Do Pit Bulls Belong in Dog Sports?

Lately I keep coming across people who express the sentiment that pit bulls, as a breed, do not belong in dog sports where there is any element of off-leash work. In fact, I think this is the third time in a month I've discussed this with someone.

Due to the fact that these dogs were originally bred for blood sports--bull baiting, hog hunting, dog fighting--the tendency toward animal aggression is too high to trust them, ever, under any circumstances, to be off-leash if there's another dog anywhere nearby. Despite training. Despite an individual dog's specific temperament. I guess the feeling is that dog aggression in these dogs will trump all other traits and tendencies at some point in the dog's career.

Obviously, I disagree . . . I do, after all, train in a sport where my middle-of-the-road animal aggressive pit bull has to be off leash for obedience and protection. One thing about schutzhund that appeals to me over, say, formal UKC obedience or agility is that I know that many of the handlers of other dogs in this sport (of all breeds) have to deal with dog aggression and more, and that they take it seriously. That makes it much easier to feel comfortable training and going to trials . . . but anyway, I don't want to drone on about it.

If anyone's reading, would love to hear what others think about pit bulls competing in dog sports.

More on the burned pit bull

The parents of the twin 17-year-old boys arrested on animal-cruelty charges in relation to the burning of a pit bull in Baltimore maintain the kids' innocence. They say their boys were turned in so someone could collect the reward money. I hope there's enough evidence in this case to put that claim to rest.

Also, the police are linking this case to dog fighting. Apparently the dog has bite wounds on her body, consistent with fighting.

Story can be read here.

This is only a test. I just registered my iPhone with Blogger and I want to see how the system works. If Apple ever gives us iPhone users photo text capabilities, this could be fun. Live photo blogging of Doc and the boys. Good times.