What were pit bulls bred to do?

According to Guiher, most of the dogs coming into the shelter are pit bulls who take longer to adopt than other breeds, which they suspect has to do with common myths surrounding the breed. Some of these myths include the beliefs that pit bulls have locking jaws and are more likely to bite than other breeds. read more

In fact, pit bulls have fulfilled important roles throughout the last 160-plus years of American history. In the nineteenth century, pit bulls were family pets of settlers crossing the United States. They were trusted to watch the children while the adults worked in the fields. read more

Pit bull attacks are frequently documented by the media, but controlled studies do not show pit bulls to be disproportionately dangerous compared with other breeds. Some jurisdictions have enacted legislation banning the breed, and some insurance companies do not cover liability from pit bull bites. read more

Other pit bulls were specifically bred for work and companionship. These dogs have long been popular family pets, noted for their gentleness, affection and loyalty. And even those pit bulls bred to fight other animals were not prone to aggressiveness toward people. read more