Question

SilentDobe · #1 11-07-2009, 03:19 PM

I was wondering since the dogs can't engage in the activity that once proved worthiness to breed, why don't more APBT people/breeders prove their dogs in hog catching or similar legal activities/sports?

I was just reading the Working vs. Show thread and wondered why this was not utilized. I also see more Am. bulldogs used and Catahoulas rather than pits. I do see some, but the preference seems to lie with these dogs.

To me, a hog dog would be enough proof to me for gameness and workability. As far as I understand though, hogging titles are no longer issued as it is now seen as animal fighting. So, only wild hog hunts...which I don't agree with making the titles illegal...

crazy horse · #2 11-07-2009, 03:37 PM

i wouldnt call hog hunting a true test of gameness in the real sense of the word ,
it does call for a different approach if a dog was to fight a hog the same way as another dog it would be doomed , a good hog dog will take a good hold and keep his body along side the hog to avoid the cutters ,
a degree of gamness is needed but nothing like the amount needed for serious dog to dog competition ,
most pits wont work well with other dogs in this feild , tho some do i think youde need to be very selective to be successful .jmo

**coolhandjean** · #3 11-07-2009, 03:52 PM

A lot of people do take part in different sports to keep their dog athletic.

But there is only one true way to find gameness, and that way is Illegal.

outrightmike · #4 11-07-2009, 03:53 PM

some states like fl have outlawed it.was big here.

SilentDobe · #5 11-08-2009, 12:01 AM

I thought that it may be the case. I know it is another way for workability, but thank you for the answers! I know some states have outlawed hogging because it is seen as "cruel" however, hogs are a big nuisance in the south from what I understand to farmers and such.

**coolhandjean** · #6 11-08-2009, 07:53 PM

Most places hog hunting with dogs is still perfectly legal. They just outlawed hog penning in some states.

outrightmike · #7 11-08-2009, 08:27 PM

some places like here for some stupid reason after baning pin added specificy baned pits from hog hunting dont know if thats a state or county law?

**miakoda** · #8 11-08-2009, 11:14 PM

The reason why ABs (American Bulldogs), Catahoulas, and Catahoula Bulldogs are preferred by most is because of the drastically lower chance of DA among these breeds. I've hunted with those breeds and several of our APBTs. But being perfectly honest, out of approx. 52 APBTs through the years, less than 10 made great catchdogs. Not because APBTs can't do the work, heck they excel at catchwork, but rather because they do not work well with other dogs in groups especially in such a high-stress and high-excitement acitivity.

Good/great working catchdogs and baydogs are worth a lot to their owners. To chance one of them getting injured or killed by a highly DA dog that should've not been placed in that situation in the first place is not a chance anyone wants to take. Fights happen as it is as it's not uncommon for them to redirect onto one another in the heat of the moment. But you want to do all that you can to minimize dog fights when you're out there for the purpose of tracking and catching hogs.

As for "gameness", I would never say that any of my catchdogs were game because of what they did. I'm one of those that feels that the defintion of that word needs to remain with the pit. Agile? Courageous? Tenacious? Good wind? etc....sure, you can use those words to describe your catchdog. But not game. JMO

Patchwork · #9 11-08-2009, 11:36 PM

I believe it depends on your definition of gameness...IMO its a dog that never gives up, even with defeat seems possible. A dog who is worked, who never gives up for his owner, works hard...Weight pulling, anything to me...JMO

Rojas · #10 11-09-2009, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by miakoda

The reason why ABs (American Bulldogs), Catahoulas, and Catahoula Bulldogs are preferred by most is because of the drastically lower chance of DA among these breeds. I've hunted with those breeds and several of our APBTs. But being perfectly honest, out of approx. 52 APBTs through the years, less than 10 made great catchdogs. Not because APBTs can't do the work, heck they excel at catchwork, but rather because they do not work well with other dogs in groups especially in such a high-stress and high-excitement acitivity.

Good/great working catchdogs and baydogs are worth a lot to their owners. To chance one of them getting injured or killed by a highly DA dog that should've not been placed in that situation in the first place is not a chance anyone wants to take. Fights happen as it is as it's not uncommon for them to redirect onto one another in the heat of the moment. But you want to do all that you can to minimize dog fights when you're out there for the purpose of tracking and catching hogs.

As for "gameness", I would never say that any of my catchdogs were game because of what they did. I'm one of those that feels that the defintion of that word needs to remain with the pit. Agile? Courageous? Tenacious? Good wind? etc....sure, you can use those words to describe your catchdog. But not game. JMO

I agree with everything Miakoda said, plus, if your dog is Da and you plan on going to the hunt with one dog, be ready for the high percentage that your dog will not make it on that hunt as most dogs are sometimes up to 30min or more from where you are to help them, by then its too late.

SilentDobe · #11 11-09-2009, 07:10 PM

Very true. So, what proves your dogs' worth for breeding? What sports/events/ect. do you compete in to choose your dogs? It's easy for me when it comes to the Dobermann which was bred for PP, I either like a dog in a civil situation or I deem it as a weak dog against man and don't breed to it. Dobermann puppies are pretty predictable in workability picked from the litter. Now, having said that, I like a certain dog and most Dobermanns don't cut it for me. They are either all prey dogs or just weak on-leash manfighters which does not prove to me anything.

Thanks for all of your information! I'm sure I'll be saying it again. This forum is the most informative forum on the net not only for pit bulls but for dog care as well. Now I know for sure the reason I left my own breed's community.