According to a 2018 survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), approximately 4.3 million households in the United States owned a pit bull-type dog. This number includes both purebred pit bulls and mixed breeds that share similar characteristics.
Another study conducted by the Banfield Pet Hospital in 2017 found that pit bulls were the third most common breed of dog seen at their veterinary clinics, after Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers.
However, it's important to note that these estimates may vary depending on the region, urban or rural areas, and the specific definition of what constitutes a pit bull. Different organizations and municipalities may use different criteria to define a pit bull, which can affect the accuracy and comparability of statistics.
Additionally, dog ownership patterns and preferences can change over time, so the number of people owning pit bulls may fluctuate. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, it's best to refer to recent surveys or studies conducted by reputable organizations or institutions involved in pet ownership data collection.