Deconstructing Flawed Pitbull Statistics
Comprehensive
studies on canine DNA and visual breed identification have determined that 60% of dogs identified as 'pitbulls' lack DNA from recognized
pitbull-type breeds. This discrepancy leads to exceedingly inaccurate breed information in media coverage and in unreliable statistics on dog bites and attacks. Additionally, the studies show that most dogs with pitbull-type ancestry have less than 50% DNA from pitbull-type breeds and are therefore,
by definition, mixed-breed dogs. Flawed statistics from unscientific organizations and special interest groups advocating for
breed-specific legislation (BSL) quickly fall apart when considering evidence from recent canine DNA studies.
Flawed Pitbull Statistics â ī¸
Inaccurate statistics claiming that 'pitbulls' account for approximately 68% of fatal dog attacks often result from lumping together incidents involving the four recognized pitbull-type breeds, over 20 bully-type breeds (and their mixes) often mistaken for pitbull-types, and various mixed breeds incorrectly identified as 'pitbulls' based on their physical appearance. Categorizing all of these genetically diverse dogs as 'pitbulls' naturally leads to flawed and inflated bite and fatality statistics. However, these unscientific and misleading statistics quickly fall apart when considering evidence and conclusions from recent scientific studies on canine DNA. Research shows that, on average, 60% of dogs visually identified as 'pitbulls' (by shelters, owners, and media) lack any DNA from pitbull-type ancestry. Additionally, among dogs that have pitbull-type DNA, the majority, or 53%, have less than 50% DNA from any pitbull-type breeds, making them, by definition, mixed-breed dogs. These insights into the genetic makeup of dogs labeled as 'pitbulls' significantly impact the accuracy of dog bite statistics, medical research on dog bites, and the effectiveness of breed-specific legislation (BSL), as further explored below.
60% of Pitbulls are misidentified đ
This study determined that on average, 60% of dogs visually identified as 'pitbulls' are misidentified and lack DNA from pitbull-type ancestry. Misidentification is common due to the many bully-type breeds and their mixes, which are often mistaken for pitbulls. This includes breeds such as American Bulldogs, Bullmastiffs, Cane Corsos, Dogo Argentinos, and various mixes such as Labrador-Bulldog (Bulladors) and Boxer-Bulldog, among others, which share similar physical traits found in pitbull-type dogs. These high rates of misidentification also lead to inaccurate breed information in the media and in statistics about dog bites.
68%
27%
When accounting for the fact that 60% of dogs identified as 'pitbulls' lack DNA from pitbull-type ancestry, the flawed 68% statistic is reduced by more than half to 27%.
53% of Pitbulls are Mixed-Breed Dogs đ
Data from this study reveals that among the dogs with pitbull-type DNA, more than half (53%) have less than 50% of their DNA from pitbull-type ancestry. Dogs with less than half of their DNA from a specific breed are, by definition, mixed-breed dogs (not 'pitbulls' or 'pitbull mixes'). This finding has major implications for BSL, as cities that unfortunately still enforce breed-specific legislation (BSL) typically target pitbull-type dogs with more than a 50% DNA concentration from pitbull-type ancestry. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that the majority of pitbull-type dogs would not be affected by BSL if their owners were to challenge the legislation with DNA evidence.
27%
13%
When accounting for the fact that 53% of dogs with DNA from pitbull-type ancestry have less than half of their DNA from pitbull-type breeds, and are by definition mixed-breed dogs, the 27% statistic is further reduced by more than half to 13%.
InfoGraphic âšī¸
BSL Has No Justification đļ
Creating flawed and misleading statistics is trivial if scientific facts are not considered or purposely ignored. These exaggerated and misleading statistics quickly fall apart when considering the evidence and conclusions from comprehensive studies on canine DNA. Inaccurate statistics about pitbulls often rely on media reports, shelter/adoption information, and social media posts as their primary sources for breed information. However, multiple studies have shown these sources to be exceedingly inaccurate, and therefore cannot be used as reliable or valid sources for breed information. Justifying breed-specific legislation (BSL) requires accurate, breed-specific data. Yet, when using scientifically valid data, it becomes clear there is no scientific justification for BSL. The rationale behind BSL often stems from misconceptions, stereotypes, anecdotes, and fear-based propaganda promoted by special interest groups, such as organizations supporting BSL. Interestingly, BSL proponents and those advocating for breed-neutral policies share the same goal: reducing dog bite-related incidents and enhancing public safety. However, only the breed-neutral approach is grounded in scientific evidence, expert insights, and established best practices for public safety and effectively reducing dog bites.
About PitbullHero
PitbullHero is a nonprofit research group dedicated to promoting effective and equitable breed-neutral policies for public safety and providing dog bite-related information based on scientific studies and other reliable sources. Our mission is to end discrimination against dogs labeled as 'pitbulls' and to promote the responsible ownership of all dogs, regardless of appearance or breed, which ultimately benefits all people, all dogs, and all communities.
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