by Charlotte Howard

Created on: April 12, 2009

The Pit Bull Terrier. Is it a vicious fighter or simply a misunderstood pet and actually man's best friend? To answer this question we need to look at some basic facts about the breed.

The Pit Bull Terrier originally comes from England, UK and a variety of Bulldog and Terrier breeds. Terriers were bred for ratting, whilst Bulldogs were bred for farm work. They are not just one breed, but in fact a variety of different breeds crossed together. Cross breeding is popular even now to create the ideal dog.

In the nineteenth century, Bulldog and Terrier cross-breeds immigrated across to America with their owners. They eventually became stockier and are now known as one of the most intelligent, powerful, courageous and feisty breeds of canine.

They make great fighting dogs because of their strength and bravado and will easily kill another dog when baited in the ring. Unfortunately this along with in-breeding and mis-treatment has meant that some dogs have become ill-tempered and attacked humans. It is with that fact that this breed has become known as 'dangerous'. This is not to say that all Pit Bulls are dangerous. I know of a Pit Bull crossed with a Border Collie who is the most loving and affectionate dog you would ever meet.

All bulldogs and terriers have incredibly powerful jaws, which in some cases means that once they have locked onto an enemy they will not let go. I have had personal experience as a veterinary nurse of a Staffordshie Bull Terrier who was not dangerous, biting my arm and did not let go until two other people became involved in handling the dog. The dog did not just 'attack' me. We were trying to sedate it at the time.

All breeds of dogs are protective, not just of their masters and pack, but of themselves as well. If cornered a dog will attack and the Pit Bull is no exception. Unfortunately the number of cases of human attacks by Pit Bulls has meant that in countries such as the United Kingdom specific breeds such as the Japanese Tosa, American Pit Bull and Dogo Argentino are illegal under the 'Dangerous Dog Act 1991'.

Vicious Fighter? Yes, they can be if that is what they are trained to do. Misunderstood Pet? Yes, definately. With all this in mind it is easy to see both sides of the arguement, but I would have to say that being a 'murderous beast' is grossly mis-describing the breed. In fact, being bred as a fighter would make the Pit Bull Terrier a fantastic protector and therefore one of man's greatest friends.

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