Pit Bull Myths and Facts

Whether you already know and love a pit bull terrier or haven’t had the pleasure of meeting one yet, understanding and sharing the truth about them will help save dogs’ lives. Let's take a look at some common pit bull myths — and then debunk them with the truth.

Myth: It’s easy to identify dog breed by looking at the dog

THE TRUTH: When we look at dogs of unknown parentage, the best we can do is guess at their breed, and it turns out that even dog experts are usually wrong when doing so. It’s been shown that nearly 90% of dogs in shelters visually identified as a particular breed are mislabeled. This misidentification becomes a huge problem when municipalities pass laws that restrict dogs of certain breeds. The laws end up adversely affecting not only dogs of the targeted breeds but also many other dogs who simply look like them.

Myth: Pit bull terriers are more aggressive than other dogs

THE TRUTH: Aggression is not a breed characteristic or personality trait, and it is not specific to any one breed of dog. The American Temperament Test Society, which provides a uniform national program of temperament testing for dogs, has found that pit bull terrier-like dogs passed the test at a higher rate than many other dog breeds, including golden retrievers and border collies.

Myth: Pit bulls are more dangerous or likely to bite than other dog breeds

THE TRUTH: Breed has nothing to do with it. A peer-reviewed study found that nearly 85% of dog bite fatalities were from unneutered dogs. Other factors that contributed to bites were abuse or neglect, tethering for long periods of time, and lack of positive interaction with people and other animals.

Nearly 2 out of 3 US shelters are now no-kill graphic

See how your community is doing

We've seen tremendous momentum and success so far, and we are so close to achieving no-kill around the entire country. Knowing where each shelter and community stands not only helps determine the best way to move forward, but it also helps track the progress we’re making together.

Myth: Pit bull terriers have locking jaws

THE TRUTH: There is no such thing as a dog with a locking jaw. Pit bulls are no different physiologically from other dogs.

Myth: Pit bulls aren't good family dogs and that’s why you see so many in shelters

THE TRUTH: Pit bull-like dogs are actually some of the most popular types of dogs in America. According to Vetstreet.com, the American pit bull terrier is one of the top three favorite breeds in 28 states. Because pit bull terriers are so popular, some people are overbreeding them and others are neglecting to spay or neuter their dogs, resulting in unwanted litters. These two factors, along with breed-specific legislation, have led to an influx of pit bull-like dogs in shelters.

Every dog is an individual, no matter the breed. Right now, thousands of families in our country have one or more pit bull terrier-like dogs as pets. Some are couch potatoes, some are agility dogs, some are service and therapy dogs, and others are simply someone’s best friend. And we believe that’s worth caring about.

Learn more about Best Friends Animal Society's pit bull terrier initiatives.

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About Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends is working to end the killing of dogs and cats in U.S. shelters in part by getting more pets out of shelters and into loving homes.

We’ve come a long way since the first known city reached no-kill in 1994, and now we’re closer than ever to making the entire country no-kill. Today, roughly 2,500 shelters are no-kill throughout the U.S. — and 700 more are just 100 pets or fewer away from reaching that milestone.

Best Friends is committed to working with passionate people like you to save homeless pets through adoption, volunteering, fostering, and advocacy. In addition to our lifesaving centers around the U.S, we also founded and run the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals.

Working together, we can save homeless pets in our communities and secure a better future for our best friends. Together, we will bring the whole country to no-kill.