John Bernthal on the bias against pit bulls and their reputation
3 august 2026 в 16:50
Jon Bernthal has one of the most unusual careers in Hollywood. Years ago, it seemed he was ready to take a place in the category of leading second-tier actors—not quite a star, but capable of carrying a film. However, something shifted, and now he primarily plays character roles, constantly working in film and television. Ten years ago, he could have become the next big name, but perhaps that was his choice—maybe he prefers working on diverse projects. In any case, Bernthal recently appeared on Howard Stern’s show to talk about his role in «Spider-Man: No Way Home». During the conversation, they discussed Bernthal’s dogs, which are pit bulls. In many countries, owning or breeding pit bulls is banned, but in America, they are treated more leniently, although discussions about whether pit bulls are safe or should be banned are ongoing. While discussing his dogs, Jon Bernthal used the term «dog racism».
Bernthal stands against the stigma associated with pit bulls, arguing that the reputation of this breed is based on stereotypes. During a recent appearance on Howard Stern’s show, the actor passionately defended pit bulls, calling the widespread fear of this breed «dog racism» and comparing it to biased attitudes towards people based on race or sexual orientation.
«My dogs are the best, and they are honest», - Bernthal said. «So the myth of the pit bull is complete nonsense. People need to stop this. Pit bulls do not attack».
«No, it’s just racism. It’s just dog racism», - he added.
Bernthal also argued that fearing an entire breed is unfair and wrong. «I think fearing a breed of dog is completely absurd», - the actor said. «It's like fearing someone because of their race or sexual orientation. It’s utterly ridiculous».
Acknowledging that any dog can bite, Bernthal stated that he does not consider pit bulls to be inherently more aggressive than other breeds. Instead, the «Punisher» star believes that a dog’s behavior largely depends on its owner and how it is raised.
«If a pit bull bites you, that’s certainly unpleasant», - he joked. «But they are no more likely to bite you than a Chihuahua or any other breed… I think it has more to do with who owned them and how they were trained», - he said.
Bernthal also criticized people who choose pit bulls to create a tough image without caring for them or training them properly.
«I think a lot of idiots, unfortunately, are drawn to this breed of dog», - he said. «When I see some wannabe gangster dragging his pit bull down Venice Beach… to me, that’s not manly or strong».
He added that responsible ownership is what ultimately matters.
«I think you need to train your dog», - Bernthal said.
As for my opinion, I understand what Jon meant by using the term «dog racism». I wouldn’t call it «racism», - but «bias» is probably a more fitting word. There is a biased attitude towards pit bulls, based on or not based on facts. Jon is right that it all depends on how you train and raise your dogs. But I’ve also heard terrible stories about pit bulls attacking people for no reason, including children. The truth is that even if I see a pit bull on a leash, I am cautious and careful when approaching the dog. Does that make me biased? Perhaps. Does that make me a racist towards pit bulls? Hmm.
Photo provided by Avalon Red
Bernthal stands against the stigma associated with pit bulls, arguing that the reputation of this breed is based on stereotypes. During a recent appearance on Howard Stern’s show, the actor passionately defended pit bulls, calling the widespread fear of this breed «dog racism» and comparing it to biased attitudes towards people based on race or sexual orientation.
«My dogs are the best, and they are honest», - Bernthal said. «So the myth of the pit bull is complete nonsense. People need to stop this. Pit bulls do not attack».
«No, it’s just racism. It’s just dog racism», - he added.
Bernthal also argued that fearing an entire breed is unfair and wrong. «I think fearing a breed of dog is completely absurd», - the actor said. «It's like fearing someone because of their race or sexual orientation. It’s utterly ridiculous».
Acknowledging that any dog can bite, Bernthal stated that he does not consider pit bulls to be inherently more aggressive than other breeds. Instead, the «Punisher» star believes that a dog’s behavior largely depends on its owner and how it is raised.
«If a pit bull bites you, that’s certainly unpleasant», - he joked. «But they are no more likely to bite you than a Chihuahua or any other breed… I think it has more to do with who owned them and how they were trained», - he said.
Bernthal also criticized people who choose pit bulls to create a tough image without caring for them or training them properly.
«I think a lot of idiots, unfortunately, are drawn to this breed of dog», - he said. «When I see some wannabe gangster dragging his pit bull down Venice Beach… to me, that’s not manly or strong».
He added that responsible ownership is what ultimately matters.
«I think you need to train your dog», - Bernthal said.
As for my opinion, I understand what Jon meant by using the term «dog racism». I wouldn’t call it «racism», - but «bias» is probably a more fitting word. There is a biased attitude towards pit bulls, based on or not based on facts. Jon is right that it all depends on how you train and raise your dogs. But I’ve also heard terrible stories about pit bulls attacking people for no reason, including children. The truth is that even if I see a pit bull on a leash, I am cautious and careful when approaching the dog. Does that make me biased? Perhaps. Does that make me a racist towards pit bulls? Hmm.
Photo provided by Avalon Red
© Artemenko Olga
