Skip to main content

4 myths about pit bulls you probably believe

A gray and white Pit Bull puppy playing with a tennis ball.
Victoria Rak / Shutterstock

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 Thanks to awareness campaigns on social media, anti-pit-bull legislation has been repealed in some areas, with over 59 cities overturning these outdated and inflammatory laws.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.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

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…
Best guard dogs: These 7 breeds will protect you with their life
These dog breeds are some of the best personal guards you'll find
An Akita sitting on the bed

Most dogs are loyal and loving animals. That’s why we know them as humans’ best friends. They’d do anything for us. For some dogs, “anything” means protecting us with their lives. And these breeds make the best guard dogs. For many of them, it’s instinctual. They’ve evolved to protect the family they love. You’ll notice these pups keeping a watchful eye on your property. They may bark to alert you when your company arrives or the mail gets delivered.
Remember, guard animals mean well. They aren’t trying to be vicious, but instead, they want to keep you and your home safe and sound. Some prospective pet parents want this quality in a dog. If that’s you, consider these breeds that make the best guard dogs.

What is the easiest guard dog to train?
There's a whole group of beasties that are often referred to as the guardian breeds — many of them make this list. Those animals with a predisposition toward defending and alerting will likely also learn their duties quickly. However, you'll also need a pup who has been properly socialized. Remember, you only want your guard to go into protection mode when there's a serious threat, not every time the mailman stops by.

Read more
This is how long you can expect your new pet rabbit to live
Follow these tips to help your rabbit live a long and healthy life
Multicolored rabbit on carpet

Rabbits are pleasant house pets — a delight to care for when you know how to keep them happy and healthy. Like other beloved animals, a pet rabbit’s life expectancy depends on their breed, diet, and living conditions. What is a pet rabbit's lifespan? Let’s dig a little deeper and answer some important questions, such as how long your adorable pet rabbit lives and how to extend their years.

How long do rabbits live?
Here’s a fun fact: The oldest rabbit that ever lived was 18 years old! By contrast, wild rabbits only live up to about three years, since many die very young. But there's good news. In the absence of predators, pet rabbits have a life expectancy of eight to 12 years. Like dogs, larger breeds tend to have a shorter lifespan while smaller rabbits often live at least 10 years.

Read more
Why do cats hate dogs? The answer isn’t all that simple
This is why your dog and cat may not be best friends
A cat and Yorkie playing

"They’re fighting like cats and dogs" is a euphemism often used to describe sibling rivalries, marital strife, or disagreements among company executives. However, it stems from the idea that two of the world’s most popular companion animals, dogs and cats, prefer to feud with one another over forming friendships.

For folks who are distinctly "dog people," "cat people," or "not-into-either people," whether this idea is accurate or not is irrelevant. For those who love — or have — both dogs and cats, it’s essential to determine: Why do cats hate dogs? Better question: Do cats truly hate dogs, or is this cliche a rumor?

Read more