Pitbulls are one of the world’s most misunderstood dog breeds, due to the fact that they’ve long been associated with aggressive behavior and an undeserved reputation as bad dogs. If you own a pitbull, or are thinking of bringing one into your family, we’ve got 10 of the most astonishing facts about them—facts that will make you love this breed even more than you already do.
1) They used to be called Pitties
The name pit bull is a little vague and hard to define. Technically, any dog that is an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or a Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be called a pit bull. However, the term has become so generalized that it really just refers to any dog that falls into one of those three breeds.
2) The breed was created by breeding Old English Terriers with Bulldogs
Pit bulls are a mixed breed. This means that they are created by mixing breeds together to create a new one. The most common pit bull mix is the American Staffordshire Terrier and the English Bulldog. These two breeds were specifically bred together in order to create a dog that was capable of being both an excellent family pet and an incredible fighting dog.
3) Bulldog genetics are present in all Pit bulls
Pitbulls are descended from the English bulldog, which is the result of breeding bulldogs with terriers and other breeds. Genetic testing on purebred pit bulls shows that they share a genetic lineage with bulldogs, but American pit bulls have been bred for fighting, so their genetics may be a little different.
4) They have very loose skin
Pitbulls have very loose skin, which can sometimes make it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature. They also have a short nose, which can cause them to overheat when they exercise or get excited. Because of these factors, it’s important that you keep your pitbull in a safe environment and ensure they have plenty of water and shade!
5) Early 20th century dog fighters used them as bait dogs because they could take lots of abuse without being injured
Pit bulls were created in the early 20th century by breeding bulldogs with terriers. They were used as bait dogs by dog fighters because they could take a lot of abuse without being injured.
Now, pit bulls have a reputation for being aggressive, but this is not true. The truth is that many of these dogs are victims of abuse and neglect who are actually very sweet and loving with their families.
6) They get their name from the fighting pits where they were first bred
Pitbulls are a breed of dog that first originated in the 1800’s. They were bred from English bulldogs and terriers, and were originally known as the America Bull Terrier.
Their name comes from the fighting pits where they were first bred, which was an area near Manchester, England.
7) The American Temperance Union even went so far as to ban them from circuses due to their fighting backgrounds
Pitbulls are known for their strength and agility. It’s no surprise that they were originally bred to fight in blood sports like bullfighting, bear bating and dogfighting. The American Temperance Union even went so far as to ban them from circuses due to their fighting backgrounds. The United Kennel Club called the breed the perfect all-around utility dog of today.
8) President Theodore Roosevelt owned a few and was photographed with them
Theodore Roosevelt was a big fan of pitbulls, owning at least three and often posing for photographs with them. He had a famous quote about the breed: A man who has never owned a dog has never been truly happy.
9) The TV show The Dog Whisperer actually made it possible for a few rescues to place pitbulls in new homes.
The TV show The Dog Whisperer actually made it possible for a few rescues to place pitbulls in new homes. In the show, Cesar Millan educates people on how to train their dogs and also has a soft spot for pit bulls. Some of the episodes feature pit bull rescues that are trying to find new homes. He takes them in, rehabilitates them, trains them, and finds them a new home with a family that is willing to give them love and attention.
10) In 2014, nearly three quarters (72%) of all fatal dog attacks involved pit bulls.
In 2014, nearly three quarters (72%) of all fatal dog attacks involved pit bulls. The majority of these cases were males, with an average age of 6.8 years old. Breeds other than pit bulls were involved in 28% of the fatal attacks that year but due to a lack of reporting from some states and cities, the statistics are not completely accurate.