Myth Busting: The Truth About the American Pit Bull Terrier

For decades, the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) has been surrounded by myths, misinformation, and unfair stereotypes. At APBT INFO, we preserve the real history of the breed and expose the truth behind these misconceptions. This article revisits common myths about the APBT and explains why responsible ownership and historical context matter more than rumors.

❌ Myth: Pit Bulls are naturally vicious

✅ Fact: There is no scientific evidence proving that genetics make a breed inherently dangerous. Aggressive behavior is shaped by environment, training, and irresponsible ownership. The APBT, when raised responsibly, is loyal, stable, and affectionate.

❌ Myth: Pit Bulls have “locking jaws”

✅ Fact: Anatomical studies show no special mechanism in the APBT’s jaw. Their bite strength is comparable to other breeds of similar size. The idea of a “jaw lock” is pure myth.

❌ Myth: Training for fighting is genetic

✅ Fact: Aggression is not a fixed hereditary trait. While gameness was historically selected, environment and conditioning play a far greater role. Blaming genetics alone ignores the responsibility of owners and breeders.

❌ Myth: Treadmills are used only for fighting dogs

✅ Fact: Treadmills are conditioning tools. They help with gait analysis, endurance, and overall health. Dogmen and show handlers alike used them to keep dogs fit, not just for combat.

❌ Myth: Scars always mean a dog has fought

✅ Fact: Scars can come from play, accidents, or encounters with other animals. Active dogs often get marks without ever being matched. Judging a dog solely by scars is misleading.

❌ Myth: Rescued adult APBTs are unsafe

✅ Fact: Many adopters prefer adults because their temperament is already visible. Puppies are harder to predict. With responsible ownership, rescued adults can be excellent companions.

❌ Myth: Pit Bulls bite more than other breeds

✅ Fact: Bite statistics are often misreported. In many regions, APBTs account for a small fraction of incidents compared to mongrels or other breeds. Temperament tests consistently show the APBT scoring above average in stability.

❌ Myth: Pit Bulls are “born mean”

✅ Fact: According to the American Temperament Test Society, the APBT scores over 83%, higher than the national average for all breeds. This proves their stable and reliable temperament when responsibly bred and raised.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is not defined by myths, but by its history, conditioning, and the responsibility of its owners. At APBT INFO, we continue the mission preserving truth, exposing misinformation, and honoring the legacy of the APBT as a noble working dog.

If you enjoyed this article and want to dive deeper into the history and temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier, you may also be interested in these related articles:

• The Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Towards People (Temperament Test Society ATTS Results)

• Understanding the Pit Bull’s Temperament Through APBT History

Both pieces explore the true character and stability of the APBT, offering historical insights and documented test results that challenge common myths and highlight the breed’s resilience and loyalty.