# Pit Bulls (continued) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 8, 2013, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714 "2013-10-08T19:18:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 59
**Author:** ![Robert163](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/4af34b/32.png) [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2016, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1161 "2016-01-14T21:09:15Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > You obviously haven’t been doing any research. A small subset of all of the dogs deemed to be “pit bulls” have been bred to fight other dogs, but not bite humans. Some of this subset have been poorly bred and will bite anything. This does not mean that any given “pit bull” is any more dangerous than any given Beagle. you’ve obviously never played tug of war with a pitbull ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2016, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1162 "2016-01-14T21:29:44Z")
> [@Robert163](#): > > you’ve obviously never played tug of war with a pitbull What does that have to do with anything? ---
**Author:** ![Robert163](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/4af34b/32.png) [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2016, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1163 "2016-01-14T21:32:57Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > What does that have to do with anything? well, its kind of the whole point, isin’t it? What happens - after- a pitbull locks down its jaws??? the point is not, are they more aggressive than other breeds. that claim is somewhat debatable. but the strength of their jaws and refusal to let go, when the - do - bite, that is the real issue. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2016, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1164 "2016-01-14T21:56:37Z")
> [@Robert163](#): > > pitbull locks down its jaws Urban legend. ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2016, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1165 "2016-01-14T22:27:22Z")
> [@Robert163](#): > > well, its kind of the whole point, isin’t it? What happens - after- a pitbull locks down its jaws??? > > the point is not, are they more aggressive than other breeds. that claim is somewhat debatable. but the strength of their jaws and refusal to let go, when the - do - bite, that is the real issue. This always makes me laugh. Hard to believe people still believe in this “locking jaws” nonsense. ---
**Author:** ![Robert163](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/4af34b/32.png) [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2016, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1166 "2016-01-14T22:38:31Z")
> [@Skywatcher](#): > > Urban legend. [really](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyqZ5ZhyGsY)? ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2016, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1167 "2016-01-14T22:56:38Z")
[http://einhorninsurance.com/california-insurance/dont-judge-pit-bull-its-cover/:](http://einhorninsurance.com/california-insurance/dont-judge-pit-bull-its-cover/:) > [@](#): > > PIT BULLS HAVE LOCKING JAWS > > This is a very common myth, but it is nothing more than an urban legend. Pit bulls are another member of the canine species and have the same jaw structure as any other dog. If they had a special enzyme or other physical mechanism that allowed them to lock their jaws, then we would have to reclassify them as a different species. Along these lines, another myth is that pit bulls have an exceptionally high “bite pressure” and can do more damage when they bite. There is no evidence to substantiate this claim. In 2005, Dr. Brady Barr of National Geographic found that pit bulls’ bite pressure is no higher than other dog breeds and lower than German Shepherds and Rottweilers. None of these dogs had a bite pressure even close to the level erroneously ascribed to Pit Bulls. If you encounter a creature with a bite pressure exceeding 1000 psi., you have encountered a hyena, a snapping turtle, a crocodile, or some other wild animal—not a dog. “Special” behaviors typically attributed to pit bulls—such as determination, prey drive, grabbing and shaking, or tenacity—are, more accurately, terrier behavior. Physiologically, pit bulls are no different from other dogs. ---
**Author:** ![Robert163](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/4af34b/32.png) [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2016, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1168 "2016-01-14T22:59:35Z")
> [@Skywatcher](#): > > [http://einhorninsurance.com/california-insurance/dont-judge-pit-bull-its-cover/:](http://einhorninsurance.com/california-insurance/dont-judge-pit-bull-its-cover/:) I simply meant that they have a mentality that once they bite down, they don’t let go. and they do have powerful jaws. and when they do bite down, they dont let go. as you can see, from the video. or, if, you ever played tug of war with a pit bull yourself. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2016, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1169 "2016-01-14T23:04:52Z")
> [@Robert163](#): > > I simply meant that they have a mentality that once they bite down, they don’t let go. and they do have powerful jaws. and when they do bite down, they dont let go. I seem to recall plenty of people, some in this very thread, saying that they’ve trained their pit bull to let go on command. ---
**Author:** ![Robert163](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/4af34b/32.png) [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2016, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1170 "2016-01-14T23:08:42Z")
> [@Skywatcher](#): > > I seem to recall plenty of people, some in this very thread, saying that they’ve trained their pit bull to let go on command. ok so? (what about the untrained ones) ---
**Author:** ![raventhief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/raventhief/32/4_2.png) [@raventhief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raventhief)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2016, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1171 "2016-01-14T23:16:10Z")
> [@Robert163](#): > > [really](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyqZ5ZhyGsY)? There are two tenacious dogs in that video. So it’s hardly a trait specific to pit bulls. ---
**Author:** ![Robert163](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/4af34b/32.png) [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2016, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1172 "2016-01-14T23:23:49Z")
> [@raventhief](#): > > There are two tenacious dogs in that video. So it’s hardly a trait specific to pit bulls. never said other dogs aren’t tenacious. i don’t think i’d want to be bitten by a rottweiler either. ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2016, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1173 "2016-01-14T23:33:08Z")
> [@Robert163](#): > > I simply meant that they have a mentality that once they bite down, they don’t let go. and they do have powerful jaws. and when they do bite down, they dont let go. as you can see, from the video. or, if, you ever played tug of war with a pit bull yourself. > [@Skywatcher](#): > > I seem to recall plenty of people, some in this very thread, saying that they’ve trained their pit bull to let go on command. Yeah, most of the ones I’ve worked with (well over a hundred) don’t even really need to be trained to let go. Sure, if you keep tugging, they will keep tugging. Yes, many will literally never let go of the toy as long as you are tugging it back and playing with them, but if you let go, the game is over and they get bored. Or just show them a treat. Most dogs of all breeds let go pretty quickly for a Pupperoni. ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2016, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1174 "2016-01-14T23:50:58Z")
> [@Robert163](#): > > well, its kind of the whole point, isin’t it? What happens - after- a pitbull locks down its jaws??? > > the point is not, are they more aggressive than other breeds. that claim is somewhat debatable. but the strength of their jaws and refusal to let go, when the - do - bite, that is the real issue. No, it isn’t the whole point, certainly not the one I was trying to make. Which is, ANY dog has the potential to bite given enough provocation. And, as other people have pointed out, “pit bulls” aren’t at all unique in bite strength or refusal to let go. Shoot, the worst bites I’ve had was from a spaniel I was grooming, and decades later, a retriever in training. The first was poorly bred, the second poorly raised. You are a victim of the media, just as in the past people have believed this same garbage about Dobermans, German Shepherds, Chows, etc, and are starting to believe about Rotts. It isn’t the breed, it’s who is breeding them and who is raising them. Add to that the fact that dogs have been ID’d as “pit bulls” when they were obviously not even a mix of any sort of bull breed and you come to the obvious conclusion; most shit written about anything “newsworthy” is just that - shit. If you want a nice pet, do your homework and buy from someone who is breeding healthy dogs with stable temperaments. Including any of the bull breeds. ---
**Author:** ![Robert163](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/4af34b/32.png) [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2016, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1175 "2016-01-15T00:04:35Z")
> [@Rhiannon8404](#): > > Yeah, most of the ones I’ve worked with (well over a hundred) don’t even really need to be trained to let go. Sure, if you keep tugging, they will keep tugging. Yes, many will literally never let go of the toy as long as you are tugging it back and playing with them, but if you let go, the game is over and they get bored. Or just show them a treat. Most dogs of all breeds let go pretty quickly for a Pupperoni. ok but what if the dog isn’t playing? what if the dog is, for example, mad? i would not want to be bitten by an angry pit bull.\* \*I’m not saying pit bulls are more agressive than other breeds. i am saying what about when they - do - get mad, as most dogs tend to do when threatened (real or perceived). ---
**Author:** ![Robert163](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/4af34b/32.png) [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2016, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1176 "2016-01-15T00:12:41Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > No, it isn’t the whole point, certainly not the one I was trying to make. Which is, ANY dog has the potential to bite given enough provocation. And, as other people have pointed out, “pit bulls” aren’t at all unique in bite strength or refusal to let go. Shoot, the worst bites I’ve had was from a spaniel I was grooming, and decades later, a retriever in training. The first was poorly bred, the second poorly raised. > > You are a victim of the media, just as in the past people have believed this same garbage about Dobermans, German Shepherds, Chows, etc, and are starting to believe about Rotts. It isn’t the breed, it’s who is breeding them and who is raising them. Add to that the fact that dogs have been ID’d as “pit bulls” when they were obviously not even a mix of any sort of bull breed and you come to the obvious conclusion; most shit written about anything “newsworthy” is just that - shit. > > If you want a nice pet, do your homework and buy from someone who is breeding healthy dogs with stable temperaments. Including any of the bull breeds. 1- My observations are not based upon the media. They are based upon playing tug of war with my own pitt and comparing that to all the other dogs I’ve owned/known/played with in my life. 2- The claim that there is no essential difference between a rottweiler and a pitt bite may be correct. The claim would not be correct between pitt an beagle or pitt and dalmatian or pitt and golden retriever. Pitts and rotties have stronger, shorter, more muscular jaws. They have been bred for hunting and killing. 3- Wen I see a random pitt or rottweiler on the street I have no way of knowing if it belongs to a “good” owner or a “bad” one. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_fun_ball/32/17664_2.png) [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2016, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1177 "2016-01-15T01:15:08Z")
> [@Robert163](#): > > [really](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyqZ5ZhyGsY)? My pure bred golden retriever would do this. He never lets go and never gives up. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2016, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1178 "2016-01-15T03:47:16Z")
> [@Robert163](#): > > ok > > but what if the dog isn’t playing? what if the dog is, for example, mad? i would not want to be bitten by an angry pit bull.\* > > \*I’m not saying pit bulls are more agressive than other breeds. i am saying what about when they - do - get mad, as most dogs tend to do when threatened (real or perceived). “Physiologically, pit bulls are no different from other dogs.” ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2016, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1179 "2016-01-15T06:17:22Z")
I really would appreciate thoughtful, constructive replies. I’m posting in this thread because I figure if I post in IMHO it will be a non-productive free-for-all on pit bulls. The majority I’ve met are sweet, loveable dogs and the one I’m posting about is as well, except for one thing: she’s attacked the two dogs she lives with. Once each. It’s a really difficult situation. This is a mom and daughter (19 years old) who are both friends of mine. Mom has two Bassett-type mixes that are both around five years old. One male, one female, both fixed. They’re really sweet, useless, non-threatening couch potatoes. I don’t they either one has a mean bone in its body. A year ago, the daughter got a pit bull puppy that’s turned into a lovely dog: she’s very affectionate, good with strangers, no bad habits (she’s housebroken, not food-aggressive, doesn’t jump on people, etc.), does the usual shake, lie down, fetch. A very pleasant dog. She was lovingly raised with no abuse. She’s been spayed. She and the daughter are bonded very tightly and the dog is everything to her. However, the pit bull has attacked the other dogs with no obvious provocation. Each of the other dogs was attacked inside the house and had multiple puncture wounds requiring vet visits costing several hundred dollars. There was also quite a lot of blood. She grew up with both of these dogs. For now, they’re keeping the dogs separated, but it’s a small house and it’s pretty awkward. I think the mom is now scared of the pit bull, but she’s trying to find a solution because the daughter is so attached to the dog. **The daughter has some mental issues that are well-controlled by medication, but the dog is a type of security for her.** (Bolding because this is quite important.) The daughter’s been talking about some kind of heavy-duty training for the dog that costs about a thousand dollars, but they don’t have the money. The option of re-homing the dog is on the table, but who would want a dog that does that when there are so many dogs without problems? **Plus the mom is worried about the daughter’s mental status going off the rails if she lost the dog.** Does anyone have any constructive ideas/insights? ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2016, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714/1180 "2016-01-15T15:22:26Z")
My only constructive idea is to suggest that you start a thread in IMHO, and not post something in the Pit. Regards, Shodan [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714.md?page=58) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-bulls-continued/670714.md?page=60)