During the nineteenth century, early dog fanciers in England, Scotland, and  Ireland began to test crosses between Bulldogs and Terriers, looking for a dog that combined the gameness of the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the Bulldog.  These early dogs were used in the infamous blood sports such as badger-baiting and bear-baiting and eventually dog fighting until it was illegalized in Europe.  The outcome was a dog that personified all of the virtues attributed to great warriors: strength, unconquerable courage, tenacity and tenderness with family members.

Early Immigrants brought these bull and terrier crosses with them to the United States.  These were the early ancestors to today's American Pit Bull Terriers.  The American Pit Bull Terrier's many talents did not go unnoticed by farmers and ranchers who used their APBTs for personal protection from man and beast, as catch dogs for dangerous semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt and help provide food for the family, to drive livestock, and as family companions.

The American Pit Bull Terrier of today has changed little it continues to demonstrate its versatility, athletic ability and courage by successfully competing varied activities such as Schutzhund, French Ring Sport, Obedience, Tracking, Agility, Personal Protection, Catch Work and Weight Pulls, as well as Conformation.

The American Pit Bull Terrier was first recognized for breed registration in 1898.