for your question. ... there is no such thing as 'lock jaw'. dogs do not have a special position or mechanisim in thier mouth or brain that allows them to 'lock' their jaw.

The most common myth about 'pit bull' dogs is that their jobs lock. This is untrue.

Breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier do have very powerful jaws, and this is where this myth comes from. However, the jaw does not 'lock' - and you cannot get the jaw to 'lock' through abusive actions such as breaking the jaw. (yes, we have heard from people who believe this is how you get a 'locking jaw' and we have incredibly sympathy for any animals they own.)

On this topic Dr. 1. Lehr Brisbin of the University of Georgia wrote:
"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."

The 'pit bull' has powerful jaws, but they are not alone in this. This is yet another myth - that 'pit bulls' are more dangerous because they have the most powerful bite. Most large breeds and cross breeds have a very strong bite, and even smaller dogs can inflict a bite powerful enough to kill. Any dogs can be dangerous in the hands or an irresponsible, negligent or abusive owner.



i hope this helps.
bren

special mechanisim that allows ANY breed of dog to be able to 'lock' their jaw.

brenda

bulldogs get lock jaw like a pitbull.. I can't imagine that these sweet wonderful dogs could do that.. I guess it's another story of how some people don't know what they are talking about.. Thank you for answering my question

If bullied enough, it is there I believe. Leaving things is a very important part of training a young Bulldog! Don't make it an issue, because they are a lot better in holding on than you.

Start early, trade the toy or the food for something a lot tastier. If you are not sure that he won't come back and give up the toy, keep one of them (dog or toy) on leash so you can always win.

My first Bulldog could hold on to a tennisball for hours. He could not be catched and the ball had to be traded for a bowl of food - then he slipped it out, slippery from slime!

The next one was better, but it does took 3 or 4 commands before he was convinced he really should let it go.

Lucky, the beast!, lets go on first command (you keep being surprised by them). Have a look at him at the frontpage, he is the handsome in the middle!

the pitbull?

No they are stuborn and will not release unless they want, but they do not lock.

A dogs jaw can lock if they have an infection in the jaw.

Vicky

Vicky,
Bosco, Bella, Breve' & Holly

http://www.rubarbsoap.com/
Bulldog Club of Greater Seattle