We appreciate you taking the time to learn more about this wonderful breed. There are many myths surrounding the American Pit Bull Terrier and hopefully after reading this article you’ll become an advocate for spreading #factoverfear

MYTH: All Pit Bulls are mean and vicious.

It is reported on temperament tests conducted by the American Temperament Test Society that pit bulls had a passing rate of 82% or better — compared to only 77% of the general dog population.

These temperament tests consist of putting a dog through a series of unexpected situations, some involving strangers.

Any signs of unprovoked aggression or panic in these situations result in failure of the test. The achievement of pit bulls in this study disproves that they are inherently aggressive to people. (Please visit ATTS.org)

MYTH: Aggression towards other animals means people are next.

Unlike the case for humans – animal aggression and human aggression are not related to one another in the canine brain. A person who is abusive to animals is likely to cross species and be abusive towards humans, science tells us. A dog who is aggressive towards one animal, may or may not be aggressive towards another animal – it does not cross into other species, they are individual of one another.

Aggression towards humans is very abnormal for pit bull type dogs. They are not naturally or inherently aggressive towards humans. Aggression comes from many factors involving environment, development during critical periods, but most importantly, human shaping of behavior. Though trained for centuries to aggress on other dogs or bulls, they have never collectively been bred to be human-aggressive – a characteristic very different than animal aggression in canines. Additionally, it is frowned upon now in the responsible breeding community to breed any two dogs, (pit bull terriers or otherwise) that show signs of true animal or human aggression.

MYTH: If a Pit Bull was never trained to fight, it will be safe with other dogs.

Pit bulls can live peacefully with other dogs and animals. However, the pit bull has historically been bred to take down large animals. Early and continual socialization can help a pit bull be more animal friendly. Genetics, however, play an important role in how the dog will respond to other dogs and animals.

Pit bull type dogs have been bred with a very high pain tolerance and strong will/work ethic. All dogs are individuals and carry their own unique set of traits and characteristics, however, having an understanding of what they were selectively bred for can help understand commonalities in their behavior. Any dog can become uncomfortable enough for their fight/flight/freeze system to take over. Often in the case of pit bulls, (most certainly not always) given their breeding, their fight system may be engaged. Proper socialization, meeting their needs as they grow and develop, proper nutrition, and responsible ownership all play a role in preventing dog fights. All dog fights are preventable. Socialize any dog, pit bull or other, slowly with new dogs.

As is the case for any dog, a pit bull that was dog friendly at 7 months of age may suddenly show signs of intolerance of unfamiliar dogs around two years old given that is around the time of the last inset of maturity.

MYTH: American Pit Bull Terriers have 1600 P.S.I. in jaw pressure

Dr. Lehr Brisbin of the University of Georgia states, “To the best of our knowledge, there are no published scientific studies that would allow any meaningful comparison to be made of the biting power of various breeds of dogs.

There are, moreover, compelling technical reasons why such data describing biting power in terms of “pounds per square inch” can never be collected in a meaningful way. All figures describing biting power in such terms can be traced to either unfounded rumor or, in some cases, to newspaper articles with no foundation in factual data.”

MYTH: American Pit Bull Terriers lock their jaws.

Dr. Brisbin: “The few studies which have been conducted of the structure of the skulls, mandibles and teeth of pit bulls show that, in proportion to their size, their jaw structure and thus its inferred functional morphology, is no different than that of any breed of dog.

There is absolutely no evidence for the existence of any kind of “locking mechanism” unique to the structure of the jaw and/or teeth of the American Pit Bull Terrier.

MYTH: Treadmills are only used to get dogs ready to fight.

Many responsible owners utilize treadmills to help exercise their dogs. This is useful in places where weather prevents outdoor exercise, or in situations where off-leash exercise in not an option.

The treadmill is used by people that show their dogs, and do sporting activities like weight pull and agility to help keep their dogs in shape. Since pit bulls are athletic animals, generally speaking, responsibly using a treadmill can help them be healthier and happier.

MYTH: Pit bulls’ brains swell/never stop growing.

This rumor started with the Doberman, and has since been said about game-bred dogs in general. The concept of an animal’s brain swelling or growing too large and somehow causing the animal to “go crazy” is not based in truth in any way.

Their brains grow at the same rate as any other dog, and the only time that a Pit Bull’s brain is going to swell is if it receives a serious injury. If an animal’s brain were to grow too big for its head, the animal would die.

MYTH: It is unsafe to get a pit bull from a rescue or shelter because their past/genetics are unknown.

Under the best of circumstances, it is great to know the history of a dog, the history and health of its parents, and what that line of dogs were bred for.

If a person is buying a pit bull from a breeder, this information should be of top importance. However, in most shelter/rescue cases this information is not available. The pit bull at the shelter will often be a wonderful companion. It is important to know the general behavior of the dog.

Has it shown any aggression towards humans? Most pit bull rescues will not accept or adopt out pit bulls with any level of aggression or excessive shyness towards humans. How does this dog do with other dogs? Has it shown any undesirable behavior or habits?

It is suggested that a potential adopter bring the whole family to meet the dog. Often, shelters and rescues will allow you to take the dog for a home visit to see how they respond to the new surroundings. Most adoptions of pit bull type dogs are amazing successes, and the adopter is not only receiving a family companion, but they are also saving a life!

MYTH: It is best to get a puppy so that you can make it behave how you want it to.

Many people feel if they get a pit bull as a puppy they can train it to not be aggressive towards other dogs and increase the likelihood that the dog will have no undesirable behavior qualities.

Puppies can be a lot of fun and very rewarding, but with a new puppy there is no way of knowing how that dog will act as an adult.

One benefit of adopting a young adult or full grown pit bull is the ability to avoid the uncomfortable puppy behavior stage. This includes constant destructive chewing, house breaking, excessive and uncontrollable energy, teething and puppy biting, possible whining, howling, and barking for attention at night, and the time and effort it takes to begin teaching general manners and obedience.

Another benefit is that an adopter can know how an adult Pit Bull will do with other dogs, cats, children, car rides, and other certain situations. Bringing a puppy up in the most loving and social environment can only alter its predetermined genetic urges so much.

In other words, having a dog since puppyhood does not necessarily mean it will have all of the qualities desired in a pet. It may end up having some traits that are undesirable. An adult Pit Bull, however, will have more of an established personality, and an adopter can know what to expect with the dog.