InformationFacts and Myths:
Fact: (fakt) n. 1.a concept whose truth can be proved. 2.a statement or assertion of verified information about something that is the case or has happened.
Myth: (mith) n. 1.a widely held but false belief. 2.a popular belief or tradition that has grown up around something or someone. 3.an unfounded or false notion.
| Do Pit Bulls have "locking" jaws and/or 1600 psi of bite force? |
NO! They don't have either.
Dr. I Lehr Brisbin of the University of Georgia states, "To the best of
our knowledge, there are no published scientific studies that would
allow any meaningful comparison to be made of the biting power of
various breeds of dogs. There are, moreover, compelling technical
reasons why such data describing biting power in terms of 'pounds per
square inch' can never be collected in a meaningful way. All figures
describing biting power in such terms can be traced to either unfounded
rumor or, in some cases, to newspaper articles with no foundation in
factual data." Dr. Brisbin also states, "The few studies which
have been conducted of the structure of the skulls, mandibles and teeth
of pit bulls show that, in proportion to their size, their jaw
structure and thus its inferred functional morphology, is no different
than that of any breed of dog. There is absolutely no evidence for the
existence of any kind of 'locking mechanism' unique to the structure of
the jaw and/or teeth of the American Pit Bull Terrier." Pit
Bulls do have strength and determination though. When they bite
something there determination is what keeps them hanging on. |
| Don't Pit Bulls attack people more often than any other breed? |
NO! There is no research out
there that has proven yet that Pit Bulls are more likely to bit humans
more often than any other dog. Farmers Branch, Texas, a suburb of
Dallas, has kept accurate records since 1980. During a 7 year
period from 1980 through 1987, this is what was recorded: total
bites: 1,593 of those bites Pit Bulls accounted for
only 30 bites or 1.89% of the total number of bites.
You are more likely to get bitten by a Labrador or a Cocker Spaniel
than you are by a Pit Bull. Out of all the breeds of dogs and all
the studies about how often they bite and how likely you are to get
bitten by them, Pit Bulls have never come in first place.
That means there are other breeds of dogs out there that you are more
likely to get bitten by, but how come you never hear about them biting
anyone? Because they don't have the same horrible reputations
that Pit Bulls have, but definitely don't deserve. |
| Are Pit Bulls born mean? |
NO! No animal is born mean.
It all depends on how they are raised. Just like humans, not
everyone is born mean or a murderer. They're just badly raised
and turn out that way. Same with Pit Bulls. There are people
out there that raise Pit Bulls solely for the purpose of fighting to the
death and just in general being vicious. Any animal can turn out
to be vicious you just have to raise them right and socialize them.
Pit Bulls naturally are no more vicious than any other popular dog.
The ATTS, American Temperament Test Society, test over 122 breeds of
dogs every year for temperament. They put the dogs through a
series of confrontational situations. Any sign of panic or
aggression leads to an automatic failure. Pit Bulls received a
passing rate of 83.4% which is just as good if not better than many of
your common household dogs. Beagles scored a 78.2%, Rottweilers
scored a 82.3%, German Shepherds scored a 82.8%, Golden Retrievers
scored a 83.6%, Miniature Poodles scored a 76.2%, and Border Collies
scored a 79.6%. This just proves that Pit Bulls aren't the mean
and vicious dogs that everyone makes them out to be, the results speak
for themselves, they're great dogs. To see for yourself or what
your dogs breed scored go to: ATTS.org. |
| Doesn't playing tug-o-war or any tugging or pulling activity make Pit Bulls aggressive? |
NO! It's actually fun for Pit Bulls.
But if you're going to play with them like that you should invest in
softer materials, such as soft ropes for tug-o-war or burlap sacks for
a spring pole that way its a lot easier on your dog's teeth. They
don't do it to be aggressive, they do it because they're very
playful and fun loving animals and they always want to play. It's
also a leftover trait from when they used to work on farms.
Grabbing onto bulls' noses as butcher's dogs. Pulling and tugging
games allow them to exercise this trait and have fun and condition
while doing it. |
| Is it true that Pit Bulls are naturally more immune to some diseases than other dogs? |
YES! Pit Bulls have actually
developed some extra immunity to disease such as: parvo, distemper,
corona, etc. Which is extremely incredible considering that the
majority of Pit Bulls are raised in neglectful situations. They
have still shown an extraordinary ability to heal and recover. |
| Do heavy neck chains and weighted vests help condition Pit Bulls? |
NO! These are actually bad for you
dog, especially over long term usage. They cause unnecessary
downward pressure on the spinal column and may cause nerve damage,
vertebrae displacement, and spinal column damage. Weighted vests
put unnecessary pressure on the spine causing many problems. The
best way to go about training and condition your dog is light
resistance. |
| Can't Pit Bulls get hurt playing on a Spring pole? |
Yes, animals are like people in that they
can get hurt doing just about anything. But you wouldn't keep
your kid from playing sports or going out because of that.
Injuries are always possible doing almost anything. All you can
do is keep an eye on your dog and make sure they aren't do anything to
stupid. Pit Bulls are a very tough and rugged breed and aren't
injured very easily. |
| Aren't treadmills used to train fighting dogs? |
NO! A lot of people use them in
areas where it is hard for the animal to get all the proper exercise
they need. Show dogs and trainers also use these to condition for
upcoming shows. It's easier to put the dog on the treadmill for a
little while than to go out jogging in 15 degree weather or on days
where it is excessively hot. |
| If a Pit Bull is aggressive towards animals will it be aggressive towards humans? |
NO! Animal and Human aggression are
2 completely different things. Pit Bulls are people lovers and
people pleasers and absolutely love being around humans. It is
not uncommon for them to be weary around other dogs or animals, but a
well trained and socialized Pit Bull should be fine calm around everyone
and most animals. |
| Aren't Pit Bulls to unpredictable to have around kids? |
NO! Well trained and socialized
Pit Bulls are actually great to have around kids. They love to
play and they're "rugged" dogs and can take the abuse that children can
give out a lot better than most breeds. It's always good to teach
your kids how to act and play around dogs though, and never leave them
alone with a dog, because accidents do happen. But some dogs are
a little hyper to have around kids and need to be watched while playing
with children. Want proof that Pit Bulls are great dogs for kids?
Click here for pictures of Pit Bulls!
Click here for pictures of kids and their Pit
Bulls! |
| Is a Pit Bull mix less aggressive than a full breed? |
NO! As a general rule of thumb,
full breed Pit Bulls have a more stable temperament than mixed breeds.
Mostly because that mixing 2 breeds make bring out unwanted
characteristics. I.E.: Mixing a guard dog with a Pit Bull
will most likely bring out traits that you won't want in your dog.
Not saying that all mixed breeds are bad. I've met a lot of great
dogs that were mixed, but it's just a general rules that full breed
Pit Bulls are more stable in there temperament. |
| If a Pit Bull has scars does that mean he has been fought? |
NO! Pit Bulls are active dogs that,
like kids, can do stuff that can get them hurt. Like chasing
animals into bushes or trees. Playing around rough or may have a
skin condition known as mange. The point is that Pit Bulls can get
scratched just as easily as a kid can playing around. So before
you go assuming that all dogs with scars have been fought, just
remember accidents do happen. |
| Don't Pit Bulls have to be trained to fight? |
NO! Just like we have Jack Russell
Terriers which have been bred to do battle with badgers, foxes, and
other animals, so have been Pit Bulls. They were used to bring
down bulls and other animals along time ago and a lot of those traits
still linger in there blood. Which is where the pulling and
tugging comes from. But that doesn't mean all Pit Bulls will fight
other dogs. A lot of it depends on there heritage and how they
are raised and socialized as to how they will act around other dogs. |
| Want some factual information about Pit Bulls? |
|