"I wish those vicious creatures could be banned." ***WARNING: GRAPHIC***

[Scootaloo]

96. "Instinct" is something of a red herring

It's like gravity; People hear a lot about it and imagine it to be this overwhelming force... but in reality, though present, it's pretty weak and easily overcome.

Pit bulls, along with other terrier breeds - as well as most hounds (sight and scent) and husky-types - have a tendency towards animal aggression. Their breed backgrounds are to hunt down and kill other animals, whether in actual hunting or in a fighting ring. However, as just about anyone who owns any of these animals can attest to, training, handling, and acclimation can do away with that very easily. Instinct, then, again comes down to the responsibilities of the animal's owner.

That said, they're still animals. A pissed, startled, or injured animal is likely to lash out, regardless of breed, regardless of training. I've seen a big dumb cuddly St. Bernard turn into Cujo for a moment when some idiot fired a gun nearby and scared the animal. Well-trained does not mean "we can leave our toddler alone with him for ten minutes," regardless of breed (but especially for poodles; good lord, people think those dogs are wussies?!)