For more than a century, “pit bull” dogs have enriched our everyday lives. In the photo collection below “pit bull” dogs can be found as mascots for basketball and baseball teams, fire departments and railroad companies; standing alongside proud soldiers and sailors, on the covers of popular magazines and product advertisements, and as sidekicks for children during tea parties and television programs.

Just as they do today, “pit bull” dogs also lived with families that ranged from impoverished rural farmers to wealthy urban business owners. The early photos of families posing with their dogs, when photography was a rare luxury, stands as testament to the connection families felt towards their “pit bull” dogs. They are today as they were then: our family.

The historic photos shown here are just a sample of Animal Farm Foundation’s permanent collection of photographs and memorabilia celebrating “pit bull” dogs in America. We hope you enjoy them.