible because the assaults to the breed are coming from all sides: BSL, BYB's, and even those who mean well but don't have the information and end up hurting the cause. I'll make sure I'm not one of those people.:)
I'd like to get a puppy sometime in the future, but not before I'm totally prepared and appreciate the responsibility it entails. Thanks. Now back to searching and reading for me:D

[thedude04]

wow im really glad to hear that i wish u the best of luck in all your endevors i hope u cont, to learn all u can and help the people around understand that the breed isnt bad but rathe just misunderstod good luck

[wesley9]

all it takes is a little research , then maybe other people will relize the facts to

[Suki]

Welcome!!!!

and, nice intro. Glad you changed your mind! Now, can you help me with the rest of the world?!!!!!!:D
anyhow, stick around, and read, read, then, read some more!!!! Nice to have you here!:)

[miakoda]

:) Welcome! It's always nice to hear positive stories like yours & is a refreshing sound with all of todays words of hate.

I'm glad you found the love for the breed as I will tell you now, you will soon become an addict.:D

As for being on this site, there is so much to learn from anything to basic canine training, to basic veterinary care, to history, to info on specfic bloodlines & of course lots of pictures! So I hope you enjoy your time on here as much as most of us do & NEVER quit learning!

[Zidane]

Thanks guys. Suki, thedude04, wesley9. I've already bored my immediate family to tears with stories of the APBT's incredible temperament and desire for human love.
Miakoda, I totally understand the need to research. I'm amazed at the info regarding the different bloodlines. When I came to this site that is what surprised me the most.:) Thanks, I appreciate your welcome.

[miakoda]

Here's a video (that I made ;) ) for ya!
http://media.putfile.com/BryanAdams

Show the family....many of my extended family members loved it despite their feelings being "iffy".

[Suki]

" I've already bored my immediate family to tears with stories of the APBT's incredible temperament and desire for human love".

LOL!!!!:D I hear yah on that one!!!!!!

[ladybanker462]

:D all right if more people would read for themselves maybe greatest dog ever to be would not be so misunderstood.welcome to a wonderful and very loving breed

[Zidane]

Thanks for the video Miakoda. It will certainly help. One unfortunate situation I have repeatedly run into is that most pit bull owners that I've met near where I live don't seem to have much info to give me about the breed. One person seemed offended when I asked if their 85lb.+ dog was an American Staffordshire. His response was that he didn't know what that was and his dog was 'Colby blooded'. I politely excused myself and kept walking. Bad-Rap is near me so I'll go talk to them.

[Atwater27]

^^Same here

Most the people I see around with APBTs are young adolescents. Once I tried telling one of my neighbors that his dog is a staff (RE bluff) and he got offended. These are the same kds that like to take their "pits" to the dog park down the street. Just more young kids tryin' to look bad

[Miss Conduct]

many years ago back in my idiot days when i'd take my mutts to the dog park, there were MANY young idiots there w/their "badest pit ever" and their "rottie that would whoop your dumb pits a$$" kind of people there.... they thought that it was cool to try and get there dogs to brawl at the dog parks.... even though i was still dumb at the time (lol) about APBT's, i got away from those loosers QUICK.

[rpk]

I am glad you had a change of heart.

[Judy]

Thanks for the video Miakoda. It will certainly help. One unfortunate situation I have repeatedly run into is that most pit bull owners that I've met near where I live don't seem to have much info to give me about the breed. One person seemed offended when I asked if their 85lb.+ dog was an American Staffordshire. His response was that he didn't know what that was and his dog was 'Colby blooded'. I politely excused myself and kept walking. Bad-Rap is near me so I'll go talk to them.
I like Bad Rap - they have a good web site, and they hosted a conference on Pit Bull Perspectives. They do a lot with breed education and responsible ownership.

Kudos to you for doing your homework before you adopt.

And welcome to the forum! There is a lot of great information here.