Pit Bulls : Behind The Jaws
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Jaws
The jaws of a Pit Bull strikes fear into the hearts of many that do not understand these dogs. When looking at pit bull type dogs including breeds such as the American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American Bulldogs, you can easily see that these dogs have strong powerful jaw muscles. This does not however mean that they have an ability or mechanism that allows them to lock their jaws; which is the most popular myth surrounding these dogs. Other common myths about a Pit Bulls jaws state that they have 1600 P.S.I in jaw pressure and that they grip with their front teeth while chewing with their back teeth at the same time. Myths such as these lead people to believe that these dogs are monsters.
Myths
All myths surrounding a Pit Bulls jaws are false and are ridiculous. A Pit Bull's jaw structure is no different that that of any other breed of dog."The few studies which have been conducted of the structure of the skulls, mandibles and teeth of Pit Bulls show that, in proportion to their size, their jaw structure and thus its inferred functional morphology, is no different than that of any [other] breed of dog. There is absolutely not evidence for the existence of any kind of 'locking mechanism' unique to the structure of the jaw and/or teeth of the American Pit Bull Terrier", says Dr. I. Lerh Brisbin of the University of Georgia. Let's think about this logically for a moment shall we. If a Pit Bull or any dog for that matter had a locking jaw how would the dog be able to eat? If a dog's jaw is locked onto another animal how is it that the dog is able to ever let go? Doesn't quite seem reasonable to me. If a dog can voluntarily "lock" it's jaw it's no different from a human "locking" it's jaws on something, all it means is that the muscles are contracted to keep the mouth shut, but it is not locked. Pit Bulls were breed to control unruly cattle and large game such as boars. If the dog were to let go of the bull they could be killed and so could their owner. They same goes for a wild boar, if the dog were to let go as the hunter was approaching the boar would inflict serious and even fatal wounds upon the dog and the hunter. Pit Bulls have the will and determination to not let go no matter the circumstance, they do not lock upon their target. This determination and powerful jaw muscles is where the locking myth gets it's start. Pit Bulls and dogs that are trained for schutzhund (guarding/bite work) must let go on command, if the jaws were locked this would be impossible. Even this strong determination to hold on doesn't mean that they have a stronger bite than any other breed. "To the best of our knowledge, there are no published scientific studies that would allow any meaningful comparison to be made of the biting power of various breeds of dogs. There are, moreover, compelling technical reasons why such data describing biting power in terms of 'pounds per square inch' can never be collected in a meaningful way. All figures describing biting power in such terms can be traced to either unfounded rumor or, in some cases, to newspaper articles with no foundation in factual data." -Dr. I. Lerh Brisbin. Again with the myth that they are able to chew as they grip with their frount teeth is impossible, "This is anatomically impossible! Humans can move their mandibles forward to a degree because of an essentially flat dental plane. Dogs have greatly projecting and interlocking canine teeth and projecting cheek teeth that prevent movement forwards and backwards. I have a dog skull on my desk as I write and this type of movement can not be made." - Dr. I. Lerh Brisbin.
Place The Power In The Right Hands
Pit Bulls need to stop being looked at as monsters, and killing machines. Pit Bulls are dogs, simply put. They are powerful dogs, but that power is not evil unless placed into the wrong hands. Pit Bulls are a wonderful versatile breed that can be used for many purposes. Contrary to popular believe fighting is not the only thing they excel at. They are a breed determined to please it's owner, thus if we start using them for the right purposes these dogs make wonderful therapy, guide, rescue, service,weight pulling, agility and companion dogs. All they need is the right kind of guidance, and owner.
Links
- LOCKING JAWS? IMPOSSIBLE | Dog Facts
- National Geographics Dr. Brady Barrs Bite Pressure Tests | Dog Facts
- Dispelling the myths
- Endangered Dog Breeds Assoc
The Endangered Dog Breeds Assoc (Aust) is dedicated to fighting Breed Specific Legislation throughout Australia. - About Dogs - American Pit Bull Terrier - APBT
Profile and history of American Pit Bull Terrier
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great!!
Thanks so much for this and the other articles on Pit Bulls - am doing some research on them now!
i love that some one care so much for these dogs! i know i do i have a pit all this info is so true! all pits want to do is love you and play tug-of-war! they dont want to fight!!!!!!!!!!! thanks for caring for the pits!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fantastic article Eternal Evolution. You go deep, and the information is very extensive. Fascinating. Btw, just published the seventh episode of my thriller series Three Minutes to Midnight, would love it if you checked it out. Thanks! See you around Eternal. Alex
I have been taught that certain dog breeds - the pit bull being one, has two sets of biting muscle allowing them to maintain a bite by relaxing the muscles independently. I've also been taught that these dogs can use these muscles as a "jack" in order to achieve a stronger bite. Is this incorrect?
The idea of "locking" jaw is not a physical trait. Perhaps the authors should possess just a little bit of canine knowledge before ponitificating. Read Raymond Coppinger. All predators have a kill sequence and domestication removes parts of the sequence leaving the animal "stuck" on one part of the progression. Locking jaw is a physiological trait. And believe me, it does happen.
the pit bull do is a good and playful dog if u are not an intruter some pits will attack humans but allwas for a reson if u tran them well they will be the best frend to you.
I am the owner of an 11 month old blue brindle American Pitbull Terrier and she's the love of my life. You truely can't ask for a more loyal companion and loving animal. I highly recommend this breed for any active person and they are misunderstood...I've never even heard mine growl!
I am the owner of a 2.5 yr old pink and white American Pitbull Terrier, I also have a yr English Mastiff, and a 6 yr old bulldog lab mix. All are females and all live in and out of my house. My pitbull is the best of the three. My mastiff and my bulldog mix have both bit me out of anger, my pitbull has never even once growled at me and is very loyal to me. Just a baby/child has to be raised in the right hands so does a pitbull or both could become monsters.
I have a 8yo American bulldog that I got from a guy who couldnt keep her anymore when I got her home I layed down on her and pulled all over her and was biteing her everywhere to "test" her now my grandkids play with her and she has never made anykind of threat to them or anyone else best dog ever
I have two dogs with powerful jaws. One of them is my red nose pitbull, and my other dog is my rottweiler witch has the strongest psi among the domesticated dogs along with powerful jaws. Yes folks believe it or not rottweilers have the same thing aswell
What useful and educational material. As the owner of 4 pits I thank you for helping to spread the word about how great these dogs really are...
pitbulls are the olny dogs i will have i love them with my heart
Yes, they are beautiful and very intelligent but they are more dangerous than most common breeds. Their mouth hava a devilish strenght and their jaws are very powerful. They are dangerous, don´t tell me they are not because I know, I have see it, been in touch with them. Once they grab the arm of a person, even the owner, they won´t let go easily.
Quite honestly I am very happy that there are people out there spreading the word that Pit bulls are not all bad!!! In all fact, any other dog can be just as vicious as a pit bull, the difference in the attention is due to the fact that they are strong dogs! I have a grandmother who has a chiuahua...now that is a vicious dog! Whenever sitting in its chair or on her lap and you come over to it, you're getting bit, it's happened to my children. I personally own two pitbulls, one being full pit and the other we believe to be mixed with lab, but not positive. Point being they are the BIGGEST goof balls ever. They are fun to play with, loving, and eager to please. We regularly test their aggression just to keep an eye on it...with out even a blink I can stick my foot or hand or any other object on them, next to them, or even in their food while eating. We roll them on their backs, paws up to check for any resistance or anger, and they just want their tummies rubbed! And in regards to children....I have 2 children(3 and 6)! My youngest tortures them as kids do, including pulling tails, pushing them out of the way, and even squeezing cheeks! But they also all snuggle no problem. Don't be quick to judge, I was very nervous when my husband presented the suggestion of getting a pit but I was the one to get the 2nd one!
they are the best dogs in the world love them
im gay and my mum is abitch
luvmypits, if you let you children playu around with your pitbulls like that you are a complete idiot. these are not toys they are animals and due to the power they possess they can be dangerous. please reflect on this
Mostly pitbull has the eye of shark that is hardly to really predicting on their actions ,, from my experience those breed are to be raise from puppy by good training from good family or owner , that can know what pitbull is all about .. good loyality .. it bother me when I see pitbull at wrong hands. And mostly judge on the breed by a neglect owner that lead the bad result ... Judge on the breed by a good raisng life
I JUBUTST WANT TO KNOW WHAT TO DO TO SEPARATE PITBULL PUPPIES THAT ARE BROTHERS BUT PLAY ROUGH
Well believe me the puppies you have Isabel will play rough. It's all part of their growing up routine. The only time you should correct is when one of them yelps or it escalates. It's all part of establishing dominance and is natural. You need to be that leader in that relationship. I have a 1 1/2 year old American pitbull terrier and she is just a dream. I understand how it can be concerning but trust me they love and NEED that exercise. Socialization and exercise are the two ABSOLUTELY definitive needs for pitbull ownership. My little girl, Sookie, gets slightly destructive if she doesn't get exercise but nothing too grievous. I'm glad I stumbled across this and glad so many people support pitbulls. My wife and I have both caught flack for having a pitbull, a pitbull mix, and a Rottweiler. One lady even blatantly suggested I put my baby girl to sleep BECAUSE she is a pitbull. I, luckily, was not there to correct this woman's point of view. My little girl has made pitbull haters into lovers and in fact I'm in the middle of organizing a pitbull awareness walk in my town because pitbulls have such a horrible rap and it is unfair to hate a breed because of what they are. I personally encourage everyone considering a dog to look at your lifestyle and choose what is best for you. If you are an active person that has time to train a dog and doesn't mind a challenge, because they are some of the most stubborn dogs alive, then maybe a pitbull is for you. Lord knows they need someone to step in and love them.
ronibgood 3 years ago
Very interesting points.