History of American Pit Bull Dogs

Ancient Times

• The story of the American pit bull terrier has its beginnings in the ancient world. It is believed that one of its earliest ancestors was from the Molossian family of dogs -- a fierce breed kept by an ancient Greek tribe called the Molossi. Kept as protectors and fighters, the Molossian dogs were an early relative of the mastiff breed, popular with the early Britons as intimidating weapons of warfare. After their defeat by the Romans, the British mastiff was brought to Rome and disseminated throughout Europe, cross-breeding with other varieties that would eventually come to be the American pit bull terrier.

England

• The Norman conquest of England in 1066 introduced the practice of baiting to England. Butchers kept "bull dogs" to keep bulls under control while on their way to slaughter. Eventually the baiting of bulls became public entertainment in its own right and by the 16th century nearly every English town had a bull ring of its own. After bull baiting became illegal, dog-fighting became popular. This required smaller and more agile dogs so the mastiff varieties of bulldog were crossed with the terrier to produce the ultimate fighting dog, the real precursor to the modern American pit bull terrier.

Early America

• When the English, Irish and Scottish settlers came to America, they brought their dogs with them. In this rough, hard frontier country, the pit bull terrier was a valuable companion and protector. Dog-fighting was popular in the sprawling East Coast settlements. But as the settlers moved west, the pit bull developed a more general role rather than being used specifically for fighting. On the dangerous frontier the tough, strong pit bull was valued as a dog capable of herding cattle, fighting off predators and protecting its owner from thieves and outlaws.

Modern America

• The American pit bull terrier in the United States today is a popular yet still controversial breed of dog. The American Kennel Club did not officially recognize the American pit bull terrier until 1936 because of its dog-fighting background. In the 21st century, many states and jurisdictions have restrictions or bans on American pit bull terriers being kept or bred. The fiercely bred nature of the animal means it will always attract owners of unsavory character, which then further cements its reputation as a "vicious" breed of dog. Many thousands of other Americans, however, own American pit bull terriers and know them as faithful companions and beloved household pets.