PIT BULL TYPE
DOGS: MYTH AND FACT

What the label means

"Pit bull type" is not one breed. It is a loose group of dogs that share some features, such as a broad head and a muscular build. Breeds in the group include the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Many mixed breed dogs get the label too, based only on how they look.

Studies of shelter dogs have found that visual breed labels often do not match DNA tests. So a dog called a pit bull by a shelter may have little of that ancestry, and a dog with no label may have plenty. That is one reason we focus on the dog in front of us.

These dogs descend from bulldog and terrier crosses made in Britain in the 1800s. England banned bull-baiting in 1835, and some people then kept bull-and-terrier dogs for dog fighting, which was also later made illegal. Handlers valued courage and strength, and also dogs that could be handled safely. The dogs reached the United States in the late 1800s, where they were farm dogs and family pets. Today they are family pets, sport dogs, and therapy dogs. See our Pit Bull type guide.

How any dog behaves depends on breeding, early experience, training, and handling, not on a label.

Common myths

• "They have locking jaws." No. There is no special locking mechanism in their jaws. They can have strong bites and tenacity, but their jaw structure is not unique.
• "They are naturally aggressive to people." Many are friendly and eager to please, and plenty work as therapy dogs. No breed label predicts a bite on its own. Any dog can bite if frightened, hurt, or poorly managed.
• "They feel no pain." Dogs of every type feel pain. A stoic dog may hide it, so a sudden change deserves a vet visit.
• "You cannot train them with treats." Many are very food and people motivated. Reward-based training works well.
• "You can tell a pit bull by looking." As noted above, not reliably.

We will leave the politics and the laws to others. This page is about training the dog you have.

It is also worth saying that a dog who bites is not always a bad dog. Bites come from fear, pain, guarding, and poor management far more often than from some fixed trait. Responsible owners of any strong dog supervise children, use leashes and fences, and get help early at the first sign of trouble. That advice is the same for every breed.

What many of these dogs need

Individuals vary, but you will often meet dogs of this type who are strong, athletic, social with people, and full of enthusiasm. Their needs follow from that.

• Outlets for energy and mouths: chews, tug with rules, fetch, sniff walks, and scent games.
• Impulse control. A strong dog who jumps, pulls, and leaps for greetings needs clear, rewarded alternatives.
• Rest. Muscular, excitable dogs can run themselves into a frenzy, so build in calm time.
• Human company. Many do not like being alone for long hours.
• Mental work. Many are quick learners who enjoy a job.

Our page on why dogs get overly excited can help if your dog goes from zero to sixty at the door.

Skin and health matter too. Many dogs of this type have short coats and sensitive skin. Allergies cause itching, and itching can make a dog restless and irritable. Hot Idaho summers and cold winters are hard on short coats, so adjust walks and give a warm bed. Ask your vet about itching or limping. A comfortable dog is easier to train.

Dog skills: be honest and plan ahead

Some dogs of this type love every dog they meet. Others become less tolerant of unfamiliar dogs as they mature, and some are quite selective. This varies by individual, and also by genetics, socialization, and experience. It is not a certainty either way, but it is smart to plan, because a strong dog in a conflict can cause serious harm.

• Do not assume your dog will love the dog park. Many do better with a few known playmates.
• Teach a reliable recall and a calm leash walk before off leash fun.
• Watch body language during play. Break up stiff, one-sided, or escalating play with a cheerful call and a pause.
• Practice at a distance. A pack walk lets dogs walk near others without forced interaction.
• If your dog lunges at other dogs, see our page on leash reactivity.

Please do not wait for a problem to show up. Early training and management protect your dog and others.

A force-free plan

Strong, sturdy dogs do not need harsh tools. In fact, harsh handling can make things worse. Leash pops, pain-based collars, and punishment add stress and can lead to defensiveness. We use reward-based training. See our force-free training page.

1. Teach a loose leash with treats at your side and sniff breaks.
2. Teach a polite greeting: four paws on the floor earns attention.
3. Teach a settle on a mat. Practice daily.
4. Use scent games to channel energy. See nose work at home and scent work for high drive dogs.
5. Socialize at your dog's pace. Quality matters more than quantity.

If you need help, a private lesson or group class is a good start. Your dog is an individual, and our job is to meet them where they are.

Be patient with adolescence. Dogs of this type often reach adolescence with a big body and plenty of enthusiasm, and manners can slip. Read our adolescent dog guide for what to expect. Keep up daily practice, reward the behavior you like, and remember that the dog you are training is not a headline. They are a dog who wants to know what to do.