| Pitbull dogs are one of the most intelligent breeds. | | | | Until 400 AD, the popularity of the breed significantly |
| They make an assertive and active spirit. Sadly, they | | | | spread throughout the Roman Empire as being |
| are portrayed as aggressive, which is a virtual | | | | fighting dogs. During this period, the breed was mixed |
| opposite of their character. There is more to their | | | | with other European dog breeds that eventually |
| personality and unique temperament than this. | | | | caused the creation of another type- the bulldog |
| Eventually I want to convey a historical component | | | | breed. This is the direct antecedent of the American |
| that has partly contributed to their bad reputation | | | | Pitbull Terriers or what is better known as the Pitbull |
| but let's first look at some facts about the Pitbull dog. | | | | dogs. |
| Pitbull dogs are brave, loyal, loving, obedient...hmmm | | | | But this cruel sport did not end with the decent of |
| almost like Boyscout. But seriously, they do have all | | | | the Roman Empire from power. When the Normans |
| these characteristics and therefore can be a good | | | | invaded England in the early 11th century, the game |
| companion despite the unfair treatment that has | | | | of baiting was introduced. |
| come from the public and media. | | | | Interestingly, this game originated with the |
| They have a general height of 18 to 22 inches and | | | | Bullenbeisser, another dog breed employed by meat |
| weight of 30 to 80 pounds. They have an average | | | | butchers to handle much larger bulls for slaughter in |
| life span of 10 to 12 years. | | | | the market. The principle of this sport is that when |
| They usually have a superb strength and power while | | | | the bulls show uncontrollable behavior, the dog will |
| also having the tendency to please their owners. | | | | bite on the nose of the bull and hold tight to it unless |
| Their general appearance is very impressive as | | | | the handler gains control. |
| compared with their size. Their heads are like that of | | | | This started only as a way for controlling the |
| bricks. Their neck is very muscular, and they have a | | | | potentially dangerous animals. Through time however, |
| well formed chest profile. They have cropped ears, | | | | because of the butcher's pride for their dogs and the |
| scissors-like bite, and eyes that appear in all shades | | | | need for entertainment, the activity was shown to |
| of dog eye colors. They also appear in all colors | | | | the public in what was called as baiting events. |
| common with dog, and their coats are normally thick, | | | | Consequently, these events boasted the canines' |
| shiny, and short. | | | | abilities and appeased the public. |
| Pitbulls are good guard dogs because they are | | | | Majority of the towns in England by the 1600s had |
| naturally protective of their owners and their | | | | their own baiting rings. These were the glory days of |
| properties. Also, they can be aggressive toward | | | | baiting sport, which had attracted spectators from all |
| other dog breeds but this excessive aggressiveness | | | | levels of society. |
| can be eliminated with proper training. | | | | Baiting events were eventually banned in the year |
| Pitbulls do have a fighting history. Dating back to the | | | | 1835 with the passing of a Parliament Bill. The Bill |
| times when the Greeks ruled the known world, the | | | | prohibited any public display of this bloody sport. |
| Molossi tribe is believed to have bred Pitbull dogs | | | | However, this did little to deter this sport. And with |
| (appearance of early breed differs on what we know | | | | time, baiting developed into the dog fighting sport. |
| today). Thus, the official term for this breed being | | | | The dog fighting that we hear about nowadays that |
| Canus Molossi. | | | | is held in secrecy. |
| The Molossi tribe of the ancient Greece loved | | | | Even though a stained history exists and some |
| warfare and they are noted to have employed | | | | current owners still encourage this Pitbull fighting |
| muscular and fierce dogs during warfare to intimidate | | | | portrayal through their own opportunistic actions, |
| their enemies. Yet, Mollosian dogs such as the Pitbulls | | | | these dogs remain as being a very fine breed of dog. |
| were not always used during war. Some historians | | | | The human master in various instances is responsible |
| noted that they were employed for other purposes. | | | | for a ruined dog upbringing. Those select occurrences |
| The early Phoenician traders in fact have used these | | | | bode badly for those particular dogs but not across |
| dogs as commercial items in bargaining. | | | | the whole Pitbull breed. These dogs definitely get a |
| Not only did the Mollosians breed the Pitbull dogs, | | | | bad rap not due to the Pitbulls own doing but from |
| they also brought forth the Mastiffs, also used in | | | | select owners that are misguided. Among the |
| fighting and warfare. These breeds were then | | | | majority of owners, the Pitbull bred dog has proven |
| exported to Rome where they were used for | | | | its ability to be the perfect dog for many potential |
| entertainment in the arenas and the coliseums. | | | | owners. |