Quote Originally Posted by Justahobby View Post
They aren't the first breed to be labeled as viscous.... Shepherds, dobbies, and rotties all had their turn.
Yes but when did those breeds start to be labeled as vicious? Most of them start to decline in quality when they become the breed dejour and people start backyard breeding them and others with no knowledge of the breeds requirements, time, resources acquire them because they are the popular breed at the time.
My neighbors started with one. He's been chained to a tree for years now because when he gets out he kills other dogs. Ironically that was actually the most people friendly dog of their bunch. He'd be happy to be petted when I met him at my mailbox. No spay or neuter at their house and the following year they got a female, then some puppies. The female was very 'off' right from the start. Even as a puppy she was very aggressive. Not anything like that first PB. The female and one of her puppies get to roam because they can't keep them in. They growl at the kids and I don't trust the dogs further than I could throw them. I don't let my kids play outside without our gate closed. Not fun. The last of their surviving cats now lives with us too.
I think the trouble really often does start when a breed becomes popular and people start to breed them willy nilly with little or no consideration to quality and others buy dogs without thinking about the breeds requirements. The Chihuahua rescue groups have experienced similar so it;s not just big dogs.