Where do pitbulls gets that determination of not letting go when they bite or fight other dogs?

[Anonymous]

Just like there are bad news about them not letting go when attacking, they also do that if they need to protect you or your family. Or it can be losing in a fight or getting beaten but even the winner gets hurts too.

Several years ago my friend's little niece (then 7 years old) was attacked by a German Shepherd. Their family pitbull (a female) jumped from the window, injuring herself in the process but still fought the Shepherd and beat and shook it badly, saving the girl. She's now 17 years old, the pitbull died of old age and she thanks the pitt for being alive.

I find it an interesting breed but is there really something special in their jaws? What do they have that other dogs don't have? Even when it comes to protecting you and if they get injured, they still hold on to the enemy, not letting go. Others dogs stopped when they're bleeding and hurt but not them.

[ChrisMaster69]

It’s pretty much what all bull dogs where bred for, the ability to be fighting dogs and bull baiting dogs in bull rings.

the likes of Staffies where bred with terriers to produce a a faster bull dog for fighting, this became the pit bull.

they don’t let go as this is how the breed were bred to have these traits.

[The_Maphio]

The pitbull is a canine species which is built for fighting. The way their muzzles are made make the power of their bite worse than that of many other species, plus pitbulls jaws have the ability to lock in place when they have a prey in between.
Add to that, that the conformation of the muzzle allows them to breathe while biting, which makes quite sure that they are not coming off their target without a piece of it in their maw.

[Asker]

It's an interesting and tough breed alright. That female pit went from killer mode on the Shepherd to docile on the girl she saved. It uses the same mouth to carry its puppies too but obviously doesn't lock. It's a smart breed that can control its bite strength... basically it knows when to get a strong grip and who to be gentle to.

[The_Maphio]

ANimals are instinctive, but not stupid. One of the "pros" if we wanna use this term, of not having an evolved intellect, is that you CAN'T be stupid. That's for humans alone.

[Agape93]

I wager it’s due to instinct. They’re natural protective tendencies would make them hyper focused on defending themselves, their people or their territory. That means not stopping.

[Asker]

Yes they tend to literally fight to the death. I haven't seen that same tenacity in other dog breeds. That's interesting. If trained and raised good, they will use that same power for the good... to protect its loved ones or finish a fight another dog started.

[Agape93]

Exactly. They were called nanny dogs for a reason, they were fantastic with babies and young children. Raise them well and treat them with love and respect, and they’ll be great defenders and snuggle babies for the family :)

[jgokgotit]

Pit bulls experience love and loyalty on a deeper level than any other breed of dog. In their eyes, if they let go they will allow the threat to get to their loved ones and they simply will not let it happen. German shepherds can be the same way if they love their owner enough. Also, pit bull jaws actually lock once they bite someone.

[Asker]

Yes it's an interesting breed and yet misunderstood by some people. Once it was done beating the ever hell out of the Shepherd, she went back to her docile manner, using its body as a protective shield for the girl and licking a lot.

[jamesgoldman]

It's not that they get it, it's just not been removed from them unlike other breeds