Pit bulls unjustly have a bad reputation as aggressive, mean-spirited dogs, which is untrue. In fact, they are very gentle, loving creatures. Here are ten interesting facts about Pit bulls that just might be a little surprising.
For their immense popularity in the 1900's, Pit bulls were the official American mascot during WWI - Pit bulls were the most decorated American dog of WWI. The American Pit Bull Terrier being the symbol of courage for the American army was also the most decorated dog during WWI.
They were the favored pet by prominent figures - WWII hero General George S. Patton, American boxer John. L. Sullivan, and the President of the United States Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt were just a few prominent figure to have the American Pit Bull Terrier as a pet.
Pits are not one, but three breed of dog - There are the American pit bull terrier (APBT), the American Staffordshire terrier (AMSTAFF), and the Staffordshire bull terrier (STAFFIE).
Sergeant Stubby was a war veteran - Sgt. Stubby was a war hero who saved his entire platoon by warning them of poison gas attack, while single handedly captured a German spy. He was wounded twice in action.
"Pete" was the most celebrated Pit from the movie "Little Rascals" - For Pete's immense popularity during the 1930's, he became the first APBT to be registered as a "Staffordshire Terrier" by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1936.
Pit bull Popsicle served as a narcotic and bomb sniffing dog - Popsicle from Texas has the largest record single drug find in the state for single handedly finding over 3,000 lbs of Cocaine in Hildago, Texas with a street value of 9,605,000.
In actuality, pits are bred to be affectionate toward people - Although they are originally fighting dogs, they were never bred to be aggressive towards people. The dogs might require extensive handling, but they were safe enough to be house pets, as well.
Pits score greater on temperament tests than other dogs - The APBT scored an overall temperament rating of 83.9 percent, compared to the 77 percent score of the general dog population, says the American Temperament Test Society in December 2004.
Bull breeds are commonly used as therapy dogs - they make remarkable therapy dogs for those in needs of emotional support, such as people in a senior care facility or someone recovering from an emotional accident.
The bull breeds are nicknamed the "nanny dog" - they are great with kids.
