Myths vs. Facts
There are a lot of myths surrounding pit bull type dogs. A Positive Promise Pit Bull Foundation is an organization that promotes proper care, training, and management of all dogs, particularly pit bull type dogs. Our goal is to promote the concept that all dogs are individuals and should be managed based on their individual traits. We would like to help people that are interested in learning more about pit bull dogs to decipher between fact and myth of these often misunderstood animals. Many dogs that are described as “pit bulls” are actually mixed breed dogs of varying backgrounds. For this and other reasons, it is hard to assign one set of breed characteristics that would fit every dog. American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are the breeds most commonly associated with the pit bull dog. Each of these breeds has common physical and conformation attributes which are defined by the AKC and the CKC. However, even within a breed, each dog is a different and unique individual.
Pit bulls are vicious animals- Myth
Veterinarians will confirm that vicious dogs of all types and breeds exist. Reasons for this include under socialization, abuse, neglect, or congenital disorders. Another factor in dog aggression is the human’s lack of ability to manage or recognize the issues described above.
American Temperament Testing Society (ATTS) performs temperament testing on over 5,000 canines which represent over 240 breeds, including a mixed breed category.
“The test takes about 12 minutes to complete. The dog is on a loose six-foot (6′) lead and three ATTS trained evaluators score the dog. Majority rules. Failure on any part of the test is recognized when a dog shows panic, strong avoidance without recovery or unprovoked aggression. “
The breeds that are commonly referred to and legislated as pit bull dogs all scored It the 80-90 percent (in 2013, Am Pit Bull Terrier, 86.8%, Am Staff Terrier, 84.5%, and Staff Bull Terrier, 90.7%). In addition, if one takes into account that many dogs that are considered pit bull dogs are actually multi-generational mixed breed dogs, the mixed breed dogs tested in 2013 scored 86.7% on the ATTS test. (2)
Pit bulls are the strongest breed of dog and they have locking jaws- Myth
Pit bull dogs do have wide mouths and muscular jaws. However, there is no “locking mechanism” in their jaw. The jaws of a pit bull dog works the same way as any other dog.
Many people also believe that “pit bulls” have a bite force that is greater than other dogs. Dr. Brady Barr measured bite forces of many different creatures. Domestic dogs were included in the test. For comparison, here were a few of the results from some of the different animals tested:
Animal Average Pounds Per Square Inch of Bite Pressure
Human 120
Domestic Dog 320
Lion 600
Great White Shark 600
Hyena 1,000
Snapping Turtle 1,000
Crocodile 2,500
The domestic dog bite measurement was an average of a German shepherd, an American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), and Rottweiler. The dogs were tested using a bite sleeve equipped with a specialized computer instrument. The American Pit Bull Terrier had the least amount of pressure of the 3 dogs tested (4).
Pit bulls turn on their owners unexpectedly- Myth
Dogs are the oldest domesticated animals and their presence as a human companion has been documented as far back as 14,000 years. During the history of this relationship, dogs have been kept by people for companionship, hunting partners, and protection. Indeed, dogs have been kept as human companions for such a long period of history due to their loyalty to humans. Modern day pit bull dogs are no different from any other loyal canine house pet. Healthy, happy “pit bulls” are living as loving family companions in countless homes around the world.
Dogs of any breed that bite people are typically sick or troubled individuals. Some dogs have congenital abnormalities or diseases that cause the aggression. Warning signs that a dog may potentially be aggressive are present in most cases long before and actual attack occurs. Sadly, these signs are often ignored or unrecognized by well meaning owners.
One thing that is becoming clear; breed specific legislation (BSL) does nothing to reduce the number of dog bites in the US. However, vicious dog laws that target irresponsible owners are highly effective. This is the reason that many states are repealing BSL, and both the BAR association and the AVMA have both taken a public anti-BSL position.
Pit bulls will always fight with other dogs and chase cats, regardless of their background- Myth
The breeds that are generally associated with pit bull dogs fall into the terrier class. Therefore, pit bull dogs are at least partially a terrier. By the AKC definition, “People familiar with this Group invariably comment on the distinctive terrier personality. These are feisty, energetic dogs whose sizes range from fairly small, as in the Norfolk, Cairn or West Highland White Terrier, to the grand Airedale Terrier. Terriers typically have little tolerance for other animals, including other dogs. Their ancestors were bred to hunt and kill vermin. Many continue to project the attitude that they're always eager for a spirited argument. Most terriers have wiry coats that require special grooming known as stripping in order to maintain a characteristic appearance. In general, they make engaging pets, but require owners with the determination to match their dogs' lively characters.” It is important to remember that many pit bull dogs, either purebred or mixed breed, are individuals. Some pit bulls are dog aggressive while many are dog friendly. Dog on dog aggression should be treated on a case by case basis. Avoiding dog fights involves understanding basic canine behavior and dog management. Some pit bull dogs are not acceptable housemates for cats, while others are very tolerant or even loving to the household cats. Due to the potential for a high prey drive, each dog should be assessed individually.
A "pit bull" that does not like dogs or cats will eventually go after people- Myth
Dog aggression, prey drive, and human aggression are entirely different issues. Many breeds are used for hunting; however we do not assume that they are aggressive towards people. Dogs that are bred and trained to hunt rabbit or fox would never be expected to go after people based on this attribute. Like any dog living as a family companion, a properly raised, well socialized, responsibly owned pit bull dog should never be aggressive towards humans.
Pit bulls are only used for dog fighting- Myth
In addition to their role as beloved family companions, pit bull dogs have been and continue to be used as therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, and to work on farms. Due to their muscular build and athleticism, these dogs are successfully competed in sports such as agility, weight pulling, fly ball, dock dog contests, Frisbee contests, tracking, herding and hunting (3.).
Treadmills are only used by dog fighters- Myth
It is true that many dog fighters are found with treadmills on their properties, when they are raided. These treadmills are used by dog fighters to condition their victims for the fighting arena. Although this horrible industry seems to be the only experience many people have with treadmills, many responsible dog owners use them to provide their companions with proper exercise when the weather or their schedule may not permit outdoor excursions. Every reputable dog trainer will tell you that most behavior problems in our canine house pets are due to lack of exercise. The responsible use of a treadmill can make for healthier, happier dogs.
A pit bull with scars or cropped ears was either a “fighting” dog or a “bait” dog- Myth
“Pit bulls, mostly bred and sold by noncommercial “backyard breeders,” as recently as 1993 constituted less than 1% of the U.S. dog population, as measured by retrospective surveys of newspaper classified ads offering dogs for sale. By 2003, however, pit bulls had increased about five-fold in popularity and accounted for 23% of the dogs admitted to U.S. animal shelters, and 50% of the dogs killed in U.S. shelters.” (6)
As the popularity of the pit bull dog has grown, so have they become a predominant variety of dogs found as strays across the country. Dogs can have scars for lots of different reasons. A scarred dog may have been a stray on the streets and scrapped with other strays over food or territory. He may be an active dog that ran through some branches on a hike with his owner. He could have had a run-in with a cat or a wild urban animal such as a raccoon. He could have cut himself while trying to dig under a fence. He may also have developed a skin condition known as mange, which causes patches of missing fur.
Sadly, badly cropped ears typically reflect an uneducated dog owner's attempt to mimic the professional crops that are popular with UKC and AKC show dogs. Cropped ears are often done by breeders or people who participate in dog shows. Some people simply crop the ears because they like the look. It does not always indicate that a dog was fought.
I will only have a good dog if I raise a puppy rather than getting an adult dog with an unknown history- Myth
We believes that all dogs including pit bulls should be judged by their current personality, not by their unknown past or lack of pedigree. The fact is that ALL dogs have a history: 14,000 year as a human companion. By nature and evolution, dogs want to be human companions.
Many people find that an adult dog is much easier than training a puppy. If you adopt a dog from a rescue, the dog was likely in a foster home and is already housebroken. Any reputable adoption program will evaluate dogs before they go up for adoption in order to match up dogs with appropriate families. The most successful adoption matches come from taking each dog's personality into account as well as the prospective adopters' lifestyle and expectations. Puppies are fun, but they are a LOT of work. It's also much harder to know what kind of personality a pup is going to have as a mature adult. Some puppies do group up and have traits which may not work for your particular family, such as a preference to be an only dog or pet. Homes that have a very specific wish list for a pet are wise to find an adult dog whose known traits match their criteria.
Pit bulls are unpredictable and aggressive around children- Myth
Pit bull dogs are living as family companions in many homes across the country and around the world. ”pit bulls” can be very tolerant and loving to children. Some dogs may not be suitable with young children because they could knock them down in their exuberance. The suitability of any dog to a house with children depends on the age of the children and the attributes of the individual dog. Some dos exhibiting a high prey drive may be confused or overstimulated by the movements of a small child, so it’s important to assess each dog individually. Common sense dictates that children should be taught how to properly interact with dogs. No dog of any breed should ever be left alone with children under any circumstances.
Pit bulls don’t feel pain- Myth
Pit bulls feel pain the same as any other living breathing creature. Sadly, with the history of fighting abuse they have suffered, pit bulls as a breed have probably been exposed to more pain and unspeakable abuses than most other dog breeds.
Sources
There are a lot of myths surrounding pit bull type dogs. A Positive Promise Pit Bull Foundation is an organization that promotes proper care, training, and management of all dogs, particularly pit bull type dogs. Our goal is to promote the concept that all dogs are individuals and should be managed based on their individual traits. We would like to help people that are interested in learning more about pit bull dogs to decipher between fact and myth of these often misunderstood animals. Many dogs that are described as “pit bulls” are actually mixed breed dogs of varying backgrounds. For this and other reasons, it is hard to assign one set of breed characteristics that would fit every dog. American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are the breeds most commonly associated with the pit bull dog. Each of these breeds has common physical and conformation attributes which are defined by the AKC and the CKC. However, even within a breed, each dog is a different and unique individual.
Pit bulls are vicious animals- Myth
Veterinarians will confirm that vicious dogs of all types and breeds exist. Reasons for this include under socialization, abuse, neglect, or congenital disorders. Another factor in dog aggression is the human’s lack of ability to manage or recognize the issues described above.
American Temperament Testing Society (ATTS) performs temperament testing on over 5,000 canines which represent over 240 breeds, including a mixed breed category.
“The test takes about 12 minutes to complete. The dog is on a loose six-foot (6′) lead and three ATTS trained evaluators score the dog. Majority rules. Failure on any part of the test is recognized when a dog shows panic, strong avoidance without recovery or unprovoked aggression. “
The breeds that are commonly referred to and legislated as pit bull dogs all scored It the 80-90 percent (in 2013, Am Pit Bull Terrier, 86.8%, Am Staff Terrier, 84.5%, and Staff Bull Terrier, 90.7%). In addition, if one takes into account that many dogs that are considered pit bull dogs are actually multi-generational mixed breed dogs, the mixed breed dogs tested in 2013 scored 86.7% on the ATTS test. (2)
Pit bulls are the strongest breed of dog and they have locking jaws- Myth
Pit bull dogs do have wide mouths and muscular jaws. However, there is no “locking mechanism” in their jaw. The jaws of a pit bull dog works the same way as any other dog.
Many people also believe that “pit bulls” have a bite force that is greater than other dogs. Dr. Brady Barr measured bite forces of many different creatures. Domestic dogs were included in the test. For comparison, here were a few of the results from some of the different animals tested:
Animal Average Pounds Per Square Inch of Bite Pressure
Human 120
Domestic Dog 320
Lion 600
Great White Shark 600
Hyena 1,000
Snapping Turtle 1,000
Crocodile 2,500
The domestic dog bite measurement was an average of a German shepherd, an American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), and Rottweiler. The dogs were tested using a bite sleeve equipped with a specialized computer instrument. The American Pit Bull Terrier had the least amount of pressure of the 3 dogs tested (4).
Pit bulls turn on their owners unexpectedly- Myth
Dogs are the oldest domesticated animals and their presence as a human companion has been documented as far back as 14,000 years. During the history of this relationship, dogs have been kept by people for companionship, hunting partners, and protection. Indeed, dogs have been kept as human companions for such a long period of history due to their loyalty to humans. Modern day pit bull dogs are no different from any other loyal canine house pet. Healthy, happy “pit bulls” are living as loving family companions in countless homes around the world.
Dogs of any breed that bite people are typically sick or troubled individuals. Some dogs have congenital abnormalities or diseases that cause the aggression. Warning signs that a dog may potentially be aggressive are present in most cases long before and actual attack occurs. Sadly, these signs are often ignored or unrecognized by well meaning owners.
One thing that is becoming clear; breed specific legislation (BSL) does nothing to reduce the number of dog bites in the US. However, vicious dog laws that target irresponsible owners are highly effective. This is the reason that many states are repealing BSL, and both the BAR association and the AVMA have both taken a public anti-BSL position.
Pit bulls will always fight with other dogs and chase cats, regardless of their background- Myth
The breeds that are generally associated with pit bull dogs fall into the terrier class. Therefore, pit bull dogs are at least partially a terrier. By the AKC definition, “People familiar with this Group invariably comment on the distinctive terrier personality. These are feisty, energetic dogs whose sizes range from fairly small, as in the Norfolk, Cairn or West Highland White Terrier, to the grand Airedale Terrier. Terriers typically have little tolerance for other animals, including other dogs. Their ancestors were bred to hunt and kill vermin. Many continue to project the attitude that they're always eager for a spirited argument. Most terriers have wiry coats that require special grooming known as stripping in order to maintain a characteristic appearance. In general, they make engaging pets, but require owners with the determination to match their dogs' lively characters.” It is important to remember that many pit bull dogs, either purebred or mixed breed, are individuals. Some pit bulls are dog aggressive while many are dog friendly. Dog on dog aggression should be treated on a case by case basis. Avoiding dog fights involves understanding basic canine behavior and dog management. Some pit bull dogs are not acceptable housemates for cats, while others are very tolerant or even loving to the household cats. Due to the potential for a high prey drive, each dog should be assessed individually.
A "pit bull" that does not like dogs or cats will eventually go after people- Myth
Dog aggression, prey drive, and human aggression are entirely different issues. Many breeds are used for hunting; however we do not assume that they are aggressive towards people. Dogs that are bred and trained to hunt rabbit or fox would never be expected to go after people based on this attribute. Like any dog living as a family companion, a properly raised, well socialized, responsibly owned pit bull dog should never be aggressive towards humans.
Pit bulls are only used for dog fighting- Myth
In addition to their role as beloved family companions, pit bull dogs have been and continue to be used as therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, and to work on farms. Due to their muscular build and athleticism, these dogs are successfully competed in sports such as agility, weight pulling, fly ball, dock dog contests, Frisbee contests, tracking, herding and hunting (3.).
Treadmills are only used by dog fighters- Myth
It is true that many dog fighters are found with treadmills on their properties, when they are raided. These treadmills are used by dog fighters to condition their victims for the fighting arena. Although this horrible industry seems to be the only experience many people have with treadmills, many responsible dog owners use them to provide their companions with proper exercise when the weather or their schedule may not permit outdoor excursions. Every reputable dog trainer will tell you that most behavior problems in our canine house pets are due to lack of exercise. The responsible use of a treadmill can make for healthier, happier dogs.
A pit bull with scars or cropped ears was either a “fighting” dog or a “bait” dog- Myth
“Pit bulls, mostly bred and sold by noncommercial “backyard breeders,” as recently as 1993 constituted less than 1% of the U.S. dog population, as measured by retrospective surveys of newspaper classified ads offering dogs for sale. By 2003, however, pit bulls had increased about five-fold in popularity and accounted for 23% of the dogs admitted to U.S. animal shelters, and 50% of the dogs killed in U.S. shelters.” (6)
As the popularity of the pit bull dog has grown, so have they become a predominant variety of dogs found as strays across the country. Dogs can have scars for lots of different reasons. A scarred dog may have been a stray on the streets and scrapped with other strays over food or territory. He may be an active dog that ran through some branches on a hike with his owner. He could have had a run-in with a cat or a wild urban animal such as a raccoon. He could have cut himself while trying to dig under a fence. He may also have developed a skin condition known as mange, which causes patches of missing fur.
Sadly, badly cropped ears typically reflect an uneducated dog owner's attempt to mimic the professional crops that are popular with UKC and AKC show dogs. Cropped ears are often done by breeders or people who participate in dog shows. Some people simply crop the ears because they like the look. It does not always indicate that a dog was fought.
I will only have a good dog if I raise a puppy rather than getting an adult dog with an unknown history- Myth
We believes that all dogs including pit bulls should be judged by their current personality, not by their unknown past or lack of pedigree. The fact is that ALL dogs have a history: 14,000 year as a human companion. By nature and evolution, dogs want to be human companions.
Many people find that an adult dog is much easier than training a puppy. If you adopt a dog from a rescue, the dog was likely in a foster home and is already housebroken. Any reputable adoption program will evaluate dogs before they go up for adoption in order to match up dogs with appropriate families. The most successful adoption matches come from taking each dog's personality into account as well as the prospective adopters' lifestyle and expectations. Puppies are fun, but they are a LOT of work. It's also much harder to know what kind of personality a pup is going to have as a mature adult. Some puppies do group up and have traits which may not work for your particular family, such as a preference to be an only dog or pet. Homes that have a very specific wish list for a pet are wise to find an adult dog whose known traits match their criteria.
Pit bulls are unpredictable and aggressive around children- Myth
Pit bull dogs are living as family companions in many homes across the country and around the world. ”pit bulls” can be very tolerant and loving to children. Some dogs may not be suitable with young children because they could knock them down in their exuberance. The suitability of any dog to a house with children depends on the age of the children and the attributes of the individual dog. Some dos exhibiting a high prey drive may be confused or overstimulated by the movements of a small child, so it’s important to assess each dog individually. Common sense dictates that children should be taught how to properly interact with dogs. No dog of any breed should ever be left alone with children under any circumstances.
Pit bulls don’t feel pain- Myth
Pit bulls feel pain the same as any other living breathing creature. Sadly, with the history of fighting abuse they have suffered, pit bulls as a breed have probably been exposed to more pain and unspeakable abuses than most other dog breeds.
Sources
For more educational information please check out our Pit Bull Parenting 101 seminars! Proceeds benefit the NEPA Pit Fix!
No comments:
Post a Comment