Many people think they know a thing or two about pitbull history, but some of what they think are facts are actually myths that have been perpetuated by media coverage that is slanted to make all pitbulls out to be vicious killers. One of the most common myths is that pitbulls were originally bred for dog fighting. Before dog fighting was a popular sport, and before laws started to try and put an end to the practice in this country around 1875, bulldogs were used for bear baiting and bull baiting. Both events are despicable examples of animal cruelty and of man’s misuse of pitbull terriers. Bear baiting and bull baiting became illegal in the United States in the 19th century, and it is rare for such events to take place in this country. Unfortunately, both events still take place in other countries. It is disgusting “sport” where sadistic men and women gather to find pleasure in watching animals suffer.One reason that dog fighting is still so closely associated with pitbulls is that it still goes on in the United States even to this day.

While laws have been on the books in most states since the 19th century that forbid dog fighting, until recently many law enforcement agencies did not seek to strictly enforce dog fighting laws. With the publicity surrounding a famous football player dog fighting case and the subsequent public outcry about it, many locales throughout the country have sought new ways to crack down on dog fighting rings.It’s unfortunate that dog fighting is one of the first things that come to mind when thinking about pitbull history. It is true that once bull baiting was outlawed, breeders sought ways to cross breeds to create a dog that would make an excellent fighter.That, however, speaks to the type of men those were rather than the type of dogs that pitbulls are today. When pitbulls first came to this country in the early 1800’s, they were used as farm dogs, not fighting dogs. They guarded the frontier homes of early pioneers and proved to make loyal and gentle companions for the entire family.Throughout pitbull history there have been those who abused the dogs by using them to fight, it wasn’t until recently that the public at large began to apply certain judgments to the entire breed of dogs based on the bad behavior of men. It only takes a glance through some of the icons of American marketing and media to find several examples that serve as proof that pitbulls were not always feared and