11/01/2026
Yes, all of this 🙌
It's a that “Pit Bull” is not actually a breed. We know… we know. Your neighbor’s cousin’s dog walker has opinions...
October is National Pit Bull Awareness Month, so we’re ending the month with some good information to share — and reminding everyone that there’s a LOT more to these dogs than a label.
Here are a few things we think are worth knowing:
🐶 “Pit Bull” is an umbrella term. It’s commonly used for several breeds and, very often, mixed-breed dogs who share certain physical characteristics. It usually includes specific purebreds like the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Bully. So when you see “Pit Bull mix” on a shelter kennel card, there may be a whole lot more going on genetically than meets the eye!
🔎 You can’t always tell a dog’s breed just by looking at them. Shelter dogs are frequently identified by appearance, but visual breed identification can be tricky — especially when you’re dealing with mixed-breed pups. They can be 10% Bull Terrier, 40% Labrador, 20% German Sheppard, 20% Boxer and 10% Cane Corso - but LOOK just like a Pit bull mix... We don't DNA test here, so there's no way to know for sure.
🦷 Nope, their jaws don’t lock. That one is a myth. Their jaws work like other dogs’ jaws.
❤️ And perhaps most importantly: dogs are individuals. A breed label doesn’t tell you everything about a dog’s personality or behavior. Genetics, socialization, training, environment, life experiences and good old-fashioned individual personality all matter.
And speaking of individual personalities…
We currently have quite a few “Pit Bull” mixes looking for homes, and let us tell you: they are not short on personality.
Some are professional couch potatoes.
Some are Olympic-level wiggle machines.
Some believe every human is their new best friend.
Some have never met a toy they didn’t immediately make their baby.
And some are convinced they are approximately 14 pounds, despite all available evidence. 🤣
The best way to get to know a dog?
Come meet them. 🐾
Leave the label at the door, spend a little time together, and see who makes you smile.
🐾 Every adoption includes spay/neuter, microchipping, select vaccines, and heartworm treatment if needed. Plus, pets who have been with us for 30+ days have their adoption fee waived!
➡️ Check out all of our available pets: GwinnettCounty.com/AvailablePets
