So You Think You Know What A 'Pit Bull' Is? Think Again.

So You Think You Know What A 'Pit Bull' Is? Think Again.

This post is part of HuffPost's ongoing #PitBullWeek coverage.

The name "pit bull" can mean a lot of things, and there's really no one breed associated with the label. The American Kennel Club recognizes the American Staffordshire terrier and the Staffordshire bull terrier as independent breeds, but nearly a dozen others can fall under the pit bull umbrella, including the American bulldog, the Cane Corso, the Alapaha blue blood and the Dogo Argentino.

Breed aside, many of the millions of dogs that come through shelters every year are mutts that garner a simple "pit bull mix" label, but are by and large just normal dogs with a similar, blocky-shaped head.

Graphic by Jan Diehm for The Huffington Post.



Take a look at this segment from HuffPost Live to hear Animal Welfare Editor Arin Greenwood explain some of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to identifying dangerous dogs.

HuffPost Green is launching a week-long, community-driven effort to bust the myths and raise awareness about pit bulls, a maligned "breed" that often bears the brunt of dated, discriminatory legislation that can make it near impossible for these dogs to find a forever home. You can follow along with HuffPost Pit Bull Week here, or on Facebook and Twitter where we'll be using the hashtag #PitBullWeek.

Before You Go

Doesn't Banning Pit Bulls Make People Safer?

10 Stereotypes About Pit Bulls That Are Just. Dead. Wrong.

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