What Is A Pit Bull?

The purebred American pit bull is America's greatest working dog. Mainland Europe has several noted working breeds - sheep dogs - whose main reason for being in the past 100 years has been "man work" or the ability and desire to attack humans. America's working dog - a bull dog - has its roots in "Olde England", where butchers specifically bred "gripping dogs" for use in controlling bulls and cattle. No other breed had (or has) the courage, grit and determination to stick to the dangerous task of controlling a mad bull. The dog's gameness, or desire to complete the task of holding the bull often saved his master and other humans. In the middle ages, there were no guns or easy means to control a bull - these dogs were highly prized and carefully bred heroes.

These bull dogs (not to be confused with the modern AKC show version "bulldog" who is a recently created show ring breed) were used in exhibition contests against bulls called bull baiting. When bull baiting was outlawed in the 1800's, bulldogs were contested against each other, seeing which dog had the determination and drive to keep at the task in the face of pain, fatigue and even death. Because two handlers and a referee were in the pit with the dogs, the breed was selected for amazing stability; a calm, friendly manner with people - even under extreme pressure. Dogs which lashed out at humans, even strangers, while fighting or in pain were not tolerated.

The pit bulldog's athletic build and legendary determination to get the job done makes him a perfect candidate for detection work. Nothing deters him - not heat or cold, not fatigue, not the things that make lesser dogs quit. Drugs or explosives - if they are there, the pit bull will find them. It is his nature.

Pictured Left: True working bulldog of the 17th century. Some think the show bulldog (produced in the 1860's by breeding pugs with pit bulls) is the "real" bulldog - but in reality the dog Winston Churchill revered for its determination is none other than the pit bulldog. Note the long, straight tail, straight legs, normal muzzle.

Today's American Pit Bull

In America, the pit bulldog of the British Isles has been perfected into a medium sized, athletic and physically tough animal possessing a very compliant nature (they are not "handler hard") endless energy, extreme toy drive and, when bred correctly, a boundlessly friendly nature with all people.

The pit bull enjoyed wide popularity during the period of 1840 - 1950 as a family pet and farm dog. At the turn of the last century, the pit bull was one of the most popular of dogs. A trusted "nanny dog", favorite with soldiers, and common mascot. Pete the Pup on the Little Rascals Our Gang comedies was a purebred, registered American pit bull.

Like the German shepherd in the 1950's - 1960's and the Doberman in the 1970's, the pit bull is currently taking its turn as the "fad breed" with macho, high risk owners. Like the shepherd and the Doberman, the pit bull is being exploited by back yard breeders, criminals, dog fighters and others who abuse the breed's amazing strengths for their own selfish gain. The press encourages fear and hysteria - fear sells. Independent thinkers who don't fall for "media hysteria", people whose mind set does not include prejudicial tendencies, professional dog trainers and those who know the breed understand that the properly bred and raised American pit bull is one of the sweetest of dogs with people, though most will not back down from a challenge from another dog.

Today's American pit bull, when properly bred and raised, possesses heart, drive and a work ethic unlike any other breed. What man wouldn't want the term "he's a bulldog" associated with his nature? Unlike breeds bred specifically for "man work", this is not a breed which exhibits a wary, defensive or aggressive nature. Most won't even "defend" their vehicle - they don't see strangers as a threat or "the enemy". Each person is a "new best friend"! This makes them ideal for those situations where a non-threatening dog is required.

Why We Use Pit Bulls

With Homeland Security concerns elevated, the need for explosives and narcotics detection dogs for law enforcement is increasing. We see the LAWDOGS program as a way to connect outstanding cops with outstanding working dogs - many of whom might otherwise be euthanized for lack of a home.

Because they are a "fad breed" right now, there are literally thousands of pit bulls being euthanized in American shelters every week. There simply aren't enough homes, and breeders keep breeding to make that easy buck. LAWDOGS partners with shelters and rescues to find outstanding detection dog prospects among homeless animals. LAWDOGS has developed a very small breeding program to produce purpose bred dogs specifically for detection work for times when acceptable rescue dogs are not available.

Taxpayers should insist that police departments utilize acceptable free or low cost animals before they spend several thousand on an untrained "green" dog from Europe or a dog vendor. There is a "myth" perpetrated by trainers and dog venders who make big bucks importing shepherds and malinois from their buddies in Europe. That myth is that there is a shortage of good detection dogs in America. This is simply not true. It is time agencies wake up and use AMERICA'S own working breed! The toughest, most determined dog on the planet.

© copyright Diane Jessup ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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