Why Big Dogs ?

[stiggy]

The last year I have noticed more and more expats here getting large dogs....mostly Pitbulls or rottys.

I don't understand why any one would buy or wish to own a dog breed that has such a history.

This isn't a post set up to bash the breeds or the owners But I just dont understand why.

[Smithson]

A big part of it is about temperament, the larger breeds seem to have much nicer temperaments than smaller breeds. You'll see alot of ppl who like med-large dogs also like Jack Russels and Staffishire Terriers, because they are small dogs with lots of get up and go - similar to the larger breeds. The like to run, swim, jump, chase balls etc.

Rotts, GSDs etc. are guard dogs, which makes for a good detterent and ppl feel safe.

We've got a Rott cross, she's an absolute baby, gives warning barks but has never growled at ppl or other dogs.

Alot of the toy breeds don't seem friendly even aggressive. If a large breed had a temperament like these it would be extremely dangerous.

[thaigerd]

Coz my wife use him as a pillow and they take care for the neighbours aswell.

Gerd

Edited September 19, 2007 by thaigerd

[sutnyod]

I don't understand why any one would buy or wish to own a dog breed that has such a history.

Can only answer for myself - am a BIG fan of BIG dogs (although had to give up my big ones before coming to Bangkok). I love to grab them by their loose skin on the neck and cuddle them, also like to play and cartwheel and fool around with them. How can you do that with a Chihuahua???

As for Rotties: they are originally draft animals (for pulling carts), not fighting dogs. Have not met a single Pitbull or Rottie with a foul temper.

[lazeeboy]

I don't understand why any one would buy or wish to own a dog breed that has such a history.

Can only answer for myself - am a BIG fan of BIG dogs (although had to give up my big ones before coming to Bangkok). I love to grab them by their loose skin on the neck and cuddle them, also like to play and cartwheel and fool around with them. How can you do that with a Chihuahua???

As for Rotties: they are originally draft animals (for pulling carts), not fighting dogs. Have not met a single Pitbull or Rottie with a foul temper.

had 3 rotts here in thailand ,mainly as guard dogs ,all lived in side the house ,with my them 4year old daughter ,she could pull there whiskers or there ears ,not one ever even grumbled at her ,i now have 4 cockers as i have surcurity at home ,after somebody fed my dogs fishball laced with ? came home from work at 2 am too 2 dying dogs and 2 dead ones ,and a robbed house ,anyway the guard does'nt eat as much as the dogs ,mind you he does use the flower beds for his toilet .........

[ratchabuild]

The last year I have noticed more and more expats here getting large dogs....mostly Pitbulls or rottys.

I don't understand why any one would buy or wish to own a dog breed that has such a history.

This isn't a post set up to bash the breeds or the owners But I just dont understand why.

With pitbulls I would guess sexual inadequacy, with other breeds probably just like a big dog to play with, I've had labs and collies and crosses, some little dogs are big dogs in a small body others are too yappy for me. Big dogs can be a deterrent, pitbulls are just a liabilty and when the first falang is lynched after one kills a Thai kid, God help the other pitbull owners. 70% plus, attacks on people are by pitbulls in states and they have killed hundreds of people. Why anyone would want to keep one except for a very small todger that doesnt work is beyond me, wannabe Mike Tysons or Michael Vicks I suppose. I remember reading about a boxer in the states who bought his pitbull a present after he won a national championship: a labrador with its mouth taped shut. Now that is truly sick, but that's the kind of people who like those dogs.

[sbk]

I agree that the very small dogs can be more aggressive than bigger dogs but IMO, I can't really understand buying a dog in the first place when there are so many good, intelligent, local dogs, supremely adapted to the climate. Big dogs won't last long in the heat, tend to live shorter lives anyway and purebred dogs often have health issues. Our local dog is 13 years old, and his only health problems (other than a bit of arthritis and going a bit deaf) result from attacks from the neighbor's german shepherd. (attacked my dog and blinded him in one eye when he followed his owner to our property).

I also agree with Ratchabuild that some owners get a big dog to prove they are a big man-- but can't say all, just a few. Most, I think, do so out of habits that they have brought from home.

[mixed]

With pitbulls I would guess sexual inadequacy, ......, pitbulls are just a liabilty and when the first falang is lynched after one kills a Thai kid, God help the other pitbull owners. 70%.

I'd agree with the sexual inadequacy bit, but Pit Bulls are not responsible for 70% of attacks in the USA. I think Rotts are the new #1 for deaths and labradors are very high on the list for biting children. A labrador recently chewed the face of it's owner while she slept. Three mastiffs killed someone who had been caring for them for 2 years.

In both cases the media initially reported the attacks were by Pit Bulls.

The more myths that are spread about their supernatural killing abilities, the more ppl will fear them and call for bans etc. On the other hand, the more aggressive their image the more idiots will buy one and try to make them aggressive.

So Pit Bulls are caught in a viciuos circle.

There are 1000's of responsible Pit Bull owners in the USA who are working to improve the image of the breed. Before all the media hype, Pits were known as 'nanny dogs' because they were so good with children. English Staffordshire terriers are also called nanny dogs, their temperament is very similar to the Pit Bull as they are also fighting dogs.

In the UK or Australia, most ppl only know Pits from the media hype, but many know Staffs as loving loyal family pets. While in North America a Staff is called a Pit Bull and banned in many places.

There are many myths and misconceptions about Pit Bulls. The OP is an example, Pits are not large dogs, they rarely weigh more than 30kg.

[stiggy]

Pits are not large dogs, they rarely weigh more than 30kg.

:D

pretty large to me and no im not a short

[mixed]

Rarely wieghing over 30kg and usually weighing less, they are considered med size.

I think your average boxer or lab would weigh more than the average pit.

The pic of the boxer alongside the Rot will show a med size compared to a large dog.

[Jet Gorgon]

I agree that the very small dogs can be more aggressive than bigger dogs but IMO, I can't really understand buying a dog in the first place when there are so many good, intelligent, local dogs, supremely adapted to the climate. Big dogs won't last long in the heat, tend to live shorter lives anyway and purebred dogs often have health issues. Our local dog is 13 years old, and his only health problems (other than a bit of arthritis and going a bit deaf) result from attacks from the neighbor's german shepherd. (attacked my dog and blinded him in one eye when he followed his owner to our property).

I also agree with Ratchabuild that some owners get a big dog to prove they are a big man-- but can't say all, just a few. Most, I think, do so out of habits that they have brought from home.

Totally agree with SBK on all points here. Had many strays adopt me in Thailand; they were fiercely loyal, amiable to weekly baths, hardy and good protectors, besides being loving. Most were ridgeback crosses. Had one Lab who was left by the feckless owners. He lived about ten years, but not without pain. Local dogs are the best.

[Smithson]

We've got a Thai pup, seems to be quite intelligent, but not obedient. Responds quickly if treats are involved, is obsessed by food and quite food aggressive. I'm guessing this is a trait of the breed that usually has to fend for itself.

I wonder if the OP has a better understanding of big dogs.

When I was about 5 a neighbors german shepherd would chase me. I was terrified of it, but when it was locked up I'd always look at it for a while because it was such a beautiful dog.

Then when I was around 10 I delivered newspapers and had many incidents with dogs. A doberman would often bail me up, I was terrified but still thought it was a beautiful dog and wished I could pat it.

Some ppl get dogs for image and other reasons that are wrong, but I'm sure alot of tough men with big dogs will be giving them big cuddles when nobody's looking.

[londonthai]

it's fine if pitbulls or rottys are inclose - they are good deterrent not only against intruders but also against snakes. If properly handled they are obedient and protective dogs.

problem is that when on the walk they should always be on a lish with a guard on their mouth - unfortunately some of the owners don't bother to train their dogs, allow them running loose and without guard.

those kind of dogs are not pets, as the smaller breeds, even if they are very friendly with the owner, their bite to strangers are ferocious

[cmsally]

Small dogs are yappy and I always trip over them!

I have a Golden R. but its a hopeless guard dog.

[sutnyod]

Small dogs are yappy and I always trip over them!

I have a Golden R. but its a hopeless guard dog.

Yeah. You just be careful. Those goldens are prone to be stolen!

[stiggy]

I do have an understanding of dogs of all sizes...

Grew up with dobermans and alsations..

In thailand have had many Thai dogs live with me including a Thai ridgeback type, awesome guard dog but would never get close to any strangers.

I ask the question as More and More expats are getting pittbulls rottys etc.

Only last week I witnessed a rotty that I know to be young playful etc chase a young girl approx 4yrs old and knock her to the ground, all this on a beach the young girl cried her eyes out and the parents European went mad . The owner nowhere to be seen...at work.

I simply do not understand why so many are getting large/medium type full breedish dogs......

Particularly when there are so many Thai bitsas around...

[elfe]

well, large breeds are anywhere in the world, why not in thailand.

for many ppl they seem to be more effective in scaring off intruders from property, compare 2 rotts to 2 thai mixes for example. the main problem is that most owners don't know how to handle hotter breeds or don't want to invest time and energy to train them propperly from the start.

also it's a prestige thing and a show off. as mixes are seen here everywhere in the streets, free and in big quantity they are not worth anything nor are anything ever special.

i see lots of ppl getting tiny breeds like yorkies or chis the same as large breeds, don't think the trend only goes to larger breeds.

i got dogs here of any size apart from real tiny ones like chis or yorkies. i personally prefer medium sized dogs like the usual thai mutt size or dalmatian f.e., they are strong and not as vulnerable as tiny ones, still can carry them if i like or have to and they are mostly fitter, faster and more mobile than large dogs, not to mention health problems occuring a lot in large breed dogs.

Edited September 21, 2007 by elfe

[mikethevigoman]

The last year I have noticed more and more expats here getting large dogs....mostly Pitbulls or rottys.

I don't understand why any one would buy or wish to own a dog breed that has such a history.

This isn't a post set up to bash the breeds or the owners But I just dont understand why.

The ONLY big dog id have is one of these,.had 3 ,i love boxers,.dogs that scare people have no interest to me whatsoever,.

[cmsally]

Small dogs are yappy and I always trip over them!

I have a Golden R. but its a hopeless guard dog.

Yeah. You just be careful. Those goldens are prone to be stolen!

Maybe I should get another dog to guard the Golden \

If I wanted a guard dog I would probably get a Bang Kaew (sp?)

They are very protective of their property.

[Smithson]

Only last week I witnessed a rotty that I know to be young playful etc chase a young girl approx 4yrs old and knock her to the ground, all this on a beach the young girl cried her eyes out and the parents European went mad . The owner nowhere to be seen...at work.

This is appalling but not surprising, it's not a question as to why someone got a Rott, but more why they let it (or any dog) off leash in public.

Most Thais are terrified of Rotts, our dog is a Rott cross Thai dog, when we walk ppl cross the street, even though she's on a leash.

Edited September 21, 2007 by Smithson

[mixed]

The last year I have noticed more and more expats here getting large dogs....mostly Pitbulls or rottys.

I don't understand why any one would buy or wish to own a dog breed that has such a history.

This isn't a post set up to bash the breeds or the owners But I just dont understand why.

If you've had dobermans and alsations then you'd understand why ppl go for large dogs and the stigma that goes with some big dogs, both these breeds are guard dogs and have been involved in plenty of attacks, in May a GSD and Doberman fatally attacked their owner while she was feeding them.

So you could say dobermans and alsations also have a 'history'.

Throughout the '80s Dobermans were feared, with ppl calling for laws banning them. Then in the '90s it was the Rotts and now it's the Pit Bull, a breed that is either hated or abused, but rarely understood. It's difficult for Pit Bulls because outside North America few ppl come into contact with them and only know about them from media hype.

Many ppl fear boxers, earlier this month a boxer attacked a 1 yr old child, the family dog caused a severe laceration to the back of the child's head.

I love all the dogs mentioned here, boxers, alsations, rotts, dobermans, labradors and even pitts as at home I would always get a pup from the rescue, because it's easy to find a great mixed breed dog or even pure bred pup.

So the question of buying a dog, rather than going to a rescue is possibly even more relevant in the west than Thailand.

Edited September 21, 2007 by mixed

[stiggy]

So the question of buying a dog, rather than going to a rescue is possibly even more relevant in the west than Thailand.

Fair point.....

The dogs I referred to I grew up with...As a Kid they are just there I didnt buy or decide to have them Neighbors dogs..

[baboon]

Most Thais are terrified of Rotts, our dog is a Rott cross Thai dog, when we walk ppl cross the street, even though she's on a leash.

Most Thais are terrified of my St Bernard who is as soft as it comes!

Big dog small willy certainly true in my case.

[thaigerd]

Our dogs are always on the leash when walking with them(2 rotts + 1 boxer).

Most people are very scared and I don't want to have any problems.

I takes a lot of time to train them, but it's fun to work with them.

Gerd

[Patsycat]

Is your St Bernard ok in the heat over there? Being a snow doggie. I have a friend in Samui who has a Bernese Mountain dog who seems ok.

[baboon]

Yes, fine. She was born in Thailand so she knows no different.

[MsFigure]

The last year I have noticed more and more expats here getting large dogs....mostly Pitbulls or rottys.

I don't understand why any one would buy or wish to own a dog breed that has such a history.

This isn't a post set up to bash the breeds or the owners But I just dont understand why.

If you had met my rottweilers when they were alive, you would totally understand why they are such a popular breed. Between my husband and I, we owned 6 rotts and they all were big lovable cuddly oafs and the only danger you would have with them would be that of drowning in rotty drool and being smothered by kisses

I've always prefered medium/large breeds (especially Rottweilers and Dogos) over the smaller breeds as I've found the smaller breeds more hyper/high strung, unpredicatable and temperamental than the larger breeds.

My reasons for preferring a large breed have nothing to do with sexual inadequacy, because they are "cool/tough dogs" to own or whatever other reasons people give to those that do own pitts, rotts or whatever other breeds are being demonised by the media. Just as everyone looks for or sees that "special something" in their partners and friends, dog owners look for and see what they like in their four-legged friends... With my dogs, I've always like the look of strong muscular dogs (which is also my preference in men ) but the personality of both the rotts and dogos are the biggest parts of my love for the breeds.

Now for those people that do own certain breeds due to "reputation" and their potential for aggressive/dangerous behaviour and who intentionally breed and encourage such behaviour in the breeds, don't get me started

[amexpat]

I've heard it sooo many times. The Pit Bull or Rottie owner says:

"I just can't believe it. He/she never showed any sign of aggression before."

I like big dogs. And it's true that any breed may bite, but severity counts.

[Smithson]

Severity will surely count if one is bitten, but responsible ownership will prevent bites. It's not just the Pit and Rott owners who say "I just can't believe it. He/she never showed any sign of aggression before."

There is no such thing as a dog that is 100% safe, especially around children. Owners who think their dogs will never attack or bite are the greatest danger.

Singling out the breed gives ppl a false sense of security that they are save with all other breeds. Jack Russels, Goldens and even Pomeranians have killed children. Dogs are animals, descended from wolves. They have strong instincts especially with food and other resources.

Edited October 18, 2007 by Smithson

[thaigerd]

The last year I have noticed more and more expats here getting large dogs....mostly Pitbulls or rottys.

I don't understand why any one would buy or wish to own a dog breed that has such a history.

This isn't a post set up to bash the breeds or the owners But I just dont understand why.

If you had met my rottweilers when they were alive, you would totally understand why they are such a popular breed. Between my husband and I, we owned 6 rotts and they all were big lovable cuddly oafs and the only danger you would have with them would be that of drowning in rotty drool and being smothered by kisses

I've always prefered medium/large breeds (especially Rottweilers and Dogos) over the smaller breeds as I've found the smaller breeds more hyper/high strung, unpredicatable and temperamental than the larger breeds.

My reasons for preferring a large breed have nothing to do with sexual inadequacy, because they are "cool/tough dogs" to own or whatever other reasons people give to those that do own pitts, rotts or whatever other breeds are being demonised by the media. Just as everyone looks for or sees that "special something" in their partners and friends, dog owners look for and see what they like in their four-legged friends... With my dogs, I've always like the look of strong muscular dogs (which is also my preference in men ) but the personality of both the rotts and dogos are the biggest parts of my love for the breeds.

Now for those people that do own certain breeds due to "reputation" and their potential for aggressive/dangerous behaviour and who intentionally breed and encourage such behaviour in the breeds, don't get me started

Thank you!

Have you been in Phuket a couple of weeks ago and went with a tuk tuk down from CENTRAL?

Gerd