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Are pitbulls unpredictable?


Pitbulls have developed a reputation as being unpredictable, aggressive, and dangerous dogs. However, the question of whether or not pitbulls are truly unpredictable has been hotly debated. Proponents argue that pitbulls are sweet, loyal dogs that have been unfairly stigmatized. Opponents claim that pitbulls are inherently dangerous and are more likely to attack than other breeds. In this article, we will examine the evidence on both sides of this issue and try to determine if pitbulls deserve their reputation or if they are misunderstood.

Background on Pitbulls

First, it is important to understand what pitbulls are and why they have such a controversial reputation. Pitbull is not a specific breed, but rather an umbrella term used to describe several breeds of terrier dogs such as the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. These medium-sized, short-haired dogs were originally bred in England in the 1800s for the cruel sport of bull baiting, where dogs were trained to bite and hold bulls and bears. When bull baiting was banned in the 1800s, the dogs were then used for dog fighting.

As a result of being bred for these violent sports, pitbulls developed strong jaws and a tendency to bite down and not let go. This bite-and-hold tendency is why pitbulls historically excel at tasks like hunting, police work, and guarding. However, it has also contributed to their reputation as unrelenting attackers when they do bite.

In the 1980s, pitbulls became popularized as a tough, masculine dog adopted by gang members and used for illegal dog fighting rings. This further cemented their bad reputation. Currently, pitbulls are responsible for the majority of fatal dog attacks in the United States, though debate exists on whether this is due to their nature or nurture.

Are Pitbulls Inherently Dangerous?

Those who argue that pitbulls are inherently dangerous and unpredictable point to the breed’s history, statistics on attacks, and physical characteristics as evidence:

Breed History

Pitbull advocates cannot deny the breed was historically bred for blood sports and dog fighting. This selective breeding specifically cultivated traits like jaw strength, aggression, and tenacity – characteristics that could predispose pitbulls to unpredictable attacks when in the wrong hands today.

Attack Statistics

According to multiple studies, pitbulls are responsible for over 65% of fatal dog attacks in the United States despite making up just 6% of the dog population. They have also inflicted over 70% of reported dog bites that require reconstructive surgery. These statistics seem to indicate pitbulls are inherently more dangerous than other breeds.

Breed Percent of fatal attacks
Pitbulls 65%
Rottweilers 10%
German Shepherds 9%
Mixed breed 6%

Physical Characteristics

Pitbull defenders argue it’s not fair to condemn a whole breed for the bad actions of some individuals. However, critics point out pitbulls have certain physical characteristics that inherently make them more capable of inflicting damage when they do attack:

– Large, wide jaws and skull structure built for biting down on large prey or adversaries

– Powerful muscles in their neck and shoulders allowing them to shake their heads forcefully side-to-side

– A tendency to bite and hold on, causing severe ripping injuries

– High pain tolerance that may not dissuade them from attack

These physical attributes certainly make pitbulls more dangerous than many other breeds when they do attack. However, the question still remains if they are actually more likely to attack.

Are Pitbull Attacks Due to Nurture Rather Than Nature?

While the evidence pointing to pitbulls as inherently dangerous seems damning, there are also compelling arguments that pitbull attacks have more to do with how the dogs are nurtured by owners rather than strictly their nature. Arguments that pitbull aggression is due more to nurture include:

Owner Demographic

One of the strongest arguments from pitbull advocates is statistics showing pitbull owners are more likely to be irresponsible or deliberately encourage aggression than other dog owners. Studies show over 20% of pitbull owners have criminal convictions compared to just 1-3% of other dog owners. Pitbulls are also unfortunately attractive for unethical purposes like guarding illegal operations or dog fighting. Irresponsible ownership certainly seems to be a major factor.

Misidentification of Breeds

Another compelling argument is that pitbull attacks are over-reported because people often inaccurately identify a dog as a pitbull after an attack based on appearance alone. Studies show even veterinarians and shelter staff frequently mislabel mixed breed dogs as pitbulls. This further skews attack statistics against pitbulls and calls into question if they are inherently more dangerous.

Lack of Training and Socialization

Many experts argue that a lack of training and socialization from a young age leads to more pitbull attacks. Pitbull puppies require extensive positive socialization to curb their natural tendencies toward dog aggression. Owners who do not socialize and obedience train pitbulls from a young age are setting the dogs up to fail. Pitbulls from backyard breeders or puppy mills are also more likely to have genetic tendencies toward aggression.

Media Bias

The media also likely disproportionately reports on pitbull attacks compared to other dog attacks, further fueling public perceptions that they are unpredictable and dangerous. One study found the media reported three times more often when a pitbull attacked someone versus another breed. This bias creates the illusion that pitbulls are public enemy number one.

Are Pitbulls Safe Around Children?

One area of particular concern is whether pitbulls present an inherent risk to children. Again, there are arguments on both sides:

Yes, pitbulls are unsafe around kids

– Most fatal dog attacks involve children, with some studies showing over 80% of fatal pitbull attacks being on kids

– Pitbulls tend to have less inhibitory bite control compared to other breeds

– Children’s small size means they are more likely to be severely injured by a pitbull attack

– Pitbulls may see small children as potential prey due to high prey drive

No, pitbulls can be safe with proper training

– Most pitbulls exhibit dog aggression, not human aggression when properly trained

– Pitbulls historically earned a reputation as “nanny dogs” trusted to watch over children

– No scientific studies exist showing pitbulls are inherently more dangerous to kids than other large breed dogs

– With early and extensive socialization, pitbulls can get along very well with children

There is evidence on both sides of this issue. However, the fact remains that extreme caution and vigilance is warranted when introducing pitbulls into homes with small children compared to other breeds.

Reducing Pitbull Attacks

Regardless of where one stands in the “nature vs. nurture” debate around pitbull attacks, most agree that the following steps could help reduce attacks:

Require pitbulls to be spayed/neutered unless from licensed breeders

Reducing backyard breeding and puppy mills producing unstable dogs would be beneficial.

Enact breed-specific legislation targeted at irresponsible owners

Require pitbull owners to attend obedience training, leash dogs in public, and require liability insurance in case of attacks. Hold owners accountable rather than restricting the breed itself.

Increase owner education

Launch more public education campaigns on the need for early socialization and training. Also make free obedience classes more available.

Encourage more pitbull rescues and rehabilitation

Promote adoption of pitbulls from shelters and train them to serve as therapy dogs. Changing public perceptions of the dogs can reduce fear-based aggression against them.

Improve bite incident reporting

Have medical professionals report dog bites by verified breed rather than speculation to get accurate statistics.

Push for breed-neutral dangerous dog laws

Dangerous dog laws should be based on the actions of individual dogs, not condemnation of a whole breed. Judges should have discretion based on evidence of aggression and temperament, not breed alone.

Conclusion

The question of whether pitbulls are inherently dangerous and unpredictable is a complex issue with evidence supporting both sides of the debate. However, a dog’s actions are influenced by both nature (genetics and physical characteristics) as well as nurture (training, socialization, and ownership).

It seems clear that pitbulls have genetic tendencies shaped by their breeding history as well as physical attributes that require responsible handling to minimize risks. However, pitbulls can make loyal, loving pets in the right hands. The breed itself should not be condemned, but stricter oversight of owners is justified along with public education on the importance of proper training. With vigilance and understanding from owners, the risk of pitbull attacks on humans and other animals can be reduced.