We are sometimes asked why we incorporate “Pit Bulls” into our posts as if they were purebred dogs. The answer is easy as long as you know your breed history. Staffordshire Bull Terriers came to America in the late 1800s, but dog fighters who wagered big money in the pits sullied the reputation of a good breed that deserved better, and sadly, the dogs became known as “Pit Bull Terriers.” Though its name was eventually changed in the fancy, old habits died hard, and now the moniker is confusing, if not muddied (read more here).
All that said…..Meet “Sally,” a Pit Bull. She rests at the foot of the 11th PA infantry monument in Gettysburg in honor of her service to the men of her infantry with whom she valiantly fought in the Civil War. Many of these men were wounded and killed, as she herself was. Her body was recovered from the scene where she died protecting her soldiers.
Image found on Pinterest and happily credited upon receipt of information
As the owner of APBTs and SBTs, I appreciate your tribute to Sally. However, your history is just plain wrong.
The Staffordshire bull terrier WAS a pit fighting dog in the UK. And it was a pit fighting dog when it came to the USA and evolved into the American pit bull terrier (ultimately a different breed). Pit fighting was surely not the only function; they were family dogs (though not “nanny” dogs) as well. To deny the historic reality serves no purpose. We rightly despise dogfighting, and dogfighters NOW (and have for generations). Back “in the day” people had different ideas about dogs and humaneness
Emily, we very much appreciate your insights and comment. We welcome the feedback of the people who know their breeds best!
Reminds me of the Story of “Gander” the Newfoundland Dog!! Nice to know Sally was so well thought of.