5 'Bully' Dog Myths Debunked

By Sarah Grace McCandless, Animal Planet

Where were you when you heard your first bully breed urban legend? We’ve all come across at least one: A story about a bully that “just snapped” and attacked a person or another dog without warning. Often, these stories come complete with colorful descriptions of bully breeds’ supernatural strength, locking jaws, or inability to feel pain. Many times, the tale has come to you by way of a “friend of a friend” or a “friend’s neighbor who saw it happen to someone a while back.” Almost always, the dog at fault is described as a “pit bull,” with no additional details as to its specific breed or background.

These may seem like innocent rumors to pass around, but over the years, they’ve led many people to avoid adopting bully breeds. In some cases, those myths and assumptions about the dogs’ supposedly aggressive natures have even led to regional bans on bully breed ownership.

But according to groups like the ASPCA and Pit Bull Rescue Central (PBRC), bully breeds — including the American pit bull terrier, the bullmastiff and the American Staffordshire terrier, among other breeds — can make for great family pets when they’re properly trained and socialized. And there’s plenty of research to back that up. So before you buy into the scary stereotypes, read on to learn the truth behind five common bully breed myths.

Myth #5: Bully breeds are naturally aggressive and mean.

With Breed Specific Legislation banning bully breed ownership in certain areas, it’s easy to understand why people assume anecdotal evidence about the dogs’ aggressive tendencies is true. But the facts tell a different story. According to the American Humane Association, on tests conducted in 2009 by the American Temperament Test Society, bullies scored better than several breeds that are rarely associated with aggression, including beagles and collies.

Additionally, research conducted in 2000 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that no specific breed of dog is inherently vicious. And National Canine Research Council director Karen Delise says that, in most cases, any dog that has a tendency to attack is responding at least in part to owners who have either neglected the pup or failed to give it proper socialization and training.

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Read more: Behavior & Communication, Dogs, Pets, pit bulls, slideshow

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Kathy P.

4:53PM PDT on May 22, 2012

A dog is as friendly as the owners spur it to be.. its all in how they are raised and treated

send a green star

Karen F.

4:03PM PDT on May 3, 2012

ANY dog can be trained to have incredible power in its jaws. I have a jack russell cross - a lovely natured small dog, but he can be picked up by a stick in his jaws and swung around and there is no way he will release the stick. It is usually the owner who causes neurotic behavious in their dog, and inbreeding.

Joe R.

3:28PM PDT on May 3, 2012

Too bad there's not a test to weed out incompetent pet owners.

Hillary K.

5:19PM PDT on Apr 13, 2012

I remember reading in article (or a book) somewhere the Pit Bulls used to be called 'Nanny dogs' because they were/are so gentle people had no fear at all leaving them around babies....

Leisa B.

5:29PM PDT on Mar 23, 2012

I know I hate that an entire breed of dogs is looked at as "bad" because of ignorant people. Owners that encourage these poor babies to fight should be locked up at the LEAST as anyone who abuses any animal.

Deborah G.

3:20PM PDT on Mar 23, 2012

Oops...
Breeders of bulldogs began breeding for a gentler, companion- resulting in the couch potato dog we know today.
Pitties originated as all around working dogs- family companions, loyal protectors, farm dogs, etc. Unfortunately some people saw a potential to enhance the aggressive tendencies in their breeding, or choose to breed excessively aggressive dogs. It's a shame...

3:08PM PDT on Mar 23, 2012

I am vehemently opposed to breed specific legislation- it is wrong and unfair. But the concept that every dog is the same- born a blank, gentle slate and only influenced by the people raising it- good or bad- is wrong, too. Breeds of dogs DO have innate traits- that's what makes them different breeds. Beagles have an innate tendency to "follow their noses"; Border collies have an innate tendency to herd- and despite what many people choose to believe, temperament is a a genetic trait- in any given litter of puppies, there will be some more aggressive (dominant) individuals, some more submissive ones. Some may be more serious, some goofy. Yes, training and socialization can modify the individual's temperament, but the basic personality is still there. Some breeds have been intentionally bred for increased aggression, and some people still insist on breeding their dog that has an unstable or overly aggressive temperament- stubbornly insisting that it is the duty of the new owner to mold the personality of the puppy. Unfortunately, most people have very little true understanding of how to socialize a puppy, or how important it is- and how to bring out the best in their companion. All that being said, ANY trait can be enhanced or diminished by intentional, thoughtful breeding. I've used this exame before- (english) bulldogs were once fierce, fearless, fighting dogs bred to aggressively attack, latch on and subdue BULLS. Once bullbaiting fell out of favor, breeders of bulldogs b

Pat M.

1:10PM PDT on Mar 23, 2012

CLAMP down on dog fighting!!!!!

No Emails H.

12:31AM PDT on Mar 23, 2012

Pity the pittie. So unfair what has happened to these poor dogs.

leslie c.

4:12PM PDT on Mar 12, 2012

Am in total agreement.