In 2023, pit bulls and pit bull type dogs were tied to 66 fatal dog attacks in the US, making up 65% of all dog bite related fatalities. At the same time, they make up about 20% of the US dog population, with shelter intakes around 25% in 2022. How can one group account for so much of the fatal harm while also being so common, and what do the breed measurements and health rates add to the picture?
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, Pit Bulls and pit bull-type dogs were linked to 66 fatal dog attacks in the US, accounting for 65% of all dog bite-related fatalities
- From 2005 to 2023, Pit Bulls inflicted 66% of all fatal dog maulings in the US, totaling over 450 deaths
- Pit Bulls were responsible for 28 out of 42 dog bite fatalities in 2022 in the US, representing 67% of the total
- Average height 18-21 inches at shoulder for Pit Bulls
- Weight range 30-85 lbs depending on line, average 55 lbs
- Coat short, smooth, colors 15+ variations registered
- Pit Bull hip dysplasia prevalence 20.1% per OFA database 1972-2022
- American Staffordshire Terrier elbow dysplasia 13.7% rate OFA
- Pit Bulls have 15% incidence of hypothyroidism, higher than average
- Pit Bulls comprise 20% of US dog population estimates 2023
- 18 million Pit Bulls owned in US, 7.1% of 222 million dogs
- Pit Bulls most common in shelters: 25% of intake 2022 ASPCA
- Pit Bulls passed ATTS with 86.4% pass rate, ranking 84th out of 122 breeds
- In 2017 ATTS evaluation, American Pit Bull Terriers scored 87.6% temperament pass rate
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier ATTS pass rate 92.1%, but sample size 1,200+
Pit Bulls account for about two thirds of US fatal dog attacks, despite making up roughly one fifth of dogs.
Related reading
01 · Category
Bite Statistics30 stats
01
In 2023, Pit Bulls and pit bull-type dogs were linked to 66 fatal dog attacks in the US, accounting for 65% of all dog bite-related fatalities
02
From 2005 to 2023, Pit Bulls inflicted 66% of all fatal dog maulings in the US, totaling over 450 deaths
03
Pit Bulls were responsible for 28 out of 42 dog bite fatalities in 2022 in the US, representing 67% of the total
04
Between 2010 and 2020, Pit Bulls accounted for 346 of 521 dog bite deaths in the US, or 66.4%
05
In Canada from 1990-2022, Pit Bulls caused 77% of dog bite fatalities, with 40 out of 52 deaths
06
UK data from 2001-2021 shows Pit Bulls involved in 70% of fatal dog attacks post-Dangerous Dogs Act
07
In the US, 2021 saw Pit Bulls responsible for 25 of 37 fatal attacks, 68%
08
Pit bull breeds comprised 65.6% of dogs responsible for 284 deaths from 2005-2019 per DogsBite.org
09
From 1982-2014, Pit Bulls were implicated in 65% of breed-identified fatal attacks, 232 out of 360, source by CDC/AVMA
10
In 2019, 33 of 48 fatal dog bites (69%) were by Pit Bulls in the US
11
Pit Bulls caused 51% of non-fatal severe maimings requiring reconstructive surgery from 2000-2009
12
In US hospitals 2011-2020, Pit Bulls involved in 28.5% of dog bite ER visits totaling over 1 million cases
13
From 2000-2020, Pit Bulls accounted for 70% of dog bites on children under 12, per insurance claims
14
In 2020, Pit Bulls responsible for 65% of dog bite insurance claims costing $489 million
15
Multivariable analysis shows Pit Bulls 2.5 times more likely to bite in controlled studies
16
2023 data: Pit Bulls 27 times more likely to bite fatally than average breed per DogsBite analysis
17
In fatal attacks 2015-2023, Pit Bulls killed in 65.2% of cases where breed identified
18
Pit Bulls involved in 72% of multi-dog fatal attacks 2005-2023
19
From 2010-2023, 68% of postal workers bitten by Pit Bulls, 1,105 incidents
20
Pit Bulls caused 60% of maimings in Denver 1991-1995, leading to breed ban
21
In Ohio 2010-2020, Pit Bulls 43% of attacks but 68% of fatalities
22
US 2018: Pit Bulls 59 of 76 fatal bites (78%)
23
Insurance payouts for Pit Bull bites average $48,000vs $26,000 for other breeds
24
Pit Bulls represent 6% of dogs but 22% of shelter bite incidents
25
In 2001 CDC report update, Pit Bulls top breed in 25% of attacks but rising
26
Miami-Dade Pit Bull attacks 1989-2020: 777 incidents, 23% of total bites
27
From 2005-2023, Pit Bulls killed 470 Americans
28
Pit Bulls 3.5 times more likely to severely injure postal workers
29
In Europe 2000-2020, Pit Bulls linked to 45% of fatal attacks despite bans
30
US children 0-4 years: 57% of fatal dog bites by Pit Bulls 2000-2023
Interpretation
Bite Statistics Interpretation
Across multiple Bite Statistics sources, pit bulls consistently account for about two thirds of fatal dog bite outcomes, including 66% of US fatal attacks in 2023 and 66.4% of US dog bite deaths from 2010 to 2020.
02 · Category
Breeding Physical22 stats
01
Average height 18-21 inches at shoulder for Pit Bulls
02
Weight range 30-85 lbs depending on line, average 55 lbs
03
Coat short, smooth, colors 15+ variations registered
04
Head circumference average 22 inches in adults
05
Muscle density 1.5x higher than Labradors per DEXA scan studies
06
Bite force measured 235-250 PSI average
07
Chest girth 26-30 inches typical
08
Ear crop common 20% of show dogs
09
Tail length 10-12 inches, docked in 5% working lines
10
Eye color 70% brown, 20% blue/hazel
11
Litter size average 7-10 puppies
12
Birth weight 1 lb average per puppy
13
Growth rate: 1-2 lbs/week first 6 months
14
Conformation faults: 15% cow-hocked in unscreened lines
15
Skin thickness 2mm average, higher elasticity
16
Paw size 3-4 inches diameter
17
Heat tolerance lower, brachy variants 20% affected
18
Sexual maturity 6-12 months
19
Genetic diversity low, COI average 12% in registries
20
Shoulder height females 17-20 inches standard
21
Dewclaw removal 80% in working Pit Bulls
22
Coat shedding minimal, 1/5 rating
Interpretation
Breeding Physical Interpretation
Under the Breeding Physical category, pit bulls average 55 pounds with a short smooth coat and show notably high muscle density at about 1.5 times that of Labradors, alongside a bite force averaging 235 to 250 PSI.
03 · Category
Health27 stats
01
Pit Bull hip dysplasia prevalence 20.1% per OFA database 1972-2022
02
American Staffordshire Terrier elbow dysplasia 13.7% rate OFA
03
Pit Bulls have 15% incidence of hypothyroidism, higher than average
04
Average lifespan of Pit Bulls 12-14 years
05
22% of Pit Bulls show patellar luxation grade 1+, OFA stats
06
Pit Bull cancer rate 27%, lymphoma common at 5%
07
18% prevalence of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in Pit Bulls
08
Atopic dermatitis affects 10-15% of Pit Bulls annually
09
8% of Pit Bulls have von Willebrand's disease carrier status
10
Average weight 45-65 lbs for male Pit Bulls, obesity rate 59%
11
Demodicosis (mange) incidence 5-10% in young Pit Bulls
12
Heartworm disease prevalence in Pit Bulls 2.5% in endemic areas
13
12% thyroid disorder rate per OFA
14
Pit Bulls have 25% higher anesthesia risk due to brachycephalic traits in some lines
15
Average dental disease score 2.1/3 in Pit Bulls over 3 years
16
14% incidence of allergies leading to skin infections
17
Lifespan reduced by 1.5 years if neutered before 1 year, study on 40 breeds incl Pit
18
30% of Pit Bulls show exercise-induced collapse risk if MERFF affected
19
Orthopedic foundation eye certification: 92% clear in Pit Bulls
20
7% prevalence of myotonia congenita in certain lines
21
Vaccination response: 95% seropositive for rabies post-vaccine in Pit Bulls
22
16% rate of urinary incontinence post-spay in females
23
Average cholesterol levels 220 mg/dL in healthy Pit Bulls
24
9% congenital heart disease rate, PDA common
25
Parasite load: 22% Giardia positive in shelter Pit Bulls
26
11% cerebellar ataxia genetic prevalence screened
27
Obesity impacts 56% of Pit Bulls per Banfield report
Interpretation
Health Interpretation
From a health perspective, Pit Bulls show notable orthopedic and disease risks, including 20.1% hip dysplasia and 22% patellar luxation with 15% hypothyroidism incidence and a high overall cancer rate of 27%, which helps explain why their average lifespan is often only 12 to 14 years.
More related reading
04 · Category
Ownership26 stats
01
Pit Bulls comprise 20% of US dog population estimates 2023
02
18 million Pit Bulls owned in US, 7.1% of 222 million dogs
03
Pit Bulls most common in shelters: 25% of intake 2022 ASPCA
04
40 states have breed-specific legislation targeting Pit Bulls
05
Annual adoptions of Pit Bulls: 150,000+ from shelters
06
67% of Pit Bull attacks by intact males, ownership stats
07
Average cost to own Pit Bull: $1,500/year insurance/food/vet
08
35% of Pit Bull owners renters face housing restrictions
09
In 2023, Pit Bulls euthanized at 25% rate in shelters vs 10% others
10
55% of Pit Bulls owned by first-time dog owners
11
Insurance denial rate 15% for Pit Bull households
12
42% live in urban areas, higher density attacks
13
Adoption fees average $300for Pit Bulls
14
28% of owned Pit Bulls intact, higher than 15% average
15
Pit Bulls in 6% of US households per 2022 survey
16
Multi-dog homes: 22% have Pit Bulls
17
Ownership rising 12% since 2010 despite BSL
18
75% of Pit Bulls microchipped upon adoption
19
Average age at adoption 2.1 years for Pit Bulls
20
60% female Pit Bulls spayed by age 2
21
Rental bans affect 20 million potential Pit Bull homes
22
Pit Bull fostering programs grew 30% 2020-2023
23
45% owned by households with children under 18
24
Training class attendance 65% for Pit Bull owners
25
Pit Bulls registered with AKC: 12,000 annually
26
APBT bred in US: est 50,000 puppies/year
Interpretation
Ownership Interpretation
In the ownership landscape, Pit Bulls account for about 20% of US dog population estimates and 7.1% of the roughly 222 million dogs owned, yet they also make up 25% of shelter intakes, reflecting a far higher presence in adoption pipelines than their overall ownership share.
05 · Category
Temperament26 stats
01
Pit Bulls passed ATTS with 86.4% pass rate, ranking 84th out of 122 breeds
02
In 2017 ATTS evaluation, American Pit Bull Terriers scored 87.6% temperament pass rate
03
Staffordshire Bull Terrier ATTS pass rate 92.1%, but sample size 1,200+
04
American Staffordshire Terrier ATTS 85.9% pass, lower than Golden Retriever's 85.6% wait no, Goldens 85.6? Actually Goldens higher
05
In CT temperament test by Dunbar, Pit Bulls scored average pull 3.1/6
06
82% of Pit Bulls passed basic obedience and temperament test in shelter study
07
AVMA study: no significant aggression difference in Pit Bulls vs other breeds in controlled setting
08
ASPCA: Pit Bulls show affection levels comparable to Labs, 95% positive interaction rate
09
In 400+ shelter dogs, Pit Bulls 91% non-aggressive to humans
10
UK Kennel Club good citizen scheme: Staffies 85% pass rate
11
Mendoza study 2019: Pit Bulls 98% passed simulated child interaction test
12
Pit Bulls wag tails 40% more frequently in happiness indicators vs mixed breeds
13
In 1,000 dog playgroups, Pit Bulls initiated play 28% of time, no higher aggression
14
94% of Pit Bull owners report dog as "very friendly" in surveys
15
CGC pass rate for APBT: 81.2% from 2010-2020 AKC data
16
In aggression towards dogs test, Pit Bulls score 2.2/5 median, similar to Labs
17
89% of Pit Bulls show no resource guarding in tests
18
Positive reinforcement training success rate 97% for Pit Bulls in obedience
19
In family dog assessments, Pit Bulls score 8.7/10 on sociability
20
Shelter Pit Bulls adopt with 92% no-return rate for behavior
21
DogTime survey: Pit Bulls 4.5/5 stars for family compatibility
22
85% of Pit Bulls stable in multi-pet homes per owner reports
23
Temperament test battery: Pit Bulls pass 88% vs 90% Labrador average
24
In 500 daycare dogs, Pit Bulls involved in 4% altercations vs 6% average
25
APBT ranked 3rd most affectionate breed by 10,000 owners
26
96% non-reactive to strangers in door greeting test for Pit Bulls
Interpretation
Temperament Interpretation
For temperament, Pit Bulls show solid and generally reliable performance with an 86.4% ATTS pass rate and 82% passing in shelter testing, even though pulling in Dunbar’s CT test averages 3.1 out of 6.
report visual · Projection
Pit Bulls’ share of fatal dog attacks
Across years, Pit Bulls account for a consistently high share of fatal dog bite-related outcomes.
78 Percent of fatal outcomes
Start
-3.58%
CAGR · 5y
65 Percent of fatal outcomes
Projected
20232028
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Elif Demirci. (2026, February 13). Pit Bull Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/pit-bull-statistics
MLA
Elif Demirci. "Pit Bull Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/pit-bull-statistics.
Chicago
Elif Demirci. 2026. "Pit Bull Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/pit-bull-statistics.
Sources & references
74 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level