Pitbulls Fighting History: Some Background into the Unfair Portrayal of this Fine Breed

Pitbull fighting currently only happens with few owners nowadays. Other incompetent owners also do their part in promoting the pitbull’s bad reputation. In fact, Pitbull dogs are one of the most intelligent breeds plus they have proven loyalty and significant strength (see Pitbull Fighters).. They make an aggressive and active spirit. Sadly, they are portrayed as aggressively mean, which is the complete opposite of reality and a select byproduct of a poor owner. There is more to their personality and unique temperament than this.

Dating back to the times when the Greeks ruled the known world, the Molossi tribe is believed to have bred Pitbull dogs (appearance of early breed differs on what we know today). Thus, the official term Canus Molossi.

The Molossi tribe of the ancient Greece loved warfare and they are noted to have employed muscular and fierce dogs during warfare to intimidate their enemies. Yet, Mollosian dogs such as the Pitbulls were not always used during war. Some historians noted that they were employed for other purposes. The early Phoenician traders in fact have used these dogs as commercial items in bargaining.

Not only did the Mollosians breed the Pitbull dogs, they also brought forth the Mastiffs, also used in fighting and warfare. These breeds were then exported to Rome where they were used for entertainment in the arenas and the coliseums.

Until 400 AD, the popularity of the breed significantly spread throughout the Roman Empire as fighting dogs. During this period, the breed mixed with other European dog breeds that have caused the creation of another type- the bulldog breed. This is the direct antecedent of the American Pitbull Terriers or what is better known as the Pitbull dogs.

But this cruel sport did not end with the decent of the Roman Empire from power. When the Normans invaded England in the early 11th century, the game of baiting was introduced.

Interestingly, this game originated with the Bullenbeisser, another dog breed that were employed by meat butchers to handle much larger bulls for slaughter in the market. The principle of this sport is when the bulls show uncontrollable behavior, the dog will bite on the nose of the bull and hold tight to them, unless the handler gained control over the animals.

This started only as a way for controlling the potentially dangerous animals. Through time however, because of the butcher's pride for their dogs and the need for entertainment, the activity was shown to public in what was called Baiting events. Consequently, these events boasted the canines' abilities and appeased the public.

Majority of the towns in England by the 1600s had their own baiting rings. This is the glorious days of baiting sport, which had attracted spectators from every aspect of the society. The cruelty of this game was further emphasized with the belief that the meat tastes better and tender with more abuse.

Baiting events were banned only in the year 1835 with the passing of a Parliament Bill. The Bill prohibited any public display of this bloody sport. However, this did little with the issue. And through time, baiting developed into dog fighting. The dog fighting that we know of these days.

Although a tainted past exists and few current owners still promote this Pitbull fighting portrayal, these dogs remain as being a very fine breed of dog. They definitely get a bad rap but could also be the perfect dog for many owners.

The author, Arland Kent, writes on various subject matter including guitar related topics, dogs and health. He writes for http://www.pitbull-dogs.net.