The Pit Bull Reality Distortion Field

"A Dog Fight at Kit Burn’s" by Edward Winslow Martin (James D. McCabe). USA, 1868 Source: Wikimedia


Pit bull dog owners seem attracted to pit bulls specifically because they have a reputation for viciousness. They are bred fighting dogs from a long line of fighting dogs going back at least into the 1800s, and you can tell by the jaws and build. They are made to bite and fight. This is why the breed is popular. People like the muscular look and the overbuilt jaws, the streamlined head.

Also pit bull owners: "They aren't fighting dogs, they're sweet!"

Ok, so why are they called "pit bulls?" You do know what a dog fighting pit is, don't you? See authentic nineteenth century illustration above complete with early pit bulls fighting.

Statistically pit bulls are more likely to bite than most other breeds of dog. I believe this is the specific reason people like pit bulls as pets. They like both the look and reputation. Then they go on the internet and pretend that pit bulls are not fighting dogs, or are not vicious.

Are pit bull owners lying to us or are they lying to themselves? If you get a pit bull specifically because it is vicious, why deny it? We all know that's why you got a pit bull in the first place.

Of course, the reason they deny it is because they fear regulation or extermination of the breed. Nobody actually believes pit bulls aren't more dangerous than other breeds. It's just a fiction that is maintained in public.

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