Are Pit Bulls Dangerous? Experts Clarify Myths About These Loyal Dogs

If you’ve ever shared your life with a pit bull, you know they’re affectionate, playful, and fiercely loyal. Their square faces, broad chests, and muscular builds can look intimidating, but behind that exterior lies a dog that loves to be a family companion. Unfortunately, pit bulls are often labeled as aggressive, vicious, and untrainable, leading many cities to ban the breed in an effort to curb dog attacks. Are these perceptions accurate?

Historically, pit bull ancestors were bred for blood‑sports such as bear and bull baiting, and some are still used in illegal dog fights. However, a dog’s temperament is shaped far more by upbringing, socialization, and care than by breed alone. Today, many municipalities are re‑examining breed bans; Denver repealed its ban in 2021, and several other cities have followed suit.

To separate fact from fiction, we consulted veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and recent scientific studies. Below you’ll find the most common pit bull myths debunked, along with practical advice for current and prospective owners.

About the Experts

• Stephen DeBono – Pet behavior specialist who rehabilitates aggressive and shelter dogs.
• Colleen Demling‑Riley – Canine behaviorist with Pawtopia Dog Training; 20+ years of obedience and behavior work.
• Melissa Pezzuto – Behavior‑consultant team lead at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Kanab, UT.
• Megan Stanley – Founder and president of Dogma Dog Training, Calgary, AB; active rescue volunteer.
• Lesa Staubus, DVM – Veterinary ethicist and senior program officer at the Kirkpatrick Foundation; former rescue veterinarian.

Are Pit Bulls Dangerous?

“No dog is inherently vicious,” says Melissa Pezzuto, who helped rehabilitate pit bulls rescued from Michael Vick’s dog‑fighting ring. Aggression stems from a dog’s experiences—abuse, lack of socialization, and poor training—not from its breed.

Temperament testing by the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) ranks the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (90.9% pass) and the American Pit Bull Terrier (87.4% pass) higher than many traditional “family” breeds, such as the Beagle (79.7%), Golden Retriever (85.6%), and St. Bernard (84.9%). These scores indicate that pit‑type dogs are, on average, less likely to display aggression than the breeds they’re often compared to.

How Common Are Pit Bull Attacks?

There is no nationwide dog‑bite reporting system. The CDC stopped collecting breed‑specific bite data in 1998. A recent study in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology examined 240 pediatric patients treated for dog bites and found that injuries from pit bulls and mixed‑breed dogs were more frequent and severe. However, the study only captured bites that required medical attention, omitting countless unreported incidents involving other breeds.

Lesa Staubus notes that lethal bites are often linked to owner factors—lack of supervision, unneutered dogs, isolation, and histories of neglect or abuse—rather than breed alone.

Breed Overviews

American Pit Bull Terrier

• Height: 17–19 inches
• Weight: 40–70 lb
• Life expectancy: 12–16 years

American Staffordshire Terrier

• Height: 17–19 inches
• Weight: 40–70 lb
• Life expectancy: 12–16 years

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

• Height: 14–15 inches
• Weight: 23–38 lb
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years

Common Pit Bull Myths

Below we address the most pervasive misconceptions.

Myth: Pit bulls are purebreds

Truth:

“Pit bull” is a colloquial term that encompasses several distinct breeds: Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bully, American Staffordshire Terrier, and American Bulldog. The American Kennel Club does not recognize a single “Pit Bull” breed. Even professionals often misidentify mixed‑breed dogs based on appearance alone.

Myth: Pit bulls are a fighting breed

Truth:

Pit‑type dogs descend from English bull‑baiting dogs, which were originally bred to grip large animals. When baiting was outlawed, these dogs were crossed with smaller terriers, creating a versatile breed. While some individuals have been bred for dog fighting, many pit bulls are raised as companion animals and exhibit gentle, loyal temperaments. Modern pit bulls display a wide range of behavioral predispositions due to varied breeding practices.

Myth: Pit bulls can’t get along with other pets

Truth:

Social compatibility depends on each dog’s history, training, and socialization, not on breed. Megan Stanley cites her own pit bull, Duke, who successfully mentored fearful puppies and lived peacefully with two dogs and a cat.

Myth: Pit bulls turn on you without warning

Truth:

All dogs give subtle signals—lowered body, tucked tail, growling—when uncomfortable. Ignoring these cues can cause a dog to suppress warning signals and later react more abruptly. Recognizing body language helps prevent bites.

Myth: Breed‑Specific Legislation (BSL) makes communities safer

Truth:

BSL bans or restricts certain breeds, but the ASPCA, AKC, Humane Society, and the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior all consider it ineffective and discriminatory. Studies show that BSL does not reduce dog‑bite incidents, yet it increases shelter euthanasia rates, misallocation of resources, and underground dog‑fighting activity.

Myth: Pit bulls dominate shelters because they’re untrustworthy

Truth:

Pit‑type dogs end up in shelters for the same reasons as any other breed—owner relocation, death, lack of time, or behavioral issues. BSL also forces many owners to surrender their pets when moving to areas with breed bans.

Myth: Pit bulls are impossible to train

Truth:

Pit bulls are intelligent, eager to please, and excel in obedience, agility, and dock diving. Notable examples include Sergeant Stubby, a World War I hero, and Darby, who rescued his owner from a shark attack.

Pit Bull FAQs

Are pit bulls good family dogs?

When properly socialized and supervised, pit bulls score highly on the ATTS temperament test and can be devoted family members. As with any breed, never leave young children unattended with a dog, and teach kids how to interact respectfully.

What should you know before adopting a pit bull?

Pit bulls are energetic and thrive on daily exercise—running, agility, hiking, or weight‑pulling. Early socialization, consistent (but loving) training, crate‑training for separation anxiety, and regular mental stimulation are essential for a well‑adjusted companion.

Why Trust This Article?

Reader’s Digest works with experienced writers and vetted experts. Lisa Marie Conklin, a veteran pet writer, authored this piece, which was rigorously reviewed by board‑certified veterinary behaviorist Wailani Sung, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB. All information is sourced from reputable organizations, peer‑reviewed studies, and direct expert interviews.

Additional reporting by Juliana LaBianca.

Sources

• Interviews with Stephen DeBono, Colleen Demling‑Riley, Melissa Pezzuto, Megan Stanley, and Lesa Staubus (Oct 2021)
• ASPCA Position Statements on Pit Bulls and Breed‑Specific Legislation
• American Temperament Test Society – Breed Statistics
• International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology – “Dog bite injuries to the face”
• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior – BSL Position Statement
• Miami Valley Pit Crew – “Ten Things to Know About Pit Bull Dogs”