Where the Pit Bull type came from
Pit bull type dogs descend from bulldog and terrier crosses made in Britain in the 1800s. England banned bull-baiting in 1835, and some people kept bull-and-terrier dogs for dog fighting, which was also later made illegal. Handlers valued courage and strength, and also dogs that could be handled safely.
These dogs reached the United States in the late 1800s, where they were also farm dogs and family pets. The United Kennel Club registered the American Pit Bull Terrier in 1898. The AKC registered the Staffordshire Terrier in 1936, and in 1972 renamed it the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Today these dogs are family pets, sport dogs and therapy dogs. They have a complicated reputation because of their fighting past, but how any dog behaves depends on breeding, training, and handling, not on the label.
- 1835 England bans bull-baiting
- 1898 The United Kennel Club registers the American Pit Bull Terrier
- 1936 The AKC recognizes the Staffordshire Terrier
- 1972 The AKC renames the breed the American Staffordshire Terrier
The job a Pit Bull type was bred for
The original work was a hard one: bull-baiting, then pit fighting. Later these dogs were farm dogs and companions. Handlers valued strength, drive and dogs that could be handled safely. At home you often see an athletic, goofy, people-loving dog with a lot of energy, who can be strong on leash and sometimes selective with other dogs.
Sports that fit a Pit Bull type
- Weight pull. Built for strength and likes the work.
- Scent work. A strong, food-driven nose-based activity.
- Agility. Athletic and eager, if the dog is sound and fit.
- Dock diving. Many love it and are strong jumpers.
- Therapy work. Many are affectionate and gentle with people.
Training tips for a Pit Bull type
- Socialize early and carefully with different people and dogs, and let the dog set the pace.
- Teach loose leash walking early with a harness, because these dogs are strong.
- Use food and play. They work hard for people they trust.
- Manage dog to dog meetings, because some adults prefer fewer dog friends, and plan ahead.
Body and health
They are strong and athletic with a short coat, so they overheat in summer and chill in winter. Many are prone to skin allergies.
Fun fact. Pete the Pup, the dog with a ring around one eye in the Our Gang comedies, is usually described as a pit bull type dog. Several dogs played the part over the years.
Breed is where we start
A study of more than 18,000 dogs found breed explains only about 9 percent of the differences in behavior between dogs (Morrill and others, Science, 2022). So your Pit Bull type is a starting guess, not a label. We find the drive your dog actually runs on, give it a job, and teach you to read them.
Looking for a different breed? See what 75 breeds were bred to do.