Pit bulls are often at the center of controversy and, thanks to unscrupulous breeders and sensationalist media reports, these dogs they are often the subject of breed-specific laws. However, many of the arguments against this breed are based on myths rather than facts.
Below, I want to dispel some myths about these animals and attempt to free them from the ostracizing breed stigma that haunts them
the myths to dispel about Pitbulls
- THE Pitbulls have locking jaws and greater biting power than other breeds
A pitbull's jaws work exactly the same as those of all other dogs, and no dog breed has ever been found to possess a locking mechanism. Additionally, they have no more bite pressure than any other dog breed.
National Geographic's Dr. Brady Barr found that domestic canines have an average bite of 320 pounds of force, and as part of his study, he tested the bites of three popular dog breeds: a German shepherd, a Rottweiler, and an American pit bull .
The Rottweiler had the hardest bite with 328 pounds of force, the German shepherd came in second with 238 pounds of force, and the pit bull bit with 235 pounds of force, the lowest of the group.
- They are more aggressive than other dogs. Aggression is a trait that varies from dog to dog regardless of breed, and often has more to do with the animal's environment and its owners than with the dog itself.
A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania looked at aggression in 30 dog breeds and found that Chihuahuas and Dachshunds were the most aggressive towards humans and other dogs.
Pit bulls were among the most aggressive towards other dogs, especially those they didn't know. However, they were no more aggressive than other breeds towards strangers and their owners.
L' American Temperament Test Society evaluates the temperament of dog breeds every year and observes an animal's stability, shyness, aggression, friendliness and its instinct to protect its handler.
The average pass rate among dog breeds tested more than 200 times by the ATTS is 83.3%. Both the American pit bull terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier, breeds commonly called pit bulls, had pass rates of 86.8 and 84.5 percent, respectively.
There is evidence that owners of pit bulls and other dogs labeled “high risk” are often high risk individuals themselves, which may contribute to the breed's reputation.
A study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that owners of pit bulls and other “high-risk dogs,” such as German shepherds and Rottweilers, were more likely to have criminal convictions for aggressive crimes.
While dog-to-dog aggression can be a problem, this is true for other breeds as well. Overall, pit bulls do not exhibit more aggressive behavior than other dogs.
- Their bites are more fatal than those of other dog breeds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 4.5 million dog bites are reported in the United States each year, but only 20 to 30 bites are fatal.
Some studies have found that pit bulls are involved in the majority of fatal bites, such as one study that determined that pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German shepherds were involved in the majority of fatal attacks in Kentucky. However, the American Veterinarian Medical Association's extensive review of fatal bites in the United States came to a different conclusion.
The organization determined that nationwide a dog's breed could only be identified in 45 incidents. Of these, more than 20 different races were responsible for the attacks.
In August 2013, President Barack Obama expressed his support for banning race-specific legislation and issued the following statement: “In 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reviewed 20 years of data on dog bites and human deaths in the United States.
They found that fatal attacks represent a very small percentage of dog bite injuries to people and that it is virtually impossible to calculate bite rates for specific breeds.”
- THE Pitbulls cannot be trained. As intelligent pets, dogs need mental stimulation and most enjoy being trained. Pit bulls are no different and have excelled in a variety of areas, including agility, tracking, and search and rescue. However, like any other dog breed, not all pit bulls will be obedient and easily trainable.
- They don't get along with other animals. Again, every pit bull is different, just like every other dog is different.
Some pit bulls live happily with other animals, like the YouTube-famous Sharky, whose companions included a cat, rabbits and chicks. One of Michael Vick's former fighting dogs also now shares the home with a cat.
These dogs can be a great addition to your family, but adopting a pit bull has its drawbacks.
Many people are afraid of the breed, so you may encounter questions and concerns from friends and neighbors. However, one of the best ways to combat negative pit bull stereotypes is to incorporate your well-behaved dog into your daily activities and show what a loving pet he can be.
In some areas, local legislation bans pit bulls, and because the breed is considered high risk, pit bull owners often face difficulty obtaining homeowner's insurance.
Before adopting a pit bull, do your research and make sure the dog is right for your family and lifestyle.
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