According to Merriam-Webster a ‘Pitbull’ is a powerful compact shorthaired dog developed for fighting. The term ‘Pitbull, Pit Bull’ is often used loosely to describe four breeds of dog: the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the Bull Terrier. All four breeds have a common ancestor, the Bull and Terrier, so to make things simple, this term will be used throughout the rest of the handout when referring to the four breeds as a group.
Bulldogs and Terriers were developed in the British Isles. Both breeds became increasingly popular around the start of the 16th century when hunting was a major form of entertainment. Tall, athletic Bulldogs were used to hunt large animals like bulls, stags, and boars, while the short and tenacious Terriers were sent down the burrows of rats, badgers, foxes and weasels. The Bulland terrier combination was created when ‘Blood sports’, such as bullbaiting and dog fighting became popular means of gambling and entertainment.
Bull-baiting involved setting dogs upon a tethered bull destined for market. Partly because the practice was thought to tenderize the meat, but mostly for entertainment purposes. Dog-fighting took place in an enclosed arena called a ‘pit’hence the name, ‘pit fighter’, ‘pitdog’ or ‘Pitbull’. In 1835 these ‘Blood sports’ were made illegal in England yet organised dog fighting continued behind closed doors.
Chronologically, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Bull Terrier breeds were developed first, in the British Isles. The American Staffordshire Terrier and American Pit Bull Terrier breeds were created in America. By the 1900’s, it was becoming obvious that the American breeds were superior in their fighting abilities. So, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Bull Terriers were retired to the show ring to win dog shows instead of dog fights.
Until recently, Bull and Terriers were celebrated tokens of pop culture. Buster Brown Shoes used the Bull and Terrier to represent the tough dependability of its product. Petey from the popular television show ‘Our Gang’ (also know as ‘Little Rascals’) was one of the first American Staffordshire Terriers to be registered with the American Kennel Club. The Bull-and-Terrier image was used to represent the American presence in a World War I poster with a British Bulldog, a German Dachshund, a French Bulldog and a Russian Wolfhound. The caption states, ’I’m Neutral, BUT-Not afraid of any of them.’
A StaffordshireTerrier named ‘Sergeant Stubby’ was a decorated World War II hero. He warned troops of incoming gas, sought out wounded soldiers and caught enemy snipers.
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