Would it surprise you to learn that pit bulls used to be America’s darlings? Before the mid-80s, stories of pit bull attacks are practically non-existent. There is even some confusion over exactly which breed of dog is a pit bull — the definition includes the American pit bull terrier, the Staffordshire terrier and, at times, the bulldog. This confusion seems to have dogged the breed from the beginning, as there is some disagreement over the origin of pit bulls.
Where do pit bulls come from and how did they get such a bad rap?
Two possible histories of pit bulls
In one theory, pit bulls began during antiquity as the so-called Molossus, a now-extinct breed that was used by the Greeks as shepherds and guard dogs. In times of war, they marched off to battle with their humans. Eventually, so the theory goes, the Molossus made it to early Britain, where it became known as the Mastiff. In the first century CE, Rome discovered the breed after defeating the Britons, and the dogs spread all over the empire. For the next four hundred years, they were used as war dogs, and intermixed with various local breeds all over the European continent, becoming the forerunners of the modern pit bull.
A competing theory places the origin of the pit bull in England at the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066, when butchers would use large, Mastiff-type dogs as “bullenbeissers,” which translates as “bull biter.” Trained to latch onto a bull’s nose and not let go until the animal was subdued, these dogs were the only way that humans could regain control when a bull became agitated. Unfortunately, this practical if dubious use eventually led to the “sport” of bull-baiting, where dogs were put in a pit with an intentionally riled-up bull and spectators placed bets on which dog would hold on the longest, or bring the bull down. You’ve probably guessed it by now, but this is also the origin of the terms “pit bull dog” and “bulldog.”
More
In one theory, pit bulls began during antiquity as the so-called Molossus, a now-extinct breed that was used by the Greeks as shepherds and guard dogs. In times of war, they marched off to battle with their humans. Eventually, so the theory goes, the Molossus made it to early Britain, where it became known as the Mastiff. In the first century CE, Rome discovered the breed after defeating the Britons, and the dogs spread all over the empire. For the next four hundred years, they were used as war dogs, and intermixed with various local breeds all over the European continent, becoming the forerunners of the modern pit bull.
A competing theory places the origin of the pit bull in England at the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066, when butchers would use large, Mastiff-type dogs as “bullenbeissers,” which translates as “bull biter.” Trained to latch onto a bull’s nose and not let go until the animal was subdued, these dogs were the only way that humans could regain control when a bull became agitated. Unfortunately, this practical if dubious use eventually led to the “sport” of bull-baiting, where dogs were put in a pit with an intentionally riled-up bull and spectators placed bets on which dog would hold on the longest, or bring the bull down. You’ve probably guessed it by now, but this is also the origin of the terms “pit bull dog” and “bulldog.”
More
10 comments:
Hard to accept any information or opinion coming from a dog "expert" that does not know the difference between a Jack Russell (the real RCA Victor dog), and a pit bull.
Pits are dangerous and should be exterminated entirely. To many children have been killed by them.
generators also should be banned.
I don't like the color yellow. it should be banned.
There definitely needs to be some strict controls in place for the pit bull breeds. Approximately 2000 A DAY are euthanized in shelters each day in this country. LA does alone kills about 200 of them. The problem has grown so big, that we can't adopt our way out of it anymore.
It's mind numbing that those who claim to love the breed aren't behind more strict controls on them.
My dog of choice is one of the Livestock Guardian Breeds ie Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepherd, etc etc and if any of these dogs were being euthanized in shelters at even a small percentage of the number that pit breeds are I would be livid and would be on the forefront of getting breed specific legislation passed.
Pit bulls are dangerous PERIOD. If one comes in my yard I'm going to shoot it.
I had pit bulls in the 80,s way before the entitlement bunch started getting them and you all know the rest. Mind it i never had small children but the dogs were very good dogs and i have had many breeds over 40 years of owning dogs. I know theres alot of dog mills and interbreeding now.Dogs are a reflection of the owner and how he has been trained.
Rca victorola . not victor! And it was a Pitt bull.
8:34 is correct-mostly. Nipper the RCA dog was a mixed breed but mostly Jack Russell with some Smooth Fox Terrier mixed in.
In a feeble attempt to prove how wonderful the pit bull breeds can be, their advocates have attempted to promote Nipper as being part Bull Terrier.
Pit Bulls and Bulldogs are very loveable dogs. The issue is that so many PEOPLE bring them up as attack type/ fighting dogs taught to hate certain things.
Any dog can be taught that.
It's a shame so many are bred and trained in this manner.
I am friends with another families' 3 lover puppies, and as a visitor, I feel no apprehension to these dogs. All they want to do is sit on the couch on top of me and lick my face and get petted.
Post a Comment