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Pit Bull Origin
While the precise origins of the current American Pit Bull Terrier remain in dispute, with different historians favoring similar but not identical accounts of the past, a few elements seem beyond doubt.
The original “bulldog,” used primarily for boar hunting as well as companion and guarding purposes, appears in paintings dating back as far as the 1500s.
These dogs look remarkably similar to today’s pit bull. They were given the name “bull dogs” because when the horrible sport of bull baiting became popular, they were by far the dog best suited to this purpose.
Once bull baiting was outlawed in
England in 1835, its promoters began looking for new means of profit. They turned to ratting and dog fighting.
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1500’s
When not used for hunting they were family guard dogs. Where do you think the parents were in the 1500’s? Not at home but out working.
Here is some more.
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From this selective breeding came a dog that possessed a fierce prey drive, but was exceptionally people friendly. The Irish version of the pit was actually known as the “Old Family Dog,” because it was considered the perfect family pet, known to be especially good with children.”