Roger Nelson -> Jim White wrote:
 RN>>> Contrary to popular belief, a Pit Bull can be a nice dog if raised
 RN>>> properly. Still not my favorite breed, however.  I'll stick to the
 RN>>> shepherds.

 JW>> I agree completely.  We have an 11 yr old pit/bulldog mix rescue
 RN> that can
 JW>> be very intimidating to strangers in our house.  But outside, in the
 JW>> public area, he's the sweetest most lovable dog you could want to meet.
 JW>> Being a rescue, he's very protective of his territory and his saviors.

 RN> How does the dog behave when you're feeding it?

No issues whatsoever.  We can pet him, move the food or take it away. He is
so grateful for his new life that he accepts us as the Alphas in his life.

 JW>> We also have a very sociable 13 yr old rott.  I've known dobe's
 JW>> that are pussycats too.  Most of it (I think) is in how they
 JW>> were handled and socialized when they were young.

 RN> Rotties are sweet, but look kind of intimidating.

Intimidating to others, but rarely to an owner or one that knows the breed.
 My daughter has an 11 yr old female that I've known since she was 2. 
Daughter is also the secretary for the local rottweiler club, so I've had
the opportunity to meet a handful of other rotts belonging to friends or
club members.  I can honestly say that I've never met a rott that I didn't
like.  But I will add a disclaimer saying that these are all owned by
responsible people and the dogs are all VERY well behaved and have
excellent manners.  I'm sure there are irresponsible people out there doing
backyard breeding and making mean rotties, but I have not yet met any of
these animals or people.

 RN> The first time I saw one up close was when I met up with my
 RN> daughter and her family in Lafayette on our way to Texas to escape
 RN> Katrina.  I got into the suburban and felt this hot breath on my neck.
 RN> I turned around to see a 150 pound Rottie staring me in the face and
 RN> she looked like she needed some water.

  I can just picture this scene!!

 RN> So, before we took off again, I poured some artesian water
 RN> into my cupped hand and let her drink.  I had to repeat that several
 RN> times. 

I imagine quite a few repetitions!!  They are very gentle giants
that are happiest when with their people.

--- Thunderbird 2.0.0.18 (Windows/20081105)