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'{{redirect|Pitbull|the American rapper and entertainer|Pitbull (rapper)|other uses}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2013}} {{Infobox Dogbreed |name = Pit bull |image = File:Pit bull sampler.jpg |image_caption = A selection of pit bull type dogs. Clockwise from top left: [[American Pit Bull Terrier]], [[American Staffordshire Terrier]], [[American Bulldog]], [[Staffordshire Bull Terrier]]. |altname = |nickname = |country = Britain (England / Scotland)<br>Ireland<br>United States |patronage = <!-----Traits-----> |weight= <!-----Classification and standards-----> |fcigroup = |fcisection = |fcinum = |fcistd = |akcgroup = |akcstd = |akcfss = |akcmisc = |ankcgroup = |ankcstd = |ckcgroup = |ckcstd = |ckcmisc = |kcukgroup = |kcukstd = |nzkcgroup = |nzkcstd = |ukcgroup = |ukcstd = |notrecognized = |extinct = }} '''Pit bull''' is the common name for a [[dog type|type of dog]]. Formal breeds often considered in North America to be of the pit bull type include the [[American Pit Bull Terrier]], [[American Staffordshire Terrier]], [[American Bully]], and [[Staffordshire Bull Terrier]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pbrc.net/faq.html|title=Frequently Asked Questions|publisher=Pit Bull Rescue Central|accessdate=2015-06-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.aspca.org/adopt/truth-about-pit-bulls|title = The Truth about Pitbulls|date = |accessdate = |website = ASPCA|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref> The [[American Bulldog]] is also sometimes included. Many of these breeds were originally developed as [[List of dog fighting breeds|fighting dog]]s from cross breeding bull-baiting dogs (used to hold the faces and heads of larger animals such as bulls) and [[terrier]]s. After the use of dogs in [[blood sport]]s was banned, such dogs were used as [[catch dog]]s in the United States for semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt and drive livestock, and as family companions.<ref name="United Kennel Club" /> Despite [[dog fighting]] now being illegal in the United States, it still exists as an underground activity, and pit bulls are a common breed of choice.<ref name="Animal Law Overview">{{cite web|url =http://www.animallaw.info/articles/qvusdogfighting.htm |title=Dog Fighting General Overview |first=Hanna |last=Gibson |publisher=Animal Legal and Historical Center, [[Michigan State University College of Law]] |year=2005 |accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref><ref name=Pit_Bull_Cruelty/><ref name=Dog_fighting/> The term pit bull is often used loosely to describe dogs with similar physical characteristics, and the morphological (physical) variation amongst "bully breed" dogs makes it difficult for anyone, even experts, to visually identify them as distinct from "non-pit bulls".<ref name="Inaccuracy of Breed Labels Assigned to Dogs of Unknown Origin">{{cite web |url=http://nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/breed-identification-1/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730113853/http://nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/breed-identification-1/ |dead-url=yes |archive-date=2016-07-30 |title=Inaccuracy of Breed Labels Assigned to Dogs of Unknown Origin}}</ref><ref name="Breed Discriminatory Legislation: How DNA Will Remedy the Unfairness">{{cite journal |date=May 2011 |title=Breed Discriminatory Legislation: How DNA Will Remedy the Unfairness |journal=Journal of Animal Law & Ethics |volume=161 |issue=4 |url=https://litigation-essentials.lexisnexis.com/webcd/app?action=DocumentDisplay&crawlid=1&doctype=cite&docid=4+J.+Animal+L.+%26+Ethics+161&srctype=smi&srcid=3B15&key=3eff799b732bbcea776a4ef5ef0fd2f9 |accessdate=March 21, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Pit bull Identification in Animal Shelters">{{cite web |url=http://www.maddiesfund.org/Documents/Resource%20Library/Incorrect%20Breed%20Identification%20Study%20Poster.pdf |title=Pit bull Identification in Animal Shelters}}</ref> While mixed breed dogs are often labeled as "pit bulls" if they have certain physical characteristics such as a square shaped head or bulky body type,<ref name="Irrationality Unleashed: The Pitfalls of Breed-Specific Legislation">{{cite web |url=http://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?collection=journals&handle=hein.journals/umkc78&div=32&id=&page= |title=Irrationality Unleashed: The Pitfalls of Breed-Specific Legislation}}</ref> visual identification of mixed breed dogs is not recommended by the scholarly community.<ref name="Inaccuracy of Breed Labels Assigned to Dogs of Unknown Origin"/> == History == [[File:Bull and Bear Baiting arenas shown on the Agas Map of London of 1560.JPG|thumb|Bull and bear baiting arenas shown on the [[Woodcut map of London|"Woodcut" map of London]] of c.1561 (the dogs are shown coming out of pens on each side)]] [[File:2009-04-21 APBT pup on deck.jpg|thumb|right|180px|American Pit Bull Terrier puppy]] Pit bulls were created by breeding [[bulldog]]s and [[terrier]]s together to produce a dog that combined the gameness and agility of the terrier with the strength of the bulldog.<ref name="United Kennel Club">{{cite web |url=https://www.ukcdogs.com/american-pit-bull-terrier |title=American Pit Bull Terrier |publisher=United Kennel Club (UKC) |accessdate=January 2, 2017}}</ref> In the [[United Kingdom]], these dogs were used in blood sports such as [[bull-baiting]] and [[bear-baiting]]. These blood sports were officially eliminated in 1835 as Britain began to introduce animal welfare laws. Since dogfights were cheaper to organize and far easier to conceal from the law than bull or bear baits, blood sport proponents turned to pitting their dogs against each other instead. Dog fighting was used as both a blood sport (often involving gambling) and a way to continue to test the quality of their stock. For decades afterwards, dog fighting clandestinely took place in small areas of Britain and America. In the early 20th century pit bulls were used as [[catch dog]]s in America for semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt, and drive livestock, and as family companions.<ref name="United Kennel Club" /> Some have been selectively bred for their fighting prowess.<ref name=Pit_Bull_Cruelty>{{cite web |url=http://www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/dog-fighting/pit-bull-cruelty |title=Pit Bull Cruelty |publisher=[[American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals]] (ASPCA) |year=2013 |accessdate=February 3, 2014}}</ref><ref name=Dog_fighting>{{cite web |url=http://www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/dog-fighting |title=Dog Fighting |publisher=[[American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals]] (ASPCA) |year=2013 |accessdate=February 3, 2014}}</ref> Pit bulls also constitute the majority of dogs used for illegal [[dog fighting]] in America.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dog Fighting Fact Sheet |year=2009 |publisher=Humane Society of the United States |url=http://www.hsus.org/acf/fighting/dogfight/dogfighting_fact_sheet.html |accessdate=August 7, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719152149/http://www.hsus.org/acf/fighting/dogfight/dogfighting_fact_sheet.html |archivedate=July 19, 2009 }}</ref> In addition, law enforcement organisations report these dogs are used for other nefarious purposes, such as guarding illegal narcotics operations,<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2102608/Robin-Johnson-Known-prostitute-loses-left-arm-leg-pit-bull-attack.html | location=London | work=Daily Mail | title=Known prostitute' loses left arm and leg after pit bull 'viciously attacks her as she was shut inside a home with the beast | date=February 17, 2012}}</ref><ref name="SI 1987">{{cite news |first=E.M. |last=Swift |title=The pit bull: friend and killer |date=July 27, 1987 |periodical=[[Sports Illustrated]] |volume=67 |issue=4 |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1066224/1/index.htm |accessdate=December 2, 2009}}</ref> use against police,<ref>{{cite news |first1=Al |last1=Baker |first2=Mathew R. |last2=Warren |title=Shooting highlights the risks dogs pose to police, and vice versa |date=July 9, 2009 |place=New York, NY |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/10/nyregion/10pitbull.html?_r=1 |accessdate=January 7, 2010}}</ref> and as [[attack dog]]s.<ref>{{cite news |title='Dangerous dogs' weapon of choice |date=December 2, 2009 |publisher=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/west_midlands/8391909.stm |accessdate=December 2, 2009}}</ref> On the other side of the law, pit bulls have been used as [[police dog]]s.<ref>{{cite journal |date=October 2002 |title=Cool K-9 Popsicle retires |journal=U.S. Customs Today |volume=38 |issue=10 |url=http://www.cbp.gov/xp/CustomsToday/2002/October/k9.xml |accessdate=August 7, 2009 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20111024001344/http://www.cbp.gov/xp/CustomsToday/2002/October/k9.xml | archivedate = 24 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Adrienne Mand |last=Lewin |title=Protecting the Nation – One Sniff at a Time |date=October 12, 2005 |publisher=[[ABC News]] |url=http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Terrorism/story?id=1200304&page=1 |accessdate=February 2, 2009}}</ref> [[File:Pit bull mix.jpg|thumb|Pit bull/chocolate lab mix]] In an effort to counter the fighting reputation of pit bull-type dogs, in 1996 the [[San Francisco SPCA|San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals]] renamed pit bull terriers to "St. Francis Terriers", so that people might be more likely to adopt them.<ref>{{cite news |first=George |last=Cothran |title=Shouldn't we just kill this dog? |date=June 11, 1997 |place=[[San Francisco, CA]] |periodical=[[San Francisco Weekly]] |url=http://www.sfweekly.com/1997-06-11/news/shouldn-t-we-just-kill-this-dog |accessdate=September 4, 2009}}</ref> 60 temperament-screened dogs were adopted until the program was halted, after several of the newly adopted pit bulls killed cats.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bring breeders of high-risk dogs to heel |date=January 2004 |periodical=Animal People News |url=http://www.animalpeoplenews.org/04/1/editorialHighRiskDogs1.04.html |accessdate=September 4, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100415213358/http://animalpeoplenews.org/04/1/editorialHighRiskDogs1.04.html |archive-date=April 15, 2010 |dead-url=yes}}</ref> The New York City [[Center for Animal Care and Control]] tried a similar approach in 2004, relabeling their pit bulls as "New Yorkies", but dropped the idea in the face of overwhelming public opposition.<ref>{{cite news |first=Clyde |last=Haberman |title=NYC; Rebrand Fido? An idea best put down |date=January 13, 2004 |place=[[New York, NY]] |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/13/nyregion/nyc-rebrand-fido-an-idea-best-put-down.html |accessdate=September 4, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Charles |last=Laurence |title=Q: When is a pit bull terrier not a pit bull terrier? A: When it's a patriot terrier |date=January 4, 2004 |place=[[London, UK]] |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/1451409/Q-When-is-a-a-pit-bull-terrier-not-a-pit-bull-A-When-its-a-patriot-terrier.html |accessdate=November 14, 2009}}</ref> [[File:Blue nose pit bull puppy.jpg|thumb|Blue-nosed pit bull pup]] == Dog attack risk == {{see also|Dog attack|Fatal dog attacks in the United States}} {{See|Dog bite prevention}} [[File:Pit bull restrained.jpg|thumb|180px|Pit bull, muzzled]] Violent interactions between humans and canines have been studied by the US government,<ref>Hanna, TL, Selby LA. Characteristics of the human and pet populations in animal bite incidents recorded at two Air Force bases. Public Health Rep. 1981;96:580-584.</ref> notably the [[Center for Disease Control and Prevention]],<ref>Clarke NM. A survey of urban Canadian animal control practices : the effect of enforcement and resourcing on the reported dog bite rate, Master of Science – MSc 2009</ref> as well as academic veterinary researchers.<ref name=avma2014>{{cite web |url=https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/LiteratureReviews/Pages/The-Role-of-Breed-in-Dog-Bite-Risk-and-Prevention.aspx |publisher=American Veterinary Medical Association |title=Dog Bite Risk and Prevention: The Role of Breed |date=17 April 2012 }}</ref> The interpretation of these studies, breed identification and relevance<ref name="duffy">Duffy, DL., Hsu, Y. Serpell, JA. Breed differences in canine aggression. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2008;114:441–460.</ref> issues, and variable circumstances have given rise to intense controversy.<ref name="RollUnshelm1997">{{cite journal|last1=Roll|first1=A.|last2=Unshelm|first2=J.|title=Aggressive conflicts amongst dogs and factors affecting them|journal=Applied Animal Behaviour Science|volume=52|issue=3-4|year=1997|pages=229–242|issn=0168-1591|doi=10.1016/S0168-1591(96)01125-2}}</ref><ref>[http://www.arwob.org/info/file?file=s2148m6372.pdf Pitbull Myths vs. Fact - Animal Rescuers Without Borders]</ref><ref name=Delise>{{cite web |url=http://nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/uploaded_files/publications/230603563_Pit%20Bull%20Placebo.pdf |year=2007 |title=The Pit Bull Placebo: The Media, Myths and Politics of Canine Aggression |first1=Karen |last1=Delise |accessdate=December 18, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In a 2014 literature review of dog bite studies, the [[American Veterinary Medical Association]] (AVMA) states that breed is a poor sole predictor of dog bites.<ref name = AMVA2017> {{cite web | url = http://www.avmamedia.org/display.asp?sid=526&NAME=National_Dog_Bite_Prevention_Week_2013_%28May_19-25%29 | date = 2017 | access-date = April 25, 2017 | title = National Dog Bite Prevention Week 2014 (May 18-24) Podcast | publisher = American Veterinary Medical Association }}</ref> Controlled studies do not show pit bulls to be disproportionately dangerous. While pit bull-type dogs are more frequently identified with cases involving very severe injuries or fatalities than other breeds, the review suggests this may relate to the popularity of the breed, noting that sled dogs and [[Siberian Husky|Siberian Huskies]] compose a majority of fatal dog attacks in some areas of Canada.<ref name="avma2014" /> In a 2000 review by the [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]], which examines data from both media reports and from [[The Humane Society of the United States]], pit bull-type dogs were identified in approximately one-third of dog bite-related fatalities in the United States between 1981 and 1992. However, the review notes that studies on dog bite-related fatalities which collect information by surveying news reports are subject to potential errors, as some fatal attacks may not have been reported, a study might not find all relevant news reports, and the dog breed might be misidentified.<ref name="CDC">{{cite web|last1=Sacks|first1=Jeffrey J.|last2=Sinclair|first2=Leslie|last3=Gilchrist|first3=Julie|title=Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998|url=https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/images/dogbreeds-a.pdf|publisher=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116130816/http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/images/dogbreeds-a.pdf|archivedate=November 16, 2015|date=15 September 2000|deadurl=yes|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The AVMA has also noted fundamental problems with tracking breed in dog bite-related fatalities.<ref name="avmabite">{{cite news |title=A community approach to dog bite prevention |periodical=Journal of the [[American Veterinary Medical Association]] |volume=218 |issue=11 |date=June 1, 2001 |pages=1731–1749 |url=http://www.avma.org/public_health/dogbite/dogbite.pdf |accessdate=July 11, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206093816/http://avma.org/public_health/dogbite/dogbite.pdf |archivedate=February 6, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In a 2013 study of 256 fatalities in the United States from 2000–2009, the AVMA determined that valid breed determination was possible for only 17.6% of cases.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Patronek, Gary J., Sacks, Jeffrey J., Delise, Karen M., Cleary, Donald V., Marder, Amy R.|title=Co-occurrence of potentially preventable factors in 256 dog bite–related fatalities in the United States (2000–2009)|journal=Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association|volume=243 |issue=12 |pages=1726–1736 |date=December 2013 |doi=10.2460/javma.243.12.1726 |pmid=24299544}}</ref> Contrary to popular myth, pit bulls do not have "locking jaws".<ref name="google1">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SnmDjzD5_8cC&pg=PT56&dq=%22pit+bulls%22+lock&hl=en&sa=X&ei=dalYUYSeNI3k4APoxIH4Ag&ved=0CDsQ6AEwAA |title=Pit Bulls For Dummies |author=D. Caroline Coile |publisher= |date=April 18, 2011 |accessdate=March 31, 2013}}</ref> There is no physiological "locking mechanism" in the jaw muscle and bone structure of pit bulls or other dogs.<ref>{{cite web |title=''Toledo v. Tellings'', -REVERSED-, 2006-Ohio-975, ¶25 |publisher=Court of Appeals of Ohio, Sixth Appellate District |url=http://www.sconet.state.oh.us/rod/docs/pdf/6/2006/2006-ohio-975.pdf |accessdate=October 2, 2009}}</ref> Pit bull-type dogs, like other terriers, hunting and bull-baiting breeds,<ref name="aspcabite">{{cite web |title=The Truth About Pit Bulls |publisher=American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals|year=2013|url=http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/truth-about-pit-bulls|accessdate=October 22, 2013}}</ref> can exhibit a bite, hold, and shake behavior and at times refuse to release.<ref name="SI 1987" /><ref name="Ross, et al">{{cite book |editor1-first=Ross D., DVM |editor1-last=Clark |editor2-first=Joan R. |editor2-last=Stainer |editor3-first=H. David, DVM |editor3-last=Haynes |editor4-first=Ralph, DVM |editor4-last=Buckner |editor5-first=Jacob, DVM |editor5-last=Mosier |editor6-first=Art J., DVM |editor6-last=Quinn |title=Medical & Genetic Aspects of Purebred Dogs |publisher=Veterinary Medicine Publishing |place=[[Edwardsville, KS]] |isbn=978-0-9641609-0-3|page=27 |year=1983}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Breaking up a fight |publisher=Pit Bull Rescue Central |year=2008 |url=http://www.pbrc.net/breakfight.html |accessdate=August 16, 2009}}</ref> Pit bulls also have wide skulls, well-developed facial muscles, and strong jaws,<ref name="google1"/> and some research suggests that pit bull bites are particularly serious because they tend to bite deeply and grind their molars into tissue.<ref name="Cherry2014">{{cite book |last=Cherry |first=James |title=Feigin and Cherry's textbook of pediatric infectious diseases – Animal and Human Bites, Morven S. Edwards |publisher=Elsevier/Saunders |location=Philadelphia, PA |year=2014 |isbn=978-1-4557-1177-2 |via=the [[University of Pittsburgh]] }}</ref> Breaking an [[ammonia]] [[ampule]] and holding it up to the dog's nose can cause the dog to release its hold.<ref name="Ross, et al" /> == Breed specific legislation == {{Main|Breed-specific legislation}} Widely reported pit bull attacks in popular media have resulted in the enactment of [[breed-specific legislation]] in several jurisdictions. In some cases breed specific bans have been reversed or prohibited by state legislation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://denver.cbslocal.com/2014/02/03/aurora-may-soon-lift-ban-on-pitbulls/|title=Aurora May Lift Citywide Ban On Pit Bulls|work=cbslocal.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kshb.com/lifestyle/pets/roeland-park-city-council-revisits-pit-bull-ban-in-place-since-the-1980s|title=Roeland Park City Council revisits pit bull ban, in place since the 1980s|author=Lexi Sutter|work=KSHB|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024021314/http://www.kshb.com/lifestyle/pets/roeland-park-city-council-revisits-pit-bull-ban-in-place-since-the-1980s|archivedate=October 24, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> These perceptions have also led to increased [[Insurance premium|premium]]s for [[liability insurance]]. Breed-specific legislation has been largely found to be ineffective at reducing the number of dog attacks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/uploaded_files/tinymce/World-wide%20Failure%20of%20BSL.pdf |publisher=National Canine Research Council |title=Worldwide failure of breed specific legislation |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715091830/http://www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/uploaded_files/tinymce/World-wide%20Failure%20of%20BSL.pdf |archivedate=July 15, 2014 |deadurl=yes}}</ref> Research has indicated that there is resistance by those who work in the adoption industry, applying a sharper distinction before allowing a dog to be labelled as a pit bull, as well as objections from veterinarians.<ref name="news.vin.com">{{cite web|url=http://news.vin.com/VINNews.aspx?articleId=19920|title=Australian officials to kill pit bulls, other 'dangerous' breeds - VIN|work=vin.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giaxUm4pZRc|title=Pit Bulls being sold as Staffy crosses by the RSPCA, Australia|date=March 14, 2012|work=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://newsroom.taylorandfrancisgroup.com/news/press-release/pit-bulls-in-animal-shelters#.VEcCNSsRprs|title=T&F Newsroom|work=taylorandfrancisgroup.com}}</ref> Many of the jurisdictions that restrict pit bulls apply their restriction to the modern American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and any other dog that has the substantial physical characteristics and appearance of those breeds. Such jurisdictions include the Canadian province of [[Ontario]],<ref name="Government of Ontario, Canada">{{cite web|url=http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90d16_e.htm |title=An Act to amend the Dog Owners’ Liability Act to increase public safety in relation to dogs, including pit bulls, and to make related amendments to the Animals for Research Act |publisher=Government of Ontario, Canada |date=August 29, 2005 |accessdate=July 5, 2010}}</ref> and the U.S. cities of [[Miami]]<ref>[http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/pit_bull_law.asp ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120409220023/http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/pit_bull_law.asp |date=April 9, 2012 }}</ref> and [[Denver]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.municode.com/resources/gateway.asp?pid=10257&sid=6 |title=Revised Municipal Code – City and County of Denver, Colorado |publisher=City of Denver, Colorado |date= May 19, 2009 |accessdate=July 5, 2010}}</ref> However a few jurisdictions, such as [[Singapore]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ava.gov.sg/docs/default-source/tools-and-resources/resources-for-businesses/summaryofab_doglicensingcontrol_rules_15nov2010|title=List of Scheduled Dogs |publisher=Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore |date=November 15, 2010|accessdate=February 20, 2018}}</ref> and [[Franklin County, Ohio]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Pit Bull Information |publisher=[[Franklin County, Ohio]] |url=http://www.franklincountyohio.gov/commissioners/ancl/programs/enforce_pitbull.cfm |accessdate=July 30, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528053918/http://www.franklincountyohio.gov/commissioners/ancl/programs/enforce_pitbull.cfm |archivedate=May 28, 2010 }}</ref> also classify the modern [[American Bulldog]] as a "pit bull-type dog". In the United Kingdom, a pit bull is an American Pit Bull Terrier.<ref name="UK law">{{cite web |author=[[Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs]] |title=Dangerous Dogs Law: Guidance for Enforcers |date=March 2009 |url=http://www.defra.gov.uk/publications/files/dogs-guide-enforcers.pdf |accessdate=May 20, 2011}}</ref> Courts in the United States<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sconet.state.oh.us/rod/docs/pdf/0/2007/2007-ohio-3724.pdf |title=''Toledo v. Tellings'', 114 Ohio St.3d 278, 2007-Ohio-3724. |publisher=Supreme Court of Ohio |accessdate=June 29, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/courtorders/021908pzor.pdf |title=Certeriorari – Summary Dispositions (Order List: 552 U.S.) |publisher=United States Supreme Court |date=February 19, 2008 |accessdate=August 3, 2009}}</ref> and Canada<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.canlii.org/en/on/onca/doc/2008/2008onca718/2008onca718.pdf |title=''Cochrane v. Ontario (Attorney General)'', 2008 ONCA 718 |publisher=Ontario Court of Appeal |date=October 24, 2008 |accessdate=July 21, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904071314/http://www.canlii.org/en/on/onca/doc/2008/2008onca718/2008onca718.pdf |archivedate=September 4, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="Who let the dogs out">{{cite web |url=http://www.law.ualberta.ca/centres/ccs/news/?id=310#_edn8 |title=Who let the dogs out? |publisher=Center for Constitutional Studies, University of Alberta, Canada |date=June 12, 2009 |accessdate=July 21, 2009}}</ref> have ruled that expert identification, when using published breed standards, is sufficient for the enforcement of [[breed-specific legislation]]. Approximately 550 jurisdictions have enacted [[breed-specific legislation]] (BSL) in response to a number of well-publicized incidents involving pit bull-type dogs, and some government organizations such as the [[U.S. Army]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/13296614/US-Army-Bans-Pit-Bulls-and-Other-Breeds-from-All-RCI-Housing |title=Garrison Policy Memorandum #08-10, Mandatory Pet Micro-Chipping and Pet Control |publisher=[[US Army Installation Management Command]], [[Fort Drum|Fort Drum, NY]] |date=February 3, 2009 |accessdate=August 3, 2009}}</ref> and [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Marine Corps Housing Management |date=August 11, 2009 |publisher=[[United States Marine Corps]] |url=http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/ops/housing/docs/PETPOLICY.pdf |accessdate=November 16, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122113513/http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/ops/housing/docs/PETPOLICY.pdf |archivedate=November 22, 2009 }}</ref> have taken administrative action as well. These actions range from outright bans on the possession of pit bull-type dogs, to restrictions and conditions on pit bull ownership. They often establish a [[legal presumption]] that a pit bull-type dog is ''[[prima facie]]'' a legally "dangerous" or "vicious" dog.<ref name="apbthappy">{{cite book |last=Palika |first=Liz |title=American Pit Bull Terrier: Your Happy Healthy Pet |publisher=Howell Book House |date=January 31, 2006 |isbn=978-0-471-74822-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5eb20393tgsC&printsec=frontcover&dq=american+pit+bull+terrier&cd=1#v=onepage&q= |accessdate=March 1, 2010}}</ref> In response, 16 states in the U.S. prohibited or restricted the ability of [[municipal government]]s within those states to enact BSL, though these restrictions do not affect military installations located within the states.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[American Veterinary Medical Association]] |title=States prohibiting or allowing breed specific ordinances |date=October 2007 |url=http://www.avma.org/advocacy/state/issues/sr_breed_ordinances.asp |accessdate=July 12, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081128154537/http://www.avma.org/advocacy/state/issues/sr_breed_ordinances.asp |archivedate=November 28, 2008 }}</ref> It is now generally settled in [[caselaw]] that jurisdictions in the U.S. and Canada have the right to enact breed-specific legislation.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Campbell |first=Dana |title=Pit Bull Bans: The State of Breed–Specific Legislation |journal=GP-Solo |volume=26 |issue=5 |publisher=[[American Bar Association]] |date=July–August 2009 |url=http://www.abanet.org/genpractice/magazine/2009/jul_aug/pitbull.html |accessdate=July 30, 2009}}</ref> Despite these holdings by the courts, there is some public skepticism over whether the laws are effective.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pitbulls.org/article/why-breed-specific-legislation-misses-mark-and-doesnt-work |title=Why Breed Specific Legislation Misses the Mark and Doesn't Work |publisher=Pitbulls.org |year=2010 |accessdate=March 1, 2011}}</ref> One point of view is that pit bulls are a public safety issue that merits actions such as banning ownership, mandatory [[Neutering|spay/neuter]] for all pit bulls, mandatory [[Microchip implant (animal)|microchip implants]] and [[liability insurance]], or prohibiting people convicted of a [[felony]] from owning pit bulls.<ref>{{cite news |last=Nelson |first=Kory |publication-date=August 2005 |title=One city's experience: why pit bulls are more dangerous and why breed-specific legislation is justified |periodical=Municipal Lawyer |volume=46 |issue=6 |year=2005 |pages=12–15 |url=http://www.dogbitelaw.com/pitbullDenver.pdf |accessdate=July 11, 2009}}</ref> Another point of view is that comprehensive "dog bite" legislation, coupled with better consumer education and legally mandating responsible pet-keeping practices, is a better solution to the problem of dangerous pit bulls than BSL.<ref name="avmabite" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/dangerous_dogs.html |title=HSUS Statement on Dangerous Dogs |publisher=Humane Society of the United States |year=2009 |accessdate=July 11, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090331182348/http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/dangerous_dogs.html |archivedate=March 31, 2009 }}</ref> A third point of view is that breed-specific legislation should not ban breeds entirely, but should instead strictly regulate the conditions under which specific breeds could be owned, for example, forbidding certain classes of individuals from owning them, specifying public areas from which they would be prohibited, and establishing conditions, such as requiring a dog to wear a muzzle, for taking specific breeds of dogs into public places.<ref>{{cite web |last=Phillips |first=Kenneth |title=Breed Specific Laws |publisher=dogbitelaw.com |date=October 10, 2008 |url=http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/breedlaws.html#arguments |accessdate=July 11, 2009}}</ref> Finally, some governments, such as in Australia, have forbidden the import of specific breeds, and are requiring the spay/neuter of all existing dogs of these breeds in an attempt to eliminate the breed's population slowly through natural attrition.<ref>{{cite news |first=Karen |last=Barlow |title=NSW bans pit bull terrier breed |date=May 3, 2005 |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |location=Sydney, Australia|url=http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2005/s1359018.htm |accessdate=December 23, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Gary |last=Hughes |title=Pit bull bite prompts call for national approach to dangerous dog breeds |date=October 20, 2009 |newspaper=[[The Australian]] |place=Sydney, Australia |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/pit-bull-bite-prompts-call-for-national-approach-to-dangerous-dog-breeds/story-e6frg6of-1225788552051 |accessdate=December 23, 2009}}</ref> The [[ASPCA]] said that along with putative over-reporting, false reporting was a major contributor to public perceptions about the breed.<ref>{{cite web|author=[[ASPCA]] |title=Pit Bull Bias in the Media |url=http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/advocacy-center/animal-laws-about-the-issues/pit-bull-bias-in-the-media.aspx |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316074517/http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/advocacy-center/animal-laws-about-the-issues/pit-bull-bias-in-the-media.aspx |archivedate=March 16, 2013 }}</ref> [[File:American Pit Bull Terrier (Bubu).jpg|thumb|American Pit Bull Terrier]] In England and Wales the [[Dangerous Dogs Act 1991|Dangerous Dogs Act]] prohibits the ownership of American Pit Bull Terriers, along with three other breeds. The Act also bans the breeding, sale and exchange of these dogs.<ref name="UK law"/> Similar legislation in Australia has been criticized by veterinary professionals.<ref name="news.vin.com"/> == Commercial restrictions == === Liability insurance === Dog owners in the United States can be held [[Legal liability|legally liable]] for injuries inflicted or caused by their dogs. In general, owners are considered liable if they were unreasonably careless in handling or restraining the dog, or if they knew beforehand that the dog had a tendency to cause injury (e.g., bite); however, dog owners are automatically considered liable if local laws hold an owner [[strict liability|strictly liable]] for all damage caused by their dog, regardless of carelessness or foreknowledge of a dog's tendencies. Homeowners and renters [[insurance]] policies typically provide liability coverage from US$100,000–300,000 for injuries inflicted by dogs;<ref name="Insurance Information Institute">{{cite web |title=Dog Bite Liability |publisher=[[Insurance Information Institute]] |date=September 2009 |url=http://www.iii.org/media/hottopics/insurance/dogbite/ |accessdate=September 24, 2009}}</ref> however, some insurance companies limit their exposure to dog bite liability claims by putting restrictions on dog owners that they insure. These restrictions include refusing to cover dog bites under the insurance policy, increasing insurance rates for homeowners with specific breeds, requiring owners of specific breeds to take special training or have their dogs pass the [[American Kennel Club]] [[Canine Good Citizen]] test,<ref>{{cite web |title=Homeowners Insurance Available to Breeds Previously Excluded with CGC Certification |publisher=[[American Kennel Club]] |date=October 1, 2004 |url=http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=2408 |accessdate=February 4, 2009}}</ref> requiring owners to restrict their dogs with muzzles, chains, or enclosures, and refusing to write policies for homeowners or renters who have specific breeds of dogs.<ref name="Insurance Information Institute" /> Owners of rental properties may also be held liable if they knew an aggressive dog was living on their property and they did nothing to ensure the safety of other tenants at the property; as a result, many rental properties forbid pit bull-type dogs and any other breeds if the rental property's insurance will not cover damage inflicted by that type of dog. The dog breeds most often targeted by insurance companies include pit bull-type dogs, [[Rottweiler]]s, [[German Shepherd Dog]]s, [[Doberman Pinscher]]s, Akitas ([[Akita Inu]] and [[American Akita]]), and [[Chow Chow]]s.<ref>{{cite web|first=Brian |last=Sodergren |title=Insurance companies unfairly target specific dog breeds |publisher=[[Humane Society of the United States]] |url=http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/insurance_companies_unfairly_target_specific_dog_breeds.html |accessdate=August 12, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090707221314/http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/insurance_companies_unfairly_target_specific_dog_breeds.html |archivedate=July 7, 2009 }}</ref> In 2013, [[Farmers Insurance]] notified policy holders in California that "it will no longer cover bites by pit bulls, rottweilers and wolf hybrids. A spokeswoman for Farmers said those breeds account for more than a quarter of the agency's dog bite claims."<ref name=Gephardt>Gephardt, Bill. [http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=25091614 Some dog breeds too risky for insurance companies.] KSL.com, May 8, 2013</ref> === Air carrier restrictions === Several air carriers [[embargo]] certain dog breeds, due to the effect of high temperature and humidity on [[Cephalic index#Brachycephalic animals|brachycephalic]] animals. The following table has a sampling of air carrier embargoes on dogs. {| class="wikitable" |- !Airline !Reason !Details |- |[[Air France]] |Not permitted |Purebred Staffordshire Terriers and purebred American Staffordshire Terriers '''may''' be transported. However, dogs that "do not belong to a particular breed but are similar in morphology" to Staffordshire Terriers, mastiff (boerboel), tosa, and pit bulls may not be transported or shipped by air.<ref>{{cite web |title=Frequently asked questions |publisher=[[Air France]] |url=http://www.airfrance.us/US/en/common/guidevoyageur/pratique/animal_interdiction_airfrance.htm |accessdate=July 10, 2013}}</ref> |- |[[Alaska Airlines]] |Health |Dog breeds including American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, fly at their owner's risk, with no additional compensation if the dog suffers injury or dies during transit. The airline may refuse to accept the dog if it feels outside temperatures are too extreme for the animal's safety.<ref>{{cite web |title=Traveling with pets |publisher=[[Alaska Airlines]] |url=http://www.alaskaair.com/as/www2/help/faqs/Traveling-With-Pets.asp |accessdate=August 12, 2009}}</ref> |- |[[American Airlines]] |Health |American Airlines will not accept brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs as checked luggage.<ref>{{cite web |title=Traveling with pets |publisher=[[American Airlines]] |url=http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/specialAssistance/travelingWithPets.jsp#TemperatureRestrictions |accessdate=January 29, 2011}}</ref> |- |[[Delta Air Lines]] |Health |"Snub-nosed dogs" are embargoed when the temperature at the departure point or any stop along the travel route is expected to exceed 75&nbsp;°F (24&nbsp;°C).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/special_travel_needs/pet_travel_information/pet_requirements_restrictions/index.jsp |title=Pet Travel Requirements and Restrictions |publisher=[[Delta Air Lines]] |accessdate=September 7, 2010}}</ref> |} [[United Airlines]] formerly embargoed American Pit Bull Terriers for safety reasons.{{Citation needed|date=October 2014}} However, pit bulls (along with American Staffordshires and other similar breeds) are now permitted, provided that dogs over six months old or weighing more than 20 pounds (9&nbsp;kg) are transported in reinforced crates.<ref name="Continental Airlines">{{cite web |title=Pet restrictions |publisher=[[United Airlines]] |url=http://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/animals/restrictions.aspx |accessdate=July 10, 2013}}</ref> == Notable pit bulls == Pit bull breeds have become famous for their roles as [[soldiers]], [[police dogs]], [[search and rescue dogs]], [[actors]], [[television personalities]], [[seeing eye dog]]s, and [[celebrity]] pets. The [[American Staffordshire Terrier]], [[Pete the Pup]] from the movie [[Little Rascals]] is a historically well known pit bull. Lesser known, but still historically notable pit bulls include [[Billie Holiday]]'s companion "Mister",<ref>{{cite web|title=Famous Women and Their Dogs: Billie Holiday and Mister|url=http://urbanhounds-tubby5dog.blogspot.com/2012/03/famous-women-and-their-dogs-billie.html#.UjF8b8ZthuA|work=Urban Hounds|accessdate=September 11, 2013}}</ref> [[Helen Keller]]'s dog "Sir Thomas",<ref>{{cite web|title=Famous People|url=http://www.trupitbull.com/FamousPeople.html|work=All About Pit Bulls|accessdate=February 20, 2012|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122105939/http://www.trupitbull.com/FamousPeople.html|archivedate=January 22, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> [[Buster Brown]]'s dog "Tige",<ref>{{cite web|title=Buster Brown and Tige |url=http://stubbydog.org/2011/11/buster-brown-and-tige/ |work=Stubbydog – Rediscover The Pit Bull |accessdate=February 20, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118043310/http://stubbydog.org/2011/11/buster-brown-and-tige/ |archivedate=January 18, 2012 }}</ref> [[Horatio Nelson Jackson|Horatio Jackson's]] dog "Bud",<ref>{{cite web|title=American Pit Bull Terrier ( APBT ) breed History|url=http://pitbullregistry.com/PitBull%20History.htm|work=American Pit Bull Registry|accessdate=February 20, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Pit Bull—American's Sweetheart|url=http://www.pitbulls.org/article/brief-history-american-pit-bull-terrier|work=A Brief History of the American Pit Bull Terrier|accessdate=February 20, 2012}}</ref> President [[Theodore Roosevelt]]'s Pit Bull terrier "Pete", "Jack Brutus" who served for Company K, the First Connecticut Volunteer Infantry during the civil war,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://connecticuthistory.org/jack-brutus-connecticut-war-dog-who-knew/|title=Jack Brutus|last=|first=|date=|accessdate=}}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> [[Sergeant Stubby]] who served for the 102nd Infantry, [[26th Infantry Division (United States)|26th (Yankee) Division]] during World War I, and Sir Walter Scott's "Wasp".<ref>{{cite web|title=A Popular History of the Pit Bull in America|url=http://www.adamspits.webs.com/pitbullsinhistory.htm|work=Adams Red White & Blue Kennels|accessdate=February 20, 2012}}</ref> Contemporary significant pit bulls are: Weela, who helped save 32 people, 29 dogs, 3 horses, and 1 cat during southern California's widespread flooding in 1993;<ref>{{cite news|title=Can Weela's Heroics Change Pitbull Image? Can Weela's Heroics Change Pitbull Image? Pit Bulls have been used for advertisement such as the case of Spuds McKenzie of the laste 80's Bud Light commercials|url=http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19940313&slug=1899923|work=Seattle Times|accessdate=February 20, 2012|first=Ranny|last=Green|date=March 13, 1994}}</ref> Popsicle, a five-month-old puppy originally found nearly dead in a freezer, who grew to become one of the nation's most important police dogs;<ref>{{cite web|title=Kool K-9 Popsicle retires |url=http://www.cbp.gov/xp/CustomsToday/2002/October/k9.xml |work=US Customs Today |accessdate=February 20, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111024001344/http://www.cbp.gov/xp/CustomsToday/2002/October/k9.xml |archivedate=October 24, 2011 }}</ref> Norton, who was placed in the Purina Animal Hall of Fame after he rescued his owner from a severe reaction to a spider bite;<ref>{{cite web|title=Inductee: Norton|url=http://www.purina.ca/about/halloffame/inductee/1999/norton.aspx|work=Purina Animal Hall of Fame|accessdate=February 20, 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622044145/http://www.purina.ca/about/halloffame/inductee/1999/norton.aspx |archivedate=June 22, 2013 |deadurl=yes}}</ref> Titan, who rescued his owner's wife, who would have died from an [[aneurysm]]; D-Boy, who took three bullets to save his family from an intruder with a gun;<ref>{{cite web|title=Family Dog Takes Bullet to Save Family|url=http://www.news9.com/global/story.asp?s=9494086|work=News 9 Oklahoma|publisher=By Amy Lester, NEWS 9|accessdate=February 20, 2012}}</ref> [[Star (dog)|Star]], who while protecting her owner was shot by police in a video that went viral;<ref>{{cite news|title=The Video of an NYPD Officer Shooting an Aggressive Pit Bull on the Street Will Shock You (GRAPHIC)|url=http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2012/08/16/the-video-of-an-nypd-officer-shooting-an-aggresive-pit-bull-on-the-street-will-shock-you-graphic|accessdate=August 16, 2012|agency=The Blaze}}</ref> and Lilly, who lost a leg after being struck by a freight train while pulling her unconscious owner from the train tracks.<ref>{{cite web|title='Hero' pit bull Heads Home to Recover|url=http://www.wcvb.com/news/local/metro/-Hero-pit-bull-heads-home-to-recover/-/11971628/13208710/-/9at8de/-/index.html|accessdate=November 7, 2013}}{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> [[Daddy (dog)|Daddy]], Cesar Millan's right-hand dog, was famous for his mellow temperament and his ability to interact calmly with ill-mannered dogs. {{Portal bar|Dogs}} == References == {{Reflist|30em}} == Further reading == * {{cite journal |last1=Collier |first1=Stephen |title=Breed-specific legislation and the pit bull terrier: Are the laws justified? |journal=Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research |volume=1 |issue=1 |year=2006 |pages=17–22 |issn=1558-7878 |doi=10.1016/j.jveb.2006.04.011}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Pit Bull}} [[Category:Catch dog breeds]] [[Category:Dog breeds originating in England]] [[Category:Dog breeds originating in the United States]] [[Category:Dog fighting breeds]] [[Category:Dog types]]'