Skip to main content

4 myths about pit bulls you probably believe

A gray and white Pit Bull puppy playing with a tennis ball.

Often maligned as the world’s most dangerous dogs, pit bulls have been included in breed-specific legislation — or BSL — in over 900 cities. While these laws don’t always specify pits, their language makes one thing clear: You aren’t welcome here if you own a pit bull. BSL also targets breeds like Dobermans and Rottweilers. Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, and Wisconsin have the strictest BSLs in the country. Thanks to awareness campaigns on social media, anti-pit-bull legislation has been repealed in some areas, with over 59 cities overturning these outdated and inflammatory laws. That’s a helpful step, but pit bulls still get a bad rap. Is it warranted? Are pit bulls aggressive? We’ll bust the top four myths about pit bulls you probably still believe.

Myth #1: Pit bulls are all one breed

If you’ve ever marveled at how different two pit bulls look from each other, there’s a good reason they do. Bronwen Dickey, author of Pit Bull: The Battle over an American Icon, states that the pit bull isn’t one specific breed; rather, like a hound, it’s a type of dog.

Four breeds make up the pit bull type: the American bully, the American pit bull terrier, the American Staffordshire terrier, and the Staffordshire bull terrier. Interestingly, “pit bull” has become an umbrella term for any dog who looks like they’re one of the aforementioned breeds. As Dickey points out, many breeds who have been identified as pit bulls “don’t have any of those breeds in their DNA.”

Myth #2: Pit bulls are dangerous

Have you ever wondered, “Are pit bulls good family dogs?” According to research, their temperaments are better suited to family life than many popular breeds. Before dogfighting rings became wildly popular, pit bulls were known as a “nanny breed” because they form fast bonds with their families, especially children. Sadly, around 2,800 pit bulls are euthanized each day due to decades of rampant misinformation, horrific abuse, and pervasive greed.

Pit bulls are staunchly loyal, easy to train, tireless, and strong. The very traits that make them such devoted family members were twisted by dogfighters for personal gain. Damages to the pit bull’s reputation have had long-term ramifications for these pups. The ASPCA notes that modern-day pit bulls are descended from English bullbaiting dogs. Some were bred as fighters, while others were bred as working dogs famous for becoming affectionate companions. However, studies show that even pit bulls who were bred to fight aren’t naturally more aggressive toward their owners than other dogs. Improper handling and abuse, not genetics, cause aggressive behavior in dogs, including pit bulls.

A brown Pit Bull puppy lying beside a striped kitten on a white background.

Myth #3: Pit bulls don’t get along well with other pets

Many dogs, including pit bulls, Dobermans, German shepherds, and Siberian huskies, are branded as too dangerous to bring into a multi-pet household. That being said, the ASPCA describes well-trained pit bulls as “one of the most delightful, intelligent, and gentle dogs imaginable.”

Because many states, cities, and small towns have banned pit bulls and pit bull-type breeds, you should check local ordinances before you bring home a pit. Purchase from a thoroughly vetted breeder — or adopt from a rescue that knows your dog’s origins — to ensure you aren’t taking home a former fighting dog if you have other pets in your home.

Small dogs, cats, and even rabbits are frequently used as bait in dogfights, so an ex-fighter may react with aggression around other animals. It’s best to adopt a puppy, so you can ensure your pit bull receives adequate training and proper socialization.

As with any other new addition, you should introduce your pit bull to other family members slowly and supervise your pets at all times. Some pit bulls get along well with other dogs, cats, and rabbits, while others may prefer to be the only pet in the house. However, this is true of all dogs. When in doubt, consider muzzle conditioning while your pit bull is with other animals.

Myth #4: Pit bulls have locking jaws and 1,600 PSI

One of the most common myths about pit bulls is their jaws lock, enabling them to latch on and not let go. University of Georgia Professor Emeritus Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin says otherwise: Pit bulls “did not have any unique mechanism that would allow these dogs to lock their jaws.” Another misconception centers on a pit bull’s biting power; some claim it measures thousands of pounds of pressure per square inch (PSI), but these claims have no scientific basis whatsoever. In reality, a pit bull’s PSI is around 235, much lower than the Turkish Kangal’s impressive PSI of 734. German shepherds, bulldogs, and mastiffs also have a higher PSI than pit bulls, yet most people don’t fear and vilify them the way they do pit bulls.

Pit bulls aren’t bad dogs

If detractors are to be believed, pit bulls are the stuff of nightmares: They’ll attack small children, other animals, and even their own pet parents. The reality is far less worthy of clickbait news articles. Any dog can be aggressive if they’re mishandled, abused, or neglected. Proper socialization, consistent training, and patience are essential for any dog owner. Train your dog well, make introductions slowly, and you’ll see that a pit bull can become a loving, devoted member of the family.

Editors' Recommendations

Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Looking for a fluffy and affectionate pup? Give the American Eskimo dog a try
Considering a spitz? Take a look at the American Eskimo dog
American Eskimo dog smiling at the camera

At first glance, you might confuse an American Eskimo dog with a shih tzu or even a Pomeranian. Or you might mix them up with the Canadian Eskimo dog, a 4,000-year-old animal that's native to America and was bred by the Inuit to pull sleds. But the American Eskimo dog (or Eskie) is a totally separate breed that's both beautiful and family-friendly. While no dog is right for everyone, you should consider this beastie if you want a unique and lovable pup. They might be exactly what your home needs to become complete.
Where does the American Eskimo dog come from?
Don't be fooled by the name, this pup came about in the 1800s and was bred by German immigrants as a farm dog. That means it's one of many spitz dogs, which also includes the malamute, Icelandic sheepdog, and Samoyed. The name was changed because of anti-German sentiments around World War I. Interestingly, this was a very popular show dog, and many performed in the circus and on stage! If you do wind up adopting an Eskie, you could get a regular old diva.
What is this breed like?
These fluffy friends can stay as small as 6 pounds in the toy size or up to 35 pounds, which can be standard, but they all have huge personalities regardless of stature. Because the American Eskimo dog was a working breed, they need a lot more exercise than you'd think just by looking. But they're highly trainable, loving toward people, and very energetic, so you should have no problem taking them on walks and to outdoor gatherings. If your routine already includes hikes or even strolls, the American Eskimo dog might be your perfect companion.

Who should get an Eskie?
This is a family dog through and through. Eskies require a lot of interaction and love — they sometimes misbehave if not given enough attention, which could include chewing up your favorite furniture or barking incessantly at seemingly nothing. That means you want to think carefully before committing to them, as you would with any pup.

Read more
All about the incredible greyhound dog
Love the greyhound dog breed? Here's what to know about these canines
A greyhound on a fuzzy rug

The greyhound dog breed has a sweet but noble demeanor. These large-sized hounds are built for speed with a narrow, aerodynamic body perfect for running down prey. History traces these dogs back to ancient Egypt.

Today, the pups like to track down treats. However, the breed has been at the center of controversy -- through no fault of their own. Because of their speed, they’ve been used as race dogs, a practice now illegal in most states in the U.S.

Read more
Here are 60 cute dog names for every aesthetic: cottagecore, grunge, Y2K, and more
These unique dog names are inspired by aesthetics, like barbiecore
A corgi dog standing in front of a pink background looks up and to the side with big eyes

If you spend enough time on social media -- particularly sites like Tumblr, Pinterest, or TikTok -- you'll become at least somewhat familiar with "aesthetics." These are moods or styles that influence art, clothing and decor choices, and even what someone posts online. Any vibe can be an aesthetic if it drives your style choices, so why not let your favorite aesthetics inspire your new dog's name as well?
These canine monikers range from timeless to eccentric (and everything in between), but they all have one thing in common: They're all sure to put a smile on your face. Whether they remind you of something adorable, something nostalgic, or something totally epic, these cute dog names are the perfect wealth of information to start your search with.

Cottagecore dog names inspired by the cute, woodsy aesthetic that's trending right now
Of all the popular aesthetics on the internet right now, cottagecore is arguably the most popular. These vibes can be described as natural, romantic, and vintage -- and they're just about every gardener's dream come true. If you've ever imagined yourself tending a garden and knitting a sweater in the English countryside or foraging for mushrooms in the forest with your animal companion, this aesthetic might be for you.

Read more