Pit Bulls are not one specific breed but more a description of the appearance of certain types of Bull Breeds; usually those with square shaped heads, muscular bodies and generally taller than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
At one stage they were known as ‘Nanny Dogs’ for their amazing patience and gentleness towards children but sadly due to the many misconceptions surrounding Pit Bulls’ temperament, they have now been banned in some countries.
There are many myths surrounding Pit Bulls that we would like to address:
Myth:
Pit Bulls are aggressive, vicious dogs!
Fact:
In temperament tests carried out by the American Temperament Testing Society Pit Bulls consistently achieved the same or better rating than most dog breeds.
Myth:
Pit Bulls have locking jaws!
Fact:
It’s simply not true, research by Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin, Ph.D., Senior Scientist of University of Georgia concluded, “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”.
Fun Fact:
Helen Keller and Theodore Roosevelt both owned Pit Bulls!
It’s important to note that dogs, like people are individuals and shouldn’t be judged by their appearance.