Kayla
Low them dogs these dayz.. Specially dem Rotty's, even thou not all of them can be aggressive its the way the owner is cuz they dont give a damn about there dog but them selfes.. Why get a dog then? foools. And its getting ridiculous wit these boys all walkin bout thinkin there badman with a staff.. Seriously? Need to get a life and grow up 2bh.. Nd I kno a rotty tha bit my mate, Its still walkin the streets.. R u mad, people are so dumb these days seriously need to fix up!

Nebbz
This is so one sided, People who think these breeds are dangerous mainly because there are so black and white to see the real problem! which is us! the humans, who are getting hold of this beautiful breed, which has such potential to be the perfect pet! I have a staffordshire bull terrier, and i have trained him to be the perfect dog! every one who meets him love him!, he has never even growled at a person once, and i can trust him 100% with kids! he is gentle with them, it takes a good owner to see the dog has had enough, and a good owner will remove the dog....as i do! if a brat was poking at me, and pulling my ears and lips ide growl and snap at them, but you know what! HE DOESNT!This whole thing has deeply upset alot of people who are being ignored when they try to say these dogs are amazing pets! I have had more problems and have been bitten by smaller dogs then i ever have any bull breed. I believe the bad dogs are the abused dogs. Its childish boys and girls who have nothing better to do who get hold of them. because their owners are scared to death of what Remember that lady who had the face transplant... in france... guess what.... it was a labrador that chewed her face off..... any breed can kill or damage a human if we are dumb enough not to train it properly! people need to see the bigger picture - its not the dogs fault!

Jake M
thats fake because i have a staff and she never attacked anyone to be honest its the owners dogs shouldnt get put down if they are viscious because they can get trained differently and my freinds brother has a fighting dog and it is nice when its not fighting they all need to be trained differently and about the muzzle my dog dont bite so why should she have a muzzle she barks like 24/7 but shes all mouth what about men who go around fighting people like gangs and football firms allways in fights but you dont see things round their head so they cant headbutt or you dont see things on their hands and feet so they can't punch or kick so why should dogs have things like that

ANON
Some people have dogs cos they love em they call em their pet. But now days ppl r jus breedin to c who looks da best whos dog is tougher.....its plain stupid n selfish to da dog. As 4 dangerous dogs who tries attackin ppl they should get rid of. Insurance 4 dogs y... where does the money go? wat do dog owners get out of it? wat about those who cant afford dog insurance? Its gone way past a joke now!

Eric - Rottweiler owner in the US
I must say that I am appaled at the prejudice and ignorance in display in these one-size-fits-all bans accross the board against specific dog breeds.It's not the dog, it's the owner that is the problem, personal responsibility people. I own a 3 year old Rottweiler named "Marley" and he is the sweetest, most loving, people-friendly, clownish and cute dog you could ever meet. He routinely gets bullied by poodles or labradors who display a much more aggressive temper than he. Fact: all dogs can potentially be dangerous, the problem lays with the owner, not with the breed. Hold the owners responsible, if he or she has a criminal record for example, don't allow them to own certain breeds perhaps. I understand that powerful breeds can become weapons, so limit that ban upon certain individuals with dangerous traits instead. Marley is most defenitely my best friend.

felicity lynch
Hundreds of these so called 'dangerous' dogs are loveing family pets that never hurt anyone, but you didn't show that did you? thousands of innocient dogs have been taken from their loving homes and killed, I think because of media bias.

Denise
Thank you Chris for your dog etiquette, however the majority of dog owners are obviously not as clued up as you and do not advise of this whilst walking their dog, unmuzzled, letting strangers touch their pets! Surprisingly, I'm not a dog lover ,however, I do believe that the owners are responsible for their dogs actions. I do believe some breeds of dogs get unecessary stick for being vicious but you have to agree that those dogs are normally ones that generally cause great injury if they do attack people. It may be fair to have a licence to purchase a dog and that all owner put their dogs through a mandatory training programme. This may then deter the individuals who give the decent dog owners and their dogs a bad name.

amanda
i think it is ridiculous that there is a ban of staffies to be made in my opinion stupid owners should be banned out of the uk and put them in a rehabilitation centre! people who are scared or staffies need to take a good look at labs and collies as they are prone to biting more than a staffie. heck my mums chalkie is tiny and bites! people try to get rid of what they are scared of. dont diss when you dont know

Dont watch that
all dogs got the potential to be dangerous it does not matter what breed it is it is the owner some people need to stop being ignarant

rogue 1
i own a staffy and a collie and to tell you the truth my staffy would rather lick u to death than bite you she was beaten by her last owner and left outside not once did she attack so how can you people be so narrow minded dogs are made what they are by who their owned by just because you label a few does not mean the rest are the same stop being so narrow minded my 9month old neice can climb all over my staff no problem maybe for once try introducing yourself to the dog instead of being so fearful their exactly the same as your yappy yorkshire terrier which in my opinion are more of the problem i hate narrow mindedness and complete stupidity its unbeliveable that some people still have some of these views!

Sophie
As agreed by 99% of the people on this thread, it's the owner that makes the dog who he is, not the dog himself.Staffies have often been referred to as "Nanny dogs" for their ability to mind, be with and care for children. Same with pits.People often forget about the fact powerful dogs need alot of exercise, lots of challenges, brain fodder and body fodder, keep them busy, keep them thinking, and they're fabulous dogs.Keep them cooped up, don't exercise them enough, don't be a good "pack" leader, and yeah, that dog's pent up energy will come out in numerous ways. Barking, whining, defending and of course, biting. An agitated restless dog becomes overzealous. And often, a dog without rules and consequences for his actions will become dominant-minded. This is where your biters often happen. The unfortunate thing is, dogs bite eachother to get a point across, our skin isn't so resilient & fur-covered to deflect these types of bite. We've not had our German Shepherd long, he's a massive beast, as big as the breed gets, he's shown a few issues on walks but the difference is, I've got control over him and I know how to deal with him. He's an angel now after a few months. Dog licenses should be mandatory for everyone, as should a course in correct and FIRM dog handling. For ANY dog, ANY breed. Everyone should have the knowledge. Too many people are too afraid to correct their dog, and it's terrible! Soft ownership makes as dangerous a dog as bad owners who train them to be nasty!Also, everybody should take courses or read books on dog behavior and above all body language. Knowledge is power, folks.Soph.

Pat D
So the general public are completely deluded then? We've got nothing to fear from dogs so we should simply ignore the statistics of people ending up in hospital through dog attacks and pretend it isn't happening. It's obvious from the above comments that dog lovers in the UK are too powerful for anything to ever change - and for the rest of us, we will simply have to put up with it. Great!

Jon
There is only one thing I can say. Ban BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) not the breed.

adrian w, warrington
i have 3 american bulldogs and five children,these dogs are not dangerous they love my children and other pets!!dangerous?WAKE UP ITS THE WAY YOU TREAT THEM also it's not about trying to be hard.

lorraine S
In Australia, America and Canada specific legislation relating to dangerous dogs includes the Staffordshire Bull Terrier type and American Staffordshire Terrier. I feel these dogs are extremely dangerous, as they are used not so much as family pets but as a means of protection and intimidation by those that own them, therefore they are dangerous to public safety and should be banned in throughout the UK; including Northern Ireland. The Americans and Australians have the right idea and with their tight compreshive legislation on dangerous dogs and once again UK is slow on the up-take with its ambiguous legislation. Time to drive for change, after all if people want to own a dog and have it as a family pet why dont they go for a poodle or better still a miniture type. I have witnessed these dogs in-action they are brutal and savage killing machines even with a so called responsible owner.

Ashley
I have to totally agree with all the others that have said that it is the owner to blabe (100%). When i was younger i was bitten by to dobermans at the same time, (face and back of my head) i think i was about eight. But this did not make me scared or frightend or dogs, it has made me more deturmined to make a change. And now i am 15 and have a Female GSD X Rottie and she is as good as gold. I am part of a dog training society and have got Kennel club bronze award (now trying for silver). Obviously it is not the Dogs fault it is the owners, because the dog has complete loyalty over its owner. This is because a dog likes to be given comands (links with the owner being the leader of the 'pack'). I complety disagree with what christine said. I mean i am young, barely 5ft and i have complete control over my dog using 6 simple voice commands (never a problem). I personally think that if you are to own any dog you will have to through this process: Sign up for a RESCUE dog (dogs trust e.c.t.), be home checked, adopt a dog, go through 6 weeks 1 or 2 days a week training with your dog, take a theory and practical test and (if passed) recieve a certificate of dog ownership. Secondly if you wanted to adopt another dog then you will have to go through the same process but with half the ammout of weeks and so on. It is basically the same process as owning a car. The law on this should be inforced by the police and various dog charities and the kennel club. Simples.

ANON
All dogs are dangerous from a chihuahua to a lab. It's just the bigger the dog the bigger the bite. It is the OWNERS who should be punished not the dogs. If you socialise a dog and train it properly then the dog will grow up to be a good family pet. I have a beautiful, calm, easy going American Bulldog who wouldn't harm a soul and it makes me sick that there are so many ignorant humas out there who either are uneducated scumbags who tarnish large breeds reputations or just plain ignorant humans who blame a specific breed as they haven't bothered to research the real facts! If a slim 5"5 woman can handle an 8 stone AB then anyone can! Blame the owners not the breed!

Paul G
I'm a proud rottie owner - I've got one as a companion, and used to work my previous dog. It makes me sick to see dogs being prejudiced soley because certain breeds are easier to train to be agressive than others. My dog is victimised as a result of biased reporting, and this is one of the things that encourages the trophy hound amongst chav culture.

Roddy
I work with rehabilitating dogs usually aggresive breeds and 100% of the time it is the owner behind the breed not the breed itself. Those of you with stupid comments need to watch the dog whisperer and change your life after all it would be good for us all to be calm and assertive, i have 4 dogs currently 1 staffie 1 black nose pit and 2 labs all from various backgrounds and i could trust them with anything more than a human because dogs don't hold a grudge they only live in the now

adele kazimierow
i would love to know if you are going to have the best dog whisperer ( cesar milan) on your show? i have a awful border collie who needs his help, im desperate please. . .

tracie
les your idiot bare dogs from public places , no lets ban ididots that dont like dogs

hannah
I'm 16 years old and i have two staffs. when i walk my dogs with my dad people cross the road when they see them. they havent done anything wrong, they have never bitten anyone before in their life and yet they get judged because of their breed. MY dogs has been bitten so many times by stupid people who can't control their lab or collie or poodle and yet they don't get branded as dangerous. I think it is ridiculous how people can say "ban dangerous dogs" does that mean that they will ban jack Russel's and chiuauas, NO! when they snarl and show their teeth to people they all laugh and says it cute! EVERY DOG HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE DANGEROUS it is just stupid sick people who find it "fun" watching animals get hurt. PUNISH THE DEED NOT THE BREED!

Mookie
Sadly dogs don't chose their owners. Never blame a dog for the actions of it's brainless owner. DON'T FORGET IT'S THE ANIMAL WHO PAYS WITH IT'S LIFE.

kevin breeze
i feel that all dogs have the potential to be a well behaved and a good companion if they are treated correctly.

Lou
I don't like Staffies at all and I cross the road if I see one heading towards me, unfortunately a high percentage of these dogs are owned by idiots for the use of status/intimidation ! its not the dogs fault, but I believe these along with other bull terriers, dobermans and rottweilers need to be banned in the UK.Again in the newspaper this weekend another child has been savaged by these animals. Its a disgrace. How many more children will it take to be injured before something is done?It needs to be law that all dogs are on leads in any public place (can't there be specific penned in doggie parks, where they can run free?) do they do this in the US?

ram
hey guys ...i have a doberman...i think its the way a dogowner bringsup the dog.. alldogs are sweet until ur sweet to them.my 5months old boy is a very good gaurd dog... n he is logal and good with kids..i am in need of a male staffordshire bull terrier

Darren Rutherford
Lots of people are 'un educated' (even manyknown dog handlers about the suposively dangerous dogs like the pit bulls and the tosas ect. but after watching things on tv and online these are just irony and the videos show either the pit bull or other breed playing with the cat/ chased by the cat / tormented by the cat and people need to remember they are PACK animals and 'especially given the right amout of exercise and knowing where it stands in the group pack ranking (below all humans and equel/ below to the other pets in the household' they'll not attack their own pack members which the cats are considered in a dog's mind which has been raised with cats or other animals and also a responible owner would make sure they'de socialise it from being a puppy (especially with people 'including children' and other dogs) no matter what the breed is and every dog can still be socialised as i came across a man who had an aggressive case doberman but i've got her socialised with my pack (a border collie, jack russell and bearded collie) which are no overly concidered aggressive breeds they all have the same psychology

les
dogs should be banned from public places like beaches and parks at all times.

paul
I have a staffy X .because i am a young male that wears a hoody people cross the road when they see you . dont judge a book by its cover .

rob h
as the majority of clever people are saying: it is not the dog its the owner are completely correct. i am fed up with things not being done about this pitbulls are no more NATURALLY aggressive than a labrador they do not even have a "natural defensive drive" unlike rotts. ive said it time and time again and the only way to stop irresponsible owners of this is to: stop All backyard breeding and only allow kennel club breeding legally and to bring back dog licenses. i for one do not want to see breeds such as rottweilers and staffordshire bull terriers banned because of ignorant owners that exploit the breeds natural strength and power. i know a fair amount about dogs and belive me a dog is only as dangerous as the person holding the lead at the other end. our country is in enough of a state as it is without a dangerous animal aroung every corner. kennel club owners and breeders have no problem with any of their supposedly "dangerous" dogs such as rotts and staffs so please would the government do something about irresponsible owners, i honestly can see why dog licenses were taken away in the first place.

Christine
I suggest banning under 21's or 25's from walking these dogs in public.

thugsinghng2
ive read most of these comments and your basically all saying the same thing, its true tho ive got a pitbull and a staffy and they are both soft. yh they do have there little scraps one in a wile when there playing but thats just dogs. stop wasting your time the law aint going to change anything.

V A PRIOR
I OWN TWO ( NON RELATED ) STAFFIES A BOY AND A GIRL AND THEY ARE THE SOFTEST NICEST DOGS YOU COULD WISH TO MEET. I CHOOSE THE BREED AS I HAVE A SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD AND THEY CAME HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. THEY ARE FAULTLESS AND IT IS ANNOYING PEOPLE SAY THEY DANGEROUS. WHEN WE GO OUT IT IS ALWAYS THE LITTLE DAFT YAPPY DOGS WHO BARK AT THEM BUT THEY IGNORE THEM BUT IF THEY DID RETALIATE IT WOULD BE THEM AT FAULT. BOTH MY DOGS HAS BEEN ATTACKED BY SO CALLED GOOD DOGS AND NEVER ONCE RETALIATED EVEN THOUGH MY BITCH NEEDED STITCHING AFTER BEING ATTACKED BY A GOLDEN LAB WHOSE OWNER WOULD NOT RECALL HIS DOG. PEOPLE SHOULD RESPECT THIS WONDERFUL BEAUTIFUL BREED AND CONTROL DAFT YAPPY DOGS AND OF COURSE STOP THESE DAFT PEOPLE WHO USE THEM AS WEAPONS. BLAME THE DEED/OWNER NOT THE BREED

Poppy
The owner is at fault not the breed, something needs to be done to address owners who do not control their dog. I was walking my dog a few weeks ago (he was on a lead) when an unleashed dog (a staffy) owned by an elderly lady attacked him. it took several kindly passers by to get the other dog off my dog. I rang both the police to report what I would consider a dangerous dog - neither of them were interested.The attack happened in the middle of the day near a childrens park. I am just greatfull I did not have my son with me at the time.And yes I still see the same lady walking her dog off lead around the childrens play area !

Dave 24
I have a staffordshire bull terrier, he is 15 months old and is the most soppy thing! he loves people and cuddles non stop, I got him from a young lad who didnt give a s*** about him thank god I did. I think its pathetic all this gang culture that has come about these young lads that dont have a clue about real life they get there bum wiped for them buy the government and dont work! they then go out and get a staff or pitbull and think they look hard or summin. Its idiots like this that give the dogs a bad name and make life for people that have these types of dog harder buy the day, I watched a program the other day about the RSPCA some 1 had abandoned a female pitbull and her pups in a flat in london all the pups and mother were put down they didnt even get a chance, why cant we get rid off some of the scum human beings rather than inoscent dogs and pups maybe the government need to worry about the arseholes that mistreet these animals rather than bann the dogs all together!

Akira
Being Japanese, I have a Tosa Inu named Lee and he's the sweetest dog. He gets on well with my Shiba Inu and would never hurt a fly. A dog's personality is based on the way you raise it and it's the same with children. If you treat a dog with kindess then that dog will be your best friend but if you constantly beat a dog and yell at it then it will FEAR you and will lash out at humans and maybe other dogs in an attempt to defend itself.That said, all dogs can be considered dangerous because deep down they still have their wolf instincts. It may be buried beneath thousands of years of domestication but it is still there.It's the people on the other end of the leash that brings out a dog's bad side. And before people go around saying "omg dangerous dogs should be banned cuz i sed so!!!111one!" go out and meet those dogs with loving and caring owners before you pass judgement.

lee
People think its cute when a little terrier runs up and starts nipping at your ankles but when its a bigger dog its a dog attack!irresponsibe owners are to blame 99.9% of the time. sometimes these owners dont know they are being irresponsible. all dogs need a firm owner, a dominant leader. if your not up to the task the dog will step into this role and thats where problems begin.my neice had to have plastic surgery because of a jack russel jumping up and biting her face. there have been confirmed reports of a highland terrier killing a baby.yes i am the owner of a DANGEROUS BREED a rottie. he has helped my neice overcome her fear of dogs and also protected me when i was attacked by a german shepherd.i would happily enrole my dog in any temperment test that was enforced and know he would sail throughowners of ALL breeds, shapes and sizes need to take resposiblity for there dog and become the domant pack leader for the safety of their dog and people around them.

christian the emo kid
i dont like pit bull cuz once one omost bite me :(

chriistian the emo kid
i think pit bull should be banned because once in peru a pit bull omost bite me i was running nd then i saw a wall i clim the wall nd the pit bull when away

lewis
i believe that the most dangerous dogs should NOT be allowed in this country. It has been proven again and again that these dogs are agressive and can inflict serious harm to other people. There are so many different breeds out there why are you kicking up such a fuss about banning the breeds that attack people?however, i do believe that the owner should take most of the responsiblity, if you know your dog bites people, put the beast down! No dog is worth putting a person in hospital or even worse! Ideots are running around on the street looking for people to set their dogs lose on, simply because they wont get in as much trouble with the law if their dog mauls a person rather than them pulling out a knife and killing them. That is why they breed these dogs, as disposable wepons. We need tougher laws on the breeder and make sure that none of these dogs are allowed to walk down the street!

emma
i do NOT think any dog should be band, its unfair, like saying black people are drug dealers, all essex girls are nasty. doesnt work that way. but i do feel that EVERYONE, not just people that own large breeds, because in actually fact its little dogs that bite the most, should have some sort of dog training course before being allowed to own a dog and all dogs should be chipped (as mine are) so if there is a problem you know exactly who the dog belongs to. so many different options but this dumb society just decides to ban the dogs, in actually fact, the dogs that have so far been banned, none of them are english dogs or registered with kennel club, so it was easier to just ban them )

jane dough
Ive had my pit for the past 5 years and she has never hurt no one, they say you should not have these type of dogs around children, but shes fine with my baby who was 6mths at the time. its not the dogs that neds to be put down its the owners that teach the dogs to fight.However some dogs are that why, this can be for a number of reasons i.e being abused when they were pups etc.

David O
I Think that is usually the owner but that is not always the case. A soft owner could have just as much trouble with a dog as someone who trains their dog as a weapon with some breeds e.g pittbull you could get bad stock (crazy dogz) generally you need to research the breed and the people who sell these dogs it takes a lot of responsability, trust, respect and reseach to look after one of these huge powerful loyal animals

Charlotte
I got bitten by one a few months ago, when I was just wandering down the street talking to a friend. Luckily I had a thick metal bangle on which was hidden by my jacket, so thankfully it didn't keep it's grip but it did give me a new fear of dogs! Then on the bus another one went for me after the owner was bragging that she's teaching it to bite people. She was lightly slapping it round the face making it get all aggitated and snappy. I'm getting fed up with being scared of these animals as they seem to be everywhere these days.I'm not saying ban all dogs but to train them to be aggressive then take them on the streets is dangerous and irresponsible because you don't know who they'll be aggressive towards - I'm not threatening I'm a rather petite girl, and they've gone for me. They could just as easily go for a child.

Cayleigh
Its not the breed of dog that is dangerous it the person who owns it. If these dogs had proper owner who did not use them as a status tool then they would not be aggressive

Bex
In reply to what J said..I disagree with you when you said 'a dog can be replaced', i agree with you saying 'a child cannot be replaced' but.. not all people get dogs to use as a weapon.. some treat them right and love them like they are a family member.. and a family member cant be replaced..!! I think you worded that wrong.. also it isnt the dogs fault, its shame that theses dogs have to die or get hurt ect because of there owners.. fair enough if they feel the dog protects them when they walk with it.. but that is as far as it should go, no training them to fight or be aggresive.

Vikki
BAN THE OWNERS WHO MAKE THE DOGS LIKE THIS!!!! If more owners were charged at the result of a dog biting we wouldn't be having this debate as it wouldn't happen especially if heavy fines were involved. Any dog can be dangerous remember that all you haters! A small dog even a toy breed can also do damage. Every dog should have a licence that would stop the mass breeding of the so called 'chav' dogs even though I do not fit into this category this is want it is becoming. If you see a gang of people with a dog using it to scare people what can you do?

Helen B
All dogs can be dangerous potentially, its the way that they are treated that treats them to be aggressive

Joanna
I've got an 11 year old Japanese Akita who I've had since a pup. He is the soppiest daftest dog but also very loyal and protective of me. I've lost count of the number of times young idiots have asked me if I want to fight him with their dog and mostly these idiots can't even control their dogs. Bring back dog licences so these fools can't own dogs.

Judith H
My mother's 13week old puppy was killed by a staffi, the current owners have only had the dog for 1 week from the local kennels who took the dog in as a stray. The owners cannot possably know the history of this dog and after just one week in his new home he has shown this aggresive behaviour, next time it will be a small child, maybe then this irresponsable owner will get this beast put down

Annemarie
My Staffordshire bull terrier is the most loving creature i'v ever had the fortune of meeting & it is not the dogs that are a threat its the owners that train them this way as these breads of so called dangerous dogs are the most affectionate, loving & loyal breed of dog & im more than proud to own mine & have done so for nearly 10years & he has never hurt any person but i must say he hates bees and hurts them as they do him in return.

Jade
No Dog No Matter Wot Breed Can Be Trusted 100%... No1 Knows Wots Goin On In A Dogs Head... Ppl Do Use Dogs As Weapons... Iv Got a Dogue De Bordeaux An I Would Never Trust Her 100%... Wen I Walk Her I Have The Decency 2 Walk Away Frm Ppl... 2 Many Ppl R Gettin Attacked Because Owners Dnt No How 2 Control There Dog/s... I Get Scared By Most Dogs In The Street... It Doesnt Cost Alot 2 Buy A Lead An Even A Muzzle Just 2 Be On The Safe Side... That Few Pound Can Save Someones Life Think About It... Mre Needs 2 Be Done!! Shud Av Licences Or Something. An They Should Be Banned Frm Public Places Like Parks Wer Kids An Babies Are. x

Helen
This is a complicated issue & it’s not just down to the breed. 1st it is against the law to have certain types of dogs, people owning these dogs should be prosecuted & the dog removed, tough penalties is necessary to ensure that people are put off owning dogs such as pit bulls.However, as we have seen in the press (and as I have experienced myself) there have been an increase in the number of dog attacks. There are other breeds that are being used as weapons such as staffs, whilst they are not on the dangerous dogs register they can inflict extreme damage largely down to the owners inexperience in handling dogs or by deliberately raising them to be violent. I don’t think that these dogs should be banned, as there are a number of excellent caring owners out there. Instead I would recommend the following actions that would help to deter the wrong type of owner: -· Registry of ownership & licence for specific breeds· All perspective owners must be vetted for suitability· All perspective owners must attend a certified handling & ownership program to be completed before they can own a specific dog· Breeding should only take place by licensed and regulated breeders· Tough penalties for anyone not meeting these standards or found to be using a dog in a menacing fashionAll of these actions should have a fee associated to them that needs to be paid by the breeder/owner. Fees that can be used to fund the initiative.I really want to see this issue resolved, not only for us but also for the dogs who are being distroyed because of their owners lack of citizenship and responsibility.

Kev C
I can only reiterate what MOST of the above have said. I have a 3 year old Rottie. A more gentle, affectionate and caring dog you could not get! I know many many other Rottie owners and every single one of them would say the same. Year on year the stats for dog bites also backs this up. The media have blackened the name of this wonderful breed and that in itself is a disgrace! All pups, regardless of breed or size, are a blank canvas... Its how they are reared that dictates their temperament. Its stupid to ban specific breeds, as anyone could "produce" a powerful aggressive dog through selective breeding and maltreatment. The solution is simple, a strict vetting system must be put in place for EVERYONE who wishes to own a dog. We CANNOT blame the dog for the actions of its brainless cruel owner.

Matthew
Bringing back dog licenses wouldn't help. It couldn't be policed. Dangerous Dogs should be banned totally. A cousin of mine was at her friends house - they always treated the dog well - but one day it locked its jaw around my cousin's leg.

steve m
why oh why do we keep having this debate?stop little thugs having powerful dogs , yes powerful not dangerous, a dog is what you make it , my rottie sleeps on the sofa /bed will protect my family more so my kids , not because i made it that way but because of the respect we have shown it since its puppy years. i do not believe a kid that can not respect its self can respect an animal that needs training and disipline.time to blame the rightful party and not the dog ........

Gemb4
Punish the deed not the breed.

Jaq
It's simple... Ban dangerous PEOPLE from owning dogs. (For the record, I'm a professional canine behaviourist.)

Joe M
I also think the Dog License should be brought back, its the only answer, simple.

sonia, spain
I owned a staff cross for 10 years. She was an abandoned dog and I took her in. She was the sweetest dog and was wonderful with my young son. I would definately have another one. The dog owners should be put down for using these sweet animals as status symbols instead of giving them the love they deserve.

Ste
The dogs shouldnt be banned. They cant choose who there owner is. Every dog reflects the owner so if some idiot brings the dog up to look tough etc then that is all the dog knows to do. They need to start looking at the owners and stop looking at the dogs and the breed.

joanne
when you are looking for the dangerous thing you are looking at the wrong end of the lead its the owners at fault not the dog , I own a staffy at present and she is the most loyal gentlest dog she is fantastic with all my children the youngest just turned one , before her i owned an english bull terrier again the most sweetest natured dog in fact she was so sweet she was attacked and not once did that dog so much as growl back she just took it , so start blaming owners .any dog can be vicious in the wrong hands including a chawauwa

claire
mike d you are full of rubbish. i own american bulldogs and i certainly do not have them for the sake of intimidation. the discussion should be about how alot of these poor dogs are treated. human beings are the most sadistic, barbaric, creatures on this planet. my dogs are loving and friendly. this is how i have trained them to be. an american bulldog will lay down its life for its owner without thinking twice. this is the trait that is manipulated by thugs. the rspca themselves say that there is no breed that is evil. owners are responsible for the dogs personality. i am outraged that dogs are seized and killed just purely for thier breed. the law needs to change. the ban doesnt work it just puts these dogs into the hands of criminals who obviously arent going to bring thier dogs up in the correct manner. in america pitbulls are used as therapy dogs and in search and rescue. ceaser millan, the dog whisperer on sky 3 has 12 pitbull all living happilly with about 30 other dogs. people arent held accountable for thier dogs actions. the government has cracked down on knife crime. since then we have had an increase in idiots using dogs as weapons. i think people should be sent to prison if thier dog attacks viciously. of course the idiots will find another way get away with violence but at least they will think twice about making thier dogs vicious.

joanna
hi i have a puppy rottweiler he is only 5 months old and is so soppy he squeaks and wags his tail when someone walks past him,he is full of play i wouldnt ever class him as a dangerous dog! i think people look at the dogs breed and just cross the road. it is down the way you bring them up and what they eat its just like a human.

Erin
It just shows the bigger problem, people want to be intimidating and they dont care how they do it. And to be proud of people not wanting to even walk near you? They should be ashamed of themselves, if they haven't got one already they are well on their way to getting an ASBO.

sean d
punish the deed not breed.stop the bsl its not the dog's flault its the owner

Dave B
I have 2 two children and I am also the owner of 2 staffs. They are the most loveable dogs that we could have as a family pet. I feel that it's not the dogs that are dangerous it's the owners particularly youngsters who use them as bait and not as a family pet because even a jack russell with the wrong owner can be vicious and aggressive. Maybe there should be a legal age on the ownership of an animal ie 21 years of age and over and the animal is chipped, insured and vet registered.

Lyssa
It isn't the breed. It's the owner. Give someone who wants a fighting dog a puppy of any breed and that upbringing would make that dog a fighter. Don't punish the dogs for what the 'higher' primates are doing to them.

debbie
punish the owners not the dogs how dare they use a staffordshire bull terrier or any dog for that matter!!! any dog can be agressive but the bull terriers are always the target. ive had staffys for years what a fantastic breed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hannah
yes ban all dangerous dogs... its ridiculous their not a status symbol its a weapon against other people. shows insecurity

callum
personly, i think its the owner if the dog is brought up around violence its obvisly going to be violent, however if you bring up a dog to be tame, it wont know any better!

Simon W
No dog was born with a chain round their neck or with their ears cut and pointed upwards.... a dog is just like another animal... if teased they will bite else they will give alot of love..... Now shall we ban cats too cos they scracth poeple too :))I would like to have a bull terrier they are so cute....

Micki
I have a crossbred staffordshire bull terrier/pit bull terrier i have had him for nearly 2 years now and i chose to get my dog, not because he looked aggressive and intimidating but because he was absolutey gorgeous and so friendly. Bearing in mind he was treated pretty badly previously when we brought him home he just wanted to be stroked, played with and most of all cuddled. 2 years on he hides behind me and my dad when some dogs bark at him and is scared of his own reflection. So this whole story about the dogs is rubbish it is the owners repsonsibility, i must admit being quite young it is quite reassuring when walking past a big gang, to feel protected because of my dog but i would never in amillion years train him to fight. Any owner who would rather turn their dog into a monster than take care of him and share the unlimited affection these dogs have to give ought to be banned from owning any animal. I urge any person who is afraid of dangerous dogs to spend a day with my lovely, gorgeous staffie/pitbull he is the sweetest most loving dog i have ever met he even wines when people dont give him anough attention.

J
Hiya loving the show as usual.I think if people wanna have them its up to them. But my thing is when I take my six year daughter to the park and the mans sorry boys as they act like that are in the park and its lots of them all wid dogs. I cannot really let her play freely cuz I am concerned about the dogs and they look at you like what! When it a play area for the childern. The are dogs not fashion statements..dogs that lick themsleves...lol.. with certain natures...they can turn at anytime. They should should just have dog parks or something because its not fair on the childern. And me personally someone getting it if their dog gets out of hand because a dog can be replaced but a child cannot.

barry t
my dog is a border colli and he has bitten loads of people he's bit my mates but he has not been ill treated or nothing he is over protective n people are scared of me because of my dog n im even scared of it but its like your kid you cant put it down!!

Asim
I got chased by a japanese Tosas, a gang set it on me because i am an ethnic minority, these dogs are capable of killing man! people who sell them should be ashamed as they are responsible for the many that have been killed

Mark
You have to be aware of wot ur dog is capable of - i own an aggressive dog and its not much fun, i can tell you! Its certainly not for "status!" Its purely coz i rescued him myself and i know he'd be put to sleep if he was ever rehomed. And as a responsible owner i know wot hes capable of, and i dont give him the opportunities to indulge in such behaviours! Its not really down to breeds either - its down to the training (or lack of...) and the expectations of the owner. If ANY dog is abused/trained to be aggressive - it will be. Why not start a newsfeed on Bad owners rather than "Bad" breeds? Also, every "hoodie" you see walking their staffy dogs/EBT's etc, are not necessarily dog-fighting gang members - maybe they are young, responsible lads who are actually exercising their dogs?!!

Boris
I think it unfair to ban all dangerous dogs, i own a Doberman which is classed as a very dangerous dog, but he wouldn't hurt a fly. It all come's down to the dog owners and how they treat them and bring them up, it also depends on the dogs temprament, what the parents were like etc... A lot of these youngsters that have these dogs don't really do any form of research and understand the responsibility of owning a dog. They buy the cheapest dangerous dog without knowing any of it's history. Half the time i see these youngsters with these dogs they don't really have much control over them and there off the leash. May be a new system needs to be bought into place where dangerous dog owners need to be over a certain age and need to hold a Licence. May be they need to have Authorised breeders only etc... theres so many thing's that can be said.

Tanya
I dont agree with the way young lad r breeding dangerous dogs for fighting but i think its about the way the dog is brought up! I hav a staffordshire bullterrier she is 11 I hav had her from a pup and has always had a brillient character she is great with my 5 yr old! its all about the training! they only know wot they r taught!

Jill M
I think it is terrible that you have put pictures of staffies up on your website under the heading dangerous dogs. My staffie looks just like one you have pictured and certainly isn't dangerous. She is the most gentle, friendly dog you will ever meet.

lauren
hey i ave got two dogs a staff and a rottweiler and they are lovely, they wouldnt hurt any one unless dey need to, its stupid how poeple look at them like there demonds well its how the owner brings them up not the dogs thought , everyone just judges dem wen dey dnt knw nuffink about it, dogs r how you want them to be, !!! lol

Adrian C
A bad owner can lead to a bad dog regardless of its breed. Its time to stop blaming so called dangerous dogs and take more action against the irresponsible owners.

Mrs Sam G
Being a Rottie owner and lover i feel very strongly on the subject. I feel it would be extremely unfair to the breed if the Rottweiler was banned. Why dont they bring in a law where the people are vetted THOROUGHLY before becoming an owner of such a breed as i feel it is definately the owners who are responsible for making such dogs dangerous as they are naturally protective and guarding so therefore need no extra encouragement and its people like that that give the breed a bad name, thus making it unfair for people like myself and other "TRUE" Rottie lovers. I live on a farm in the country and I have great fun with my Rottie - working on the farm, doing agility and he is a great family dog being fab with the young kids and sooo very gentle with all the other animals and it is very upsetting when, as in previous dog scandals, they are given a bad name IT IS THE OWNER NOT THE DOG!!!!

nikki
I no a few people with these so called 'dangerous' dogs and there is nothing wrong with them. its the owners who make the dogs 'dangerous'. iv taken sum of the dogs 4 walks to the park and they play together and people always complain that theyre fighting wen they not. to them its playing, u can see their tails wagging. some people just have closed minds and want to believe things that r not true. most of them just want something 2 complain about.... the dogs just have a bad name because of SOME owners who do train them to fight. people are also almost immediately scared of these types of dogs. when they dont need to be. its good to be cautious of all dogs, not jus those types. any dog could bite someone.

Nesto
Really and truly its not the dogs fault is it? It's the owners and if the RSPCA say that they know of people or "young boys" having dangerous breeds or cross breeds then shouldn't they act upon it instead of warning people about it. I know so many people who have banned breeds of dogs but you still see them holding them and to make it worse when they are taken out they are put right under the nose of the police and they just turn a blind eye, don't get me wrong i love all dogs but there's no point in complaining if all they are going to do is complain its useless. I say to get rid of the act, no-one is going to stop breeding illegal breeds no matter much the government fussess about it, its just not going to happen.

Eddie from Sheffield
i know people who dangerous dogs and they are not dangerous dogs at all. it all on how you bring them up if you bring them up with love and treat them right they can be a very good dogs

naydean
andrew sounded like he owned a disabled chihuahua, not a dangerous dog.

Mimi Fox
I don't think so called 'dangerous' dogs should be banned, but I would like to see much tighter legistlation on the breeding of then. An ownership test or something along the lines of that. However, I think someone like an ownership test (resulting in a lisence to own a dog) should be complusory for ALL dog owners. That might actually go about reducing the number of dogs in rescues; most of which are purchased on impluse without research.

Chris
It seems that too few people understand the basics about dogs. They live in a world that is totally about body language within a pack mentality.The woman who said that she was "only patting a Rottweiler and it attacked her" is, I'm sorry to say, one of those people. Placing your hand downwards onto a dog's head is a dominant act in the world of body language. How would you react if a random person walked up to you in the street and did that (in a world where the only law you are aware of is the law of the jungle Good owners can understand tha they need to train their dogs not to do that, but the public must learn the basics about dogs and quite simply do not do things like that. When you meet a dog you: 1. Avoid eye contact, this can be perceived as a threat 2. Wait for the dog to become comfortable with you and assess it's state of mind - ears back = submissive, calm, balanced. Ears up is an excited/dominant state and is a warning sign. 3. If the dog is calm, the next stage is to offer up your closed hand for the dog to smell and become comfortable with you. Things can proceed as normal from there. The thing to realise is that while all dogs are equal, all owners are most certainly not. A dog is always part of a pack, and in the dog world a pack always has a leader. If no-oone else steps up to the plate to do the job then a dog will. Therefore, you can effectively kill your dog with kindness. Those who do not offer leadership to their dog will find that s/he assumes the mantle and is then seen by society as "badly behaved".

Sam A
No dogs should be banned - however ALL dogs should have to be licenced. A person should need to meet certain criteria before being allowed to own a dog, and then, depening on their circumstances, only allowed to own certain types of dog. This would allow police to check up on dogs classified as dangerous because they would know who owns what dog and where it is kept. Ultimately no dogs are dangerous, the owners are and it is the owners that should be policed and kept in check. I live on a council estate with no access to green space and yet there are people who live on the top floors that own Pit bulls. these dogs need space, room, if you pen any animal in 24 hours a day it isn't going to be a happy one. It isn't fair on the dog. Now - I would say that someone who lives in a flat with no direct outlet to green space shouldn't really be allowed to keep a dog.

James B
This really comes down to the exploitation of the existing law which obviously needs further amendment. Dogs fitting the description of "Dangerous" should be destroyed without exeption and their owners prosecuted as criminals. Ignorance is not an acceptable defence.

Carrie
I agree that certain breeds carry a more aggresive streak,however, ANY dog has the potential to become dangerous or aggresive towards a person or other animal. Most of the times it is down to the owner's treatment and lack of training of these so called pets. Some poor dogs however are ill treated by their human companion and so they respond by dog violence, again not the animals fault. I would say that certain breeds, such as the Rottweiler and staffy should be more closeley monitered, that these breeds must all be microchipped and take a temperment test in order that the owners are then issued with a license. If they seem more aggressive it should be against the law for them to go our without being muzzled.

Katy
I own a staffordshire bull terrier and people have a tendency to give us a wide birth when we're out walking. However, staffy's are generally soft little things, its just irresponsible owners not giving appropriate training and care that give these dogs bad press. I've seen plenty of young boys walking about with staffordshire bull terriers with leather studded collars, and its the likes of them that give these dogs a bad name. I know plenty of people who own well-mannered, sweet staffordshire bull terriers...surely this shows that with the right care that they are lovely dogs.

Gina C
As an owner of a Staffi, she is the most loveable dog, my Cats more agreesive than her. Its the owners who should be shot not the dogs

Peter
I think the dog licence should be brought back, it should also be in the form of a chip under the skin. With the money received from licences an annual check for criminal records and welfare issues should be done. education could also be given with the licence monies.Appoint the RSPCA as the governments official body for controlling dogs, using the licence monies to enable a reputable operation.

Katharine
I used to have a staffie bull terrier who was a big softie and I really believe it's down to how we treated her (as one of the family of course!) Potentially all dogs are dangerous. Even the smallest, cutest and fluffiest of dogs can be trained to be vicious. Does this mean all dogs should be banned then? It's the animal owners who should be dealt with, not the dogs!

Terry and Elaine
We live in Basildon and it is becoming more and more common to see 'Staffs' - these dogs are generally owned by people who want them for a status symbol and not because of the love of the dog. We don't necessarily believe that it is the dog that is at fault but the attitude of the owners. Most of them don't want the responsibility attached to keeping a dog, they are seldmom exercised or properly cared for they get them for the image that they portray. We personally have a Cocker Spaniel who has now been attacked 3 times by 'Staffs' that have got out or jummped a fence - we now have to drive out to walk our dog to ensure her safety. Not that we mind as this is part of our responsibility but we find it quite scary and intimidating to walk her locally, and when you walk your dog 3 times a day its no joke that you can't just walk in your local area.

Caroline W
It is totally wrong to blame the dog in these situations the dog is only as well behaved or badly behaved in this case as the owner. Staffies are beautiful dogs and can be well trained to be loyal faithful pets not animals of distruction it's the people that need banning from owning these dogs not the dogs that should be banned or punished.

Jen
We have got an American Bulldog who is always kept on his lead and is harnessed at all times. Our dog is not brought up to fight, he is a family pet that adores nothing mores than having his ears tickled. He sees other dogs off their lead and just wants to play. Why should our dog suffer because of irrisponsible kids fighting their dogs to look "hard"? Dogs are a reflection of their owners and it's not fair to tar us all with the same brush. Are you telling me that if i walk my dog wearing tracky bottoms and a hoody on a Saturday evening that i am a gang member who wants my dog to fight?! Ridiculous!

Clare E
I have a boxer staffy cross and an english bull terrier both of which are rescues that were left of the streets and in a terrible state when found... they are both really nice natured dogs and I have gone out of my way to train them, socialise them with other dogs and ensure their behaviour is impeccable but unfortunately not all owners do this. It is not the fault of the breeds that they fall into the wrong hands and any dog can be trained to be vicious but I am afraid the media dont help by hyping stories up.... how many times have you heard about a jack russell or a collie biting someone? but it happens I myself have been bitten by a small dog. The problem is these types of breeds are very strong and are designed to do damage and therefore if they bite someone it will be bad. I think anyone who wants to own a dog should apply for a licence and this could be revoked at any time, we should also pay a small fee.... this might put the wrong type of person off and give the authorities more power to deal with animals being used in the wrong way.

Emily
I have a Staffordshire Bull Terrier who is the soppiest most gentle dog I have ever come across - I had a Yorkshire Terrier a few years back which was mroe vicious than my staff. Its pathetic how people put all staffs in the same group as pitbulls etc. A dog will become vicious if the owner makes it that way - its the idiot kids that should be banned from keeping the dogs, not the dogs themselves. I'd have a pitbull terrier if they werent illegal, because I know that with the right owner/handler the dog would not be vicious.Bring Cesar Milan from the dog whisperer over to the UK to sort out all these fools.

Mike D
Yes. Simple as that. Very few people I've ever met who have them have them for any other reason than "Street respect", for gambling (Dog fighting) or sheer intimidation. Anyone who says they have one for any other reason is almost certain to be lying.

Ashleigh Cornelius
Dogs are like Children, treat them with love and kindness and nurture them to be part of the family and you should have no trouble. Mistreat them and keep them socially isolated and this is where trouble begins. I have 2 staffy's of different ages who aren't related, who play with each other all day long in our garden and they absolutely love eachother and people - especially children! Truly mans best friend. The unfortunate thing is you can readily buy staff's - which can be (wrongly) used as a status symbol from any Tom, Dick or Harry who keep their dogs in horrid conditions and basically run puppy farms for profit. These are the people that need to be put down, not the dogs!

Angie
I have an English Bull Terrier and he is not dangerous but because of the way he looks people cross the road, I love my dog and these people are giving bull terriers etc. a bad name - I am sickened that people are fighting these dogs when actually most dogs are affectionate and are not born with an aggressive nature - the issue is not with the dog or breeds of dog but with the owners - the RSPCA and the police should be doing more to protect the dogs from these irresponsible dog owners. Sort these people out!!!! and by the way banning all potentially dangerous breeds is not the answer - no-one is taking my dog away from me.

Cara
I feel sorry for the animals dragged into a life of violence put upon them by their owners. Every animal can be dangerous, the difference between them is the owner. If you raise a dog to fight, it will!! My parents have a staffordshire bull terrier and he is the tamest and friendliest dog you'll ever meet. He's a hit with children, eldery people etc and no one ever crosses the street when we're walking him, they always pat him!! Sort out the owners, they are the problem.

sarah from (West Midlands)
I own a (legal) well behaved, well trained American Bulldog and feel upset by the comments about dangerous dogs, it is not the dog that is the problem it is the Human behind the dog!!!

Emmitt
I am saddened by this, a dog is only dangerous if it is trained to be dangerous, usually it is no fault of the dog its the owners that are the problem.I have a staffordshire bull terrier, which was rescued by the dogs trust, she is loving and not at all aggressive - and yet if I am walking her people will make crass comments and even cross the road to avoid us. Its a real shame that people judge the breed rather than the dog itself. If you check statistics just as many "family breeds" such as alsatian, labrador etc have been involved in child maulings and yet nobody seems to have an issue with these breeds.

Eve
Its not the dogs that should be banned, its the owners. What kind of sick human being would fight these animals? I have a bull terrier - its how you bring them up that makes the dog. Mine is a teddy bear.Dont lock the dogs up - lock the idiots who fight them up.

Toni
There is no such thing as a dangerous puppy. it the way they are raised just like a child , if you treat them badly there are gonna turn out badly.We need higher penalties to deal with the people that have the dogs and then Rehabilitate the dogs. theres dangerous people not the dogs.

tyrus g
some of these bredars think that if they have these dogs there the hardest which is why u always see them being walked by the dogs they cant handle its stupid!