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Pit bulls are often unfairly stereotyped as violent, child-attacking beasts. However, this perception is far from the truth. Like any other dog, their behavior is primarily influenced by their environment and the care they receive from their owners.
10. Pit Bulls Have Locking Jaws
A widely spread myth about pit bulls is that they possess a special locking mechanism in their jaws that prevents them from releasing their grip. This is completely false. While pit bulls do have powerful jaws and strong muscles, their grip can be broken with the right technique. A tool called a break stick, inserted behind the dog's back teeth and twisted, can open their jaws.
This myth stems from the pit bull's unique biting style, which is influenced by their breeding history. (They are partly descended from terriers.) When a pit bull catches prey, whether it's another dog or a rabbit, they tend to latch on and shake their catch, rather than letting go and biting again.
9. Their Ancestry Includes Dog Fighting Background
This myth traces back to 19th century England, where pit bulls were bred by combining bulldogs with several terrier breeds to create dogs with a perfect mix of energy and endurance. Due to this unique combination, they were eventually used in bloodsport activities like bear-baiting, where dogs were made to fight a bear for entertainment.
When authorities started banning these cruel spectacles, dog fighting became a new form of entertainment, as it was easier to organize and quicker. The agile, swift dogs favored by fighters became the ancestors of modern pit bulls, which is one reason they are still associated with dog fighting today.
8. Pit Bulls Don’t Have The Strongest Bite Among Dogs
A common misconception is that pit bulls have a bite force of up to 2,000 PSI (pounds per square inch), with some even claiming it's higher. For context, a lion's bite force is about 600 pounds. This inflated figure likely comes from confusion in the media, stemming from a study that used Newtons as a force measurement unit. In reality, 2,000 Newtons is roughly equivalent to 450 pounds of bite force.
In a 2007 television special, Dr. Brady Barr from National Geographic conducted a study on dog bite strength, testing three breeds: German Shepherd, Rottweiler, and pit bull. His findings revealed that the Rottweiler had the strongest bite at 325 pounds, while the pit bull came in lowest with only 235 pounds. Subsequent studies indicated that a dog's skull size and shape play a more significant role in bite strength, with mastiffs showing nearly the same bite force as lions.
7. They Actually Have a Surprisingly Calm Nature
The American Temperament Test Society, a non-profit that assesses the temperament of various dog breeds for traits like aggression and friendliness, reports that pit bulls—properly known as the American pit bull terrier—have an impressive passing rate of 86.8%. This is higher than some popular breeds, such as golden retrievers and German shepherds.
Studies have also shown that smaller to medium-sized dogs, like collies and spaniels, tend to be more aggressive toward people than pit bulls. Contrary to the common belief, pit bulls have not been proven to be disproportionately dangerous, and the difficulty the public faces in accurately identifying the breed of a dog involved in an attack is a significant factor in the alleged rise in pit bull attacks.
One of the most telling pieces of evidence is the fact that the national media tends to report pit bull attacks far more frequently and for a longer duration than attacks by other breeds. In reality, studies have shown that pit bulls are responsible for a small fraction of dog attacks, with breeds like Labradors actually accounting for more incidents.
6. They Were Once Incredibly Popular
In the early 1900s, pit bulls were among the most popular choices for family pets, often regarded as the ideal “nanny dog” due to their friendly and loyal nature. This warmth is also why pit bulls don’t typically make effective guard dogs; they tend to view intruders as potential friends rather than threats. Throughout much of their history, pit bulls were seen as non-aggressive animals.
Their predecessors were also highly valued in England before making their way to America. Known as “the Butcher’s Dog,” they were frequently used to herd cows by grabbing their noses and guiding them to the right location as butchers brought them to market. However, this same trait, which made them great herders, also contributed to their effectiveness as fighters when the brutal sport of bear and bull baiting emerged.
5. They Are Excellent Therapy Dogs
Contrary to popular belief, especially in the US, pit bulls have become highly sought after as therapy dogs. These dogs serve various purposes, such as helping their owners get needed exercise, but their primary role is offering emotional support. Studies show that people tend to feel happier when surrounded by friendly dogs, even unfamiliar ones. This is particularly true for children, who often develop strong emotional connections with therapy dogs, especially in the aftermath of tragic events.
Therapy program leaders are aware that pit bulls carry a bad reputation, yet their calm demeanor and tolerance of people make them ideal candidates. This is particularly beneficial when working with children, who can sometimes be a bit rough with animals. Notably, the 2013 American Hero Dog award, given by the American Humane Society, was presented to a pit bull named Elle, who works as a therapy dog.
4. They Are Subject to Numerous Unjust Laws
Due to widespread misconceptions, pit bulls are more heavily targeted than any other dog breed by lawmakers reacting to public fear and misinformation. (As the saying goes: A person is smart; people are often panicky, dangerous creatures.) Studies, including the most extensive dog bite study since the 1970s, show that no breed is more or less likely to be involved in attacks, with factors like the dog's environment being more telling indicators of why an incident occurred.
Additionally, research has demonstrated that breed-specific laws fail to achieve their stated goals of improving public safety. In fact, individuals who would raise pit bulls irresponsibly will continue to do so, but without proper veterinary care, which actually makes these dogs more dangerous. With the owner's identity remaining unknown, law enforcement faces challenges in holding the responsible parties accountable.
3. They Can Experience Pain
Contrary to the common misconception that portrays pit bulls as heartless creatures incapable of feeling, they actually experience pain just like every other dog. However, like many dogs, pit bulls have the ability to block out that sensation if they are focused enough. Due to years of selective breeding to enhance their effectiveness as fighters, pit bulls have developed a remarkably high pain tolerance.
For responsible owners who simply want to raise a healthy pit bull, this pain tolerance can present a real danger. While it makes them more resilient to rough handling by children, it also means that a pit bull could suffer a serious injury without showing any outward signs. This is one reason why pain-based training methods, such as choke chains or shock collars, are not recommended when working with pit bulls.
2. Pit Bulls That Were Trained to Fight Can Be Rehabilitated
Many people believe the saying 'Once a fighter, always a fighter' when it comes to pit bulls that have been trained for dog fighting. Their reputation often makes potential owners hesitant, fearing unprovoked aggression. However, numerous examples, including the notorious dog fighting ring involving NFL player Michael Vick, prove that these dogs can go on to live happy, normal lives.
It’s important for those involved in rehabilitating or adopting former fighting dogs to be aware of their past, but this doesn't mean these dogs should be automatically euthanized. The reason for this is that pit bulls trained to fight are typically taught to attack other dogs, not humans. Many of them are actually very friendly towards people.
1. They Don’t Attack Without Warning
A common theme in many pit bull attack stories, as well as those involving other breeds, is the claim that the dog attacked without any prior warning. This is categorically false, as pit bulls, like all dogs, typically give a warning before attempting to bite. Unfortunately, these signs can be subtle or easily mistaken for playful behavior.
Owners also have a responsibility to ensure their pit bull isn't placed in potentially stressful situations, such as being around children, strangers, or unfamiliar dogs for the first time. Pit bulls will often show signs of wariness in such situations, especially when they have little experience. Biting rarely occurs without a series of escalating signals, with growling almost always preceding an actual bite.
Pit Bull Isn’t Technically A Breed
The term 'pit bull' isn't actually a specific breed of dog; it refers to a group of breeds, including the American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, and Staffordshire bull terrier, along with their various mixed breeds. When most people refer to a pit bull, they are typically thinking of the American pit bull terrier.
