Why do people give nasty looks when I walk my dogs?

You're not actually in the UK are you? Since APBT's are banned, people would have nothing but bad experiences since the only people that would own them are those that are breaking the law.

If you're not in the UK, disregard the above. It simply boils down to ignorance. People see all the "pit bull" attacks, hear the stories from other people but have never personally interacted with a well trained APBT. Most large breeds get the same treatment, heck people cross the street when I walk my border collie mix. But because of ignorance, the dogs get blamed. I've yet to actually meet a dangerous pit bull, I've met many dangerous labs, a golden retriever that tried to take my face off and many small dogs that, were they large dogs would have been killed due to being so aggressive. It's very, very sad. I lived with an APBT that belonged to my ex, as well as a doberman and yes, people would shout nasty comments about what horrible killing machines they were, even though they were both well behaved. It takes a toll on you as well when people are constantly saying nasty things for just walking down the street. Once you meet a real, well behaved APBT though you can't help but fall madly in love with the breed, there's just something about them.

BQ: Would I cross the street if I saw your dogs? If I had my female mutt, probably. She's leash reactive and tends to go off at bully type dogs. Bu that would be because of MY dog, not yours.

The female pit bull in the picture is cute. (The link you posted for the other dog did not work when I tried it.) Pit bulls (& full-blooded American Staffordshire Terriers) can be very sweet around owners and their friends if the dogs are properly socialized. Mostly they are calm and friendly. However, since they are terriers, they might well become quite feisty and territorial when they think they are supposed to be guarding the back yard, etc. And their broad, powerful pit bull jaws can do serious damage if these dogs turn aggressive in some particular situation. Serious injuries from pit bull attacks are relatively common and highly publicized --- more so than for any other breed or type of dog. You can find plenty of instances on the internet. These horror stories --- and the crocodile-like appearance of their jaws --- give pit bulls a reputation that scares a lot people.

At one time we owned a pit-bull mixed breed dog as a deterrent when there was a string of burglaries in the neighborhood. We loved JoJo and she was a wonderful dog; but we never took her outside except on a lead (i.e. on a leash). As a mixed-breed, she had longer hair, like a spaniel; but she had the pit bull jaws. And when she was introduced to people, quite a few seemed to be intimidated by her.

Another big thing working against the reputation of pit bulls is their use, and abuse, in illegal dog fighting, which all responsible dog owners hate. The case of NFL Quarterback Michael Vick has raised awareness of the use of pit bulls in dog-fighting. Quite a few communities have considered making pit bull ownership illegal. Face it. Pit bulls have a bad reputation among many members of the general public; even though pit bulls can be great companion dogs.

My recommendation: Your dogs should live inside. When you take them out in public, they should always be on a strong lead/leash, with a collar that will enable you keep them under control.

Ignorance. Rudeness. Ill manners and Narrow mindedness.

I used to get the same reaction to my GSD. So I can imagine it is multiplied tenfold with 2 American Pitbulls.

I no how hard it is to ignore these idiots, especially when your dogs are behaving perfectly and its the owners of other dogs who don't bother to train their pet and allow it to behave in the way the lab was doing, harrassing your children.

My GSD was set upon by a Westie and by 2 Miniature Poodles. He did nothing in retaliation. But the owners of these animals blamed the incidents on my dog simply because of his size and the breeds reputation.

Sadly theres not much you can do about such people. There will always be ill mannered, stupid fools such as this around.

Just no that you are doing the right thing by your pets and children as a responsible dog owner and parent.

Your dogs are beautiful by the way :)

I never judge a dog based on its breed. There is tons of people in my city with tons of differen't breeds and I always walk past other dogs when going for a walk, when I walk past a pitbull, rottweiler, or any dog, I act just as I would if it were any other breed. Your dogs don't look intimidating, people are just so narrow and small minded they believe too much of what the media tells them. There are so many amazing pitbull stories, hereoic pitbulls, but if a pitbull did something hereoic you wouldnt hear about it, you only hear about the bad stuff they do thats why people only have bad things to say about them!

Its not your fault, its pricks that walk around with their vicious pitbulls offleash and let them jump about in little children parks which makes people think that all pitbull owners are like that. I hate dogs and if I saw your dog on the street I would cross to the other side until you have gone past, but thats just because Im a *****. Also, if someone does start hurling abuse, dont just stand there and take it all in, back yourself up, tell them to not stereotype the dog and tell them the dog is well behaved and trained properly. I just came back from the park in which I had a picnic in with a bunch of friends and this idiot just came and sat down with his huge pitbull infront of us even though there was children near us. We told the man the children might get scared and he should move (even tho we were shitting ourselves lol) and he said I dont care. Its people like him that make me hate dogs...

Pictures won't open for me but doesn't matter. Dogs are raised int he shadow of the owner. I know many "small" dogs that are mean and bite, but because they are small it's cute or doesn't hurt. Big dogs can do more damage, not saying that they will but they can. Certain breeds can be more "protective" so the owener needs to be aware of this. Sounds to me that you are a good owner.

Blame the MEDIA, you will never hear that a Chihuahua attacked someone unless they are famous. Good on you by the way for controling your children around dogs as well. By the way I have an 106 lb Alaskan Malamute(beyond friendly), 90 lb Rotweiller (protective), and 75 lb Lab (dumbass).

I know what you mean. My friend has a pit, and we take our dogs on walks together sometimes (my dogs a jackrussel terrier mix), and people will always come up and ask to pet my dog, but are fearful of hers. I don't even understand it. Her pit Cassie is one of the sweetest dog, not that my dog isn't, but I think its stupid how judgmental people can be, and how they believe the stereotype that all pitbulls are vicious monsters. Her dog is so calm and loves to be petted and wouldn't hurt a fly. People are so ignorant sometimes.

Pitbulls are very aggresive looking dogs. I own a red nose and he is very protective over me. they are known for being loyal and protective. They will fight till death for their leader, and can be aggresive towards other animals. I always get bad looks towards me when i walk my dog in the park. I live in England and a pit is ellegal over here he was ceazed from me and tattooed and then given back to me. So now i always get bad looks because he is known as a 'bad breed'. When someone gives me a bad look now i turn around and say hes beautiful isnt he and walk off.

Yay, a Pitbull lover!

I have 4 Dogs, 3 of them "Fighting" Breeds: 2 Pits, 1 Presa Canario and 1 Plott Hound. They're all adults - When I walk my Pits or Presa, EVERYONE stares and talks to me about them. I mean, some peeps come over and want to pet them... But most of the time they don't appreciate my dogs.

It's because of their Label. A lot of people believe that if one dog comes from one kind of Breed, they'll run over and kill them or something. Labelling's already a problem with people - Now dogs?! Come on.

I know what you are going threw. I own a bull terrier, second one. When I owned the first one, [people used to go across the street when we walked her. She loved people and had a hurt look on her face. People are just ignorant... Where we live now, folks are more intelligent, they love our dog.