American Pit Bull Terrier

“You made me what I am today, courage at its best. You wanted me to know no fear, a cut above the rest. Not only did I master that, but I’ve also thrown in loyalty too. ?

Look past my eyes into my soul, you know I’d die for you. I’ll watch your kids; I’ll watch your house.

Your praise will be my crown, ask what you will, I’ll do my best, I’ll even be your clown. But some of you don’t like me, I’m sure I don’t know why.

The only thing I’m guilty of is courage, love and try. But still, they want to see me go, they want my breed to end.

Will I see you sitting idly by? You, whom I call friend. You made me what I am today. You never saw me waiver.

?I’ll do my best to keep you safe.

?Will you please return the favor?”?

-Pit Bull Prayer (Dogvills)

At least 12 countries in Europe, as well as Australia, Canada, some parts of the United States, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Singapore, Malaysia, and New Zealand, have enacted some form of breed-specific legislation on pit bull-type dogs, including American Pit Bull Terriers (APBT).

The pit bull’s origins can be traced back to early 19th-century in England, Ireland, and Scotland. The canine’s ancestors were the result of experimentally cross breeding different bulldog and terrier breeds for the purpose of bear- and bull-baiting, a blood sport in which the dog was trained to attack until the larger animal was defeated.

When baiting was banned in the 1800s, the dogs were then bred for the sport of ratting and dog fighting. European immigrants introduced the Pit Bull breed to America in1845 to 1860, where the dog fighting practice had continuity. They become the direct ancestor of APBT.

After dog fighting became illegal, APBT successfully filled the role as catch dogs for semi-wild cattle and hogs, drive livestock dogs, family companion dogs, working dogs, athletic sport dogs (weight pulling), therapy dogs, and police dogs. The law enforcement organizations report these dogs are used for nefarious purposes such as guarding illegal drugs operations, use against police, and as attack dogs.

I met my new friend incidentally when I brought about 25 thousand red wigglers to support the natural way of farming and gardening at the Neskonlith Education Center, Chase, British Columbia in Spring last year, which coincides with Earth Day 2022.

Although the first sight of his face and body frightened me, he looked curious, friendly, joyful, and asked a lot of attention. When I called him Bull, he didn’t make eye contact with me, looked shy but confident, directly came around me, sniffing also to the red wigglers, and then paid attention as can be seen in the photo.

His personality and temperament are the same as mentioned in the references that I read after I met and touched him. The protective and fearless of the APBT is noted for its playful temperament and friendly nature. The pit bull is also athletic and has a strong desire to please people.

Contrary to its dubious reputation as an aggressive breed, the APBT is regarded by some people as a friendly dog with an outgoing disposition. It was a great pleasure for me to meet him. May your positive energy always be with you for the continuation of the APBT peaceful breed.