Ratings

Breed Introduction

The Pit Bull Terrier (English name: American Pit Bull Terrier), also known as the American Pit Dog, is a breed that originated in the 19th century. The Pit Bull is primarily bred from the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Bulldog. The original name American Pit Bull Terrier means ‘American Bull Terrier bred for fighting’, a breed developed for its powerful and fierce characteristics.

The development of the Pit Bull originated when the British Parliament declared bullfighting illegal in 1835. When bullfighting was banned, breeders still appreciated the courage, fearlessness, and resilience of the Pit Bull, and they began breeding ‘brachycephalic dogs’. They started crossbreeding Pit Bull Terriers with more aggressive animals, steering the breed in the direction they desired. This hybrid breed possesses extreme and ruthless traits, with outstanding pain tolerance and the courage to fight to the last moment.

This hybrid breed arrived in the United States in the 1800s, where they were initially used for farm guarding and boundary protection. The American Kennel Club officially named this hybrid breed ‘American Pit Bull’ in 1898.

The Buster Brown Shoe Company used a small pit bull named ‘Tige’ as a mascot on every pair of shoes it produced to demonstrate the durability of their footwear. RCA used a small pit bull named Nipper, who can hear his owner’s voice, to signify the clarity and quality of their radio broadcasts. In 1914, it was used to express that America was neutral and fearless, as well as the toughness of Levi’s denim and the idea of ‘defending old honors.’