What can be done to prevent breed sterotyping?
By alessadry
@alessadry (81)
United States
May 11, 2008 1:21am CST
I adopted two Rottweilers and I am amazed how many insurance companies have them blacklisted. I think this is very unjust as there are many other breeds out there that also have the potential to bite. It is more about the training than about the breed. No dog breed is really 100% bite proof and even Golden Retrievers may bite. Actually, I have heard of very feisty small breed dogs and they are not banned at all. What can be done to help these breeds be seen in a better perspective other than being responsible owners?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@serialmommy (639)
• United States
11 May 08
While you are correct in stating that any breed can bite, I think they look at which ones are more likely to be more aggressive. The dogs they usually consider are Rotties, Pits, Pinschers, and Bull Dogs. Those dogs were originally bred to fight. It's in their genetic makeup. Just because they have become "domesticated" doesn't take that out of them. I also think that just being a responsible owner isn't enough. Your dog may not attack or harm you, however it may attack or harm someone perceived to be harming you, whether that person was or not. By "banning" the dog, they are making sure that they won't be sued for a dog that may have turned and caused injury. It does make practical business sense.
@alessadry (81)
• United States
12 May 08
I agree, some breeds seem to be snappier than others, but i have met lovely Pitbulls and my two Rotties are friendlier than many other dogs.
@egdcltd (12060)
•
11 May 08
Small dogs frequently can be more aggressive than larger dogs, they just don't do as much damage. Rottweilers have been bred for aggressiveness in the past, and people have had a tendency to abuse that (and the dogs) by using them for fighting or attacking people.
