A Look Back to Europe
The pit bull breed first originated in Europe in the 1800s, from the Olde English Bulldog. These dogs were bred and trained to bait bulls in fights. Soon this practice was deemed inhumane and cruel, but it didn't stop Europeans from using the dogs for violent entertainment. They began to breed and train dogs to participate in dog fights, considered a step down from dog fighting.
The original bulldogs were crossbred with different types of terriers in order to make them more agile and smaller. Pit bulls were born from this cross breeding. They were trained and bred to avoid biting humans. Because of this they gained a good reputation.
The original bulldogs were crossbred with different types of terriers in order to make them more agile and smaller. Pit bulls were born from this cross breeding. They were trained and bred to avoid biting humans. Because of this they gained a good reputation.
The Americas Then
Dogs were treasured in America early on, as they were used as guards against predators and other unwanted company. They were brought over along with the family and slowly made the transition from guard to beloved companion.
Pit bulls also made this transition. Many were used to herd cattle, hogs, and to hunt. They also became loving family companions, and gained a lot of fame. People didn't look at them as fighting dogs, but rather admired them for the qualities they possessed. They were considered the family dogs and were well-respected. Many celebrities, politicians, authors and more owned pitbulls. For example, Helen Keller, Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain, John Steinback, and Laura Ingalls Wilder all proudly owned pitbulls.
Pit bulls also made this transition. Many were used to herd cattle, hogs, and to hunt. They also became loving family companions, and gained a lot of fame. People didn't look at them as fighting dogs, but rather admired them for the qualities they possessed. They were considered the family dogs and were well-respected. Many celebrities, politicians, authors and more owned pitbulls. For example, Helen Keller, Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain, John Steinback, and Laura Ingalls Wilder all proudly owned pitbulls.