America's Dog
American Pit Bull Terriers — and dogs commonly labeled as "pitbulls" — were once known as "America's Dog." Our mission is to restore their image and end the stigma that surrounds them.
History / Culture / Stigma
America's Original Dog
Pitbulls have a long and complex history that spans American homesteads, farms, battlefields, and living rooms. Despite the stigma that surrounds them today, pitbulls were once celebrated as loyal family pets, national icons, and trusted protectors — a legacy that earned them the nickname "America's Dog."
People / Dogs / Community
Real Dogs, Real People
Dogs labeled as "pitbulls" are among the most popular in the U.S., living as beloved companions in millions of homes across the country. Our Fan Pics gallery celebrates them with photos shared by fans and followers.
Policy / Responsibility / Safety
Safety Isn't Breed-Specific
Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is often presented as a solution to improve public safety — but extensive evidence shows it fails to do so. Experts widely oppose BSL, and studies have consistently found that it does not reduce incidents and is ultimately ineffective. Even worse, BSL is unjust — harming good dogs and responsible owners without any justification beyond a dog's appearance or assumed breed.
Statistics
Dog bite-related statistics covering fatal attacks, breed misidentification, and how the risk of dog attacks compares to common everyday risks.
Temperament
Breeds included in the pitbull-type category consistently score high in temperament testing — ranking in the top 20% of all breeds.
Population
Pitbulls are among the most popular dogs in the U.S., estimated to make up approximately 20% of the total dog population.
MISSION / Advocacy / Support
Our Story
PitbullHero was started in 2017 after the founder — a cybersecurity professional and a huge fan of all dogs — moved to Colorado and was denied the ability to buy a home in Denver because of his dog's appearance/breed, due to the city's ban on dogs labeled as "pitbulls" (known as breed-specific legislation, or BSL). As a result, he bought a home in a nearby town without such restrictions and launched PitbullHero to combat the specific problem of BSL — which erroneously judges entire populations of dogs based solely on their appearance — and the broader issue of stigma and misconceptions about pitbulls. In 2020, Denver voters repealed the city's decades-old "pitbull ban" by a wide majority.