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We consider dogs man's best friends--and kids love those furry creatures, too. But sometimes, the feeling is just not mutual. According to the Center for Disease Control, 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for dog bites each year, and the rate of dog bite-related injuries is highest for children. So it's not surprising that iVillager shesgonecountry1952 sounded worried when she asked the Hot Debates board: "Would you be concerned if your son and daughter-in-law plan to keep a Pit Bull after finding out they are expecting twins?"

Some iVillagers, such as tlflag1620, feel that dogs--specifically, Pit Bulls--get a bad rap because of scary news headlines. "[I would not be concerned] if the dog was well-trained, properly socialized, and had no history of aggressive behavior. My concerns would be the same regardless of breed. I think it is a horrible shame that Pit Bulls are given such a bad rap.... all because some nasty humans train them improperly/abuse them."

But others, such as member iluvzander, feel they would be "worried about any animal large enough to inflict serious harm on a baby." She adds: "Dogs are not to be trusted. That is a statement from my dogs' trainer ... Personally, I would not have the dog and baby at the same time." Member the_big_c think having a Pit Bull around a baby is, simply put, "a bad idea."

Member jezibelle, a registered veterinary nurse, also have mixed feelings about keeping a dog in a home with a baby: "Any dog can be dangerous around children, regardless of breed. Children have been known to have been killed by the family Pomeranian. Cocker Spaniels are notorious for biting kids."

A member of the May 2007 Playgroup, lyndseyandkevin, recently discovered how a beloved family dog can unexpectedly inflict harm when her Goldendoodle (a golden retriever-poodle mix) bit her baby: "I am so sad. This dog was my baby and has never shown any signs of aggression. I just don't know what to do at this point. Try to keep them apart or try to find [the dog] a new home?" She asked fellow iVillagers: "What would you do?"

Member toiny offers a piece of advice: "I would definitely look for a home for the dog. It's just not worth the risk of it happening again and those things can happen in the blink of an eye." Member charrah agrees: "I understand how people feel like their dogs are part of their family, but there is no pet that will ever be as important to me as my chldren. If I saw any bit of aggression, the animal would be gone immediately. Unfortunately, animals are just that, animals, and they can act out at any moment, for no reason and with no warning."

Share your thoughts and leave your comments here. If you have young children, do you keep a family dog? What precautions do you take to make sure your child is out of harm's way?