Pit bulls pre-date the United States – they were bred in England and were brought to America by the settlers.
These dogs were bred to fight other dogs and animals, combining the strength of the English Bulldog with the gameness (fearless nature) of a terrier.
Even in the early days, aggressiveness toward humans was an undesirable trait for these dogs, as human handlers often had to be in the fighting ring with them.
Pit Bulls were often used in bear baiting, a blood sport in which bears were publicly tortured for the “entertainment” of onlookers.
After bear baiting was outlawed in England, the sport of ratting became popular. A pit was filled with rats and dogs competed to see who could kill all of them in the shortest time.
In the old days, Pit Bulls found many uses on farms, from hunting, to protection, to helping with livestock.
Pit Bulls were popular mascots in early 20th Century America, appearing often on Army recruitment posters and other advertisements.
Pit Bulls were considered to be so trustworthy with children that they were known as nursemaids or nanny dogs.
While it’s tough to estimate dog breed numbers, it’s believed that there are at least two million Pit Bulls in the United States.
Pit Bull puppies often have wrinkly foreheads. As the dog grows, the skin stretches out and becomes smooth.
Due to their athletic builds, Pit Bulls are some of the best fence-climbers in the dog world.
Some people claim that Pit Bulls do not feel pain. This is patently false. However, all dogs are capable of blocking out pain – especially when they’re focused intently on something.
Blue Nose Pit Bulls are popular due to their distinctive blue/gray coloration – however, they’re not actually a separate breed.
While not a recognized breed, the Razor Edge or Razor’s Edge Pit Bull is highly sought after for its unique (bulky) appearance and gentle nature.
The claim that Pit Bulls have special “locking jaws” is a myth (they’re just really really strong).
Sallie the Pit Bull stood guard over dead and wounded Union soldiers at the Battle of Gettysburg. She is immortalized in a Civil War monument in Pennsylvania.
When Horatio Nelson Jackson and Sewall K. Crocker made the first cross-country drive in 1903, they brought along a Pit Bull named Bud.
The most decorated dog of World War I was a Pit Bull named Sergeant Stubby.
Petey, the dog from The Little Rascals, was a Pit Bull.
Theodore Roosevelt owned a Pit Bull named Pete.
The iconic RCA mascot Nipper was probably at least part Pit Bull.
Modern day celebrity Pit Bull owners include Jessica Biel, Alicia Silverstone, Linda Blair, Jessica Alba, Jamie Foxx, Rachael Ray, and Dr. Phil.
Helen Keller owned a Pit Bull named Stubby. While many Pit Bulls are used as service and therapy dogs, Stubby was purely a companion.
There are not one, but two reality TV shows specifically featuring Pit Bulls – Pit Bulls and Parolees and Pit Boss.
Pit Bulls have been banned in England and Wales since 1991.
Pit Bulls are outlawed in many American cities, forbidden in many apartment complexes that otherwise allow dogs, and may raise your homeowner’s insurance.
At any given time, there’s always a media scare about a particular dog breed. Before Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and even Bloodhounds had their turn.
Of the 51 dogs seized from Michael Vick’s dog-fighting ring in 2007, over 30 of them have been rehabilitated and gone on to loving homes.