Pit bull is the common name for a type of dog. Formal dog breeds often considered of the pit bull type include the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and American Pit Bull Terrier. The American Bulldog and Bull Terrier are also sometimes included. Many of these breeds were originally developed as fighting dogs from cross breeding bull-baiting dogs and terriers. After the use of dogs in blood sports was banned, such dogs were used as catch dogs in America for semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt and drive livestock, and as family companions, although some owners still bred and used them clandestinely for dog fighting. This practice continues to this day, but is illegal in many nations.
