I can't believe some of these owners, well, sadly i can!
I know that Bud would be an attacker off klead and without his muzzle on but that is because for his 7 years or so he has been trained to chase and attack small furry things. we are still struggling to cope with this as he is very strong when he sights a small dog.

I think Stewart you may have misunderstood and feel the quote has been taken slightly out of context as I did say that I am nervous of dogs, particularly strange larger dogs because because they are an unknown entity. I do say that some owners do not fully understand the consequences of their actions minor that they may be and if treated incorrectly. Its not the dogs fault its only their natural instincts but if they arent properly handled then it can get out of hand which I believe is what you are saying. I do agree that it is very sad that at teh end of the day if something does happen its the dog thats destroyed and the owner can just go out and get another dog.

From my perspective which is that I am 5ft 3 so it doesnt take much of a breed of dog to seem quite big to me. However I think its a bit rash to label me ignorant as I list preferable small dogs which are easier for people to control. Particularly now with having RA I dont want a dog jumping on me even if it is friendly as any impact hurts. Some of these breeds are bred specifically as guard dogs for whatever traits they have. Some people buy dogs as an accessory and they end up in the Dogs Home, you can see Battersea dogs home is full of staffs. And the terrible thing is some of these animals are badly neglected without any recourse and that is the tragedy.

I totally agree with Jayne G and most of the posts here with respect of irresponsible owners. Perhaps dogs should be matched to owners eg if the owner is physcological and physcially able to cope with the breed of dog as well. I think they may do that at the animal shelters and it should be minimium requirements for animal ownership. I think with the dangerous dog act with certain breeds that are banned people are importing them from Ireland and theres been programmes about the horrendous breeding kennels who dont care for the animals, giving a bad name for those who are above board and love their animals.

Its just so sad and I do feel sorry for the sheep!

I was not being rude, I was trying to say that you probably do not understand how dogs react to situations. In fact there are many more attacks by smaller dogs than large ones. And that's caused by the fact that people treat these smaller dogs like children instead of dogs and that leads to problems! You look at any cute little furry dog, they don't see themselves as lapdogs. Inside, they think they're WOLVES and if you treat them like children they become neurotic!

I agree with everything you say about irresponsible owners!

Stewart.

I think we are in agreement....

I confess I was slightly apprehensive about meeting Stewart's Ned earlier this year, but he turned out to be the most obedient dog I've ever met! He was also very affectionate and didn't growl or bark at me once which was surprising as he didn't know me. It was obvious Ned loved his master and vice versa!

My uncle and aunt have one of these dogs, they live in Australia and adore him!


My last dog before Bud was a cross between a miniature poodle and a long haired chihuaha and she was the nastiest cutest looking thing you can imagine! I wouldn't have trusted her with a barge pole!
Sam was a perfect labrador cross-not a nasty bone in him. Aaprt from when he found some abandoned mackerel in a field and rolled in it---- oh my..........

Poor love, what a terrible fright!

Good for you girl! Give the little one a pat from me and Ned!

Well Julie, it sounds like when it comes to going through doors then Bud is pack leader! However I'm sure you'll sort it out. Make sure he's calm before you open the door. He's a good looking dog!