The American Temperament Test Society recognizes that the term "pitbull" is a generic term that encompasses several breeds of dogs, including the American Pitbull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
These breeds were originally bred for companionship and as working dogs, not for fighting.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) lists the American Staffordshire Terrier as a distinct breed, but notes that the term "pitbull" is often used to refer to any dog with a similar appearance.
In reality, "pitbull" is a colloquialism that refers to a group of breeds, rather than a specific breed itself.
Here's an interesting read: American Pitbull Dog Breed
The Misconception
Pit bulls as a breed don't exist, it's a term used to categorize dogs of various and mixed breeds.
Many people believe pit bulls are a specific breed, but in reality, it's a catch-all term for dogs with a big head, muscular body, and strong jaw, which can be a mix of breeds.
Courts have struggled to clarify what is or isn't a pit bull, and even DNA testing isn't always accurate.
It's almost impossible to tell by visual identification what a dog is, so you're just guessing.
The American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club can determine a dog's pedigree by its lineage, but DNA tests cannot determine if a dog is purebred.
Experts from The National Canine Research Council stress that it's not possible to predict a dog's behavior and genetics solely based on appearance.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers.
Aggressive behavior toward humans is uncharacteristic of the breed.
Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover
You can't accurately identify a dog's breed by sight, and it's not just a matter of being slightly off. Research has shown that sight identification of shelter dogs has about a 90% failure rate.
The Animal Foundation conducted its own DNA testing on shelter dogs and found that many dogs people had identified as "pit bulls" were actually a mix of other breeds. Dogs like cocker spaniel, boxer, and golden retriever were among the breeds found in the DNA profiles of these dogs.
Seeing the DNA results posted on kennels helped people focus on personalities rather than appearances. In some cases, the DNA results even motivated people to adopt a dog they might not have considered before.
It's not uncommon for people to make assumptions about a dog's behavior based on its appearance, but the truth is, a dog's genetic makeup is not a magic mirror into its behavior.
On a similar theme: Breeds of Dogs in a Dog's Purpose
Understanding Pit Bulls
Pit Bulls are often misunderstood, but they're actually a type of dog that was developed from various breeds. They were originally bred for companionship and not for fighting.
The American Pit Bull Terrier, one of the breeds that make up the Pit Bull family, was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1898. This breed was known for its gentle and affectionate nature.
Pit Bulls are often stereotyped as aggressive, but the truth is that any dog can become aggressive if it's not properly trained and socialized.
Personality vs. Breed
Our first encounter with DNA testing showed us that many shelter dogs have more to them than meets the eye. It also highlights why shelters like The Animal Foundation no longer assign a breed to a dog without papers.
You can't accurately identify a dog's breed by sight, and that's a fact. Research has proven that sight identification of shelter dogs has about a 90% failure rate.
Dogs are individuals, just like people, and their personality is the best way to determine a "fit" with a new owner. Our adoption counselors have seen this firsthand when people ask about a dog's breed.
DNA testing has shown us that a dog's genetic makeup is not a magic mirror into its behavior. We've seen dogs labeled as "pit bulls" have breeds like cocker spaniel, boxer, and golden retriever in their backgrounds.
By seeing the DNA results, people have been able to look beyond appearances and focus on a dog's personality. In some cases, this has actually motivated people to adopt a dog they might not have considered before.
Pit Bulls Don't Exist
There's no such thing as a purebred pit bull, it's a term used to categorize dogs of various and mixed breeds.
The American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, and Staffordshire Bull terrier are the three types of purebred dogs lumped together as pit bulls.
Many dogs are misidentified as pit bulls due to their physical characteristics, such as a big head, muscular body, and strong jaw.
DNA testing can't always accurately identify a dog's breed, making it difficult to determine what's a purebred and what's a mixed breed.
Courts have struggled to clarify what is or isn't a pit bull, even in Maryland, where courts tried to revise state laws concerning pit bulls in 2012.
It's almost impossible to tell by visual identification what a dog is, so you're just guessing.
Even experts from The National Canine Research Council agree that it's not possible to predict a dog's behavior and genetics solely based on appearance.
The American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club can determine a dog's pedigree by its lineage, but DNA tests cannot determine if a dog is purebred.
The UKC's legal counsel has said they do not know of any court that would accept a DNA test to prove a dog's breed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A pitbull a man made breed?
Yes, pit bulls are a man-made breed developed from bulldog and terrier ancestry in 19th-century England, Scotland, and Ireland. Created for hunting, their origins are a result of deliberate breeding by humans.
Why is pitbull banned in 12 countries?
Pitbulls are banned in 12 countries due to concerns about public safety and a negative media portrayal that has perpetuated a misconception about the breed's potential for aggression. However, the effectiveness of breed-specific bans in preventing dog attacks is a topic of ongoing debate.
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