History adapted from Pit Bulls For Dummies

The history of Pit Bulls starts with the history of all dogs. Our own ancestors used dogs for protection, hunting and companionship. The Pit Bulls ancestors were valued by the Romans and the English alike for their tireless ability to hunt and bring down large animals. Men used these dogs for bloody sports such as bull baiting. They would release one or two dogs in a ring with one bull and the dogs would be expected to grab the bull by the nose to bring it down. This and other atrociously bloody and cruel sports tested the dogs "gameness" or willingness to please it's owner even when faced with horrible pain. The counterpart of this sport was originally the use of "bull dogs" to help butchers control cattle on the way to market.

However, people soon succumed more to the entertainment value of vicious sports. These earlier dogs weren't exactly like the Pit Bull of today. However they are the beginnings from which they were molded. These "pit bulldogs" were more like the Pit Bull of today than they are like the English Bulldog or Bulldog. Interest in the sporting aspect of these dogs led to eventual dog fights. Here they pitted one " Pit Bulldog" against another as they fought to the death, usually. Men who wanted the best fighting dog began selective breeding their best fighters together. Eventually these different charactered dogs became the different breeds we know today. The dog most recognized for it's ties to illegal dog fighting is of course, the Pit Bull. Given it's name for it's performance in the Pit, these dogs were specially trained to be aggressive towards other dogs and animals. Another aspect of their training was that any dog to show aggression towards humans would be eliminated from the gene pool. This created a loyal dog for the handlers to work with.

Pit Bulls have historically used their loyalty to humans for many other jobs, however. They make great farm and cattle dogs. Tirelessly defending their owners land and livelyhood. Also they were many times used as hunting dogs, able to defend against bears, wolves and even buffalo.

In the late 1800's, early 1900's Europe and America was swept with "purebred dog mania." Anything that looked like a purebred and could be strutted around a show ring would qualify. The Pit Bull however wasn't assosciate with the upperclass of society, and was therefore an unlikely candidate. The AKC formed in 1884 to promote interest in purebred dogs. It began maintaining a pedigree registry and sponsoring conformation and performance competitions. The AKC wanted no part in the Pit Bull because of the purpose for which it was bred, dog fighting. They refuse to include it in the accepted breeds which it registered and showed.

Thus, the UKC was born. Founded by Pit Bull owner Chauncey Bennett, it emphasize function and included dog fighting as a legitimate function of the breed. However, today the UKC no longer condones dog fighting in any fashion. The UKC gave the dog the name American Bull Terrier, later adding the "Pitt." The UKC has since added other breeds to it's registry.

In 1909 the American Dog Breeders Assosciation was formed to register Pit Bulls. Traditionally it was the registry of fighting Pit Bulls. Today they do not condone fighting, focusing on conformation and weight pulling events. This registry is exclusive only for Pit Bulls.

Originally neither Pit Bull registry sponsored conformation shows, so many owners who wanted to show their dogs made a sacrifice to do so. They dropped the unnacceptable name and called their dogs American Staffordshire Terriers. This allowed them admittance into AKC shows. Since that decision in 1936 the two owner classes have separated themselves into two factions, those with Pit Bulls and those with AmStaffs. Thus breeding has been separate. The AmStaff of today is larger and looks more muscular. While the Pit Bull is smaller, however it is said that the AmStaff may look tougher while the Pit Bull is tougher.

The early 20th century brought about the first World War and a sudden affinity for Pit Bulls by America at large. People thought the strong dog made the perfect symbol for this country. A popular war poster depicted a Pit Bull wearing an American bandana with the phrase "I'm neutral, but not afraid of any of them." There was even a real life Pit Bull war hero named Stubby in World War I. He was smuggled onboard a departing ship with soldiers going overseas. Without any training to do so, he warned the 102nd infantry of incoming mortar shells and mustard gas attacks. He comforted wounded soldiers. He even stopped a spy from escaping. He participated in 18 major battles. While wounded he cheered up soldiers in the hospital and while recuperating in Paris he was credited with saving a child from being run over. Stubby was decorated by General Pershing and awarded rank of Honorary Sergeant. He was received by 3 presidents and led more parades than any dog in history.

The next Pit Bull to capture Americans hearts was Petey from The Little Rascals and Our Gang movies.His portrayal as the lovable family pet gave new meaning to Pit Bull around the country. They were more readily accepted as safe and patient pets for little children and adults alike.

After World War II the Pit Bull faded from American eyes. Loyal breed devotees however carried it on. Many owners kept their dogs strictly as loyal pets, others strictly as pit fighting dogs. Some were successful at playing both roles for their owners. Until the 1970's illegal dog fighting was hardly interfered with by law enforcement. At this junction the ADBA stepped up to put a squeeze on illegal dog fighting operations. they successfully brought attention to the issue, condemning all who participated. This brought a greater interest by the public that these dogs not be exploited, leading to greater interference by law enforcement and punishement for those involved. As with all laws there were unforseen consequences of this crack down on dog fighting. The fighting continued as it has to this day, only it went underground. Fewer men were in it to promote thier dogs and the breed and more were there to make money. The experienced Dogmen (the name for breeders of fighting Pit Bulls) could no longer distribute information on proper training methods leaving newcomers to experiment with cruel practices. They often trained dogs with stolen puppies, fed them gunpowder, and hired strangers to beat them with clubs. These methods produced dogs who seldom succeeded in matches and were often discarded. The harm done to them made them difficult to place as pets, often leading to euthenisation. And the harm to the breeds reputation is immeasurable.

In the 1980's the Pit Bull was the "tough guy" poster dog. Many people simply trying to put up a macho bravado would own them. However, these people do not truly understand the nature of the Pit Bull. Nor do they understand the training they require. Their irresposibility led to breeding with bigger more aggressive dogs, and even allowances of indiscriminate aggression. The actions these uniformed people took have led to attacks, even human killings by Pit Bulls and crosses of such. Although it is always the humans actions that cause such horrible results the media has painted the Pit Bull as the vicious villian. Ignoring the true problem is what has led people to beleive all Pit Bulls are evil, and that aggression is inbourne completely and cannot be controlled.

All of those assumptions are wrong. This didn't stop citizens from thinking them though. And because of the public outcry in many communities that Pit Bulls are a danger that cannot be controlled and must be removed from society as a whole. Many areas have turned to breed specific legislation. These are bans on Pit Bulls in many communities. Although they have failed to show results and been repealed in many instances. The struggle continues today. The struggle to educate people on the true nature of this beatuiful breed. And to put pressure on communities to focus on cracking down on cruelty, neglect and animal abuse.

To read more on BSL click the Legality button.

Although illegal dog fighting still exists many Pit Bulls have found a calling in obedience, conformation, agility sports and weight pulling competitions. Others are used as boar hunters. Others still as search and rescue, therapy and even drug and bomb detecting dogs. When it comes right down to it, the nature of the Pit Bull is to be a loyal companion, intelligent, strong willed and able to excel at whatever it's owner chooses. With proper training and socialization they can live in a loving family with children, cats, even other dogs.