General Discussion

[img]http://americanbullydaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Blue-Nose-Pit-bulls-Puppies.jpg[/img] Alright, so there is this saying going around that pit bull terriers have what is known as "lock-jaw" which is basically as it sounds: They have the ability to lock their jaws. Well, I want to hear everyone's opinions (and facts if you have them - but they must be cited because I will want to read where you found it! I'm a nerd like that xD) on this subject. Plus, if the article works, I do have a paper to write and would love to use it if I can :) So.. do pitbulls have what is known as "lock-jaw" or not? I am subscribed, as well!

@Huntress

What do you mean by "lockjaw"? Because I've always heard it as a common name for the tetnus disease, but I have a feeling that isn't what you're talking about here.

@Hawktalon

I am aware that it is a symptom of tetanus but I'm referring to the common usage of it that is tied specifically pit bulls.Basically, it is a term used (again, specifically tied to pit bulls) that is just as it sounds: the dog can lock it's jaws and not let go, nor can a person pry their mouth open because of this.

It's false-

https://www.yourspca.org/pages/bred-to-love/dispelling-common-myths-about-pit-bull-terriers

http://www.k9magazine.com/blog/pit-bull-locking-jaw-myth-busted-pit-bull-facts/



To me, it kind of comes off as making pits seem worse than what they are-and could even have the unfortunate side effect of attracting the wrong people who think this and would use them to fight.

It's bad enough that they have a bad rap and that some do use them for terrible things.

@Huntress

"Dr. Brisbin: “The few studies which have been conducted of the structure of the skulls, mandibles and teeth of pit bulls show that, in proportion to their size, their jaw structure and thus its inferred functional morphology, is no different than that of any breed of dog.

There is absolutely no evidence for the existence of any kind of “locking mechanism” unique to the structure of the jaw and/or teeth of the American Pit Bull Terrier."

Taken from: The American Pit Bull Foundation

@ashotinthedark

I completely agree with you. I have looked at multiple articles and haven't come across one that proves the existence of lock jaw in pit bulls. Yet, I know a lot of people that believe that the myth of lockjaw in pits is true based on their history and what they were bred for.

I honestly have nothing against the breed. They are just as dangerous as any other dog if you ask me - though small dogs tend to have a temper xD The dog is the reflection of the owner, really. Train them right and you won't have an issue.

@Rotver
I see that quote everywhere and just read off of that site. It will definitely be used in my paper, thank you for posting it!

This is an interesting topic! I read about this myth in White Fang, I think (which is an old fiction story, so definitely not recent and fiction besides) and I never really stopped to wonder if it was true!

I bet the myth comes from the high jaw strength in the breed, most likely, though that's my own hypothesis. :)

Pit bulls are really sweet, I met a couple today at my vet internship. Very strong, but very friendly! :D

@ImpossibleJedi4 That is a great book, White Fang! Though, I don't remember it being mentioned in there? I could be wrong though xD It has been a few years since I have read it. I should pick it up again.... Call of the Wild is a good book too! Actually, pit bull jaw strength isn't as strong as people believe. Rotties actually rank first in bite strength: [img]http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20130105/original/6aqarudu.jpg[/img]

@Huntress
There was a scene where White Fang was in a dogfight, and his neck was bitten by what I'm 80% sure was a pit bull or a bulldog, which 'locked its jaws' and they had to use the barrel of a gun to pry the dog's mouth open so White Fang didn't suffocate. (I've read the book several times, Jack London stories are such good adventures!)

And wow, I didn't know that! That's an interesting graph... Perhaps the bite strength is one of the reasons why German Shepherds are used as K9 unit dogs??? (I'm really happy you showed me this, now I know another cool fact about my favorite dog breed! :D )

@ImpossibleJedi4

Oh! That's right! I remember that scene now! And yes, I am fairly sure it was a pitty as well that nearly suffocated him~
Though, if you think about it, if the dog was actually able to lock its jaws White Fang would have died because no one would have been able to pry it's mouth open by any means. That's the whole point of the supposed lockjaw myth.
But, I agree that Jack London books make great reads!

It was one of the better ones that I found xD And it's not a problem :) This thread is both to help me find more sources by means of others help, to see where other's stand on this topic, and to help educate others if they so wish to learn more xD
I am an animal nerd, anyway. It's a wonder I haven't become a vet- probably would, too, if I could actually poke an animal with a needle xD I can barely stand to watch though I have gotten better - I don't cry anymore xD XD