called the dogs pitbulls, so either the reporters got conflicting info, or are guessing.
But I can see where having a dog chained to a tree would make it very protective of it's area.
Not excusing the dog's behavior here, just pointing out that the way the dog was kept factored into the attack.

what the hell was a three year old doing out there alone? dogs or no dogs, three year olds shouldnt just be left outside. I certainly know i'd never let my three year old outside alone! Even if we had a fenced in yard you never know what could happen!



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Noelle Fochler Photography

looks like an american bulldog. I have friends who have them, and they're great dogs, but just like any other powerfull breed (be it english bulldogs, amstafs, rotties etc) you have to train them correctly.



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there are quite a few Registries that recognize them. The biggest being UKC, which is smaller than AKC but more focused on working breeds and the Am. Bulldog is at heart a working breed. There are also several rare breed registries that are legit and put on shows and other events.

Then you get into the questionable registries that will take anything (including mixed breeds) and don't put on events - but that is another issue.

I cringe every time I hear that from a very well known behaviorist I know. She uses the term "bully" behavior when speaking of pushy dogs.


I don't rescue animals because I want to feel better about myself, or morally superior to anyone. The best part of my life with animals is the humility they teach and the humanity the foster.
Jon Katz "Soul of a Dog"

doesn't look like any type of bulldog I've seen.

dave

It really is sad. The article also has some pretty sketchy information.
The neighbors say they raise and show dogs? Can American bulldogs be shown? Last I knew the akc didn't recognize them, so if they are showing them, what organization is it through?
That has the potential to stir up the crap about show dogs.
It really is such a tragedy. 3 year olds shouldn't be left alone outside anyways, but to leave one outside anywhere near a bunch of chained up dogs? If the dogs were inside a pen, why the need to chain them? I wonder about how much 'showing' was going on in their yard.

Cathy
when she first came home

instead of saying american bulldog, french bulldog, english bulldog, they are all considered bulldogs. too bad the article in the title did not mention american bulldog.
sad for the family and for the dogs too..