Are Pit Bulls And Rottweilers The Right Choice As Guard Dogs In India?

There is a trend catching on in the northern part of India; especially in Punjab, where people are replacing guard dogs like German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers with alleged ferocious dogs like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.

The results have been catastrophic so far. As these dogs are turning out too hard to control for most of the owners due to the aggressive nature of these breeds.

Recently, a Pit Bull left an 8-year old boy critical in Chandigarh on Saturday and a Rottweiler killed the 52-year-old caretaker of a farmhouse in a Panipat village.

What did the experts say?

According to veterinarians and breeders, the entry of these breeds is either banned or restricted in many countries, and to keep these aggressive dogs, there are some rules and regulations that owners have to follow.

Pit Bulls and Rottweilers Used For Showing-off

Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are in high demand in the regions of Punjab to portray a macho image, show a status symbol, dogfights, and for better screen presence in movies or Punjabi music albums. People usually go for these dogs to show off in the neighborhood. These dogs are seldom treated well!

Did You Know?

In Countries like UK, US, Canada, and half of Europe, you actually need a license to keep a Pit Bull or a Rottweiler.

Need laws in India to keep these breeds

“In some foreign countries, keeping these breeds is allowed after police verification to ensure they are not used for crime. We don’t have these laws,” said Dr. MR Singla.

Dr Kanwarjit Singh, head of the government pet clinic in Chandigarh, said,

“These breeds required adequate space and exercise but people are keeping them in small apartments and failing to give them enough time out of their busy schedules. These breeds have almost replaced old faithful German Shepherd and Doberman, which had a good temperament. People are going for a status symbol, unaware that sometimes even we vets find it tough to control these dogs for treatment.”

Dog trainer, Shiv Kaushal blamed the fatal incidents on improper training and socializing of the breeds.

“Pit Bull and Rottweiler are playful and friendly if trained and socialized adequately. The problem is people train them only for fights, which makes them aggressive,” he said.

Read Also:  Pitbull Dog Fighting Continues In Mullanpur, Punjab

Chandigarh Kennel Club general secretary, HS Aulakh sought harsh punishment for owners who don’t train or socialize these dogs.

“These breeds carry a bad name but can be controlled with responsibility and caution,” he said.

Reference: The Times Of India

 Do you think people should use these breeds as guard dogs in India?

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