Pit bull fans say the dog is misunderstood.
It is safe to say that pit bulls are the most feared breed in the United States, but what is fact and what is fiction? The name "pit bull" is actually used to describe three breeds: American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
Aggression
The ASPCA says it is a myth that pit bulls attack more than any other breed. There is no system in place to track dog bites and attacks, and there is no data for total breed populations relative to breed-related fatalities.
Attacks
Pit bull puppies are friendly and playful.
Pit bull attacks against humans are rare, according to PitBullLovers.com. The group says such aggression is not typical of the breed.
Warnings
Pit bulls do not attack without warning any more than other breeds. They stare, stiffen their bodies and growl just like other breeds.
Considerations
Pit bulls can show aggression toward other dogs. Puppies that are not aggressive toward other dogs can show aggression toward unfamiliar dogs as they mature.
Abuse
Abused dogs are much more likely to be human-aggressive and pit bulls in urban settings are at high risk for abuse.
Jaws
Pit bulls do not have locking jaws or the most severe bite of any dog. In one National Geographic study, pit bulls had weaker biting power than Rottweilers or German shepherds.
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