What is a Pit Bull?
The word “pit bull” does refer to one
specific breed of dog, but is a name given to a group of breed which
include, “American pit bull terrier, American
Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American bulldog, and any other pure bred or mixed breed
dog that is a combination of these dogs”.
Breed History
Pit bulls have a long history in
America, descended from the Olde English Bull Dog. Immigrants brought them over
to the US where they quickly became a favorite breed for homesteaders and
farmers. According to badrap.org, “The USA admired this breed for qualities that it likened in itself;
friendly, brave, hardworking, worthy of respect”. They were frequently used in advertisements,
shown as the “All-American Dog”
In more recent years, particularly starting in the 1980’s, these breeds were once again exploited through dog fighting, quickly being associated with poverty and urban crime. Several media outlets, including Sports Illustrated, began running sensationalized articles painting these dogs in a very unfavorable light, which in turn paved the way for breed specific laws (BSL) banning Pit Bulls. Denver Colorado, where legislation not only bans pit bulls but also any dog that resembles a pit bull in belief that they are dangerous, is a prime example of why these laws don’t work. The result is families to have to hide their pets for fear of having them confiscated and destroyed for no reason other than the way they look.
More information on the history of the breed, and on BSL practices, can be found at badrap.org
In more recent years, particularly starting in the 1980’s, these breeds were once again exploited through dog fighting, quickly being associated with poverty and urban crime. Several media outlets, including Sports Illustrated, began running sensationalized articles painting these dogs in a very unfavorable light, which in turn paved the way for breed specific laws (BSL) banning Pit Bulls. Denver Colorado, where legislation not only bans pit bulls but also any dog that resembles a pit bull in belief that they are dangerous, is a prime example of why these laws don’t work. The result is families to have to hide their pets for fear of having them confiscated and destroyed for no reason other than the way they look.
More information on the history of the breed, and on BSL practices, can be found at badrap.org