Pitbull Statistics 2023: 30+ Top Interesting Pitbull Statistics

Last Updated on: 14th September 2023, 06:22 am

Did you know that Pitbulls pass temperament tests 87.4% of the time,  meaning they are not inherently aggressive? 

The word “pitbull” is used to describe a variety of canine breeds that descend from bulldogs and terriers. The American PitBull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Bully are just a few of the many Pitbull dog breeds that fall under this category.

This post curates some of the most interesting pitbull statistics you should know.

Either you are a new pitbull lover, old timer or someone looking for statistics to show that pitbulls are not as bad as they have been painted to be, you will find a useful stat to buttress your point.

Let’s dive in.

Top 10 Amazing Pitbull Facts At A Glance

1. The average lifespan of a Pitbull is 8-15 years
2. Pitbulls weigh around 30-60 pounds and are 17-21 inches high at the shoulder
3. Pitbulls are among the smartest dog breeds, ranking among the top 30
4. Pitbulls are known for their powerful bite force, which has been tested at 235 psi
5. Pitbulls are highly trainable dogs and are recognized for their affection, love, and loyalty to their owners
6. Pitbulls have a strong prey drive, which makes them unsuitable for homes with small pets like cats or small dogs
7. The average cost of grooming a Pitbull is $50-$100
8. Pitbulls have been utilized in search and rescue, therapy, and as service dogs
9. Pitbulls are not suitable for homes with small children, as they can be prone to play-biting and nipping
10. Pitbulls were initially bred for bull baiting and dog fighting, but they are now commonly kept as household pets.

Many Modern Pitbull-type Dogs are Generic Mixed-breed

Pitbulls had just 43.5% of their DNA made up of Pitbull Ancestors. Most dogs get mistaken for Pitbulls due to crossbreeding. Many modern pitbull-type dogs are a generic mixed breed, with less than a 50% genetic match to actual pitbulls.

Pitbulls are all dogs descended from the Old English Bulldog

The Old English Bulldog was bred into a fighting dog known as the “Bull and Terrier,” which later evolved into the Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, Pitbull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, English Bull Terrier, American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and other breeds. All of these breeds are known as “Pitbulls” or “Pitbulls and their Mixes.”

There Are About 18 Million Pitbull-type Dogs and their Mixes in the US

Despite their reputation, Pitbulls make up 6% of all canines in the US. Furthermore, there are approximately 18 million pitbull mixes in the United States, with many of them serving as assistance dogs or security dogs.

Pitbulls Pass Temperament Tests 87.4% of the Time

Pitbulls pass temperament tests 87.4% of the time, according to data from the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS). The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a national non-profit organization that conducts temperament tests on dogs. The animal must not demonstrate panic, intense avoidance without recovery, or unprovoked hostility to pass the test.

In comparison, Golden Retrievers, a breed widely regarded as amiable and harmless, only pass the test 85.6% of the time.

This information does not guarantee that any particular animal will be trustworthy. However, it strongly suggests that unprovoked violence is not an inherited trait in Pitbulls.

Pitbulls are not inherently aggressive. Neutering and nurturing a healthy and social dog is a surefire strategy to reduce your pet’s chances of being aggressive toward humans or other animals. 

20 States Confirmed That Pitbulls Were Involved in Most Bite Incidents Between 2013 and 2021

According to a Taxes study from 2020, Pitbulls are 213% more likely to cause serious injury than other dog breeds.

According to 2019 Pitbull data, the breed bit 801 people and animals in Arizona, accounting for more than 4500 bites. 

Over 80% of dog bites do not necessitate medical attention. Only about 1.5% of all such injuries are serious. A child is more likely to be hospitalized after getting an object trapped in his or her eye or ear than after being bitten by a dog. 

Pitbulls Killed 380 People in the US Between 2005 and 2020

Pitbulls were responsible for 33 deaths in 2020. It’s important to note that all of the breeds engaged in such instances are bred for fighting or baiting. The majority of the casualties were adults over the age of 20.

In 2019, Pitbulls were to blame for 91% of fatal attacks on animals in Texas. We’re talking about almost 50,000 animals, in case you’re curious. 

Between 2005 and 2020, there were 30-40 fatal dog bite attacks each year on average. 

54% of Pitbulls Were Put for Adoption in 2019 in the US

Pitbull has an unfavorable image among 25% of Americans. More than half of respondents believe that households with small children should avoid adopting a dog of this breed. 

75% of shelters have incorrect dog labels. Even animal professionals such as breeders and veterinarians have difficulty identifying a breed and are only correct in a few circumstances. At least the Blue Nose Pitbull is easy to identify.

If dog labels are removed from shelters, the American Pitbull Terrier may have an easier time finding a new home. Given that the breed is frequently mislabeled, this could be one answer to regaining the public’s trust in these canines.

Approximately 1 Million Pitbulls Are Euthanized Each Year

Pitbull-type dogs account for over 40% of all canines euthanized in shelters each year. Furthermore, nearly one million Pitbulls are killed each year since many individuals do not wish to rehome these animals. There simply isn’t enough space in shelters, and the adoption rate for this breed is substantially lower, at only 4%.

This means that 2,800 Pitbulls are slaughtered per day, primarily due to misconceptions about the breed.

Pitbulls Are the Most Abused Dogs in the World

Many pitbull owners picked the breed for security purposes. Owners purposely mistreat and deprive their Pitbulls of affection to elicit violent behavior.

The prevalence of pitbull abuse also contributes to the widespread misconception that they are aggressive dogs.

Pitbull-type dogs are powerful and aggressive when abused or riled up. As a result, they are the most widely utilized dogs in fighting.

Dog fighting is prohibited in all fifty states, but it persists. As a result, many Pitbulls are abused, beaten, starved, and even maimed in preparation for a battle.

Approximately 6% of All Dogs in the US Shelters Are Pitbulls

Despite the high number of Pitbulls in shelters, the breed accounts for 6% of the US shelter dog population. With backyard breeding and large litter sizes driving up numbers, each new wave of unfavorable media attention results in more dogs being surrendered to shelters.

According to statistics on pitbulls, 25% of Americans are afraid of pitbulls, and 50% of households with small children would not consider adopting a pitbull.

25% of the US Think Negatively about Pitbulls

Even though at least a quarter of the US population views Pitbulls negatively and up to 50% of people are frightened of the breed, Pitbulls remain the 19th most popular dog breed in America.

Pitbulls are tarnished with a brush that speaks more of breed ownership features than dog attributes because they were developed for bear and bull baiting and other aggressive pursuits.

In America and Canada, Pitbull assaults have been responsible for 63% of dog-related fatalities during the past 40 years

63% of dog-related fatalities in America and Canada over the last 40 years have been linked to Pitbull attacks. It not only highlights the enormous role that this particular breed plays in serious dog-related accidents, but it also emphasizes the urgent need for preventive measures and responsible dog ownership. 

Conclusion

Understanding these data is intended to underscore the necessity of responsible pet keeping rather than instill fear or stigma. As a result, rather than resorting to breed prejudice, we must cultivate a community that is aware of dogs and supports safety procedures. 

Irrespective of the perceived ferocity, Pitbulls and other dog breeds need to be fostered with love, proper care, and suitable training to promote a happy relationship between the pet and its human companions.