In the early 19th century in Britain, the use of different breeds of dogs for gruesome fighting thrived for entertainment and gambling purposes.
This fight among dogs and other animals, such as bears, foxes, horses, badgers, bulls, otters, etc., was termed blood sport or bull baiting.
Bloodsport was cruel, and only the fittest survived.
This sport quickly drew crowds from all over Britain, and people traveled from other countries and continents to witness the gruesome spectacle.
Due to the game’s widespread popularity and financial success, breeders started researching and crossing dogs to craft a new breed that would be excellent in the ring.
Their quest for an agile, tenacious, courageous, and deadly breed—a natural fighter with intimidating size and build—led to the Pit Bull breed.
Breeding of Pit Bulls for Blood Sport:
Bloodsport was as popular and highly anticipated as the American Super Bowl in Britain from the 13th century to the 19th century.
The popularity and financial success of the game made breeders and bookmakers devise ways to be more successful, and this led to the trial development of different breeds of dogs.
Eventually, there was a cross between the old English Bulldogs with different terriers, which led to several hybrid breeds, which are
- Bull Terrier: Pit Bull + English Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Pit Bull + Black and Tan Terrier
- Pit Bull Terrier Mix: Pit Bull + Boston Terrier, Cane Corso
These hybrid breeds had more strength, size, and agility and were more courageous, muscular, strong, powerful, athletic, tenacious, and ready to fight to the death.
As a result, different hybrid breeds were introduced and used for blood sports.
Despite the audience’s initial apprehension, a breed with a wider jaw and razor-sharp teeth welcomed them to the ring and promptly grabbed a bull by the nose, tearing it apart to the thunderous applause of onlookers.
At this moment, a new king had emerged, and the pit bulls were ready to take their seat on Britain’s royal chair.
Why Pitbulls Were the Greatest for Bloodsport:
Pitbulls had an amazing capacity to not only endure excruciating pain but also to continue fighting.
They would attack any and every exposed part of the body of their opponents, most especially their neck regions.
Their grip and bite were brutal, and fatal, even against bigger opponents, they were also fearless.
They were simply amazing, the best breed for breeders and bookmakers who were only interested in winning and smiling back home with a bag of money.
The excellent traits that made them good fighters while making them the best for bloodsports and they are listed below.
- Tenacity and determination to fight to the death
- Agility and quickness
- Trainability
- loyalty
- High pain tolerance
- Muscular build
- Athleticism
- Endurance and stamina
- Powerful bite force
- Fearlessness and ruthlessness
Read here to learn more about Pitbull History.
Everything to Know about Bloodsports:
Bloodsport was the cruellest thing ever done to animals by humans since their existence.
Animals were specifically bred and forced to engage in fights with one another, often leading to serious injuries, pain, and death.
This was done for entertainment purposes and financial gains ( gambling).
The bulls involved in the fights were starved for days prior to the fight and in some extreme cases, they were either intoxicated or mutilated before the fight.
They were released into a secured arena with a cart or stake and instigated to fight to the death with trained dogs
These fights not only caused severe harm and death to both bulls and dogs but also to humans from loose animals during the fight.
This led to the call for the abolishment of blood sports by animal rights activists, animal welfare organizations, etc.
Bloodsports were eventually banned in so many countries, and various acts to support animal welfare were enacted.
Types of Bloodsports:
- Bull baiting: Dogs vs bulls
- Dogfighting: Dogs vs dogs
- Cockfighting: Roosters vs Roosters
- Bear baiting: Dogs vs bears
- Fox hunting: Dogs vs Fox
- Horse fighting: Horse vs horse
Countries involved in bloodsports:
- Britain- Originators
- Ancient Greece
- Rome
- Spain
- Philippines
- South Korea
- Japan
- Mexico
Countries where Bloodsports are Banned:
- United Kingdom (1835)
- United States ( 1996 )
- Australia
- Canada ( Criminal Code, 2007)
- European Union ( Council Directive 1999/22/EC)
Institutions Actively Working to Prevent Bloodsports:
- Humane Society International
- ASPCA
- RSPCA
- Animal Welfare Institute
- International Fund for Animal Welfare
Legacy of Pit Bulls:
Despite the fact bloodsports were abolished and various laws have been enacted to protect animals, animals that participated in bloodsports, most especially pit bulls, have continued to have a negative stereotype.
They have been restricted and, in some cases, banned in certain jurisdictions across the globe.
The global media has also not been fair to them in reporting incidents associated with them.
However, pit bulls are good, loving, and loyal companions.
They are versatile and have been helpful to security operatives and families around the globe in protection.
Education and advocacy have helped in showcasing the positive sides of Pit Bulls to the world.