How did the pit-bull dogs exist?

The American Staffordshire Terrier and The

American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) by breed are from the same

lineage. The dog was bred first to bait bulls and bears. When

bear-baiting and bull-baiting were deemed inhumane, rat-baiting and

dog fighting became more popular. The APBT Breed was used in both

sports, and its prevalence in being put in pits with rats, or other

dogs led to "pit" being added to its name.