I would not own most of the guard dog breeds that account for a disproportionately high amount of all dog attacks and fatal dog attacks. This is an area that sharply divides people because, just like topics such as firearms, capital punishment, or abortion, both sides present credible arguments. Pit bull advocacy organizations are quick to point out that violent dogs are largely a reflection upon owners, and pit bulls can be very loving dogs. That is certainly true. Anti-pit bull advocacy organizations are quick to point out that the statistics show that pit bulls account for the large majority of dog attacks and fatal dog attacks, and that this data suggests the same even when factoring in factors such as neglect. That is also true. The general negative perception of these dogs, and the legislation that regulates where you can have them, are also reasons I would prefer not to own one. The reason I went in the direction of rabbits is because you can take them just about anywhere, even where animals are technically not permitted, and no one really cares.
I would not own any of the herding dogs now as I do not have enough area or enough time to give them the constant physical and mental engagement needed to prevent them from becoming destructive and depressed.
I also would not intentionally purchase a purebred and especially not the intentionally miniaturized purebreds. I would adopt one, but I've noticed a tendency for many purebreds to have complicated health issues, where as all of our lovable mutts over the years have been extremely healthy. Last I read, most research found that purebreds were more susceptible to certain genetic disorders. To a certain extent, I am seeing some similarities with rabbits.
