Quick Facts About Pitbull-Type Dogs

Science-based facts about pitbull-type dogs (aka "pitbulls") including information about breeds, bites, statistics, scientific studies, and breed-specific bans. All facts are based on scientific peer-reviewed studies, expert veterinary information, and other reliable sources available on our website.

Breeds

  • ​There are four unique breeds that are commonly included in the pitbull-type category - the American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Bully.
  • Pitbull-type dogs consistently achieve excellent temperament scores and are successful as service dogs, therapy dogs, K9 police dogs, and as family pets.
  • ​An estimated 20% of dogs in the U.S. can be classified as pitbull-type dogs based on their appearance.

Bites

  • Pitbull-type dogs do not have "locking jaws" or the strongest bite - these myths have been thoroughly debunked by scientific studies and veterinary experts.
  • The severity of bites by pitbull-type dogs is fully-inline with other strong breeds of similar sizes and strengths such as German Shepherds, Dobermans, Huskies, and too many more to list.
  • The strength of an individual dog's bite is directly related to its overall size and strength - not to its breed.

Statistics

  • Over 50 different breeds have been involved in fatal dog attacks in the U.S. since only 2016 - confirming that serious dog bite-related incidents are not a breed-specific issue.
  • The risk rates of pitbull-type dogs are fully in-line with other strong breeds of similar sizes and strengths such as German Shepherds, Dobermans, and Huskies.
  • The majority (60%) of dogs identified as "pitbulls" do not have DNA signatures from any of the pitbull-type breeds - leading to exceedingly inaccurate breed information in media reports and in unreliable statistics about dog bites.

Scientific Studies

  • Contrary to unreliable information about breed-specific risk, the CDC, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and multiple peer-reviewed studies have concluded that a dog's breed does not determine aggression, bite strength, or risk.
  • In controlled studies, no differences in aggression were observed between pitbull-type dogs and control groups (other breeds).
  • No studies have concluded that any specific breeds are "inherently more dangerous" than other breeds.

Dog Bans And BSL

  • Multiple peer-reviewed studies have concluded that breed-specific dog bans (aka breed-specific legislation or BSL) are ineffective and have no impact on public safety.
  • Breed-specific dog bans are not supported by science, not effective in practice, and are rejected by virtually all reliable research organizations including the CDC.
  • Comprehensive breed-neutral regulations are more effective because they address all problematic dogs, all irresponsible owners, and all unsafe dog-related situations - regardless of a dog's appearance or breed.

About Pitbullinfo.org

  • Our mission is to end discrimination against dogs labeled as "pitbulls" in order to promote the responsible ownership of all dogs, regardless of appearance or breed, which ultimately benefits all people, all dogs, and all communities.
  • To help combat the problem of breed-specific dog bans and the larger issue of misinformation about pitbull-type dogs, share our website and like our Facebook page - our website is packed with even more science-based facts, information, and statistics.
There is no evidence that breed-specific laws reduce dog bites or attacks on people and they divert resources from more effective animal control and public safety initiatives. Breed-based policies are based on myths and misinformation, rather than science or credible data.
- Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)​