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- Dec 3, 2017
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- 27,297
not with people, therefore not all pits are.
They came from terriers bred to be fearless ratting, cattle and hog dogs. Unfortunetly, the prey drive lead to fighting due to the intense breeding of fierce prey drives in the breed. Any bully dog that showed aggression toward humans was put down back in the day because the selective drive was not meant towards the people as prey. Hunting, guarding livestock and all around ranch and farm dog was the first intention of this breed and like a lot of breeds , the drive and intent was ruined in many due to backyard breeders who were stupid or clueless. In world war 1 the breed was a national icon. the breed has earned a place in American history for sure.
I know I am biased but I will be the first to admit any gamey dog, aggressive lines should be eliminated as it was not intended as the true breed standard, nor is it a sustainable or logical trait to enable and continue breeding. There is nothing natural about a dog who fights to the death of another of it's species. This is unbalanced and unnatural and should be elimimated...period. There are thousands of pet quality, breed worthy pittys in shelters waiting to be adopted. Granted they all might not be for all the average dog owners who don't really possess the time and energy to handle them but , there is hope this breed can be as great as they can be, and the ones with hope can be with the help of the right owner to nuture and breed them back to original intentions. Many are already breed back to docility in manner but still seen as child and other dog maulers regardless.
I realize I'm probably preaching to the choir on this one but just needed to say it for all the sweet pittys out there...I truly love the breed; and even though since they have been screwed up a bit espically since they were brought here back in the 1800's..They are a great American breed , not perfect but like my own heritage..a bit of this and that..a bit of wild and tame from land afar to native to mix it up.
Anyone want a guarantee and easy, get a goldfish..or a boarder collie..haahaa!
Hooch thanks fro the history lesson and I do understand what your saying. I don't totally agree with it but do have more info on it now thanks to your knowledge. And more to consider.