We so often repeat what has become a tenet here — that the slang term “pit bull” is not a breed — that we decided to offer an explanation of the slang term “pit bull” in our resources section.  The slang term “pit bull” can describe anywhere from 3-30+ breeds of dog and their mixes and lookalikes. (Some have even confused Chihuahuas for “pit bulls”!)  That’s why “pit bull” as a designation has widely become recognized as a type, not a breed; a type that could potentially describe countless numbers of medium- and large-breed dogs and their mixes.

Does it not follow that if “pit bull” is a conglomeration of breeds and mixes rather than an actual breed, that statistics on “pit bulls” would be incredibly skewed?  And because, indeed, statistics on “pit bulls” are skewed, they are false and therefore meaningless and worthless.  Also, because “pit bull” or “pit bull-terrier” is not a breed, its usage in legislation has consistently been found to be unconstitutionally vague (in addition to breed-specific legislation having been found to be unconstitutional in and of itself).