Pit Bulls Are Not Dangerous Despite Breed-Specific Legislation

Pit bulls are often mistakenly perceived as a dangerous breed due to their association with fighting, but this is a misconception that has been perpetuated by breed-specific legislation.

The American Temperament Test Society has reported that the pit bull breed has a passing rate of 86.8%, which is higher than many other popular breeds such as the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever.

Many cities and states have implemented breed-specific legislation, which bans or restricts the ownership of pit bulls, despite a lack of evidence that these laws have any impact on public safety.

Studies have shown that dog bites are often the result of irresponsible ownership, rather than the breed of dog itself.

For more insights, see: How Often Do Pit Bulls Attack

Breed-Specific Legislation is a topic that's often misunderstood. Breed-specific legislation, or BSL, doesn't minimize dog attacks, it actually makes situations worse.

Dr. Parthasarathy warns that BSL can create problems by manufacturing anxieties for pet parents that would not be there otherwise. BSL is largely influenced by media representation, making its implementation immensely subjective.

Broaden your view: What Breed of Pit Bulls Is the Biggest

More than 700 U.S. cities have enacted BSL, but there's no evidence these laws work. In fact, eight countries that have breed bans have studied whether they actually reduce dog bites and serious bite injuries, and they've found that they do not.

BSL disproportionately impacts Pit Bulls and is often used specifically to target them. Former President Barack Obama stated that he doesn't support breed-specific legislation, citing research that shows it's largely ineffective and a waste of public resources.

The ASPCA also points out that BSL has several flaws, including soaring shelter euthanasia rates among Pit Bills and other banned breeds that have been seized.

Dog bite prevention is a crucial aspect of living with dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends enforcing generic, non-breed-specific dangerous dog laws, focusing on chronically irresponsible owners.

To prevent dog bites, it's essential to emphasize responsible pet ownership and address the root causes of aggression. This includes enforcing animal control ordinances, such as leash laws, by trained animal care and control officers.

Here's an interesting read: Laws on Pit Bulls in California

Some key strategies for dog bite prevention include prohibiting dog fighting, encouraging neutering for dogs not intended for breeding, and promoting education programs that teach pet selection strategies, pet care, and responsibility. These programs can be implemented in schools and communities to raise awareness and prevent dog bites.

Here are some specific recommendations from the AVMA:

Dog bites can be a serious issue, but there are steps we can take to prevent them. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends focusing on responsible pet ownership and identifying actual risks.

Enforcing generic, non-breed-specific laws is a key strategy. This approach holds owners accountable for their pets' behavior, rather than targeting specific breeds.

Trained animal care and control officers play a crucial role in enforcing animal control ordinances like leash laws. This helps keep both people and pets safe.

Prohibiting dog fighting is also essential in preventing dog bites. This activity can lead to aggressive behavior in dogs.

Suggestion: Pit Bulls as Pets

Neutering dogs not intended for breeding can help reduce aggression and prevent unwanted litters. This simple procedure can make a big difference.

Education is another vital component of dog bite prevention. School-based and adult programs teach pet selection strategies, pet care, and bite prevention. These programs empower people to make informed decisions about pet ownership and care.

Here are the AVMA's recommended strategies for dog bite prevention:

Most dog bites come from any dog, regardless of breed. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) doesn't track breed-specific statistics because they believe it's irrelevant to the issue.

The American Veterinary Medical Association states that a dog's individual history, behavior, size, and the situation at the time of the bite determine the likelihood of biting and the severity of the injury.

Any dog can bite, and it's essential to understand that breed alone is not a reliable indicator of a dog's behavior or potential to bite.

Pit Bull Advocacy is crucial in dispelling common myths about this breed. Many people are unaware that Pit Bulls are not even a purebred breed, but rather a breed type with various specific breeds falling under the term's umbrella.

Comedian Rebecca Corry is a great example of a Pit Bull advocate, using her platform to raise awareness about the breed's positive qualities. She's passionate about saving dogs and has found a way to combine her love of comedy with her purpose in life.

Pit Bulls are often misunderstood due to their appearance, which can be similar to other breeds. However, their muscular builds, blocky heads, and shorter snouts are not enough to determine their temperament. In fact, a dog's upbringing will determine its temperament far better than its breed.

Veterinarian behaviorist Dr. Valli Parthasarathy explains that when dealing with a mixed gene pool, some breed tendencies can be diluted while others may be enhanced. This means that if someone says a Pit Bull is inherently aggressive, they're probably full of it.

Recommended read: 10 Reasons Why Pit Bulls Should Not Be Banned

Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) is a term for laws that regulate or ban certain dog breeds, but it's actually called breed-discriminatory by the ASPCA. Many organizations, including the AKC and Humane Society, oppose BSL, and 18 states have legislation that prohibits it.

Pit Bulls have a violent past, but that doesn't define them today. In fact, many experts have gone to bat to protect these pups, and some cities have even reversed their Pit Bull bans. Denver, for example, repealed its ban in 2021, and many other cities have followed suit.

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior says that BSL is ineffective and can lead to a false sense of community safety as well as welfare concerns for dogs identified (often incorrectly) as belonging to specific breeds.

For your interest: How Many Different Breeds of Pit Bulls Are There

Pit Bulls have a bad reputation, but many of the myths surrounding them are simply not true.

People often believe that Pit Bulls have "lockjaw", but Dr. Parthasarathy debunks this myth directly.

In fact, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Great Danes are all known to have stronger bites than your average American Pit Bull Terrier.

The myth that pit bulls are impossible to train is just that - a myth. The American Kennel Club notes that the breed's intelligence and desire to please make training a fun and easy process.

Pit bulls are especially talented at canine sports, including obedience, agility, and dock diving. They excel in dog obedience training school, thanks to their keen intelligence and eagerness to please.

Several pit bulls have risen to fame due to their obedience and skill. Sergeant Stubby, for example, served on the Western Front in World War I and participated in four offensives and 17 battles, earning him the title of America's most decorated war dog.

Additional reading: American Bull Dog Pit

Pit Bulls are known to be smart pups and among the easiest to train. Dr. Parthasarathy confirms this by pointing out that they are very teachable.

The key to training a Pit Bull is finding what motivates them positively. This can vary from dog to dog, but it's essential to address any underlying physical or emotional conditions that may hinder their ability to learn.

Pit Bulls don't need a "firm hand" to learn. Positive reinforcement is the way to go, just like with any other type of dog.

This myth has serious consequences. PETA has recognized Pit Bulls as the most abused group of dogs in the country, often due to misinformation and misconceptions.

The longer an animal is in a shelter, the more likely they are to be euthanized. This is a sad reality that can be changed by debunking these myths and advocating for these gentle pups.

Dogs of any breed rarely turn on people without warning signs. Their bodies can give us subtle signals that they're uncomfortable, such as lowered bodies or tucked tails.

Ignoring these warning signs can lead to a dog suppressing them and possibly snapping or biting the next time they're uncomfortable.

The term "Bull" can be a bit misleading, as it's often associated with aggression, but the truth is that it's a breed-specific term that refers to a group of dogs known as the Pit Bull family.

The Pit Bull family includes five breeds: the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Bully, and the American Bulldog.

In reality, the term "Bull" is a generic term that can refer to any of these breeds, but it's not a specific breed itself.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is often considered the foundation breed of the Pit Bull family, with a rich history dating back to the 19th century.

These breeds are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities, which often get overshadowed by myths and misconceptions about their aggression.

The American Staffordshire Terrier, for example, is a gentle and affectionate breed that makes a great family pet.

Despite their tough reputation, Pit Bulls are actually known for their loyalty and affection towards their families.

With proper socialization and training, Pit Bulls can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to homes with yards.

For another approach, see: American Pit Bull Terrier Types

Pit Bulls have a reputation for being aggressive, but one myth that's been debunked is that they have "lockjaw." This idea is completely false, according to Dr. Parthasarathy, who explains that Pit Bulls do not have a jaw-locking mechanism.

In fact, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Great Danes are all known to have stronger bites than the average American Pit Bull Terrier.

Pitties are often misunderstood as being aggressive and incompatible with children and pets. In reality, they make excellent service dogs due to their gentle and sweet nature towards humans.

The American Temperament Test Society has ranked dog breeds based on their behavior in various situations. The American Staffordshire Terrier and American Pit Bull Terrier both received high marks for affability.

History shows that Pitties are not inherently aggressive towards children. In fact, they're often a great match for families with kids.

If this caught your attention, see: Are Pit Bulls More Aggressive

Pit bulls end up in shelters for a variety of reasons, just like every other breed. They may have caused trouble with another pet, bit someone, been too aggressive or had too much energy.

In fact, the reasons for pit bulls ending up in shelters are no different than those for Chihuahuas, Labrador retrievers, and German shepherds. Owners may not have time to care for the dog, or they may have passed away or moved.

Pit bulls, however, are often surrendered due to Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL), which bans them in certain cities, counties, or housing developments.

Dogs end up in shelters for a variety of reasons, including being too aggressive or having too much energy.

Reasons for shelter intake are the same across breeds, from pit bulls to Chihuahuas, Labrador retrievers, and German shepherds.

BSL, or breed-specific legislation, is a significant factor in shelter intake, as pet parents may need to surrender their pit bulls if they move to a city or county that bans them.

In some cases, owners don't have time to care for their dogs or pass away, leading to shelter intake.

Shelter intake is not unique to pit bulls; it's a universal issue affecting all breeds.

Discover more: Small Breeds of Pit Bulls

Pit Bulls are proving to be pretty well suited to helping humans in need. They're loyal, devoted, and dutiful, making them great candidates for service dogs.

Some shelter dogs have a strong instinct to please and protect their humans, which can make them excel as service dogs. This natural instinct can be a valuable asset in a service dog.

Shelter dogs like Pit Bulls are often misunderstood and overlooked, but they have a lot to offer. They're eager to please and quick to learn, making them a great fit for service dog training.

For more insights, see: Pit Bulls Attack Humans