Pit bull competition in Kidapawan City in Mindanao

A trainer lures his pit bull to pull hundreds of pounds of weights Sunday, June 7, 2009 in Kidapawan City in the southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Geo Solmerano)

Photo: Pit Bull Fever In Mindanao

Pit Bull Revolution, the Contest is for fastest pull, first pull times 30 of the Pit bull weight; second pull times 40 of the Pit bull weight and the heaviest pull times 55 of the Pit bull weight. The weighing takes place during the registration; some dogs are put in the cage during the weighing, some pit bulls are not train with many people around. During the weighing, spectators are reminded not go near the pit bull.

The contest proper takes place. Bait will be at the hand of the baiter. Bait is a stuff toy that has a resemblance to a cat in a cage - live bait is not allowed. Once the pit bull bites the bait, then it is considered foul and the dog will go back to the starting line and pull again, three chances is allowed. The dog will have to force itself to pull the weight and during the coverage. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Geonarri Solmerano)

Photo: Pit Bull Competition In Mindanao

A Pit Bull pulls a heavy load during a “Pit Bull Revolution” contest Monday, December 29, 2008 in the town of Matalam in North Cotabato province in the southern Philippines, to the delight of spectators. The contest is one the culminating activity in the 47th anniversary of Matalam town. Pit Bull is a term commonly used to describe several breeds of dog in the Molosser family that were historically used for dog fighting. The breeds most often placed in this category are the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Geonarri Solmerano)

Kidapawan Pitbull Revolution 2008

Pit bull is a term commonly used to describe several types of dogs with similar physical characteristics. There are several physically similar breeds that are often termed "pit bull", including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the Bull Terrier, the Perro de Presa Canario, Cane Corso, and Argentine Dogos.

These breeds are usually not included by name in any Breed Specific Legislation, but are sometimes included because of a broad definition and confusion as to what a pit bull actually is. All of these breeds as well as many others (including Great Danes, Newfoundlands and Rottweilers) are members of the Molosser family of dog breeds.

The ancestors of modern pit bulls come from the bulldogs and terriers of England. At one time every county in England had its own breed of terrier.

Many of these still exist; however, some have evolved into new ones. Such is the case for the English White and the Black and Tan terriers, whose descendants include the bull-and-terriers, the Fox Terrier, and the Manchester Terrier.

Terriers served an important purpose in England by killing vermin that might otherwise ruin crops, damage property, or spread disease such as the Black Plague. The development of sports such as rat or badger baiting further added to the breeds' importance.

All photos submitted Geonarri Solmerano.