PitbullHero revives the case for pit bulls as America’s Dog

PitbullHero is using history and research to counter decades of stigma around pit bull-type dogs this July 4, highlighting their role as military mascots, family pets and working animals. The Denver nonprofit says the breed label has been overused in public policy and that science does not support breed-specific bans.

Why it matters: - PitbullHero is trying to reshape how Americans view pit bull-type dogs at a time when breed-specific stigma still affects housing, policy and public safety debates. - The nonprofit argues that restoring the dogs’ reputation matters because breed-based restrictions can limit where families can live and which dogs local governments target.

What happened: - PitbullHero marked July 4 by promoting pit bull-type dogs as once celebrated as “America’s Dog.” - The Denver-based nonprofit pointed to the breed’s history as working dogs, military mascots and family companions. - PitbullHero said it was founded in 2017 after Denver’s breed-specific legislation blocked its founder from buying a home because of his dog’s breed. - The organization says its mission is to end stigma around pit bull-type dogs using peer-reviewed research and historical context. - More information is available at pitbullhero.org.

The details: - Pit bull-type dogs descend from 19th-century bulldog-terrier crosses once called “bull-and-terriers.” - Immigrants from the British Isles brought those dogs to America, where PitbullHero says they were used for farming and homesteading. - Pit bull-type dogs appeared in both World Wars as U.S. military mascots and on recruitment posters and war-bond ads. - Pete the Pup from The Little Rascals is part of the breed’s pop-culture legacy. - PitbullHero highlights research showing breed is a poor predictor of behavior and aggression. - Controlled studies found no significant aggression difference between pit bull-type dogs and breeds including Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers. - Pit bull-type breeds rank in the top 20% of breeds tested by the American Temperament Test Society. - Veterinary experts and studies have rejected “locking jaw” and “strongest bite” claims. - Bite strength tracks with size and build, not breed. - Since 2016, more than 80 breeds and mixes have been reported in U.S. fatal dog attacks. - Mixed-breed dogs account for nearly 60% of those cases. - PitbullHero says 84% of fatal attacks involve dogs that were not spayed or neutered. - The American Veterinary Medical Association says breed does not reliably predict aggression or bite strength. - The AVMA and the National Animal Care and Control Association oppose breed-specific legislation. - Research cited by PitbullHero says BSL has not reliably reduced bites or improved public safety. - More than 100 U.S. cities have repealed breed bans since 2018. - Springfield, Missouri, repealed its ban in 2018 with 68% voter support. - Denver followed in 2020 with 66% support for repeal. - Breed bans can affect pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds and other strong breeds. - Pit bull-type dogs make up an estimated 20% of the U.S. dog population. - The dogs are also used as service dogs, therapy animals and K9 police dogs. - Breed-specific legislation no longer exists in any major U.S. jurisdiction, though it still persists in some smaller towns.

Between the lines: - PitbullHero is framing the issue as both a science question and an identity question, linking the dogs’ reputation to broader ideas about American history and values. - The nonprofit is also trying to show that opposition to breed bans crosses party lines, citing repeal votes in both Missouri and Colorado. - The group’s message suggests that policy based on appearance can miss the factors that matter more, including training, environment and individual experience.

What’s next: - PitbullHero says advocates across the U.S. will keep pushing to restore the reputation of pit bull-type dogs through research, public education and history. - The nonprofit is directing readers to its website for research, history and fan photos. - The broader policy fight over breed-specific laws is likely to continue in places where local bans still remain.