The American Pitbull Terrier: Myths and Falsehoods

Written by Alyssa Helms, Media Manager

The American Pitbull Terrier (APBT), while an AKC recognized breed, is often lumped into a group of stocky, block-headed dogs, and referred to more generally as “pitbulls. The APBT is a breed with a rich history, but plagued by myths and misconceptions leading to stereotypes, breed-specific legislation targeting “pitbulls” and in some cases, their untimely demise simply because of their appearance.

The APBT dates to 19th century England where they were originally bred for bullbaiting and later used as fighting dogs. When these practices were outlawed, APBT’s were eventually brought to North America and used as working dogs on farms and ranches, often valued for their strength, loyalty, intelligence, and more.

But someone somewhere had the idea to alter their utility for personal gain, and this wonderfully loyal and loving breed became negatively associated with dog fighting, a brutal and illegal activity that continues to tarnish their reputation. Media outlets tend to sensationalize disturbing stories of alleged pitbull attacks, lending fuel to the fire that these dogs are inherently vicious and unpredictable. As a result, they continue to be labeled as dangerous dogs and discriminated against through breed-specific legislation in many parts of the US and internationally.

It should be noted that proper identification of pitbulls has become one of guessing rather than a certainty, which is also problematic, especially when dogs with these physical characteristics find themselves homeless and in a shelter system. Any dog, regardless of their actual breed, mis often labeled “pitbull” if their head is blocky or the body is strong or muscular. This needs to change.

MYTH 1: Lock Jaw

One of the most pervasive myths about this beautiful breed is their supposed “lock jaw,” the belief that their jaws will literally lock closed, and they will not release their grip. This myth has been debunked by experts who confirm that, in fact,

MYTH 3: Bred to be Vicious

Myth #3 stems from the unfortunate history of dog fighting where some pitbulls were selectively bred for aggressiveness. It is critical to note, however, that aggression is not a breed trait, and is instead a result of irresponsible breeding and outdated, negative training methods that are often abusive and rather than building a bond, they create a culture of fear, which can activate a constant state of “fight or flight”. Temperament tests conducted by the American Temperament Test Society have shown that APBTs have a passing rate of 82% + — compared to just 77% across the general dog population. These dogs are not born aggressive and for a dog to exhibit this behavior toward a human is not the norm. Though trained for centuries to fight other dogs or bulls, as a class of dogs they have not been bred to be aggressive to humans. And responsible breeders will not use dogs in their program who exhibit any aggressive tendencies – the same cannot be said for backyard breeders.

Conversely, these dogs are well-known for their affectionate nature, loyalty, and love for their human companions. Like any dog, with the right care and training, they can be wonderful family pets.

Breed-Specific Legislation

Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) aimed toward dogs visually identified as pitbulls seeks to regulate and restrict ownership of these dogs. BSL in America and other countries typically includes measures such as mandatory muzzling in public, special licensing requirements, housing modifications such as secure fencing, higher insurance premiums for owners, and in some cases, outright bans on owning pitbulls. Some rental companies will not allow pitbull-type dogs to reside on their properties, often leading to surrenders to shelters when housing becomes an issue and owners are left with little to no choice in the matter.

BSL may also include measures to prevent the breeding of pitbulls, such as mandatory spaying and neutering to reduce the population of perceived potentially dangerous dogs. While we certainly support spaying and neutering in response to the pet overpopulation crisis, to demand it of one breed is unfair when it would be better served as an across-the-board solution.

More than just the APBT

While the APBT has been lumped into a class of dogs, the term “pitbull” covers four different breeds and any mixes thereof. They include the American Bully, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Terrier Bull Terrier, and the American Pit Bull Terrier. While there are some similarities, each has its own unique characteristics.

APBT: the tallest and most athletic of the four types of Pitbull-type breeds.

American Staffordshire Terrier: slightly shorter and stockier than the APBT.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier: smallest of the four.

American Bully (pictured below, not to be confused with the American Bulldog): the most unique of the group, the most stout and closely resembles the classic Bulldog breed. The American Bully, XL Bullies, and Shortie Bulls are variations of that have gained popularity in recent years, often bred for their physical traits, such as size and muscle mass, rather than their temperament. While backyard and less responsible breeders may prioritize appearance over temperament, bringing with it a host of health problems and deformities, responsible ones focus on producing healthy and well-adjusted dogs.

Dog Fighting

In the United States, dog fighting has a long and troubling history. Throughout the years, dog fighting with pitbull-type dogs has continued as a secretive and underground activity with organized rings hosting illegal fights for profit and sadistic entertainment. Despite efforts by animal welfare organizations and law enforcement to combat this brutal activity, dog fighting persists in pockets across the country. Those individuals who specifically breed dogs for fighting purposes have contributed to the perpetuation of this cruelty by producing generations of dogs with aggressive behavior and a high prey drive, solidifying the public’s connection between pitbulls and dog fighting. Despite these dark associations, we must always remember that these dogs are not inherently aggressive or violent. Efforts to educate the public and enforce laws against dog fighting are essential in combatting this heinous practice and protecting the welfare of not only pitbulls, but all animals involved.

Pitbulls in the Shelters

Pitbulls are overrepresented in animal shelters where they face higher euthanasia rates due to breed discrimination. It is important for potential dog owners to consider adopting from a shelter, where they can provide a loving home to a deserving dog. Based on recent statistics, pitbull breeds and mixes make up a significant percentage of dogs in the shelter system. Unfortunately, the euthanasia rates for pitbulls are also disproportionately high compared to other breeds.

Shelters and rescue organizations continue to work toward finding loving homes for these wonderful companions and advocating for responsible ownership.

By educating the public about their true nature and providing resources for potential adopters, we can help decrease the number of pitbull-type dogs in shelters and increase their opportunities to find loving forever homes. Every dog, regardless of breed, deserves a chance at a happy and fulfilling life. Let’s work together to make a difference for these deserving pups.■