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Pit Proud: The History Of The Pit Bull


I’ve been working on Pit Proud: The History Of The Pit Bull for well over a year. But I believe that every second that went into it was worth it, because I knew then and I know now that Pit Proud is the single, most important Dog Files Episode yet.

It’s the story of what I believe to be, the most maligned and abused animal on Planet Earth.

The Pit Bull.

A dog that the media has made out to be the “great white shark” of the land. A monster waiting to jump out of the shadows and attack your children.

But you know what I’ve found out over the course of researching, writing and crafting this episode?

Pit Bulls… are just dogs. No more, no less.

And like all dogs, they are individuals with varied personalities and temperaments. But because of their intense loyalty and strong form, the pit bull has been singled out amongst lesser men to abuse and kill for their small-minded, cruel entertainment.

You see, the pit bull problem isn’t the dogs, by any means.

The pit bull problem is people.

The people that want to fight them. The people who want one so they feel tougher when they walk down the street. The people that keep them tied up in chains. The people who go about their days and weeks and months and years while ignoring the extremely social animal that’s locked up in their basement.

These are the irresponsible owners that should never own ANY dog. And these are the people that we should always have on our radar.

And the abused dogs?

Well, if the Vick case taught us anything, it’s that even fight dogs, when given a chance, would rather curl up on the couch next to it’s loving human.

And that says it all to me. Pit Bulls are dogs. Dogs are as individual as any human. And like humans, they shouldn’t be painted with a wide brush.

Unless that wide brush has peanut butter on it. I hear pittie’s LOVE peanut butter.

– Kenn Bell, Dog Files Creator

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Newer Comments →
  • David Alexander

    Wow, an extraordinary, smart and heartfelt piece on a lovable breed of dog that American’s can be proud of as well as get behind and support. Thanks for raising my awareness on their systematic banning. I didn’t realize any of this.

  • http://www.twitter.com/calidiva Kelleekilmer

    Great article, lets spread the word people!

  • EmilyS

    really really excellent. I do have 2 “quibbles” There’s no evidence that the American pit bull terrier was ever called the “nanny” dog (as opposed to the English cousin, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier). Also, there’s some underlying racism in the presentation of dogfighting as an outgrowth of inner city crime, and then the portrayal of Vick. Dogfighters are not limited by race: white southerners have been the foundation of this activity for generations.

  • Jon

    Bravo, Kenn, but now you have a big problem. What are going to do to top your last two episodes?

  • http://www.thedogfiles.com Kenn Bell

    Emily, I take great pain to be fair in all my videos. I strive for honesty and care deeply for the welfare of man’s best friend. Glad you liked the video!

  • http://www.thedogfiles.com Kenn Bell

    Thanks Jon, but next episode is going back to some fun and furry frolicking! It’s about Boxers.

  • http://www.thedogfiles.com Kenn Bell

    Thanks!

  • http://www.thedogfiles.com Kenn Bell

    Thanks for the kind words, David!

  • http://twitter.com/zoogoddess11 Molly Timko

    What a great video, Kenn! As a volunteer at a local shelter where we see a lot of surrendered or stray Pitbulls-spreading the GOOD word is sometimes a challenge. People like to cling to old ways of thinking or just don’t do a very good job teaching their dogs manners so they come to us a mess. Thanks for helping me do some more educating!

  • R.C.A. Pete Stubbs

    Great video – Five Stars! It even talks about my boy Sgt. Stubby!! I wish we could run it at the start of American Idol for like 3 weeks straight!

  • Sondra

    I’ve been rescuing pitbulls (ok, really the dogs that are labeled as such) for almost 10 years!!! You really nailed this. I will be spreading this far and wide as an educational piece that is very succinct and easy to watch. Thank you for doing such a great job!!!

  • Melspetpals

    Another really wonderful video Kenn! I have to say I LOVED the mom in this story. She really made a point of educating people on who you should be worried about and I so agree. I walk dogs and there are 2 German Shepherds close to where I walk that are tied up in a garage most of the day. They get no human interaction (or very little) and they are kept outside in the garage all of the time. I worry a lot about whether or not they will hurt someone someday. Banning pitbulls won’t save someone from them will it?

  • WOLFSENT

    Why is it everytime facts are presented about a “minority”, some loon calls it racism? The point the video is making is the fact that gangbangers and wannabes use pits as status symbols and for easy money. What needs to happen is for these knee jerk lawmakers to pull their heads out and make it a class A felony to abuse/use ANY dog in an illegal manner. Banning pitties for what a few do is like putting all white men in jail because most child molesting serial killers are white men.

  • Rachel

    Outstanding episode!!!! This will definately be shared on my Facebook for everyone to see. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!

  • http://www.thedogfiles.com Kenn Bell

    Thanks Molly! And thanks for all that you do!

  • http://www.thedogfiles.com Kenn Bell

    Now that’s a great idea!!!

  • http://www.thedogfiles.com Kenn Bell

    Thanks Sondra! Education through Entertainment is the reason I created it.

  • http://www.thedogfiles.com Kenn Bell

    Thanks for the kind words! Yep, Jen was great in her interviews. She had so many good points to make!

  • http://www.thedogfiles.com Kenn Bell

    You’re welcome, You’re welcome, You’re welcome, Rachel! ; )

  • http://www.SamsFotoWorks.com Samantha Cameron

    Amazing video! I love all the points that were brought up. I love the tidbit about the “Nanny-Dogs”. Everytime someone gives me a look when I’m out with my own two mutts (of the mutt persuasion w/ possible pittie/staffie ties) I let people know that the only thing they have to worry about is their tongues because they have this insatiable need to keep their tongues in someone else’s mouth other than their own. They love people and love life. When you get a smile from a pit bull it makes your whole day so much better. Great Job! I wish it could be aired on the news (maybe I would start watching it again) or even better – every channel at least once a week for a month. I so wish I could meet Hector. He’s great. Fantastic work. Thank you so much.
    Sam – KissBull Fanatic

  • Ted

    Excellent Video! You presented us with the truth, as painful as some may find it. Pit Bulls, whether APBT, SBT, AST make wonderful pets for people who love animals.

    Thanks,
    Ted

  • Kathy

    Absolutely amazing video!!! I have 3 pitties at home and they are all wonderful, gentle babies. I wish the media would air videos like these and not promote the ignorance and fear. Well done!!!

  • Leb922

    One of the BEST video about Pit Bulls I’ve EVER seen! Great job! Thank you, thank you!

  • Kphillips

    This video was awesome. This breed is very lovable & loyal. They want to please you know matter what. I will never own another breed other than a Pit Bull. My Lance is the best dog I have ever owned.

  • STACY BRUDON

    WOW THIS REALLY HAS TOUCHED MY HEART. IT IS REALLY SAD TO KNOW WHAT THE PIT BULL HAS TO PUT UP WITH BUT IT IS REALLY GREAT TO KNOW THAT THE WORLD IS GETTING TO KNOW THE PIT BULL FOR WHO THEY REALLY ARE LOVING AND LOYAL AND WITH THAT SAID GOD BLESS THEM ALL WE LOVE YOU!!!!!

  • Lorraine

    Thanks for this inspiring video that tells the truth about pit bulls. These dogs’ intense loyalty and faithfulness has been exploited by cruel people who take advantage of pitties’ strong desire to please and obey.

    I know what it feels like to have people cross the street to avoid walking close to my dog–a boxer, another “bully” breed. It’s fear and prejudice–our Toby, was the gentlest, most patient and tolerant dog–especially with little children.

    We plan to adopt two rescue dogs soon–we’re hoping for a boxer and a pit bull.

  • http://twitter.com/roxannehawn Roxanne Hawn

    Just saw the video over on Edie’s site (Will My Dog Hate Me). Terrific work. Really … great production values, research, etc. Congratulations.

  • Tom Dolan

    Hey Kenn,

    Terrific video. I’m a life long animal lover and I realize how partially informed I was about pit bulls. Video technicals are very good. For another reason, I’ve been talking to Guide Dogs for the Blind in Sylmar CA and your video easily eclipses their promo video. Dog videos of this quality looks like an excellent segment to pursue. I’ve been producing a video blog for about 7 months from in front of my iMac…your video makes me want to get out of the studio into the real world. Congrats!

  • Foxrivertollers

    The problem is the PEOPLE not the breed. Whenever I write to legislators about bills to ban Pit Bulls (which I do often) I always point out that if they ban a breed of dog, do they honestly think the bad PEOPLE will stop having dogs? No – they’ll go get Rotties or Dogue de Bordeaux or any other “tough looking” breed and inflict the same fear, abuse and neglect on them to make them the next “scary” breed.

  • Jhgdre

    vick’s dogs were mentioned. but what about tant, boudreaux, wildside?

  • Erica

    We love and miss you very much Smokey. Thank you for giving us 9 wonderful years with you and for giving the McNamara’s a bit of your life before you left this world

  • J. Maree

    I rescued a wandering Pit 15 years ago. People in my neighborhood did not like it at all. The dog and I are still here some of the neighbors are not. I prayed that people would get the truth about this breed, I’m sad to think of the abuse some endure. I am now 59 years old, a small female and still have the most wonderful dog I have ever owned. Back then not any rescue would take him so I kept him and he has taught me so much. I’ll be lost when he gets his wings.

  • PittieFan

    What an amazing video, thank you for sharing such a heartfelt truth about these loyal and loving family members. I watched the video with my 50 pound lap dog pit bull while snuggling on the couch.
    RIP Smokey, run free.

  • http://www.thedogfiles.com Kenn Bell

    Thanks so much for the kind words! Give your pup a hug for me.

  • Sweetness_mdb

    This was sooo well done!! I really enjoyed this. Great job Ken!! I love how you brought the history of the pitbull into the picture. I have posted this to my wall on facebook. I have a 9mnth old pitbull and I know alot of friends and family are still weary about meeting him. He’s a big suck! :) I hope to educate them with your video. I think when we understand things a little better sometimes we can let go of some of our fear. Hey, I had my face almost ripped off by a dog and it wasn’t a pitbull….it was a boxer! If there was anyone who should be afraid it would be me, but pits are my favorite dog.

  • http://www.thedogfiles.com Kenn Bell

    Thanks for the kind words!

  • CAROL LARKIN

    IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PIT BULL AND STAFFY ? IF SO IS IT JUST THAT THE PIT BULL IS BIGGER ?

  • http://www.thedogfiles.com Kenn Bell

    American Pit Bull Terrier tend to be bigger with longer legs. But at this point with interbreeding I couldn’t tell the difference. Plus, I believe that quite a few Pit Bull owners use “Staffordshire” to get away from the Pit Bull name. But, I’m not an expert.

  • Anonymous

    Erica, he was a great dog for us, but he was a great dog with you first. He’s a beach some where man, you know he is. A hui hou kakou.

  • Spike Cutolo

    The best 10 minutes anyone can spend watching a video is right here. Amazing job Kenn. It should be required “education” in my book. But I’m partial to the Pitties anyway..
    Kudos!

  • trio

    loved the video, it bought tears to my eyes, the clips of dog fighting, and i just cant get my head around WHY people can be so cruel, these people need to be put down, i am on my second sfaffie, they are a fantastic breed and so full of love for everyone esp my 3 children, the dogs featured are fantastic and hector was like a big baby and i just wanted to get in there and have a squeeze, keep up the good work :)

  • Paula

    This is a wonderful video!! I hope it will do loads to educate skeptical people about the breed. I am the proud caregiver to my daughter’s pittie when she comes home from university each summer and holidays – her pittie Brixton was rescued by Bullies-in-Need when a puppie and adopted when she was six months old. She is the most loving and lovable doggie I’ve every known – and yes, there are skeptical nods in my family and neighborhood and for no other reason than the history made by bad PEOPLE!!! To all those who are doing sooooo much to help these beautiful dogs, tons of appreciation!!!

  • http://twitter.com/mhhaslam Michael Haslam

    Well said, Kenn. It’s a crazy world and we need passionate people like you to stand up for what’s right.

  • http://realessay.com/ custom essays

    Really interesting story.

  • Sandy

    Great Video. A must see for every Pit Bull phobic. Way to go Kenn.

  • http://www.customessays.co.uk/ uk essays

    Wonderful video! Thanks for sharing it.

  • Slangworthy93

    I have a pit bull and she is very loving and not mean I believe it is how they are raised

  • Crazy dog lady

    OMG!  I am in love with Hector! What a wonderful video! Thank you so much for making it.  I agree with everything the woman said, she is very smart and what she said is true, if your town can ban one breed nothing is keeping them from banning you dog as well.

  • Kaleelconnie7

    I have never heard such truer words spoken. We have a Pit Terrier (black w/white spots) We have had him since a very, very small pup and he is our world. He is now a little over a year old and the most precious, loving, playful animal you would ever want to meet. Theres never a dull moment. He brings that little “extra” that every household needs to make it complete. They are very smart animals! It does my heart good to hear good about this breed. They sooo deserve it.

    Thanks for trying to educate the public about this extraordinary breed.
    Connie & “Diesel”

  • Pam Pringle

    Beautiful video. I do promo sales in East TX & Northwestern, LA. I have “met” many a pit bull, & love them all. In this part of the country, they are used as Catch Dogs, by sportsmen who hunt wild bore/ feral pigs. I have also seen them in action at weight pulling competitions. They have amazing strength. They can be dog aggressive, but most pits are gentle and make wonderful pets. One last thing. Some of the pit bulls in the video, I think, are actually Boston Terriers.

Newer Comments →
Oct 11, 2010Comments: 73