Key Facts About Pitbulls

Breeds & The 'Pitbull' Label

• While the American Pit Bull Terrier is a formally recognized breed, 'pitbull' is an umbrella term loosely used to describe many different medium-sized, short-haired breeds and mixes with physical features typical of various bully-type breeds.
• By DNA, four unique breeds are commonly included in the modern pitbull-type category: the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Bully.
• PitbullHero uses the term 'pitbull' inclusively to refer to the four unique breeds commonly included in the pitbull-type category, as well as various pitbull-type mixes and other breeds and mixes that might be labeled as 'pitbulls' based on their appearance. Therefore, we intentionally use 'pitbull' (as one lowercase word) to align with its contemporary usage as a generic term for dogs with common physical characteristics rather than indicating a specific or formal breed (such as the American Pit Bull Terrier).

Aggression & Bites

• In controlled studies, no differences in aggression were observed between pitbull-type dogs and control groups that included other breeds, such as Golden Retrievers.
• Pitbulls do not have 'locking' jaws or the most powerful bite; scientific studies and veterinary experts have thoroughly disproven these misconceptions.
• The severity of bites by pitbulls is entirely in line with the bites of other breeds of similar sizes and strengths, such as Dobermans, German Shepherds, Huskies, Mastiffs, Rottweilers, and many more.

Temperament

• While all dogs are individuals, as a group, the unique breeds commonly included in the pitbull-type category continue to achieve excellent temperament scores, scoring in the top 20% of all breeds tested. Generally, pitbulls are intelligent, energetic dogs eager to please and respond well to training, no different from many other breeds.
• Pitbulls are successful as service, therapy, and K9 police dogs and are loved as family members in millions of U.S. households.
• For many reasons, including their positive temperament, pitbulls are the most popular dogs in the U.S., more popular than Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers, Huskies, Rottweilers, and many other common breeds.
  

Statistics

• Since 2016, over 80 different breeds and mixed breeds have been reported in fatal attacks, confirming that serious dog bite-related incidents are not a breed-specific issue.
• The majority of dogs visually identified as 'pitbulls' (by shelters, owners, and the media) do not have DNA signatures from any of the breeds included in the pitbull-type category, leading to exceedingly inaccurate breed information in media reports and unreliable statistics about dog bites.
• When considering the evidence and conclusions from comprehensive studies on canine DNA, unreliable dog bite statistics that lead to inaccurate and misleading claims about pitbulls quickly fall apart.

Scientific Studies

• Contrary to unreliable information about breed-specific risk related to certain breeds, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and numerous studies have determined that a dog's breed does not determine aggression, bite strength, or propensity to bite.
• Studies have determined that the strength of an individual dog's bite is directly related to its overall size and strength, not to its breed.
• No studies have found that any specific breeds are inherently more dangerous than others.

Breed-Specific LEgislation

• Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is typically a local ordinance that bans dogs based on their appearance or breed. However, BSL is not supported by scientific evidence and has proven ineffective, failing to reduce dog bites or improve public safety. Consequently, BSL is rejected by virtually all reliable research organizations and public safety experts, including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), National Animal Control Association (NACA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Numerous studies have determined that BSL is ineffective and has no impact on public safety. In contrast, comprehensive breed-neutral regulations are more effective because they address all potentially dangerous dogs, all irresponsible owners, and all unsafe dog-related situations — regardless of a dog's appearance or assumed breed.
• Since 2018, over 100 cities and towns have repealed BSL, while almost no municipalities are enacting new BSL. Voters are also repealing BSL — in 2020, voters in Denver, CO, repealed the city’s 31-year-old ban against pitbulls by a wide 66% majority, and in 2018, voters in Springfield, MO, repealed the city’s BSL with a 68% majority.