It's not a media myth that pit bulls, which were bred specifically to fight other dogs, can be dog-aggressive. That doesn't mean that all of them are or that they can't be fine socially with other dogs but that was the entire purpose of creating that breed. Terriers, in general, can be tough dogs because they were bred to hunt -- and kill -- vermin. Rats, foxes, badgers, etc. If you don't think it takes a really tough dog to hunt badgers, think again !

As for how to position these dogs in light of BSL, we have a similar problem with Rotties. Which is why you don't see many shots from me of Rotties doing Schutzhund. Doesn't mean that they don't or that they don't do it well or that it isn't a great sport. But the last thing my neighbors need to see is a Rottweiler hanging off of somebody's arm. So you will see shots like the following primarily because my dogs are bred to live in great homes in great neighborhoods and I want people to be comfortable with that.





Now, does that mean that Sundance would not protect me in a given situation? No. I assure you that Sunny D is completely capable of protecting his family. But he is not aggressive and that's the image I want people to have of this breed. We're heading off to the American Rottweiler Club's National Specialty tomorrow and we'll be traveling with Moxie, a 6-month old puppy and Sundance. When we stop at a motel on Saturday night, the first thing I'll do is take Sundance for a walk around the grounds. Just so folks can see him. Those that want to meet him will find him to be a lovely guy. But mostly, I want people to know he's sleeping in our room .

Jim