Pit Bulls were seen as the American Favorite breed throughout U.S. history until the 1980's. In the 1940's there was one account of a Pit Bull attack that made the news. It was not the dog or breed that was blamed however, but the dog owner who incited 26 dogs to attack a woman.
The Pit Bull began to get a "reputation" in the 1980's when dog fighting became an illegal sport. Pit Bulls were a naturally good choice for fighting and they became the almost exclusive choice for dog fighting. Pit Bulls also became drug dealers dog of choice for the protection they provided.
In 1987 a pit bull guarding a marijuana crop in California mauled and killed a 2 1/2 year old boy who had wandered to close to the guarded area. After that Pit Bull bans appeared in most all states and regions of the U.S. In the town of Tijeras, New Mexico, the strongest Pit Bull ban law went into affect - this law allowed animal control officers to kill Pit Bulls on sight without any warning or notification to the owners.
The fight over banning specific breeds continue to this day. However, looking back at the history of the Pit Bull in America, we may compare their breed dispositions pre-1980 to the Lassie we all know and love.
Take a short trip down memory lane and see the Pit Bull in a different time and in a different light:
Did you know? The mascot of the Our Gang / Little Rascals series was a Pit Bull. The Original Pit Bull used was Pal the Wonder Dog and that crazy ring around his left eye was his natural markings. Other dogs who took over his role had that circle painted on. Pal was poisoned in 1930. One of his puppy's Pete, had the role for a couple of years.
Did you know? A Pit Bull made history in 1903 when Bud became the 1st dog to cross the U.S. in a car with Jackson and Crocker, the 1st humans who also made history by driving across the country for the first time. Bud's goggles are in the Smithsonian Museum today.
Did you know? Willie belonged to General George S. Patton. Willie went everywhere the General went and he even had his own set of "dog tags." There is a statue at the General Patton Memorial Museum in California that depicts Willie standing next to his master.
Did you know? One of the most popular shoes at the turn of the century were Brown Shoes, later known as Buster Browns. Tige was a famous fictional Pit Bull that was in a comic strip and then later the dog in the Buster Brown advertisements. Pit Bulls at that time in history were seen as dogs that would look after the children, not as a vicious dog.
Did you know? Sallie was mascot of the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. Sallie stood guard at the Battle of Gettysburg over dead and wounded soldiers. She supported the troops for years during the Civil War until a bullet ended her life during the Battle at Hatcher's Run.
Did you know? Sergeant Stubby was the most decorated dog of World War I. Stubby was able to recognize the scent of poison gas and alerted soldiers, he also was able to recognize English and would locate wounded soldiers. Stubby even captured a German spy. He was wounded by a grenade and spent his recovery time as a therapy dog for other wounded soldiers. Sergeant Stubby was the first dog to be called in for a congratulatory visit with a President of the U.S.
Did you know? Nipper became famous for the portrait of him that was painted after Nipper had died in 1895. The portrait of Nipper listening to the phonograph became the trademark for RCA.
Did you know? Helen Keller's companion was a Pit Bull named Sir Thomas. She wrote of her dog: “Whenever it is possible, my dog accompanies me on a walk or ride or sail. I have had many dog friends–huge mastiffs, soft-eyed spaniels, wood-wise setters and honest, homely bull terriers. At present the lord of my affections is one of these bull terriers. He has a long pedigree, a crooked tail and the drollest "phiz" in dogdom. My dog friends seem to understand my limitations, and always keep close beside me when I am alone. I love their affectionate ways and the eloquent wag of their tails.”
Want to learn more? Find out more about the Pit Bull at the Dog Breed Info Center.
Interested in being part of the Pit Bull Rescue team? Try Bully Breed Rescue or Pit Bull Rescue Center to start you on your way.
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