With so much false information out there about pit bull-type dogs, it can be difficult to differentiate fact from myth.
The truth is, pit bulls are one of the most misunderstood dogs in the world – so what’s myth and what’s fact? This Pit Bull Awareness Month, we’re debunking eight common misconceptions about the “breed.”
1. Myth: Pit bull is a breed.
Fact: Did you know that “pit bull” isn’t even technically a breed? “Pit bull” is an umbrella term for various breeds including American pit bull terrier, American bully, and Staffordshire bull terrier.
2. Myth: Pit bulls are an inherently aggressive breed.
Fact: Environmental factors cause aggression, not a particular breed or type of dog.
Aggression is not a breed characteristic, and environmental influences are often the cause of aggression in dogs. In fact, the American Temperament Test Society found that pit bull-type dogs generally scored higher on the temperament test compared to other dogs.
While a dog’s genetics may predispose it to behave in certain ways, genetics do not exist in a vacuum. Behavior develops through a complex interaction between environment and genetics. All dogs, including pit bull-type dogs, are individuals. Treating them as such, providing them with the care, training ,and supervision they require, and judging them by their actions and not by their DNA or their physical appearance is the best way to ensure that dogs and people can continue to share safe and happy lives together.
A volunteer enjoys some quality time with Grit City pittie, Quincey.
3. Myth: Pit bulls are not friendly.
Fact: Many pit bull-type dogs are friendly and loving – it all depends on the individual dog.
Unfortunately, pit bulls get a bad rap when it comes to their personality traits and level of friendliness. But many pit bulls are friendly, affectionate dogs that bring a lot of love to a home. Thousands of pit bulls are adopted every year, become beloved family members, and leave a lasting impression on many hearts.
“We refer to them as Grit City pitties around here,” says Aidan Barba, dog services lead at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. Barba holds certification in applied animal behavior from the University of Washington and has been part of the shelter’s operations team for five years.
“I find that a lot of people who fear pit bull-type dogs have never interacted with one. I see firsthand every day how a simple interaction with these dogs changes a person’s perspective. There’s a reason this type of dog quickly becomes beloved by staff, volunteers, and adopters.”
Aidan Barba, the shelter’s dogs services lead, completes a intake exam for a puppy.
4. Myth: Pit bulls are more likely to bite.
Fact: Biting is not breed-specific and is often caused by other factors.
The breed of a dog does not determine if they’re more likely to bite or not. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) agrees, stating that “it is the dog’s individual history, behavior, general size, number of dogs involved, and the vulnerability of the person bitten that determines the likelihood of biting and whether a dog will cause a serious bite injury.”
5. Myth: Pit bulls have locking jaws.
Fact: Possibly one of the most prolific myths about pit bull-type dogs. The truth islock jaw in pit bull-type dogs, or any breed or mix of dog, simply does not exist. No dog breed has a jaw structure that acts like a locking mechanism.
6. Myth: Pit bulls are more likely than other breeds to injure humans.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence that indicates one kind of dog is more likely to injure a human than another.
According to a study by the AVMA, “Controlled studies have not identified this breed group [pit bull-type dogs] as disproportionately dangerous.”
7. Myth: Pit bulls don’t make good family pets.
Fact: All dogs have individual needs and preferences – pit bulls can make wonderful family pets.
Just like people, dogs are individuals with their own needs and preferences. There are many dogs, including pit bulls, that have been and are currently wonderful family pets who are loved by both adults and children.
“The 107 pit bulls who came to our shelter in the span of 14 months from a notorious abuse case are great examples of how loving this breed is,” says Barba.
“Nearly all the dogs have since been adopted by families who have shared wonderful updates about how they continue to blossom in their homes. Some have human siblings they formed fast friendships with, some wear cozy sweaters, and some enjoy playdates at their doggy daycare.”
(Left) Rosie cuddling with her dog sibling. (Right) Rosie and her family out on a walk.
8. Myth: Pit bulls cannot be trained.
Fact: Dogs require daily enrichment. Enrichment is achieved through meeting basic needs (food, water, shelter, and care) in tandem withmental and physical exercise.Pit bull-type dogs are no exception.
Challenges that arise during training for any breed of dog are often environmental rather than instinctual. With positive reinforcement training techniques, responsible dog guardians can find what positively motivates their dog while addressing any underlying fear, anxiety, or physical ailments that could hinder the dog’s ability to learn.
How You Can Help Pit Bull-Type Dogs in Your Community
Educate: Best Friends Animal Society and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offer robust resources from reputable studies and outlets with everything you need to know about pit bull-type dogs.
Advocate: In July 2023, the City of Tacoma passed new rental housing legislation prohibiting landlords from enforcing breed restrictions. However, other jurisdictions continue to enforce ineffective breed-specific legislation that results in families having to choose between their beloved pittie and the roof over their head. Find out if your city, county, and state’s housing legislation is pet inclusive and help put an end to breed-specific legislation.
Support Pitties at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County: Did you know in 2022, our shelter cared for 747 pit bull-type dogs? That makes up more than a quarter of the total dogs we cared for that year!
“Adopting, fostering, or volunteering at the shelter are ways you can directly impact the lives of pit bull-type dogs at our shelter,” says Barba. “Your love, care, and companionship make a world of difference for our Grit City pitties- whether for a few hours, a few days, or a lifetime.”
Shop to Support
Show your support for Grit City pitties by adopting, fostering, or wearing your support with our Grit City pitties merch. Your support directly impacts the lives of pit bull-type dogs.
