Fiction: The term “Pit Bull” is a breed.
Fact: The term “Pit Bull” is a loosely used umbrella term that encompasses several breeds with similar traits: Muscular/stocky build, short fur coat, and big blocky head. Breeds often identified as “Pit Bulls” are the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Boxer, Mastiff, and more. We use the term “Pit Bull” loosely as it pertains to several types of dogs, or use the term “bully breed” interchangeably.
 

Fiction: Pit Bulls have locking jaws.
Fact: Pit Bulls CANNOT lock their jaws, they are not alligators. Physiologically the mechanism of all dogs jaws are the same, the only difference is size. According to the National Canine Research Clinic (NCRC) the pattern of dog bites in U.S. history does NOT relate to breed, instead human and environmental factors are the main factors. A 2005 National Geographic study measured bite pressure per square inch (PSI) and on average, dogs exhibited about 320 pounds of pressure, while humans came in at 120 pounds and great white sharks at 600. Studies have shown that the PSI of a Rottweiler’s bite or a German Shephard’s bite is more than that of an American Pit Bull Terrier.
 

Fiction: Pit Bulls are BORN aggressive (it’s only a matter of time before they turn on you).
Fact: Pit Bulls, like all dogs, are individuals and over thousands of years, have been bred to become domestic pets that live harmoniously with humans. Any dog has the ability to be aggressive, regardless of breed. Aggressiveness can be attributed to several factors such as mistreatment by humans, little to no socialization, improper training methods, neglect or abuse, and/or medical conditions. In fact, Pit Bulls on average score higher in temperament ratings than the national average, based on the American Temperament Testing Society (ATTS).
 

Fiction: Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) REALLY works.
Fact: Did you know there are areas of the U.S. that ban Pit Bull-type dogs from even existing within their city limits? In an effort to reduce dog bites and dog-related fatalities, BSL is an option that removes all dogs within a certain breed criteria based simply on appearance, however BSL has been proven time and time again to be misleading, inaccurate, and above all IT DOESN’T WORK. First of all, identifying a dog based on appearance is a recipe for disaster – dogs with similar physical characteristics are lumped into the “aggressive breed” label. Secondly, BSL does not account for individual dog’s temperament or history. All dogs have teeth and the ability to bite, and in the wrong hands any dog can become dangerous.
 

Fiction: Pit Bulls cannot be trusted with children, small dogs, or cats.
Fact: Pit Bulls are loyal, loving, and eager to please. Pit Bulls live with people of all ages as well as with cats, other dogs, birds, rodents, and livestock. It is the responsibility of the dog owner to know their own dog’s temperament, read their body language and intervene if necessary. It is NEVER a good idea to leave an unattended child with any animal, regardless of breed or “how well you know the dog”.