Why Should We Do Dogs’ Jaws Lock

If you’ve been following the news in any way during the years since Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) was introduced, you’ve likely encountered a myriad of stories that were claimed as facts. One of these myths is the claim of Pit Bulls are a dangerous breed that needs to be banned due to their jaws that lock. If this is indeed the case it’s a scary thought and should be a source of serious anxiety; possibly even legit enough to at minimum, require the use of muzzles in breeds that are predisposed to this type of issue. However, is there an issue as locking jaws? If yes, what is the reason for it? What is the reason why certain breeds have this genetic capacity and not other breeds? Sometimes, it appears there are many questions that need to be answered. With a thorough understanding of canine anatomy and a well-established science, we are able to get a clear understanding of the mystery of “locking jaws.” As much can be learned by examining the influence of wild dogs on the modern dog and canine, we can gain an enormous amount by knowing the purpose dogs ‘ mouths do and what locking jaws would be to them.

The Root of the Behavior

Rumors have been circulating over the years regarding the theory of locking jaws. The majority of people consider this to be the very specificbreed. The breeds that are believed to be able to exhibit this trait are Boxers American Staffordshire Terriers and Bulldogs however there are numerous other breeds that are considered “Pit Bull types” that are also believed to be part belonging to this “locking jaw” family. There isn’t any research to prove the theory of a locking jaw for one of the breeds, or any breed in general. The myth of locking jaws has turned into a popular myth. What exactly is the locking jaw?

People who believe in the authenticity of the jaw-locking mechanism found in Pit Bulls maintain that dogs with this kind of jaw are able to engage their jaws in an uncontrollable position to release without the dog’s consent. A lot of people believe that this is what is so appealing about Pit Bull type dogs, which are typically mixed with different breeds, as opposed to a single purebred dog breed that is destined to be a winner in dog fighting rings. If a dog is able to get on to a rival and lock his jaw into the position of a vulnerable part of the neck, it’s possible for the dog to cause immense damage, and even potentially even killing the dog they’re competing against. If this is true this would be a valuable attribute to the dogfighter. The ban should then be given due consideration since dog fighting is brutal and illegal however an animal that is trained for such violence could be a threat to the general public.

The renowned researcher Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin has declared that “The small amount of studies conducted on the skull’s structure mandibles, teeth, and mandibles of pit bulls indicate that, as a proportion of their size the jaw structure, and, consequently, its inferred function shape, is the same than any other type of dog. There is no evidence of any kind of locking mechanism’ specific to the morphology and teeth that make up Pit Bulls. American Pit Bull Terrier.” What do you think this means?

Encouraging the Behavior

It is just a mouth and a jaw is just one. It doesn’t matter if the mouth is an Chihuahua or one of the Alaskan Malamute, or an American Pit Bull Terrier, there is only one difference in what size the mouth is and not how the jaw performs. The only thing that differs in the pressure that a dog can put on its body on its jaw, and that pressure is determined on the dimensions of the dog and not the breed. Naturally, the “power breed” which is an enormous mass of muscle will be able to exert more biting pressure than the Pomeranian your mom has. It’s only natural that a breed that is larger as well as strength can exert greater overall force during a bite than smaller breeds. Without any studies that support the theory of locking jaws What is the place where this urban legend have its roots? It’s not easy to answer that definitively, however there are several possibilities for theories. There is a chance that the legend originated with dogs themselves. The people involved in this type of sport might have boasted about the strength of their jaws of their champion fighters , and even used the term that eventually led to the use of the phrase “locking jaw” as we call it now. Dogfighters may have proudly said how his pet “locked onto” another dog which, through repetition, miscommunication and misuse, “locking jaw” became the new term. This could be an opportunity to show satisfaction for the owners of these dogs even though there’s not anything but a shred of factual evidence to support the claim.

A different theory is that the term originates from the older usage in the form of “bull baiting.” Bull baiting was a popular practice in breeds like Bull Terriers American Staffordshire Terriers along with others “game” dogs. The sole reason for it was game, and it was bloody, dangerous to bulls and cruel. The most effective bull baiting dogs had only one goal: to strike into their adversaries and then refuse to let go of the bite until their adversary fell or passed away. This did not result from any locking abilities, but due to the determination and determination of the pet. The dog’s owner was adamant about the dog’s determination. This attribute earned him plenty of dollars!

Other Solutions and Considerations

However, “lockjaw” is a medical condition that may occur in dogs. It’s essentially an infection caused by the bacteria Clostridium Tetani. The illness is spread via dirt or other places with low oxygen levels and spread through tissues that have died from wounds. The beneficial bacteria enters the animal via the wound and begins attacks on the nervous system. The dog suffering from lockjaw may display a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, fever pain in urination, inability to urinate, noticeable stiffness of joints and muscles, as well as respiratory discomfort. If not treated, lockjaw may result in death. Lockjaw is a grave condition. If you suspect that your dog has this condition, it is crucial that you take him to the vet. The veterinarian will conduct routine test of blood to find out if your dog is suffering from the bacteria Clostridium Tetani.

The treatment is lengthy and is a requirement for hospitalization that is at least a month. If the disease is in its advanced stage when it is first diagnosed the dog might not be able to eat with assistance, and could require the placement of a tube to ensure that they eat regularly. Lockjaw sufferers are very sensitive to the sound, light and even touch . They need to be kept in a quiet, sedative environment throughout the recovery phase. Asphyxiation is a different issue. The vet will closely observe your dog’s health to ensure that he’s not suffering from breathing issues. A breathing tube may be placed if it is necessary. In the final step to prevent this the dog will receive medication to stop the effect of the toxin on their system. Dogs can recover from lockjaw when the disease is identified and promptly treated. The journey back to health is not easy and requires continuous monitoring and involvement.

Conclusion

While we’ve heard of the theory of locking jaws however, there is no basis to it. The media has led many people to believe that this phenomenon is real, and even condemned dogs that do not have genetic defects that make them apart from other breeds. With no scientifically proven evidence to prove the existence of the concept of a “locking jaw,” all we can do is ignore the idea.