Pit bulls were originally bred from Old English Bulldogs and Old English Terriers in England to produce a dog that combined the gameness of the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the bulldog. This type of dog became known as the bull and terrier, and these dogs arrived in the United States in the late nineteenth century where they became the direct ancestors of the American Pit Bull Terrier. In the early 20th century, pit bulls were used as catch dogs in America for semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt hogs, and drive livestock, and as family companions. However, some pit bulls were selected and bred for their fighting ability, and they were used for dog fighting and bull-baiting. Through selective breeding and culling, bite inhibition towards humans was greatly encouraged, and gamblers had to be sure that they could enter a pit and handle their dogs in close proximity without the danger of being bit themselves. Today, pit bulls are used as companion dogs, working dogs, athletic sport dogs, police dogs, and therapy dogs.