Is this the Truth or a Myth?

Question

Is it true that pit bulls and rottweilers have lock jaw. So when they bite, their jaw locks, and won't let go until they want to, no matter what you do to them? I've heard it's true, and I've heard its bs, can someone help ?

Answer 1

No. Though they are VERY powerful dogs. A Rottweiler has a bite force of over 380 lbs. I think a Pit Bull has 350 lbs. but I can't remember.

Answer 2

no it's not true.  there is no such thing as lock jaw in a dog. no matter the breed.

Answer 3

NO breed of dog has "locking" jaws.

Some breeds were bred to hold their bite and not let go, while other breeds bite repeatidly..  but their jaws do not lock.

The pounds of pressure in the bite is no different than any other breed of similar size either.

Answer 4

Actually it is kind of true they are fighting dogs so they lock there jaws so there is no way you can get there mouth off they are very strong dogs so yes that is true!

Answer 5

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Do_pit_bulls_h...

Answer 6

Absolutely not true. A myth just like the one going around about Dobermans's brain growing too big for their heads, causing them to go crazy. Urban legend. They are strong and when they have something in their mouth, unless trained to leave it, you will have a harder time opening their mouth to get the offending object out of their mouth. They do not have a jaw that locks, it just feels like it because they are strong jaws,  

Answer 7

Myth

Answer 8

Dispelling some myths about Pit Bulls:

-Is it true that Pit Bulls can lock their jaw?

The infamous locking jaw is a myth. The American Pit Bull Terrier and related breeds are physiologically no different from any other breed of dog. All dogs are from the same species and none have locking jaws. Dr. I Lehr Brisbin of the University of Georgia states, "To the best of our knowledge, there are no published scientific studies that would allow any meaningful comparison to be made of the biting power of various breeds of dogs. There are, moreover, compelling technical reasons why such data describing biting power in terms of 'pounds per square inch' can never be collected in a meaningful way. All figures describing biting power in such terms can be traced to either unfounded rumor or, in some cases, to newspaper articles with no foundation in factual data." Furthermore, Dr. Brisbin states, "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."

Edit: I just think that they are very strong and powerful!  I have a pitbull and when she doesnt want to let go, I don't even bother figthing anymore :)

Answer 9

Myth.  All dogs jaws are the same and none of them can "lock" them.

The jaws of the Pit Bull are functionally the same as the jaws of any other breed, and this has been proven via expert examination.

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 [other] breed of dog. There is absolutely not 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, says Dr. I. Lerh Brisbin of the University of Georgia (from the ADBA booklet, “Discover the American Pit Bull Terrier.)

Answer 10

I'm not sure of this but if any breed of dog wants to bite something they will not let go until they want to I just had a episode in my home with my new lab and my lab / white english bull mix , they got into a fight and the lab pinned down my mix breed I tried to pull him off of her but he would not let go . so do not go by facts or myths if a dog feels threatend he will not let go if he bites something until he is ready , I did not mention that I too got bitten by him when I finally got him off of my mix he went back for her I got in the way and he got me , no matter the breed if they are fighting they will fight to the death or until they get tiered. I know pits have a bad rep because they ore most commen in dog fighting but any breed will fight another it all depends on how they are raised and trained.  

Answer 11

i think its a myth becuz my cousin has one and he dosnt have locked jaws

Answer 12

Total BS.

Answer 13

No. Their jaws do not lock. That is a myth to give the breeds a bad reputation. Pitbull Terriers and Rottweilers have more strength than say, a Cocker Spaniel. However, they are no more likely to bite, nor do their jaws lock upon biting.  

Answer 14

They do have a certain amount of pounds of pressure in their bite if that's what you're asking.  Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are a powerful breed.  I hope you do more research before buying one.  I wouldn't want to see a dog go to a shelter because it's more than you can handle.  These breeds CAN be trained. Most of the time they get a bad rap from incidents caused by BAD OWNERS!!!

Answer 15

no, their jaws don't "lock"

but yes, they wont let go unless they want too.

the idea of locking means that the dog CAN'T let go, even if they want to.

they were bred to hang on to a bull even while being tossed around. So they can clamp down hard, but to say that their jaws lock is something that simply is not true.