Chocolate Lab Breeder

Readers debate nature of pit bulls

In “The debate on pit bulls” (June 22), Michael Mountain, founder of a website in support of pit bulls, is quoted as saying that pit bull terriers were once considered “America’s Family Pet.” The story also says they were called “nanny dogs” because they were so good with children.

It would have taken only a few minutes to do some fact-checking to know that these statements are false. The breed was created in England for blood sport, first for bull baiting, and, after that was outlawed in 1835, for dog fighting, which is still widely practiced.

Although it might be useful to know what Mountain says, it is important to know if what he says is true. It’s even more important is to know that what you read in the U-T is reliable. -- Samuel M. Wright, San Diego

It is sad the a breed is automatically blamed for bites, etc. A good breeder would not allow a dog with vicious tendencies – unless they were specifically bred that way. The owners are always to blame when dogs go bad. Any dog has the potential to be a biter. Let’s look at careless owners before we look at the dog. -- Anita Bunting, San Marcos

In the course of my work as a private detective, I’ve had the sad experience of investigating numerous dog-bite cases, all but one of which involved pit bulls. The exception involved three Dobermans. Why bear that liability? Why would anyone want a dog that they had to worry about?

Now I read about Beth Gruff, who operates It’s the Pits rescue in North County. While between 3 million and 4 million dogs of all breeds are euthanized each year in the U.S., she has made it her mission to save one breed above all others, and that breed happens to be the one that is both the most capable and the most likely to maim or kill. It makes no sense. Why does she not devote her energies toward saving corgies, chocolate Labs or dachshunds? If she has a soft spot for dogs that are often reviled and abused, she might consider finding good homes for mutts. -- Steve Ward, San Diego

Discussions of pit bulls tend to turn emotional, but the evidence worldwide is clear: Pit bulls kill and maim many more people than most other breeds, and public safety requires that they be banned for the greater good.

Of course not every pit bull will kill. Nor will every drunken driver kill someone, but some will, and laws against drunken driving apply to everyone.

Looking for Yellow Labrador breeders in New York

Make sure to read up on the health clearances BOTH parents should have before you consider a litter. Hips, elbows, eyes, heart, EIC, CMN (none of these tested thru "vet check ups" and breeder should be happy to show you the clearances. Both parents should be active in some venue (conformation, hunt, field. obedience, etc) and not "the great grandparent was a champion". ETA: keep in mind that the more requirements you have in color and/or gender, hte longer you may have to wait to find an ethical breeder with a puppy of hte right color AND more imporantly, that is the right fit. there are no problems with wanting what you want, just make sure you don't sacrifice temperment and fit for it. Most good breeders pick the puppy for the family, so if there are a few yellows and none are the right fit you may have to wait for the next litter/find another breeder. Thanks for the info Tanya!! One thing that i dont get is, why should the parents be show dogs? Im not looking for a show dog and i have ZERO desire to turn my dog into a show dog, so why should the parents have any involvement in shows?? Im not against showing, i just dont understand the logic? =/ and god bless anyone with that sort of time and patience for dog shows!!! lol make sure to read up on the health clearances BOTH parents should have before you consider a litter. Hips, elbows, eyes, heart, EIC, CMN (none of these tested thru "vet check ups" and breeder should be happy to show you the clearances. Both parents should be active in some venue (conformation, hunt, field. obedience, etc) and not "the great grandparent was a champion". ETA: keep in mind that the more requirements you have in color and/or gender, hte longer you may have to wait to find an ethical breeder with a puppy of hte right color AND more imporantly, that is the right fit. there are no problems with wanting what you want, just make sure you don't sacrifice temperment and fit for it. Most good breeders pick the puppy for the family, so if there are a few yellows and none are the right fit you may have to wait for the next litter/find another breeder.

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