Urban Legends About Pit Bulls

Broadly speaking, we call "Pit Bull" any dog with a short coat, square head, and muscular build. That would include breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The term is also used for mixed-breed dogs that share this look.

Their tough build, in fact, has unfairly earned them a bad social image. It's a controversial breed that leaves no one indifferent. So let's take a look at how much truth there is in the urban legends surrounding Pit Bulls.

7 False Myths About Pit Bulls

Before we start, it's worth noting that no dog breed is inherently more or less aggressive. Danger is something that must be assessed on an individual basis, since many factors play into it: inherent genetics, socialization, training, the attention they receive, and so on.

Their Jaws Lock and Can't Release Once They Bite

Pit Bulls share this urban legend with Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers. It's been scientifically proven false. Dr. Lehr Brisbin of the University of Georgia, in the U.S., studied these dogs' skull morphology and confirmed there's no physiological mechanism supporting this claim.

So it's not true that a Pit Bull's jaw locks when it bites. In fact, their bite works just like that of any other dog.

They're All Aggressive and Fight With Other Dogs

This is another false myth that follows them, stemming from their past connection to the dogfighting pits organized back in the 19th century. Even though breeders at the time selected individuals that were aggressive toward other dogs but friendly with people, this stereotype has stuck around.

Pit Bulls, like other breeds such as Terriers, hunting dogs, or herding breeds, aren't especially aggressive toward each other, as long as they've received proper socialization and training suited to their temperament and needs.

Looking at their behavior in general terms, these dogs aren't especially sociable or aggressive — they fall somewhere in between. Nor is it true that having fought with another dog means they'll do the same with their owner or another person. They're able to tell situations apart and adapt their behavior accordingly.

They Go Crazy Because Their Brain Outgrows Their Skull

Just as is claimed about the Doberman, as we discussed in our post Myths and Legends About the Doberman, it's said that once Pit Bulls reach maturity, they go crazy and attack anyone because their brain grows beyond what their skull can hold. This is flatly false, since if it were true, it would kill the animal.

Their Bite Exceeds 1,600 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch)

Converted to the metric system, 1,600 PSI would be around 112.49 kgf per square centimeter, which, in case you didn't know, is an absurd amount. On top of that, accurately measuring an animal's true bite force is tricky. National Geographic made an attempt by measuring the bite of several species.

The findings, although not 100% scientific, were surprising. The average dog bite comes in around 320 PSI, while lions, tigers, and hyenas exceed 1,000 PSI. So it's a bit reckless to claim Pit Bulls out-bite lions, don't you think?

They Don't Feel Pain While Fighting

These dogs, just like us, can experience reduced pain in emotionally intense situations, especially when their survival is on the line. The adrenaline surge is so strong that the sensation of pain takes a back seat, but that doesn't mean Pit Bulls don't feel pain at all.

They're Unstable and Unpredictable

If they're healthy and receive the care they need, their temperament will be stable. In fact, the American Temperament Test Society has studied this, and you'll be surprised to learn that Pit Bull temperament is among the most stable compared to other breeds.

According to their statistics, Dachshunds, Chinese Shar-Peis, and Beagles scored worse in terms of behavioral instability.

They Can't Be Rehabilitated

This is another falsehood. Rehabilitation after a violent attack may be harder for some individuals, but a high percentage of treated Pit Bulls manage to be rehabilitated when given professional care within a socialization and training program designed specifically for them. That's the only real requirement: an individualized approach.

An Excellent Breed as a Guard Dog

Although they were originally bred to take on animals far more powerful than themselves, like bulls or bears, Pit Bulls have proven to be just as loving and loyal to their owners as many other dog breeds. Two examples that illustrate this perfectly are the cases of Wallace and Hector.

The former was rescued from certain euthanasia to become a champion in disc dog competitions, while Hector is certified to take part in geriatric and hospital therapy programs after a past as a fighting dog. As you can see, what's commonly said about certain breeds isn't always true, no matter how often it's repeated. What do you think?