Owners and Breeders Say Pit Bulls Are NOT Bullies

[Suki]

April 15, 2007, 1:01AM
Owners, breeders say pit bulls are not bullies


By ARMANDO VILLAFRANCA
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

Stan Smith, known in the rap music scene as Lumba, loves his dog, who stood obediently at his feet at Reliant Arena on Saturday.

But dogs such as Shogun, a pit bull with a beautiful chocolate coat stretched across thick muscles, are getting a bad rap as a dangerous breed that attacks and kills people, Smith said.

Smith was among thousands of pit bull lovers who attended the annual United Bully Breed Council pit bull convention to share their love of the breed. But they also came to dismiss the dog's much-maligned image.

"That's the bear that we're trying to beat right now," Smith said.

Organizers claim the one-day show drew 5,000 attendees and more than 1,000 breeders, many of whom showed their dogs in competition.

Byron Hayes, a co-host of the event, said the organization's conventions, held across the U.S., promote the breed's better characteristics, such as the dogs' loyalty to their owners.

"I felt like this breed has a bad image, and this will help fix it," Hayes said.

Dave Wilson, a co-host from Washington, D.C., has bred pit bulls for more than 17 years. He said pit bulls were raised as fighting dogs that were trained not to bite humans.

"We kept that part of them — that loyalty toward humans — but we bred away the dog aggression that they had in them by using American Staffordshire Terriers, which tone down their drive toward other animals," Wilson said.

At the show, owners walked the floor with massive pit bulls weighing more than 100 pounds.

Wilson said serious pit bull owners buy or breed larger dogs that lack the stamina to fight, unlike the lean dogs reported in savage attacks on humans.

"I bred for the dog to be the ultimate companion," he said.

As an example of the difference, Wilson pointed to the hundreds of dogs on the convention floor. If they had been trained to fight other animals, how could they resist the urge to attack, he asked.

Wilson said show organizers are trying to restore the breed's image as "America's Dog."

During World War I, pit bulls represented the United States in propaganda posters that pitted America against enemy nations with their own national dogs. Pete the Pup in the Lil Rascals and Our Gang was a pit bull.

"America kind of turned its back on the breed, and we're bringing it back. We're bringing a positive image back to the breed," Wilson said.

Tony Flores, who runs TF. Golden Kennels and owns 90 pit bulls, is a soldier in that effort. He said the pit bull's image problem is not a dog problem, but rather a human one.

As he squatted next to Menudo, a 2-year-old, 105-pound pit bull with a head the size of a casaba melon, Flores had to fend off Menudo's tongue, with the dog repeatedly licking his face.

"He's like a big baby," he said.

Carlos Peralta and his wife brought their 3-year-old daughter and 18-month-old son to Saturday's show. When asked whether he felt comfortable having his young children mingling with pit bills, he said the family's dog is kept inside the home and has never threatened his kids.

"It's a friendly dog," he said.

No one at the show seemed to feel daunted by the many pit bulls, and many expressed the view that the breed has received a bad rap.

Ironically, the breed's reputation is what seems to attract some people to the dog.

At one booth, rows of thick leather dog collars were spread out across the tables, and shoppers could pick out their preferred style of collar spikes. Some came adorned with 2-inch tree spikes or dragon claws. :confused: Some came with spikes of bullets and casings.

armando.villafranca@chron.com (armando.villafranca@chron.com)

[Scratchy]

Notice how they were being referred to as "pit bulls" by the people there? I think some people just use the term "American Bully" when around or addressing true APBT fanciers.

[Suki]

Er, by chance, did you go look at the publicity pics? Dem der weren't no pit bulls....looked to me like those American bullies everyone's been bickering about the past few days.i only saw one pic of this dog:
"Lil Rarue"

[simms]

Wilson said serious pit bull owners buy or breed larger dogs that lack the stamina to fight, unlike the lean dogs reported in savage attacks on humans.
WOW!

The APBT is in trouble.

[Suki]

just another "ignorance at it's finest" comment, ...:rolleyes:

ironic, as well, seeing as the majority of the "reports" i read about seem to involve "not so lean" dogs. ;) .....
not gunna even go there, ...

[luvnstuff]

100 pound PLUS PitBulls in dragon clawed collars and spikes.. heeeeeeeeeey thats a good image ?

Sound more like mastiff mixes than "pitbulls"

off to stash my rescue dog that tend to be more on the , yanno lean and people eating..
Guess if you were to stand in the way of her tail, she could hurt ya...

Hopefully the media focused on these dogs but they werent the MAIN STAY of the event???
(sad tho that these dogs got the media attention..probably arent game for they couldnt move fast for the life of themeselves..yet alone expel energy enough to eat anything but dog food.)

[simms]

Carlos Zarate calms his pit bull "Lil Rarue" as they pose with models.

http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869670/600xPopupGallery.jpg (http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869670/600xPopupGallery.jpg)



"Coco" licks "Hercules" as Albert Moncada tries to pull them apart in front of the GottiLine Kennel booth.

http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869652/600xPopupGallery.jpg (http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869652/600xPopupGallery.jpg)





"Menudo" – a 10-month-old pit bull weighing 100 pounds – licks its owner, Tony Flores of T.F. Golden Kennels.

http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869643/600xPopupGallery.jpg (http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869643/600xPopupGallery.jpg) (http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869643/600xPopupGallery.jpg)

A Louis Vuitton designer dog collar secures a pit bull.

http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869679/600xPopupGallery.jpg (http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869679/600xPopupGallery.jpg)

"Coco" is shown off by Nicci Bildhouser, Mimi Macias, Tracy Alaniz and Heather McLaughlin of GottiLine Kennel.

http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869661/600xPopupGallery.jpg (http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869661/600xPopupGallery.jpg)

Pit bull owners and enthusiasts photograph the show dogs at the GottiLine Kennel exhibit.

http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869688/600xPopupGallery.jpg

(http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869661/600xPopupGallery.jpg)

DAUMN!

They need to cover that shit up. It's no wonder that, that style of ofi appeals to the gangsters or hip hop crowd.

NO CLASS!

[Suki]

no doubt Simms.

tx for posting those pics. woulda been nice to see some "lean" dogs included as well, tho, ....

[Scratchy]

It is very sad but true. These people are always in the media trying to spread the word and image of their dogs. Why not real APBT owners? Could we not organize an event such as they do and promote the standards of the true APBT? I'd be more than willing to support it and even have a hand it putting something together.

[pittychick]

I think people who KNOW these are not true pitbulls need to write to that reporter to try to get a REAL story.

Those dogs made me naseaus

[Marty]

WOW!

The APBT is in trouble.I agree 100%

[JoeFeezy]

I agree 100%X some big number I can't type!

[simms]

It is very sad but true. These people are always in the media trying to spread the word and image of their dogs. Why not real APBT owners? Could we not organize and event such as they do and promote the standards of the true APBT? I'd be more than willing to support it and even have a hand it putting something together.
Get with the LSSPBC, or call GH.

[Pitbull219]

Dave Wilson, a co-host from Washington, D.C., has bred pit bulls for more than 17 years. He said pit bulls were raised as fighting dogs that were trained not to bite humans.

Wilson said serious pit bull owners buy or breed larger dogs that lack the stamina to fight, unlike the lean dogs reported in savage attacks on humans.

How can this guy make both these statements like that? What a total contradiction. On the one hand, a true APBT is non HA and on the other they're the ones who attack people? This guy's been breeding dogs for 17 years and still apparently doesn't know a whole lot.

Then there's this:

"I bred for the dog to be the ultimate companion," he said.

No sir, it was already the ultimate companion, you bred them to be massive and way out of standard....to make them freakish in appearance so you could make a fortune.

I am just appalled by this story......

[pennsooner]

Damn near every attack I read/hear about is some mastiff mix piece of crap. THE TENDENCY TOWARDS HUMAN AGGRESSION COMES FROM THE MASTIFF BLOOD.


Some of the key people behind breeding the bullies........... well, lets just say I don't think very much of them. They seem to both try to steal the name and take pot shots at the real thing. I just don't get it.

[Marty]

I'm moving this thread to Miscellaneous News I don't see anything Positive in it.

[realonebulldog]

Carlos Zarate calms his pit bull "Lil Rarue" as they pose with models.

http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869670/600xPopupGallery.jpg (http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869670/600xPopupGallery.jpg)



"Coco" licks "Hercules" as Albert Moncada tries to pull them apart in front of the GottiLine Kennel booth.

http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869652/600xPopupGallery.jpg (http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869652/600xPopupGallery.jpg)





"Menudo" – a 10-month-old pit bull weighing 100 pounds – licks its owner, Tony Flores of T.F. Golden Kennels.

http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869643/600xPopupGallery.jpg (http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869643/600xPopupGallery.jpg) (http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869643/600xPopupGallery.jpg)

A Louis Vuitton designer dog collar secures a pit bull.

http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869679/600xPopupGallery.jpg (http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869679/600xPopupGallery.jpg)

"Coco" is shown off by Nicci Bildhouser, Mimi Macias, Tracy Alaniz and Heather McLaughlin of GottiLine Kennel.

http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869661/600xPopupGallery.jpg (http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869661/600xPopupGallery.jpg)

Pit bull owners and enthusiasts photograph the show dogs at the GottiLine Kennel exhibit.

http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869688/600xPopupGallery.jpg

(http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869661/600xPopupGallery.jpg) Showbulldog-blood mixed with canario-dogs and some game blood...this dogs are dangerous you never know wich kind of character you get. More then lightyears away from ouer pure Bulldogblood. And now this Experts try to explain that this dogs are the perfect Familie-dogs while the true Bulldog is dangerous...nice try.

[Suki]

I'm moving this thread to Miscellaneous News I don't see anything Positive in it.
do as you see fit! ;) initially, when i posted this, i wasn't able to view any pics, cept for one

[14rock]

"Pitbull, Pitbull, Pitbull". Didn't we just discuss this? They don't refer to them as pitbulls as "American Bully" conventions huh? I guess someone forgot to tell Mr. Wilson (who is a large reason, if not the largest reason, these dogs exist today).

I sure hope Mr. Wilson wasn't incenuating that gamebred dogs are the ones attacking people, and he has the cure in dogs too fat to run.

He is doing nothing to "help the breed", because he owns an entirely diffrent breed! You cannot "restore the breeds image as Americas Dog" if his breed was officially created by crossing mutts not 2 even years ago!

[Attila]

ah! those things again. see how they can face them off and nothing happens. they are so in the dark. Not APBT not pit bull. They are some other dog. They need to drop the Pit bull from their lingo and forget all about thinking they have anything of the sort. They make pets. Good pets for the right person. But they are not APBT by a long shot. No more than I am Chinese.

[ChiaPit]

ummm...little too much of more than one thing up in there...not my scene...those poor dogs.

[ericschevy]

I didn't see any Pitbulls, all I seen was cute blonds in tight shorts and half shirts...LOL:D

[kanediggity]

i have to agree with eeryone here that those were true bully dogs but in the same sense they are considered pitbulls like it or not. and i see bully people always trying to make a difference in how the dogs are looked upon and i havent ever seen a deal like this sown anywhere with the game dog people. they are trying to make a difference and i always see them doing things and having lots of people show up and publicity but like you said i dont see any lean or skinny dogs there, not saying i dont have any of the lean dogs and i know i dont have any bully dogs lol. but they are trying and we are jsut bashing them. atleast they are out and trying and not sitting on message baords and bashing others. and to the peope that say the bullies are the ones demoloshing the breed i dont think so 99 percent of the time its when someones dog attacks antoher dog and the owner gets bit in the mix of breaking them up not all the time but alot of the time. maybe we shoudl honestly get together and protect what we have and not worry abotu what one dog looks like or whatever as long as you are trying to keep the dogs around you are good in my book.

[simms]

i have to agree with eeryone here that those were true bully dogs but in the same sense they are considered pitbulls like it or not. and i see bully people always trying to make a difference in how the dogs are looked upon and i havent ever seen a deal like this sown anywhere with the game dog people. they are trying to make a difference and i always see them doing things and having lots of people show up and publicity but like you said i dont see any lean or skinny dogs there, not saying i dont have any of the lean dogs and i know i dont have any bully dogs lol. but they are trying and we are jsut bashing them. atleast they are out and trying and not sitting on message baords and bashing others. and to the peope that say the bullies are the ones demoloshing the breed i dont think so 99 percent of the time its when someones dog attacks antoher dog and the owner gets bit in the mix of breaking them up not all the time but alot of the time. maybe we shoudl honestly get together and protect what we have and not worry abotu what one dog looks like or whatever as long as you are trying to keep the dogs around you are good in my book.

What do you think those adba shows are for? Theres a reason that faceing dogs off and let them get nose to nose isn't allowed. They are creating a false sense of security and probably reality to boot....LOL

[kanediggity]

What do you think those adba shows are for? Theres a reason that faceing dogs off and let them get nose to nose isn't allowed. They are creating a false sense of security and probably reality to boot....LOL
i must have missed something. im not saying anything about adba or any sanctioning body but im just saying that no matter what we consider pure or not pure is irrelevant like it or not cause we are all being judged the same way and if we can all accept it we can have way more people in the same fight against bsl's in our states and communities. but right now we can even win an arguement on a message board is all im saying.

[BullDozer]

Carlos Zarate calms his "pet bull": "Fat Rarue" as they pose with nasty hoes.
http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869670/600xPopupGallery.jpg (http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869670/600xPopupGallery.jpg)
Cross-eyed "Coco" licks Hippo "Hercules" as Albert Moncada tries to pull them apart in front of the Gotti-be-nuts-to-own-one-Line Kennel booth.
http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869652/600xPopupGallery.jpg (http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869652/600xPopupGallery.jpg)
A Louis Vuitton designer dog collar secures a pretend bull.
http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869679/600xPopupGallery.jpg (http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869679/600xPopupGallery.jpg)
Cross-eyed "Coco" is shown off by Nicci Bildhouser, Mimi Macias, Tracy Alaniz and Heather McLaughlin of Gotti-be-a-bluff-Line Kennel.
http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869661/600xPopupGallery.jpg (http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869661/600xPopupGallery.jpg)
Really overweight and sloppy Pet bull owners and enthusiasts photograph the show dogs at the Gotti-catch-my-breath-Line Kennel exhibit.
http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869688/600xPopupGallery.jpg


The only thing that really strikes me as interesting about this whole thing is that these people obviously are showing some significant behavior patterns. They definately like their women as well as dogs, sloppy and over-bred.

[kanediggity]

The only thing that really strikes me as interesting about this whole thing is that these people obviously are showing some significant behavior patterns. They definately like their women as well as dogs, sloppy and over-bred.lol too bad that is all you find significant about this post. but hey to each is own right. a chance to go find soething on another site to bring to this board for peope to bash is what im seeing, it gets to be a ritual come to see what bully dogs are going to be bashed next instead of talking about what the site is intended for

[Pitbull219]

The only thing that really strikes me as interesting about this whole thing is that these people obviously are showing some significant behavior patterns. They definately like their women as well as dogs, sloppy and over-bred.wow!!!! lmfao! nice....weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee:D

[sedaliapitbulls]

Did any notice all those people were hispanics. MMMMMMM I guess this type of mutt is popular between them. If you go to the adba show you see all types of people. Black Hispanics Chinese whites. Not being racest or anything just noticed it.

[Pitbull219]

Did any notice all those people were hispanics. MMMMMMM I guess this type of mutt is popular between them. If you go to the adba show you see all types of people. Black Hispanics Chinese whites. Not being racest or anything just noticed it.I've seen pics from other bully conventions, and all races are present....white, black, asian, hispanic. It probably depends alot on where it's held.

[kanediggity]

Did any notice all those people were hispanics. MMMMMMM I guess this type of mutt is popular between them. If you go to the adba show you see all types of people. Black Hispanics Chinese whites. Not being racest or anything just noticed it.
did anyone notice that the threads about bullies get way more responses than they should on a game dog board.

[sedaliapitbulls]

if you asked me I would have them removed if I ran the site but that isn,t my call. I dont believe they belong on this board.

did anyone notice that the threads about bullies get way more responses than they should on a game dog board.

[kanediggity]

if you asked me I would have them removed if I ran the site but that isn,t my call. I dont believe they belong on this board.
i agree with you on that sedalia but what would people have to complain about

[sedaliapitbulls]

honestely man they are laget complaints. These people worked so hard keeping this breed in its true form and these people are trying to tear it apart. It would be one thing to not call them pit bulls and totally move away from the american pit bull terrier and publically announce that they are not apbt. Instead they still keep claiming them as the pit bull.

i agree with you on that sedalia but what would people have to complain about

[Scratchy]

but they are trying and we are jsut bashing them. atleast they are out and trying and not sitting on message baords and bashing others.

That's all I was trying to say but no-one seems to care. They publicize their events wayyyyyy more than I have seen any ADBA or APBT event. At least they know how to stick together.

[realonebulldog]

That's all I was trying to say but no-one seems to care. They publicize their events wayyyyyy more than I have seen any ADBA or APBT event. At least they know how to stick together.http://www.game-dog.com/gallery/files/4/5/3/3/Bild085_thumb.jpg (http://www.game-dog.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=14566&c=3&userid=4533) Yes and the Problem is they say: We dont fight ouer dogs. And then they say the big dogs with the short legs are the better familiedogs. You know what? Thats a good tactik. Next thing they will say is: Yes ouer dogs are not game dogs....they are the better APBTs! But it wont work. You can hurt the truth but you will never kill it. OUR dogs walked right through the fire of History. OUR dogs are known for her physical qualities towering above everything.OUR dogs have proved herself for centuries as family dogs .The little Rascals played with OUR dogs, they played with game-dogs.Yes and again yes, it was the fight who formed our noble dogs,the fight which everything burns and only the truth spared,the fight you cannot lie or slander , the fight without also mother nature could not create .......and now look what they have done ....dogs that cant walk. Without ours gene of the truth these charlatans would have less than NOTHING.

[Attila]

(http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/04/14/5869670/600xPopupGallery.jpg)




The only thing that really strikes me as interesting about this whole thing is that these people obviously are showing some significant behavior patterns. They definately like their women as well as dogs, sloppy and over-bred.
LOL. I was thinking the same thing. soooie!

[Michele]

I'm sorry but those dogs looks like piglets.

[ABK]

I hate to say it guys, but the bluff crowd is WAY more organized than we are, even if it is to get together an event to show off their sausages & spout lies. Maybe if we would have the cameradiere & organization they do, we might be getting somewhere.

As for bluff threads getting a lot of responses, sure they do. Bluffs are very controversial in the game bred world & controversy always bring responses.

[14rock]

Getting other misinformed idiots to buy puppies, is not positive for the breed. It's a marketing scheme, to ensure their lifestyle with these dogs, sticks around, with many well-paying customers willing to buy any APBT/Mastiff cross they can get their hands on.

[BullDozer]

Getting other misinformed idiots to buy puppies, is not positive for the breed. It's a marketing scheme, to ensure their lifestyle with these dogs, sticks around, with many well-paying customers willing to buy any APBT/Mastiff cross they can get their hands on.Correct! How many times have we all seen a new bully owner blindly proud of his pups head and size and already telling of a bright stud or breeding future for a less than three month old pup. This dog becomes nothing more than an accessory to these folks - quick to be dropped should this fad fade out or health problems ensue.

[NOLEFAN]

i take personal offense to that jack-ass sayin the "lean ones" are the savage attackers. That is a direct insult and meant to be so. How would this prick even begin to validate his claims.

I say cull all of them, and the mutts too!

[sedaliapitbulls]

what is the freaking point to measure the head size that is for just stupid breeding puppy peddling fools. I think its reatarded and I just dont get it. I have never measured my dogs head size and dont care to. It makes me feel like i have them for size. I would mutch rather having a 30 pound apbt than a 100 pound deformed mutt. I,m sorry but these big dogs are verry bad PR for us apbt weather they are claiming them as american bullys or not. When it comes down to it they are still claiming their dog to be a pit bull. You notice they never call the the american pit bull terrier its just pitbull or pit bull.It alyes comes back to us owners. They cross out these dogs and the media calls them pit bulls. You guys know what that would be great if you want to get something together to promote positive PR that would be awsome i,ll even help get the media involved and help organize it.

[sedaliapitbulls]

Guys dont forget about our picnic in warsaw missouri July 21-22 at tebo. Camp group B might change to C but if it does I,ll let you know.

[Pitbull219]

You notice they never call the the american pit bull terrier its just pitbull or pit bullwish that were true. I've seen plenty of these peddlers sites with big bold letters "American Pit Bull Terriers" I usually leave nice messages in their guestbooks when I see that ;)

[mydawgs]

what is the freaking point to measure the head size that is for just stupid breeding puppy peddling fools. I think its reatarded and I just dont get it. I have never measured my dogs head size and dont care to. It makes me feel like i have them for size. I would mutch rather having a 30 pound apbt than a 100 pound deformed mutt. I,m sorry but these big dogs are verry bad PR for us apbt weather they are claiming them as american bullys or not. When it comes down to it they are still claiming their dog to be a pit bull. You notice they never call the the american pit bull terrier its just pitbull or pit bull.It alyes comes back to us owners. They cross out these dogs and the media calls them pit bulls. You guys know what that would be great if you want to get something together to promote positive PR that would be awsome i,ll even help get the media involved and help organize it.
LOL I have cuz for a Staff, my Lilly has a PEE head....we always joke about how small her head is...probably why she so crazy....not to go off topic, but head size makes me laugh
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b130/MyDawgs/sassnlilly004.jpg

Ok you can laugh at her too...we do :p

[sedaliapitbulls]

thats funny man good laugh I,m going to give you good rep points to you on that one.


LOL I have cuz for a Staff, my Lilly has a PEE head....we always joke about how small her head is...probably why she so crazy....not to go off topic, but head size makes me laugh
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b130/MyDawgs/sassnlilly004.jpg

Ok you can laugh at her too...we do :p