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Vicious, ferocious, killer, monster, beast, uncontrollable and dangerous. These are just a few of the terms often used to describe a pit bull. It has been stated over and over in the "beast" side of this debate that pit bulls were bred to fight. The true origins of the pit bull go back to the Greek Mastiff type dogs called Molossians. These dogs were originally used to fight alongside their masters in great battles and were revered for their strength and loyalty. When mechanical weaponry began to take over in the Middle Ages the dogs were then retired to the use of guard dog or hunters of bears, wolves and other large animals. This is where "pit" fighting came into play. Humans began no longer taking them out hunting but instead "pitting" them against larger animals and each other in a ring environment. In these fights it was considered a serious defect if a dog showed any kind of human aggression. Even when these dogs were fighting for their lives, handlers were in the ring with the dogs and safe.

What people who are anti-pit forget is that it is humans that cause these wonderful animals to exhibit violent behavior. Any dog that has been raised to be aggressive, as unfortunately so many pit bulls have, would react the same way. The anti-pits rely on statistics that state how pit bulls and rottweilers are responsible for over half of the dog bites reported, but why? Has anyone ever gone further with the investigation than just what breed it was? How was the dog raised? Where they tortured and tied up as many pit bulls are? Were they being starved as many pits are so that when they are put in a ring with an opponent, they see a source of food and nothing else. That type of treatment would cause over aggression in ANY animal, not just a pit bull.

It is society that is raising these animals to be the so called "monsters" that the anti-pits are raging about. Pit bulls, by nature carry the following characteristics:
1. A strong desire to please their owner
2. Protective instinct towards family
3. Enjoys being the center of attention
4. Intelligent and highly trainable
5. Robust and energetic
6. GOOD WITH CHILDREN

Back in a time before the media seemed hell bent on eradicating this breed, the pit bull even carried the nickname of the "nanny" dog, because they were considered to be one of the best dogs around children. It is unfortunate that nowadays a fatal attack by a mixed or unidentifiable breed goes unreported but an attack resulting in only injuries from a pit is reported

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