WTF! WHO KNEW THE MIDGET DUDE FROM PIT BOSS WAS A REAL G! HE DID 10 YEARS IN THE JOINT FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER!

The star of the Animal Planet show "Pit Boss" knows what it's like to be treated like an animal: Dude spent 10 years behind bars for attempted murder -- and TMZ has obtained his mug shot.
Before he started rescuing dogs, Shorty Rossi -- who went by the name Melvin Rossi -- was sentenced to 20 years in California State Prison for participating in a gang-related shooting in Los Angeles back in 1988.

Rossi -- who was a member of the Bloods street gang -- began his prison stint in 1989, but was released after 10 years.

Rossi has talked openly about his prison experience before -- but prides himself on turning his life around.

How's that for street cred?