IN: Are pit bulls' behavioral tendencies due to genetics or the environment?

Updated: 8:18 AM May 5, 2011
Is it genetics or the environment?

South Bend, Ind.
Recent pit bull attacks have been causing a stir locally, so I spoke with an expert about whether aggressive behavioral tendencies are caused by the dog's genetic make-up or its environment.

Posted: 4:44 PM May 4, 2011
Reporter: Katherine Rufener; Rich Molina
Email Address: katherine.rufener@wndu.com, rich.molina@wndu.com

Are pit bulls' behavioral tendencies due to genetics or the environment?

Recent pit bull attacks have been causing a stir locally, so I spoke with an expert about whether aggressive behavioral tendencies are caused by the dog's genetic make-up or its environment.

The expert I spoke with says, without a doubt, the pit bull is a very strong animal, one that can be quite dangerous.

But what determines whether this dog is a calculating killer or a gentle giant?

The answer just might surprise you.

With a mouth like that, saying the pit bull's bark is worse than its bite would frankly just be untruthful.

Many have come to view them as vicious predators, ready to chomp down on anything that moves.

But is that really who the pit bull is? Is it really more prone to aggression than any other dog?

In the wake of recent attacks, I decided to ask the experts and find out.

Roseland Animal Hospital’s Dr. David Visser said, “I think that this is an individual issue more than it is a breed issue. I think it's very tempting for people to see the news and hear the news and think, ‘This is the one breed or the couple of different breeds where this is notorious.’”

Breeds such as the Doberman Pinscher, the Chow Chow, and yes, the pit bull have gained wide-spread reputations for their apparent aggression.

But Dr. Visser says there are just as many smaller breed bites. So if that is true, why don't we hear about them?

“Many small breed dogs do indeed get involved in bites, but the damage or the injury that happens is so much less significant that it does not gain the notoriety and may not even be reported,” Dr. Visser explained.

And what causes a dog to bite? Visser says normally it is because the dog has not had proper training and is not used to being around a lot of people or other animals. But sometimes, it is something even simpler than that.

He said, “When somebody does something that is either quick or threatening, or they stand up suddenly, that is to the dog a threatening posture that can set them off.”

The experts say there are some breed specific behaviors among dogs, but not many among pit bulls. Why? Because believe it or not, pit bull isn't even a real breed.

Dr. Visser said, “There are Staffordshire Terriers, there are American Pit Bulls, there are Bull Terriers. There are many different varieties that form this group of dogs that may be genetically related through that whole tree of canine history.”

Regardless of the official breed, or lack there of, Dr. Visser says it is important to remember that developing the dog's personality is the responsibility of the owner.

“It's not as though I see a pit bull coming in and I say you need to get this dog into training, but rather all dogs need specialized manners training in the beginning and then socialization in the proper setting,” said, Dr. Visser.

And although, the pit has a history of being raised for dog fighting, no dog is beyond help. They just need extra attention.

“I've seen many situations where dogs have come from a fighting world and have been able to go through socialization and have successfully become wonderful pets in a home,” said Dr. Visser.

He also says it is important to have temperament testing done on a new pet, especially if you are uncertain about the dog's history.

This can be done at any local vet office.

It is also important to be careful around any unfamiliar dog. Do not make eye contact with it, and do not try to approach it.

And if you are being attacked, get in the fetal position. If your pet is being attacked, do not try to separate the animals.

Instead, if there is water around, throw it on the dogs. It will startle them long enough for you and your pet to get away.

Tune in to Wednesday’s Just Before Six for the second part of this report.

Is it genetics or the environment?

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