Gray Matter Happy Hour: August 2014

Image credit: jvoves via Flickr

“Pit Bull Mauls Toddler” is probably a headline you’ve seen in newspapers, news websites, and on major television news networks on more than one occasion. But how often do you see “Vicious Chihuahua Attacks” in the media? Why does it seem as though pit bulls are the only breed of dog that attacks?

Armando Perez (AKA Pitbull)

Pit bulls are associated with aggression, bullying, gangs, and fighting. You might think of Michael Vick’s dog fighting business. Or maybe you think of the Cuban rapper Pitbull (AKA Armando Perez). According to an interview with Access Hollywood he chose this stage name because “pit bulls bite to lock. The dog is too stupid to lose. They’re loyal. They're basically everything that I am. It's been a constant fight..."

Is Armando right? Are pit bulls genetically different than other breeds of dogs? Do they have a higher tendency towards aggression or attacks? Is implementing bans and other restrictive legislation justified and effective in preventing dog injuries?

Many cities, counties, and even whole countries place breed restrictive legislation on pit bulls and other “aggressive breeds”

Most breed-specific legislation (BSL) targets pit bulls by banning them from the limits of the county, city, or entire country. Some BSL places restrictions on these breeds. For example in certain areas they are not allowed to be in public without a muzzle and a short leash, and signs must be posted on the property warning people that a dangerous dog is present. So, how is this enforced?

Pit bull is not actually a breed, but encompasses a variety of breeds with similar characteristics. American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, and mixes of these breeds are typically grouped under the term “pit bull.” The ambiguity in the term pit bull makes it incredibly difficult to correctly identify a pit bull, especially in mixed breeds. Try it yourself with this quiz. Oftentimes boxers, bullmastiffs, and bulldogs are mistaken for pit bulls (ASPCA).

Which dog do you think is more pit bull? The dog on the left was identified by a DNA test to as an American Staffordshire Terrier and Cattle Dog mix, where the one on the right did not have any traces of a pit bull breed present (but did have Dalmatian and boxer among a long list of others)

BSL is often criticized because breed identification is difficult with mixed breeds. Most of the time the language of the legislation states that physical characteristics should be used to identify the breed of the dog when enforcing breed restrictions. This often results in a large number of dogs that are misidentified.

Pit bull breeds are identified as aggressive or “bully” dogs

Pit bulls have been portrayed as an aggressive and dangerous dog type, which has resulted in BSL against them in many areas. Pit bull breeds were originally bred as working dogs and companions, and at some point were bred for bull and bear baiting because of their above average obedience and strength. Animal welfare laws eliminated this in 1835. Does their previous breeding grounds make them genetically predisposed to be more aggressive, or is their image a result of a misinformed stereotype?

A study in the Journal of Applied Animal Behaviour Science surveyed over 30 breeds of dogs for canine aggression. The study concluded that the highest rates of aggression toward humans were found in smaller breeds like the Dachshund, Chihuahua, and different types of Spaniels. The study grouped pit bull into one breed and found that they showed below average aggression towards humans compared to the other breeds surveyed.

Figure from study. Prevalence of aggression toward humans for each type of breed based on a normalized average

The study also surveyed aggression toward other dogs. The results showed overall that there was a higher tendency of aggression toward other dogs than humans, though it was more breed specific. Chihuahuas were at the top of the list followed by Jack Russell Terriers. Pit bulls were above average for dog-directed aggression, but still ranked below many dogs that are not included in BSL. The study does note that environmental factors such as socialization training and neutering has a significant impact on dog-directed aggression. In other words, dog owners are the main influence on their dog’s tendencies for aggressive behavior.

Figure from study. Prevalence of aggression toward dogs for each type of breed based on a normalized average.

Another study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior investigated pit bull type dogs along with 11 other types of dogs that are labeled as aggressive in Germany. The authors found that 95% of the dogs reacted without attacking when provoked for aggressive behavior. Only 1 of 415 dogs reacted by biting when unthreatening behavior was directed toward it, and only 9% of dogs bit when threatened. They also noted that breed had no correlation to aggression within the dogs they studied.

Does a small percentage of dog bites justify BSL?

Some argue that BSL is justified because whether or not pit bulls display aggression as much as other dogs, they have the potential to cause more damage. A pit bull is much larger and stronger than a little Chihuahua, even though they might not bite as often. This logic does not hold up in areas where it has been implemented. Studies have shown that BSL does not lower incidence of dog attacks. In fact, it may actually increase dog-related incidents in a similar way prohibition caused more crime.

The fact is that pit bulls and all dogs raised by caring and responsible owners are loving, loyal, and even therapeutic. Pit bulls make great service dogs because they are smart and easily trained, which is the purpose they were initially bred to serve. They generally interact well with other animals and serve as “protectors” to them. Just Google pit bull with [insert another cute animal here] if you don’t believe me. In areas with BSL these dogs also cannot be used as service and therapy dogs.

Source. This pit loves his farm babies.

Pit bulls even were called “nanny dogs” because of how well they interact with children. If you haven’t seen this viral video of a pit bull puppy snuggling with a baby, watch it now. And then watch it again every time you need a pick me up.

It gets me every time.

Breaking the stereotype to help end BSL

Unfortunately, the media has helped perpetuate a stereotype against some of the most loyal and kind dogs there are. When the news reports a dog attack, they often select for pit bull stories, and only include the breed if it is a pit bull because it sells. Artists like Pitbull perpetuate the negative image further. Perhaps Armando Perez should have gone with “Rhino” or “Shark” as his stage name instead of the nanny dogs’ if he wanted a “fierce” image.

Fortunately, people are beginning to catch onto this and realize how great pit bulls really are. Some media outlets are helping fight the stereotypes that tragically end the lives of many of these amazing dogs. The Huffington Post Green is currently doing a weeklong pit bull awareness week (#PitBullWeek), with a page dedicated to positive pit bull stories. I am hopeful that in the near future breed-specific legislation will be overturned (especially you, Colorado and Washington).

If you are planning to adopt a dog, I encourage you to consider saving the life of a pit bull (and remember to spay and neuter!). I know I am. Until then, I leave you with a multitude of cute pit bull pictures and gifs to complete your week.