Pits were bred for one purpose, and when they realized they went too far, they tried to bred out the ‘human Biting trait” Given the lopsided ampount of damage these dogs cause... Looks like they weren’t too successful... From https://badrap.org/breed-info/breed-history A dog (Olde English Bulldog) that looked much like today’s American Bulldog was originally used in the 1800’s in the British Isles to ‘bait’ bulls. These matches were held for the entertainment of the struggling classes; a source of relief from the tedium of hardship. In 1835 bull baiting was deemed inhumane and became illegal, and dog fighting became a popular replacement. Soon, a new bulldog was created by crossing the Olde English Bulldog with terriers to create smaller, more agile dogs. The best fighters were celebrated and held up as heroes for their courage and fortitude during battle. At the same time, bite inhibition towards humans was encouraged through selective breeding so gamblers could handle their dogs during staged fights.
Ah. Yes, I remember this now. Thank you.
Bunk. There are paintings from long ago that depict dogs of the modern pit variety. The English bulldog is a brachycephalic mutation of same, unsuited to breathing, much less to baiting Bulls. Baiting Bulls before selling their meat was law in Shakespeare’s England. I suspect it was for entertainment value, as much as anything. I’ve read that the practice of awarding ribbons to dogs in dog shows was derived from the practice of placing a ribbon between a bulls horns. It took a good dog to get it. Many of the baiting arenas had surreptitious entrances reserved for the upper classes. It wasn’t just the poor that enjoyed the sport.