They were imported primarily, but not exclusively, for pit fighting. These dogs began to find their way into America as early as 1870 where they became known as Pit Dog, Pit Bull Terrier, later American Bull Terrier, and still later as a Yankee terrier. There is some debate whether the White English Terrier, the Black and Tan Terrier, the Fox Terrier or some combination thereof were used.
The american pitbull terrier full#
The bulldog of that time differed from the modern Bulldog, having a full muzzle and a long, tapering tail. The American Staffordshire Terrier was the product of 19th century interbreeding between bulldogs and terriers that produced the “bull-and-terrier dog,” “Half and Half,” and at times “pit dog” or “pit bullterrier,” the last named becoming the “Staffordshire Bull Terrier” in England. The New York City Center for Animal Care and Control tried a similar approach in 2004 by relabeling their pit bull terriers as “New Yorkies”, but dropped the idea in the face of overwhelming public opposition. Francis College in New York) so that they might be more readily adopted 60 temperament-screened dogs were adopted until the program was halted after several of the newly adopted dogs killed cats. Francis Terriers” (not associated with the “ terrier” mascot of St. The fighting reputation of pit bull-type dogs led the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1996 to relabel pit bull terriers as “St. In addition, law enforcement organizations report these dogs are used for other nefarious purposes, such as guarding illegal narcotics operations, use against the police, and as attack dogs. American Pit Bull Terriers constitute the majority of dogs used for illegal dog fighting in the United States. Īmerican Pit Bull Terriers successfully fill the role of companion dog, police dog and therapy dog.
The american pitbull terrier registration#
Bennett assigned UKC registration number 1 to his own dog, “Bennett’s Ring”, as an American Pit Bull Terrier in 1898. The United Kennel Club (UKC) was the first registry to recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier. Some have bĮen selectively bred for their fighting prowess. In the United States, these dogs were used as catch dogs for semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt, to drive livestock, and as family companions. These dogs were initially bred in England and arrived in the United States with the founders.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is the product of interbreeding between old english terriers and english bulldogs to produce a dog that combined the gameness of the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the bulldog.