Why does anyone keep big dogs knowing that one day they might kill?

There isnt a dog on this planet who won't go for some one given the reason.Afterwards they say, "He has never done this before"I own two dogs, Yorkies. I can put them in my pocket.

But there ARE dogs on this planet who won't go for someone, even if they are given a reason. Many dogs shut down if they are given a reason to attack. Other dogs WILL attack.Dogs are given a reason to attack other people on a daily basis- with abuse and neglect being as horribly common as it is today. Just because a dog has the ability to kill someone, doesn't mean one shouldn't own them. You need to hear the story of a Pomeranian who killed a child. Not a big dog, but still capable of killing a human...I believe the lesson to be learned from all of this is DON'T GIVE A DOG A REASON TO ATTACK.

please promise me you will never own a dog... of any kind!!!

people keep big dogs because they like them.According to your philoshophy of 'one day they might kill', none of us should own anything that could potentially kill.So no-one should own a car, cos they might run someone over.Human error is just as big a problem as dog unpredictablility.

ever heard the saying dog looks like the owner, some people just like to have big dogs by their side, and yes any size dog will attack, my son had his willy bit off when he was 3yrs old, by a labrador, he was after his sweets, lucky for my son the surgon was able to stich it back together, but i agree why do people keep dogs at all.its a open debate and will go on forever

There is no such thing as bad dogs, it's the owners to blame. They are miss-treating the dogs and animals so therefore the animals only defence is to attack. I have a bog dog and i have had bog dogs all my life. Not one of them has ever laid a paw on another human or animal (unless they're playing). Owners only say that the dog has never done this before just because they see it as a pet not a family member. So they just say that so they can keep the animal.Hope this helps!

Why does anyone leave the house knowing that one day they could be killed I know that's not the same but I've owned dogs for over 50 years as well as handling dogs belonging to other people and the only time I've been bitten was when I broke up a fight and even then it was just a scratch. Agreed any dog can bite given the right circumstances but most won't and don't want to. There are thousands of dogs around the world and only one or two bites, there are thousands of dogs giving service to disabled people, finding lost or injured people and catching criminals but they are never mentioned! Go to Crufts in March and see the thousands of dogs there then tell me how many bites, growls, attacks you see. Stop all this hysteria, it's getting out of hand!*edit* you obvously weren't around in the late 60s when a woman was killed by her Yorkies! Oo panic!!

did you know that in one month more people die in car accidents in the united states then a years worth of dog attacks?? did you know the majority of dog attacks were provoked to one degree or another?but I'm guessing you don't own a car?

Thats like saying, why does a wife stay with their husband when he beats her. As they could end up dead aswell.People love their dogs like they love their partners.

I have 4 big dogs and one smaller dog. My dogs won't "GO" for anyone. They are trained, socialized and well mannered. They are also never in a situation where that's possible. If someone were to break into my home and attack me, I don't even know if my dogs would "GO" for them. Maybe, maybe not. What is your point? That any dog can bite? I know that. I'm involved in rescue work. However, I know my dogs. I will also never put them in a situation where THEY are at risk.EDIT:BTW, Yorkies bite too. You said it in your question - "There isn't a dog on this planet who won't go for someone given the reason." Just because your dogs are small doesn't mean your dogs can't hurt someone. A yorkie can still bite a child or person just like my labs can. The thing is, I DON'T put my dogs in my pocket. I take them to classes and they have their CGC (canine good citizen) certification. Do yours?

A dog is only as stupid as its owner. Meaning, there are no stupid dogs; only stupid, irresponsible owners. Don't blame the dog. I've owned Great Danes, Weimaraners, Shephards, Rotts, and never had a problem.

Any dog can kill - a Yorkie can kill an infant if it attacks it. Also - small dogs are more prone to biting than large dogs are.I am an insurance adjuster and have handled lots of dog bite claims. Most of the dogs that bit -were small. And not a single Rottie or GSD in the bunch. It's not the size of the dog. It's how the dog is brought up that determines how dangerous it is. Most owners of large dogs - take extra care to make sure their dogs are socialized and brought up "right". I know the strength of my dogs. I have taken extra care to make sure they are friendly. Some small dog owners are less likely to take those steps. They figure that since the dog is small - it's harmless. You're probably one of those people. I also have 3 large dogs - 60-70 lbs each.

exactly- 'given the reason'!! people kill people 'given the reason'!!people are the reason dogs attack humans. either the human provokes them, or they abuse and neglect the dog to the extent they have no trust left in people. thats like saying- why own a gun, if it could kill someone some day?or even better. why have kids- if they could kill someone some day??just think about it...

I own a 'big dog', and I dont ponder on the question, no! I do however socialise her, train her very well, ensure I am in control of her at all times and enjoy her company and intelligence. The only dog I have ever had that bit was my childhood dog. A tiny collie mixbreed!

big dogs, little dogs, in between dogs...it isn't the dog that is the worry it is the way they are raised.

I adore big dogs, we had a border collie which are farily medium dogs i would love a great dane or a german sheperd. My Aunt has a westie which is a small dog and she has gone for meh i dont know how many times the dog hates strangers and i am the person she prefers! imo terriers are always more cross than big dogs. we cant leave that westie w/ any kids or even adults dont get meh wrong i love that westie and wouldnt dream of giving her away they are a very itelligent breed but is a bit too over protective terriers can be just as bad as a big dog they just dont look as intimidating.

ON THE WHOLE DOGS BEHAVIOUR DEPENDS HOW ITS REARED BAD OWNERS ADD UP TO BAD DOGS I OWNED 2 STAFF'S FOR MANY YEARS THEY BROKE MY HEART WHEN THEY DIED THEY WERE AS GOOD AS CHILDREN TO ME AND NEVER EVER SHOWED AGGRESSION TO ME OR KIDS IN FACT DANCER MY GIRL SAVED MY YOUNG NIECE FROM A NASTY ACCIDENT WHILE LEARNING TO WALK SHE FELL INTO A OPEN FIRE AND GRABED HER BY THE NAPPY AND PULLED HER OUT WITH NO MARKS AT ALL MY REACTION WAS NOWHERE AS FAST AS HERS THE LAST THING SHE EVER DID WHILE LAYING BY ME WAS TO REACH ROUND AND LICK ME ON THE HAND CLOSE HER EYES AND DIE EVEN WRITING THIS IS MAKING TEARS IN MY EYES BUT THE HAPPINESS SHE GAVE ME FOR THE 14 YEARS I HAD HER SHE WAS 3 WHEN I HAD HER AS A RESCUE DOG FROM THE EVIL BASTARDS WHO MADE HER FIGHT IN THE PITS

Yes, a dog may go for someone but as you stated - they "were given a reason". If someone is robbing a house and the owner of the dog was at gunpoint, would you expect the dog just to sit there and wag it's tail? No, of course its natural protective instinct will kick in. This is also where those "accidental" bites come into play. Usually a person had bothered or threatened the dog in a way and a nip was given by the dog to correct the person. Also, not all dogs are aggressive- especially not big dogs. It is more likely for a small dog to be aggressive and go after someone because they are more possesive of their owners. Also, this is where training comes into play. A properly trained and corrected dog(not abused when they;ve done something wrong) will almost never attack unless commanded to do so OR the need had arised for it. By assuming that all big dogs are danger on a leash isn't exactly true. Also if you assume particular breeds are dangerous due to the media is also a bad assumption. It is the rare few ill-trained dogs in the world that make the news, not the entire breed or size. Also 8/10 times the breed the media claims that is the attacker isn't always true. F.e. a chow/lab mix was once mistaken as a pitbull. Its the assumption that these breeds are aggressive that has lead them to being banned within neighborhoods and apartment buildings. Yes you own yorkies, ok. So you are taking this perspective of having small dogs because if your dog bites someone they wont cause as much damage but it is still the fact the dog has bitten. Big dogs are stronger are much more powerful than a tiny yorkie and I should know I own 3 115lbs+ bouviers. All of which look intimidating but are the most gentle dogs in the world toward everyone and all animals for that matter. I can take them to the dog park and they will be bullied and jumped on and growled at and all they do is sit there and take it with no response. They enjoy the human companionship at the park more than the pleasure of playing with the dogs. Everyone at the parks love playing and petting with my dogs because they are just so laid-back. But, basically any dog could kill even your little yorkies, so don't pin it all on big dogs - it isn't a very intelligent assumption because I could just as likely ask Why does anyone keep small dogs knowing one day that they might kill. Its not big dogs its all dogs and even then only the rare few will attack at all. It is how they are trained and raised.Hope it helps.

Dear Asker:I understand how you feel and it is a legitimate concern. However, it is not always the bigger dog who is more prone to attack. They just have the capability of doing some serious damage because of their strength.....but to understand animals....and then dogs is to understand why people think your opinion is kinda silly. So I would like to enlighted you to some facts and truths. It is usually never the dogs fault it is the fault of lazy owners who dont know much about dogs....that will make a dog more prone to attack REGARDLESS OF SIZE.I have two Akitas who are walked, socialized, and are very well trained. They are the coolest dogs and will only protect or "go" for someone when it is really necessary. When a stranger reached his hand in my car and over my shoulder they felt it was time to try to remove his hand.I have a neighbor who is extremely lazy and does not take her adorable yorkie ANYWHERE EVER. He is an annoying yapper who has no doggie manners, does not know what a leash is for....and constantly tries to attack anything in our yard including me, my grandkids, my Mom, my dogs.......everything. My dogs truly have the capability of litterally EATING this little terror.....and they just kinda look at him like he is a joke. Whenever we are outside with her dog I have to supervise the little yorkie and pull it off my dogs. While she thinks this is "cute" I already know what is going to happen if I have to pull her adorable (and according to you...... harmless yorkie off my 1 year old grand daughter) I am fully prepared to take her to court.......and demand she give her dog up........mean while by big ole crazy looking dogs love kids.....and don't even bother to really play with my grand daughter bc she is too small.I encourage to you do some research on small dogs.....they are generally not good family pets........because people forget they are animals.......and dogs.....who should be treated just like pitts.........I am so serious.

what a question !sorry to say this, but most small dogs , well go for some one .because people with small dogs will pick up the dog in their arms when the dog goes to attack some one or thing!so the dog does not learn.but with a big dogs you can't pick them up. So you train the dog to be good in situations , fixing the problem. so some times a bigger dogs will get the correct training .look into your dogs eyes, and you will see your self ,in the way the dog has been brought up! any dog is bad if the wrong training is given !