The popular image of a Pit Bull and breeds of this ilk is a snarling dog straining at the leash with its tattooed owner barely controlling it. But there’s a whole group of responsible dog owners who feel restricted breeds are being wrongly demonised.
In Pit Bull we hear from the Irish owners of the dogs that people fear – and ask them why they are drawn to these restricted breeds? Across the documentary we meet some of the surprising owners – from the suburban couple, to a Crufts winner, to couples with young children – as these owners talk the pitfalls and responsibilities that come with owning a breed on Ireland’s restricted list.
Should these restricted breeds be banned? Are these dogs genetically programmed to be dangerous and is it only a matter of time before they attack? Or are they only dangerous if mistreated? Are restricted breeds as safe and predictable as any other dog with the right kind of care and training.
Over the programme we meet Bull Terriers & Rottweilers, Alsatians and Mastiffs, even the famous Direwolves from Game of Thrones make an appearance. Issues like illegal dog fighting and dog baiting are tackled and we also see first hand the lasting impact a serious dog attack can have on a child. We also follow the story of a dog currently on dog death row, as its owners battle this sentence through the courts.
We meet Lily Colgan from Artane, who owns four Staffordshire Bull Terriers. She is the champion of restricted breeds who believes its ‘deed not breed’ which should define a dangerous dog. We visit K9 Security training as they train Alsatians and Rottweilers to act as family guard dogs. Is it right to encourage aggression in these dogs? How can owners be sure that they will only attack intruders?
Whether you are a dog lover or the sight of a big dog fills you with fear viewers will hear from all sides as we take a non-judgmental look at the most dangerous dogs in Ireland, the people who own them and what it feels like to walk the streets accompanied by the toughest dog in the pound.