History of the American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire breed was created by crossing an old type Bulldog with a Terrier type, probably the English Smooth Terrier. The breed was created by the English to be used for dog fighting, having been a popular sport back then, but is now illegal. Their ability to fight brought them into America in the late 1800's and they got the name ''Pit' bull because they dominated the fighting 'pits'.
Pit bulls were used for bull baiting as well, a sport where a bull is placed in a hole in the ground, with pepper blown in his nose. Then specially trained dogs, Bull dogs, were set upon the bull one at a time and the dogs fastened their teeth onto the bulls snout. Luckily the sport was banned by the Cruelty to Animals act of 1835.
Pit bulls also can be called the American Bull Terrier and the Yankee Terrier, although that one is rarely known. In 1936, the AKC recognized them as the Staffordshire Terrier, then changed to American Staffordshire Terrier in 1972.
Pit bulls also can be called the American Bull Terrier and the Yankee Terrier, although that one is rarely known. In 1936, the AKC recognized them as the Staffordshire Terrier, then changed to American Staffordshire Terrier in 1972.
Pit bulls have always been docile and have tractability. These were vital traits in powerful dogs. Over time these dogs have evolved to have a sweet and trustworthy disposition around people, and even other dogs, making them unfit guard dogs. In the early to mid 1900's, many people referred to them as Nanny dogs, because while men were at war and women worked, the dogs would watch the children. Unfortunately, some people want this dog solely for fighting, instead of love and companionship. This breed has often found itself the target of breed specific laws that aimed to ban or control certain dogs. Now most pit bulls enjoy being people and fun loving dogs.