The heartbreaking death of 7-month-old Elizah Turner in Columbus, Ohio, on April 9, 2025, serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of keeping pets without the means to manage them properly. This tragedy is not an isolated incident. In April 2024, a 6-month-old baby in Baytown, Texas, was killed by a pit bull in a similar domestic setting. Another case in 2024 saw parents in Tennessee indicted for involuntary manslaughter after their pit bull killed their infant. These incidents underscore the risks of keeping powerful breeds in homes without the resources to ensure safety.

Data on dog bites further illustrates the danger. Around 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, with 800,000 seeking medical treatment, often due to the severity of injuries caused by larger breeds.

Cognitive Development & Emotional Maturity: Dogs Vs. Babies

The cognitive development and emotional maturity of dogs, particularly breeds like pit bulls, are strikingly limited compared to human adults, and even when compared to human babies, the differences are nuanced but critical. Fully grown dogs possess a cognitive capacity equivalent to a human child aged two years. They can learn commands, solve simple problems, and form associations, but they lack abstract reasoning, self-reflection, and the ability to plan for the future. Emotionally, dogs experience basic emotions like joy, fear, anger, and love, driven by the same brain structures and hormones as humans. However, they do not experience complex emotions such as guilt, shame, or sympathy, and their emotional responses are heavily instinct-driven.

By two and a half years, a human child begins to recognize and express emotions like jealousy. For example, my two-year-old son sometimes tries to slap his two-month-old sibling out of jealousy over the loss of parental attention. However, a child’s emotional regulation is still rudimentary, much like a dog’s, leading to impulsive actions. The key difference lies in physical capability. Both the dog and the toddler lack the cognitive ability to fully understand the consequences of their actions, but the dog’s physical power amplifies the risk.

Breeds Used for Safety, Security, and Fighting

Certain dog breeds have been selectively bred for safety, security, or fighting, roles that leverage their physical strength, protective instincts, and aggression. For security and safety, breeds like the German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, Cane Corso, Giant Schnauzer, Bullmastiff, and Akita are common. These dogs were historically used to guard property, protect livestock, or serve in police and military roles due to their loyalty, alertness, and trainability. Breeds used for fighting include the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), Presa Canario, Tosa Inu, and various mastiffs like the Neapolitan Mastiff. Pit bulls, for instance, were bred in the 19th century for bull-baiting and dog fighting, a practice that selected for tenacity and aggression toward other animals.

These breeds are equipped with powerful instincts and urges that reflect their roles. Guard dogs like German Shepherds have a strong territorial instinct, barking or attacking to protect their space. Physically, these dogs are formidable: pit bulls and Rottweilers have jaw strengths capable of inflicting severe injury, with sharp claws and teeth designed for gripping and tearing.

Affordability and Traditional Handling

Historically, owning such breeds was a privilege of the wealthy, who could afford the resources to manage them properly. These dogs were kept outside homes, often at gates or on large estates, where they patrolled perimeters or guarded livestock. Trained security guards or handlers managed them, forming strong emotional bonds that ensured loyalty and control. For example, Akitas in feudal Japan guarded nobility, while Komondors protected herds in Hungary, living among livestock in rural settings. German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, used by military forces, were conditioned through rigorous training to respond to commands, their loyalty to their “master” reinforced by the handler’s authority. These setups required significant financial investment—large campuses, secure enclosures, and professional training were not cheap, making these breeds accessible primarily to the elite.

The Present Scenario: A Dangerous Mismatch

Today, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Unaware or irresponsible individuals are increasingly keeping these breeds as pets for emotional support, as “weapons” to project toughness, or simply to show off, often without the required affordability or space. Many live in tiny homes or apartments, where these high-energy, instinct-driven dogs lack the room to expend their energy or fulfil their natural roles. This confined environment exacerbates stress, increasing the likelihood of instinctual outbursts. The trend of using breeds like pit bulls for emotional support overlooks their inherent risks.

Natural Instincts vs. Domestic Restrictions

The natural instincts of these breeds, particularly their meat-eating behavior, clash with the restrictions of domestic life. Breeds like pit bulls or Cane Corsos are carnivorous by nature, descended from predators that hunted and consumed raw meat. In a home, however, they’re fed processed kibble on a schedule, a far cry from their natural diet. This restriction can lead to frustration, especially for large breeds with high energy and prey drives. Moreover, sharing space and warmth with humans, such as sleeping in beds or on couches creates a dependency on these comforts. When that comfort is disrupted, such as by the arrival of a new baby or family member, the dog may feel threatened, perceiving the newcomer as a rival for resources. A dog in the same scenario, with similar cognitive maturity, might react similarly but with far greater consequences.

The Risks: Power, Urges, and Unpredictability

The risks of keeping such breeds in homes are profound. Their sheer power due to muscular builds, strong jaws, sharp claws, and teeth makes them capable of inflicting severe harm. Large breeds are aware of their physical dominance. They may act on natural urges to attack when they feel threatened or displaced. Even guests unknown to the dog can be at risk. In 2024, a pit bull in Detroit killed 59-year-old Harold Phillips during a walk, showing how these dogs can target anyone perceived as a threat. Many of these breeds, like pit bulls, have wolf ancestry, sharing genetic traits that enhance their predatory instincts. Keeping them as pets is akin to taming a wolf or lion. While bonding is possible, their primal urges remain, making them inherently unpredictable in a domestic setting.

Safer Alternatives for Emotional Support

Instead of risking such dangers, people may opt for smaller, harmless animals that are better suited for emotional support. Small dog breeds like Pugs or Shih Tzus are affectionate and thrive on companionship . Their smaller size means they’re less likely to cause harm. Even if they feel jealous as barking or withdrawing is more common than attacking. Vegetarian animals like hamsters or rabbits offer a calming presence with minimal upkeep, ideal for small spaces. These animals lack the physical capability to inflict serious injury, making them safe around children and guests. Crucially, never leave babies alone with pets, regardless of the animal’s size or temperament. Constant supervision is non-negotiable to ensure the safety of vulnerable infants.

Reemphasizing Affordability and Priorities

Affordability is non-negotiable when choosing a pet. Keeping a large, instinct-driven breed without the means to provide proper space, training, and care is risky. It’s akin to owning a gun for safety when you can’t afford food. We should prioritize your family’s safety and financial stability over the allure of a powerful pet. The tragic loss of Elizah Turner and countless others should be a wake-up call: get your priorities straight, and choose a pet you can responsibly care for, ensuring a harmonious and safe environment for all.