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A Brief History Of The American Pit Bull Terrier

Like all of us, today’s American Pit Bull Terrier history is long and interesting. A great companion animal for humans, the pit bull wasn’t always viewed through the media-created bogeyman lenses of today.

Indeed, it was once America’s sweetheart breed. But there is way more history than that!

If you are unfamiliar with the pit bull history and how they came into origin, let us throw some light on it.

pit bull history

Pit Bull Origin

While the precise origins of the current American Pit Bull Terrier remain in dispute, with different historians favoring similar but not identical accounts of the past, a few elements seem beyond doubt. The original “bulldog,” used primarily for boar hunting as well as companion and guarding purposes, appears in paintings dating back as far as the 1500s.

These dogs look remarkably similar to today’s pit bull. They were given the name “bull dogs” because when the horrible sport of bull baiting became popular, they were by far the dog best suited to this purpose.

Once bull baiting was outlawed in England in 1835, its promoters began looking for new means of profit. They turned to ratting and dog fighting.

At this point, it seems likely that at least one and probably more strains of terrier were introduced into the breed to make it more “game” (that is, having a higher level of prey drive and aggression) as well as smaller and more agile.

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What Was The Original Purpose Of Pit Bulls?

Pit bulls are one of the most fierce American dog breeds that love to be tagged as bad cops. Given their wide head and girthy frame, you might be tempted to know what was the original purpose of pit bulls. The pit bull history tells us that the dog was originally bred for dog fights, rattling, and bull baiting because of their strength and vigilance.

Bull baiting was a cruel sport for entertainment purposes wherein the pit bulls would have to aggravate a bull until the latter gave up and collapsed. As mentioned above, the sport was outlawed in 1835 and replaced by another sick sport called ratting.

As the name suggests, pit bulls and other dog breeds were pitted against rats in ratting, and the one who ate the most would win the competition.

Pitbulls Purpose

Eventually, due to legal issues, such animal sports were banned.

But, when the UK-bred pit bulls set foot in America, they were reinvented to serve several other purposes. Pit bulls were bred as an all-purpose breed in America and were trained for hunting, guarding livestock, protecting families, and, most importantly – companionship.

With careful handling and breeding, pit bulls grew to become much more people-friendly than the original varieties.

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Pit Bulls And People

Despite the fierce prey drive hardwired into the original pit bulls, they always made excellent companions for humans. In part, this came out of their fighting ancestry.

Handlers had to be able to jump in the ring and separate the fighters, and then treat the wounded dogs after the fights were over. Dogs that showed aggression toward humans, even in the middle of a fight, were usually killed and never bred.

From this selective breeding came a dog that possessed a fierce prey drive, but was exceptionally people friendly. The Irish version of the pit was actually known as the “Old Family Dog,” because it was considered the perfect family pet, known to be especially good with children.

family pitbull pet

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Coming To America

The American Pit Bull Terrier comes from a combination of English and Irish stock brought to the US in the 19th century. Once in the US, pit bulls excelled as cattle dogs and “catch dogs” for pigs. And unfortunately, they were still used as fighting dogs.

However, the majority of pit bulls were NOT fought, instead earning their keep as hunters, herders, guardians and friends. Yes, friends. Ease of training and a predisposition to interact well with humans was essential for all of their traditional jobs.

Thus, it is no surprise that by 1900, the American Pit Bull Terrier gained its greatest renown as a courageous and loyal companion to both adults and children, even acquiring the nickname “nanny dogs” in some locations.

pitbulls in america

What Two Breeds Make A Pit Bull?

Contrary to public opinion, pit bulls aren’t one specific dog breed.The original pit bulls were bred from the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. But nowadays, canine-enthusiasts claim that the term pit bull is a culmination of several bully breeds and not just one.

These include – the American Bulldog, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the Bull Terrier, and the American Staffordshire Terrier. These four pit bull varieties do not share any genetic similarity but merely look like each other.

The core pit bulls were bred from the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier in the 1900s and were meant to fulfill certain physical sport standards. The satellite pit bull breed is bred from Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Bull Terrier and is smaller than the core pit bulls.

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Humans Squabble More Than Dogs–Breed Organizations And Labeling

Because of the fighting stigma, when the American Kennel Club was formed, they refused to recognize pit bulls. Thus, in 1898 a man named Chauncy Bennet formed the United Kennel Club specifically for the purpose of registering the American Pit Bull Terrier, though it later expanded to include other breeds.

In 1909, the American Dog Breeding Association was formed by breeders who felt the UKC failed to adequately focus on the breed’s working traits.

pitbulls origin

In the 1930s, pit bulls were admitted to the AKC under the name Staffordshire Terrier. Despite the different name (chosen because Staffordshire, England is believed by many to be where the traditional English bulldog was first crossed with terriers to create the modern pit bull), the original Staffordshires were all UKC-registered pit bull terriers, and many dogs continue to be cross registered to this day.

The UKC accepts dogs with AKC pedigrees, though the AKC does not recognize the UKC breed registry. Meanwhile, the ADBA encourages working–i.e. weight pulling–bloodlines but registers all pit bulls.

And finally, in the 1970s, the AKC Staffordshire was split into the English and American Staffordshire, based primarily on size differential, with the larger AmStaff being closer to traditional pit bull conformation.

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The Pit Bull–American’s Sweetheart

During the first half of the 20th century, the American Pit Bull Terrier was the closest thing the United States had to a national dog. Pit bulls were the dog of choice for famous personages such as Helen Keller, Laura Ingalls Wilder (of Little House on the Prairie fame), and President Theodore Roosevelt.

Meanwhile, pit bulls were chosen as mascots by the Buster Brown shoe company and by the United States itself, which featured pit bulls on American propaganda posters for each of the first two world wars.

Fittingly, the first dog decorated with medals by the armed forces was one Sgt. Stubby. In the first world war, Sgt. Stubby not only survived being twice wounded in combat, but captured a German spy and saved his entire platoon from a poison gas attack.

pitbull Sweetheart

In 1903, an American Pit Bull Terrier named Bud became the first dog to travel across the entire US via car. He accompanied the first humans to make a non-stop journey cross country by automobile, but his fame eclipsed theirs, as newspapers in cities across America featured a goggle-wearing Bud.

After WW II, pit bulls retreated to relative obscurity, accorded neither more nor less notoriety than other breeds. Surely, underground fighting took place, but this was only a small percentage of pits.

Others were used for herding, hunting or guardian purposes, but most were bred and kept primarily as companions.

The Killer Dog Myth

By the 1980s, the companion history of the pit bull was forgotten, and the myth of the dangerous fighting dog took hold. It is uncertain exactly why this decade saw the pit bull suddenly rise to a new, less pleasant sort of fame, but many trace the entire trend to a single, ultra-sensationalistic Sports Illustrated cover article.

Whatever the reasons for the sudden infamy, the unwanted publicity not only caused problems for the vast majority of well-behaved pits, but actually encouraged unscrupulous individuals to deliberately purchase and breed pit bulls and similar looking dogs for nefarious purposes.

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When Did Pit Bulls Become Hated?

The popularity of pit bulls in America started declining after World War II, and other dog breeds became fan favorites. However, negative views around pit bulls started blowing up around the 1980s when they were shown in the media as a dangerous dog breed. Since then, pit bulls have been termed as a notoriously violent and unpredictable dog breed.

Pit Bulls Hated

They have been so villainized that several states, insurance companies, and certain housing complexes have prohibited dog-lovers from owning a pit bull. Even though pit bulls are quite aggressive, they aren’t born that way.

Their strong stature and sturdy build make them suitable for dog fights, but they’ve also been proven to be great companions.

Now, we have a question for you. Which dog breed bites do you think get reported on a larger scale – Pit Bulls or Chihuahuas? You’re probably thinking pit bull, right? Well, your answer is correct, but the reason isn’t what you’re thinking.

Since pit bulls are larger in size than chihuahuas and people think they can do more damage to a human, their bites are reported in a higher number.

The truth is that poorly read facts and statistics are primarily responsible for creating a bad image of pit bulls. Pit bulls aren’t viscous but make excellent family pets, and any pit bull lover will truly agree to this!

Famous Pit Bulls

Pit bulls have been popular pets for many years, and some have even achieved fame and celebrity status. Here are a few famous pit bulls that have made their mark:

Petey – Perhaps the most famous pit bull of all time, Pete The Pup or “Petey” was the adorable ring-eyed dog featured in the Little Rascals TV show and movies in the 1920s and 1930s. He was known for his loyalty and good nature, and he helped to dispel many of the myths about pit bulls being aggressive or dangerous.

Bud – Another famous pit bull from history, Bud was a loyal companion to Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson during his historic 1903 road trip across the United States. Bud even had his own goggles to protect his eyes during the trip!

Chance – This lovable pit bull was the star of the 1993 movie “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.” He played the role of Shadow, a loyal and determined dog who helps his owners find their way home.

Sergeant Stubby – This brave pit bull was a decorated hero of World War I. He served with the 102nd Infantry Regiment and was credited with capturing a German spy and saving his unit from a gas attack.

Stella – This three-legged pit bull was an internet sensation in 2015 after a video of her playing fetch went viral. She has since become an ambassador for disabled dogs everywhere, showing that even with a disability, pit bulls can be happy, healthy, and full of life.

These are just a few examples of the famous pit bulls that have captured the hearts of people around the world. Despite the negative media attention that pit bulls often receive, these dogs are loyal, loving and make great pets for the right owner.

Pit Bulls Today

pitbulls today

Fortunately, despite a few bad apples, most of the humans lucky enough to own pit bulls are responsible caretakers. With responsible owners and numerous groups devoted to promoting an accurate image of the breed, pit bulls are beginning to make a comeback in the popular imagination.

Even Sports Illustrated’s most recent article on the breed was entirely positive, devoted to showing how nearly all of the supposedly “beyond rehabilitation” dogs from the Michael Vick case were now happy, friendly members of loving homes.

As the new century begins, the American Pit Bull Terrier is still a common participant in canine sporting activities, but now their wonderful drive and athleticism is exercised in more joyful activities than in centuries past.

Pit bulls routinely defeat all comers in weight pulling competitions, where they hold every world record in their own weight categories. They consistently distinguish themselves in agility and flyball, where their marvelous speed and coordination make them a joy to watch.

And perhaps surprisingly to the uninitiated, they also excel in obedience trials.

And yes, they are still a working dog, but in a variety of new roles. Pit bulls make great therapy dogs and are commonly used in search and rescue. Following in the footsteps of Sgt. Stubby, they have also distinguished themselves in the role of drug and bomb sniffing dogs.

A pit bull named Popsicle holds the Texas record for biggest drug bust, having sniffed out 3000 lbs of cocaine.

Most of all, the American Pit bull Terrier continues to be, as it has always been, a great family dog and beloved companion.

What happened to the Michael Vick dogs? Find out.

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Author: Matthias

Hey all! I’m Matthias and I love Pit Bulls (as you probably can guess lol). Until a couple years ago I had Blaze next to me while writing the articles for this blog and he was my inspiration, he still is but - hopefully - from a better life 🙂

I am not a veterinarian or veterinary health care specialist, so nothing in this blog should be taken or used as a substitute for professional help. Use our content as information to have a basic understanding about Pit Bulls but always look for expert advice, specifically when treating or diagnosing your Pittie.

Hope my articles are of any help to you, your family and especially your Pit Bull. Thanks for stopping by, enjoy!

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41 thoughts on “A Brief History Of The American Pit Bull Terrier”

    • i agree pitbulls r
      i agree pitbulls r misunderstood and as we kno people who dont understand something reject it and that is the worst thing we as people can do imagine if u were misunderstood and people didnt want anything to do with u and ridiculed u and the media spread rumors about u that r not true think about that for a minute not a fun way to live if u ask me

      Reply
  1. im really glad to here some
    im really glad to here some real truth to this artical on pit bulls they are great dogs,ive had pure colby lines.bullyson,carver, n many more,these are great n loving dogs bred by people who knew how to breed.the old timers knew what they had, you never heard of pit bulls attacking or killing humans until the 80s when punks , gangs n people that have no idea of what they got.i dont like dog fighting but at the same time i must say this GAME BRED PITBULLS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH BEING AGGERSIVE TOWARDS HUMANS that is such false information.

    Reply
  2. im doing a persuasive speech
    im doing a persuasive speech at school about why pit bulls should not be feared…can anyone tell me what year that sports illustrated came out so i can put that in there. this website is so helpful for everything! I <3 my puppy Zeus and the late Georgie <3

    Reply
    • I realize this comment is

      I realize this comment is from two years ago but I am also doing an essay on the same topic! and I’m so excited to write it. also using this site for research and information. 

      Reply
  3. My Step-son got MY!!!! baby
    My Step-son got MY!!!! baby before she was ever winged and I did not want her at all like most I had a case of the dumb ass when it came to PIT BULLS. With a lot of beggeing and pleading from my wife and step-kids we kept Ali. While she was a puppy her and our beagel tore up a love seat and Ali pulled back the carpet in every corner,I mean every corner in the only place in the house. She chewed on one of my new nikes I busted her butt and all I got was a wimper and I am not a wussy. Anywho a couple of weeks after I did that she came down with parvo, not eating no drinking barfing up spit. So my son and I took her down to the vet got her some shots. I babied her for about a week,( I just dropped 150.00 on a dog that I didn’t want so I was atleast gonna make sure she was ok.) since that day she has been my baby. My 7 year old grandson and my 12 year
    old son can hang all over her and she just eats it up.

    Reply
    • My story is the same. The
      My story is the same. The APBT landed in my lap to take care of very sick. Full of worms and all of her brothers and sisters died from Parvo. I dropped about the same amount. Pet Smart helped me with her training, groomin the works. I love her so much oops that I adopted another Pit Bull that I never intended to have much less one Pit Bull…ha still she is very highly intelligent. She will learn anything I’m willing to teach her. Very smart.

      Reply
  4. this article should most
    this article should most definately be out there for more people to read. It would change the perception of pitties for many people. Especially people from here. As soon as they lay eyes on my Cali(she goes everywhere I go) they freak out and try to tell me I better be super careful. No I trust my dog and I’m really not dumb enough to ever believe she would intentionally try to hurt me.

    Reply
    • I’ve been treated bad too b/c
      I’ve been treated bad too b/c of having Eden with me. When I first come into Pet Smart, most will stare at me with that goofing look on their face of “why do you have this dangerous dog in here” But, as soon as they see how all the team at Pet Smart see her and she knows all of them, they start to think a little differenly. I went to the park in a quiet area and was walking her with my son, and everyone kept coming up to her and playing with her, at one point every kid at this party was all over her. They came to her, not the other way around. All she did was lay there and let the kids crawl all over her. This man walked up with his nose in the air and told us to get the pit bull away from everyone b/c he didn’t want any pit attacks. I thought ok, then maybe you should be watching your kids, their the ones who came to Eden not the other way around. Makes me mad I’ve paid for that park with tax money a hundred times over and he probably doesn’t pay anything. Well, I was upset, like I said the kids ran over to Eden where we were not the other way around. I was watching my dog, he wasn’t watching his kids! Maybe they should have classes for parents about proper parenting. But, I have to say after the majority sees everyone all over her their expressions do change. Some people hate everything no matter what.

      Reply
  5. i totally agree my pit jake
    i totally agree my pit jake is the best dog ever………he gets along with all animals and is truly a sweetheart plus lapdog!!!!!!!

    Reply
  6. I agree that this article is
    I agree that this article is informative. I am using it as research for my persuasive essay in English Comp. 1. I have 2 pits and wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world. Babygirl and Bones r like my kids and I love them dearly. I just wish people would understand that it depends on how they r raised, and not just because they r “pitbulls” that makes an animal vicious. Some people need to educate theirselves on a topic before they draw a conclusion.

    Reply
  7. I know, i have a tattoo shop
    I know, i have a tattoo shop and my blue pit goes wherever i go, so i take him to work with me every day. People come in and ask me about him all the time. I will admit hes big and may look a little mean with cropped ears but i have seen black labs that are more agressive than Ty. But if someone told me i needed to do something with him before he attacked. They better b more worried about me than my pitbull, because i would probably loose it. All of this hype about pits is really getting on my nerves. But i do like having the sidewalk to myself when i walk my dog down the street…

    Reply
  8. When people first meet

    When people first meet Princess they are so surprised.  No teeth, a lot of licking!  She has won over so many folks just being herself.  Nice to know Laura Ingalls Wilders Jack was A Pitbull. Thinking back at the way she descibed him, I understand why she was so fond of him. He died in By The Shores of Silver Lake, before they left Plum Creek.

    Reply
  9. I have five dogs and my pit

    I have five dogs and my pit bull stands alone in companionship to me.  He is so smart and loyal.  HYowever he has a hatrid for other dogs that is a very real responsibilbilty.   It is a real risk to have a dog like this.  This dog is not for the novice.   

    Reply
  10. I had my pitbull since he was

    I had my pitbull since he was 3weeks old his name is Brounce. And now he is 18months he is very good with people and kids and dogs to he wouldnt hurt a fly dappy as anything he loved his cuddles and walkes in the parks  and he loved sleeping with us he was like a human. Very clever dog because i live in the uk in london gangs ang thugs fights these loving dogs we had our blue pitbull took off us because there band in uk because off people dont no how to treat these dogs better we have to figght to get him back they said it would take up to 6months he has to have his bballs cropped off tatteod on his leg . i havent seen him for 3months i miss him so much i cant wait to get him back thats if we do but i wont stop fighting till i get him back just illgle lise pits there the best dogs a family could ever had if there brought up the rite way . them people should beloud dogs i miss him so much x 

     

    Reply
  11. I had my pitbull since he was

    I had my pitbull since he was 3weeks old his name is Brounce. And now he is 18months he is very good with people and kids and dogs to he wouldnt hurt a fly dappy as anything he loved his cuddles and walkes in the parks  and he loved sleeping with us he was like a human. Very clever dog because i live in the uk in london gangs ang thugs fights these loving dogs we had our blue pitbull took off us because there band in uk because off people dont no how to treat these dogs better we have to figght to get him back they said it would take up to 6months he has to have his bballs cropped off tatteod on his leg . i havent seen him for 3months i miss him so much i cant wait to get him back thats if we do but i wont stop fighting till i get him back just illgle lise pits there the best dogs a family could ever had if there brought up the rite way . them people should beloud dogs i miss him so much x 

     

    Reply
  12. I had my pitbull since he was

    I had my pitbull since he was 3weeks old his name is Brounce. And now he is 18months he is very good with people and kids and dogs to he wouldnt hurt a fly dappy as anything he loved his cuddles and walkes in the parks  and he loved sleeping with us he was like a human. Very clever dog because i live in the uk in london gangs ang thugs fights these loving dogs we had our blue pitbull took off us because there band in uk because off people dont no how to treat these dogs better we have to figght to get him back they said it would take up to 6months he has to have his bballs cropped off tatteod on his leg . i havent seen him for 3months i miss him so much i cant wait to get him back thats if we do but i wont stop fighting till i get him back just illgle lise pits there the best dogs a family could ever had if there brought up the rite way . them people should beloud dogs i miss him so much x 

     

    Reply
  13. You must Love the breed to

    You must Love the breed to understand My mother inlaw was nervouse when I got my Babie boys then she got to actualy spend time with them and seen there temper was very calm and listened to comands at 7 weeks Its all in how people raise them and display them in puplic

    Reply
    • it is true when me or my girl

      it is true when me or my girl friend raise are voice they start baking becuase they do not like the violence

       

      Reply
  14. Had a 16 year old red nose
    Had a 16 year old red nose pit and she recently died and just yesterday I got a blue brindle pit and this article is so true and I hate when I say that I have a pitbull and everybody says omg did he bite you…….lol

    Reply
  15. I was referred here by a

    I was referred here by a Yahoo! article on pit bulls being nanny dogs. I had no clue that pit bulls were such great dogs! My mother always taught me to be wary of pit bulls, but it’s great to learn that these dogs really aren’t anything to be afraid of. I knew that Petey from Our Gang/The Little Rascals was a pit bull, but I always wondered why they used such a dog. Awesome article! Keep up the great work! Hopefully someday soon these dogs will finally get back the respect they deserve!

    Reply
  16. My son got his pit when he

    My son got his pit when he was 8 weeks old and my sons dad was so mad at me for letting him get one.  I told him that it is all the way they are raised and they are loyal dogs.  He was still mad.  After about a week my husband loved the little guy so much he started looking for one himself and my son and I found him one and they are both great family members with their own personality.  Theres not a day that goes by that they dont do something almost human like that makes us laugh.  They are great dogs who the press and ignorant people have given a bad rap to.  Would recommend them to anyone who wants or needs a companion.  The love they give you is alot more then people would believe. 

    Reply
  17. My son got his pit when he

    My son got his pit when he was 8 weeks old and my sons dad was so mad at me for letting him get one.  I told him that it is all the way they are raised and they are loyal dogs.  He was still mad.  After about a week my husband loved the little guy so much he started looking for one himself and my son and I found him one and they are both great family members with their own personality.  Theres not a day that goes by that they dont do something almost human like that makes us laugh.  They are great dogs who the press and ignorant people have given a bad rap.  Would recommend them to anyone who wants or needs a companion.  The love they give you is alot more love then people would believe. My sons boy thinks he is a 65lb lap dog and my husbands girls want picked up and held like a child does.  The best breed we have ever had and will continue to have.

    Reply
  18. All I have to say to anyone

    All I have to say to anyone that thinks pitbulls are just killing machines, is that to own a pitbull is to luv all pitbulls. I have owned APBT all my life and I have never seen a dangerous one but I have saw a lot of dangerous owners . As you can see from this article pits have been known to be one of the most trusted family dogs for hundreds of years, but all of the sudden in the past 20 or so years they have just changed into this mindless killer,I don’t think so ! blame the owners not the loyal dog.

    Reply
  19. I am thrilled that pb lovers
    I am thrilled that pb lovers are so avid, just as I am about my late dog–story below. I’m still recuperating from my injuries from 2 months ago from an unprovoked attack and have lost 2 months of income SO FAR. You would be dumbfounded that everywhere I go with my arm in its huge brace (from attack injury) the pit-bulled stories I’m hearing…even the ER said pb attacks for them have risen dramatically. All these people are not getting KILLED, they’re just being pit-bullied in their own yards and hiding from their neighbor’s or at-large pb’s. I had no idea of this prior to my attack. This is what prompts me to include my comment on this site. if I’ve heard 1 story, I’ve heard 50 and these people figure no one will help so why bother reporting it. You have to die to get any attention.
    2 months ago, I took my 10 year old cocker spaniel to our front yard to relieve herself. We stayed near my porch, and she was on a leash to keep her close to me for protection due to several previous appearances of 2-3 pit bulls on the edge of my property about 130 feet away. I felt I could keep us safer if she did not stray far from me, though we have nearly 2 acres of land that she should be able to run free in.We never went further than about 10 feet from my front steps. I had called animal control, who said they could not get hold of the owner and couldn’t do anything about it if they didn’t CATCH the pb’s running loose, –meanwhile another neighbor would rustle up the multiple pb’s who were digging out of their pen– and return them to it. Animal control is 30 min away, and 3-4 pb’s at-large is not a ‘wait and see activity’.
    I heard barking and growling and looked up to see a 6-8 month old pit bull that had appeared previously, but this time accompanied by a pregnant female pit bull. These were charging towards us, and before I could turn and run with my dog, they were upon us and I felt sharp pains in my right hand and was slammed into the ground. I lost consciousness momentarily and came to to find my face in the dirt and grass by the tree. I tried to get up and realized my left arm was numb and would not work. I used my right arm to push myself upward and realized my left arm was flapping around loosely and uncontrollably. I assumed it was broken.
    I tried to swing a nearby rake at the pit bulls to help my dog, but could not control it with my right hand – I am left handed. Every time I tried to stand, I fell. The 2 pit bulls killed my dog, and as I realized they would probably come back for me when they finished dragging her body away. I screamed for help, but no one heard. I used my right arm to crawl to my front door and call 9-1-1 and sheriff. There are 2 less pb’s in the world today, and i’m still in too much pain to forgive them. my injuries may be permanent. A friend is typing this for me.
    Let’s assume that the breeding and history has nothing to do with this issue and that it’s all the owner’s responsbility. It could simply be that M Vick started a pity party that everyone is attending and number of pit bulls is increasing as a result, and thus increasing attacks are purely coincidental — more of any dog can increase # of attacks. whatever. The fact is that pbs DO have aggressive breeding and those genes cannot be extracted — even dog psychologist Cesar Milan is VERY specific about handling, spaying/neutering and treatment of his predominantly-pitbull pack — bless his heart, he mixes their food with his hands to remind them that he is boss……let’s face it, pb’s were not bred to flush out game and wait for their master. just for the record, I used to adore Daddy and Junior on his show.
    If owners love their doggie babies, said owners should be willing to carry insurance and register any dog types that have known aggressive behavior or any types of risky behavior at all for what i care — a small price to pay for beloved family members. I know I would pay ANYTHING to register or insure my murdered cocker spaniel who’s biggest problem is life was she couldn’t chase her ball enough.
    The owner of the pb’s who murdered my dog has no insurance and I’m fighting to recupe any damages — my life is physically, financially and emotionally changed forever.

    Reply
  20. This may not fit into what
    This may not fit into what this site wants – so I’m prepared to have it censored. But only having love stories on this site would be reverse discrimination, wouldn’t it.
    I am thrilled that pb lovers are so avid, just as I am about my late dog–story below. I’m still recuperating from my injuries from 2 months ago from an unprovoked attack and have lost 2 months of income SO FAR. I am dumbfounded that everywhere I go with my arm in its huge brace (from attack) the pit-bullied stories I’m hearing…even the ER said pb attacks for them have risen dramatically. All these people are not getting KILLED, they’re just being pit-bullied in their own yards and hiding from their neighbor’s or at-large pb’s. I had no idea of this prior to my attack. This is what prompts me to include my comment on this site. if I’ve heard 1 story, I’ve heard 50 and these people figure no one will help so why bother reporting it. You have to die to get any attention.
    2 months ago, I took my 10 year old cocker spaniel to our front yard to relieve herself. We stayed near my porch, and she was on a leash to keep her close to me for protection due to several previous appearances of 2-3 pit bulls on the edge of my property about 130 feet away. I felt I could keep us safer if she did not stray far from me, though we have nearly 2 acres of land that she should be able to run free in.We never went further than about 10 feet from my front steps. I had called animal control, who said they could not get hold of the owner and couldn’t do anything about it if they didn’t CATCH the pb’s running loose, –meanwhile another neighbor would rustle up the multiple pb’s who were digging out of their pen– and return them to it. Animal control is 30 min away, and 3-4 pb’s at-large is not a ‘wait and see activity’.
    anyway, I heard barking and growling and looked up to see a 6-8 month old pit bull that had appeared previously, but this time accompanied by a pregnant female pit bull –charging towards us, and before I could turn and run with my dog, they were upon us and I felt sharp pains in my right hand and was slammed into the ground. I lost consciousness momentarily and came to only to find my face in the dirt and grass by the tree. I tried to get up and realized my left arm was numb and would not work. I used my right arm to push myself upward and realized my left arm was flapping around uncontrollably. I assumed it was broken–but it was dislocated. I tried to swing a nearby rake at the pit bulls to help my dog, but could not control it with my right hand. Every time I tried to stand, I fell. The 2 pit bulls killed my dog, and as I realized they would probably come back for me when they finished ripping her body apart. I screamed for help repeatedly, but no one heard. I used my ‘good’ right arm to crawl to my front door and call 9-1-1 and sheriff. There are 2 less pb’s in the world today, and i’m still in too much pain to forgive them. my injuries may be permanent. A friend is typing this for me.
    Let’s assume that the breeding and history has nothing to do with this issue and that it’s all the owner’s responsbility. It could simply be that M Vick started a pity party that everyone is attending and number of pit bulls is increasing as a result, and thus increasing attacks are purely coincidental — more of any dog can increase # of attacks. whatever. The fact is that pbs DO have aggressive breeding and those genes cannot be extracted — even dog psychologist Cesar Milan is VERY specific about handling, spaying/neutering and treatment of his predominantly-pitbull pack — bless his heart, he mixes their food with his hands to remind them that he is boss……let’s face it, pb’s were not bred to flush out game and wait for their master. just for the record, I used to adore Daddy and Junior on his show. If owners love their doggie babies, said owners should be willing to carry insurance and register any dog types that have known aggressive behavior or any types of risky behavior at all for what i care — a small price to pay for beloved family members. I know I would pay ANYTHING to register or insure my murdered cocker spaniel who’s biggest problem is life was she couldn’t chase her ball enough. The owner of the pb’s who murdered my dog has no insurance and I’m fighting to recupe any damages — my life is physically, financially and emotionally changed forever.

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  21. YES people need more good
    YES people need more good info. Than bad. Pits are loving dogs. And they even beat the golden retriever in a survey relating to the loving family dog. And to all the ones who can fight dogs for money and treat the only living thing that could love a person like you, well your day will come and you can bet on that.

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  22. I love my wonderful Pup, she

    I love my wonderful Pup, she is a pit bull. She has been nothing but loyal, loving, playful, and gental! I have had my Pup for 7 years, 6 months after we got her (she was 8 weeks old), the small town I live in put a ban on any new pit bulls. If you had a pit bull they had to be insured and registered, as well as behind a 6 foot fence if outside or on a 4 foot leach and muzzled. So needless to say I could not socialize my Pup with other dogs except with the my other mix breed Terrier, (no bull in her). But she just loves people! I encourage as many people to meet her as I can so at least they can see she is just a lovable Pup!

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  23. The people on this site are
    The people on this site are great! Theres alot of people that don’t understand who a true pitbull is and they are great campanions and until you own one you shouldn’t judge. I have two pitbulls and a husky and they are all great together and they never are agressive towards each other!

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  24. There is something else

    There is something else pitbulls are gifted at.  Service dogs.  I have adult onset asthma.  I’m not as in tune to picking up on oncoming illnesses and attacks as someone who has had it since childhood.  My pitbull puppy, Minnie Mae, would lick my face in the middle of the night when i would start wheezing.  The first time I thought she just had to go outside, but when I opened the door for her, she just stood there looking at me and whining.  So I checked her food and water.  She hadn’t eaten all of her food from dinner and still had plenty of water.  I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with her, but while I was waiting on her to “figure out what she wanted”, I noticed I was wheezing and took my medicine.  She finally went and got a drink of water.  Once the wheezing stopped, then she would go out.  She did that 2 more times before I figured out what she was waking me up for and never leaving me until I was better.  I never trained her to do this.  She just did it.  I also noticed she was excellent at telling me when I had an ear infection coming on.

     

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