Fighting dog breeds: list, characteristics and interesting facts

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The term “fighting dogs” refers to breeds bred specifically for fights with their relatives or for baiting wild animals. The vast majority of the descendants of these dogs can be attributed to large Molossians or terriers of the so-called bull type. Vivid representatives of the first group are mastiffs, Canarian and Argentinean dogs. The second includes amstaffs, boules and pitas. The modern list of fighting dog breeds includes several dozen varieties of dogs. You will find a description of the most popular of them in today's article.

Shar Pei

These pretty animals can often be found on the streets of modern cities. Often teenagers or older people walk with them. At the same time, few people imagine how dangerous wrinkled beauties can be. Meanwhile, Shar Pei is one of the oldest fighting dog breeds, in the history of which there are many gaps. Scientists who studied the DNA of these animals managed to establish that they appeared more than three millennia ago. It is possible that they have common roots with mastiffs and chow chows. Interestingly, in the 1930scenturies they were on the verge of extinction and were saved only thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts. To restore the lost livestock, not only purebred individuals were allowed to breed, but also representatives of other related breeds.

Shar Pei is a medium-sized dog with a strong, dense build. The height of an adult animal is 45-50 cm, and the weight ranges from 17 to 26 kg. On a large, disproportionate head with a wide square muzzle and powerful jaws, there are close-set almond-shaped eyes and small triangular ears. Violet or dark blue gums, palate and tongue are considered to be a distinctive feature of representatives of this fighting dog breed.

Despite their pretty appearance, these animals are endowed with a serious, freedom-loving and very aggressive disposition. They need early socialization and timely training. Properly educated Shar-Peis get along well with children and behave adequately with strangers. They adapt well to life in urban apartments and do not tolerate prolonged loneliness.

American Pit Bull Terrier

The history of these formidable dogs is calculated in three centuries. The birthplace of one of the best fighting dog breeds is Great Britain. Pit bulls were bred by crossing American bulldogs and fox terriers and were used not only to participate in dog fights, but also to hunt large animals. It is interesting that in most countries of the world this breed is not only not bred in nurseries, but is also not allowed to show.

The American Pit Bull is a strong dog with well-developed muscles. This is not a very large fighting dog breed. The height of an adult animal ranges from 44-50 cm, and the weight is 13-27 kg. On a medium rectangular head with a wide muzzle and powerful jaws, there are almond-shaped eyes and neat cropped ears. Under a harmoniously developed body with a powerful chest and a flat, short back, straight strong limbs are located. The whole body of the animal is covered with short shiny hair. As for the color, various variations are allowed by the standard, ranging from pure white to black or dark brown.

Despite the bad reputation, pit bulls are endowed with a fairly calm and peaceful disposition. With proper upbringing, they make good companions who get along well with children. They are very devoted to their owners and are always ready to stand up for them. These animals lend themselves well to training and do not pretend to be a leader. They are quite temperamental and need regular exercise.

American Bulldog

These beautiful and very strong animals were obtained as a result of centuries of purposeful selection work. They were bred on the basis of the Old English Bulldogs, which have been used for bull-baiting for several centuries. It is interesting that, according to some reports, they retained the exterior, as close as possible to the phenotype of their progenitors.

Ambul is one of the strongest fighting dog breeds. Physical power is conditioned, gentlyspeaking, rather big. The height of an adult varies between 58-68 cm, and the weight can reach 35-60 kg. To date, experts distinguish two intrabreed types. The classic variety is outwardly close to the English bulldog. Such dogs have a short muzzle, well-developed bones and muscle mass. The standard variety was bred for continuous pursuit of prey. The ambul of this type is an athletic, light dog with a long muzzle.

The fighting breed is endowed not only with an impressive appearance, but also with an appropriate disposition. The American Bulldog is a rather wayward and stubborn dog that can obey a person with a strong character. He is distrustful of strangers and may show aggression towards other animals. He needs early socialization and tends to fight for leadership. With the right upbringing, a small puppy will quickly grow into a wonderful companion and a reliable, selfless protector.

Tosa Inu

This Japanese breed of strong fighting dogs was bred on the territory of one of the principalities located on the island of Shikoku. There are many white spots in its origin. According to some reports, the ancestors of these animals were bulldogs, mastiffs and bull terriers. Interestingly, the Japanese still revere representatives of this breed and forbid them to be taken out of the country. All Tosa Inu living in Europe came there from Korea or China.

Representatives of this rare fighting dog breed, the name of which many ofthey hear you for the first time, they are quite large in size. The height of an adult dog is 55-60 cm, and the weight can reach 90 kg. On a large broad head with a square muzzle, a wrinkled forehead, a well-defined nape and clearly defined cheekbones, there are dark brown eyes and high-set hanging ears. Under a powerful body with relief muscles, a deep chest, a flat back and a sloping croup, there are strong straight limbs with arched paws. The entire body of the animal is covered with dense, short and coarse hair of red, beige, brick red, brindle or fawn color. There is always a black mask on the muzzle.

Tosa Inu is a wayward and proud dog that only a person with a strong character can handle. He is quite loyal to children, but will not tolerate familiarity. This animal is not suitable for keeping in a city apartment and needs regular long walks. Given his fighting background, he needs to be socialized from childhood and taught the right behavior in crowded places.

Neapolitan Mastiff

This giant fighting dog breed is the oldest of all that were bred in Italy. Her ancestors were ancient Egyptian and Assyrian dogs. The first mention of similar animals was found in documents dating back to the era of the Roman Empire. In those distant times, these giants were used to participate in spectacular battles. They were dressed in metal armor and released into the arena.

Interestingly, this is one of the mostlarge fighting dog breeds, which were listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The largest Neapolitan mastiff named Hercules weighed 128 kg, and his neck girth was 97 cm. The average height of representatives of this breed varies between 60-75 cm, and the weight can reach 50-70 kg. On a huge head with powerful jaws, drooping eyelids and fleshy lips, there are slightly deepened eyes and triangular cropped ears. The whole body of the animal is covered with thick, loose skin, on which grows short, smooth hair of Isabella, hazel, fawn, black, fawn, brown, blue or lead-gray.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a balanced, phlegmatic dog that can instantly react to any threat. Despite his impressive size and combative past, he is endowed with a peaceful, docile disposition. He quickly becomes attached to his master and remains faithful to him until his last breath. This giant is jealous enough that it should not be taken into families with children and other pets.

Cane Corso

Ancient Tibetan great danes are considered to be the ancestors of this black fighting dog breed. The first mention of dogs, outwardly resembling modern Cane Corso, are found in chronicles dated 1400-1500. In those days, tireless fearless giants were used for arena fights, military campaigns and protection of the territory. Interestingly, even gold was trusted to them. Cane Corso regularly accompanied city officials and tax collectors.

Representatives of this ancient fighting dog breed are distinguished by their powerfulphysique. They have well-developed muscles, a rectangular body and strong bones. The height of an adult dog varies between 58-70 cm, and body weight can reach 40-50 kg. On a large broad-browed head with a well-defined dividing furrow, a square shortened muzzle and thick lips, there are dark, oval, slightly bulging eyes and triangular hanging ears. Under a stable, stocky body with a falling back line are muscular strong limbs with clenched fingers. The whole body of the animal is covered with a short hard outer hair, under which a moderately developed undercoat is hidden. As for color, black dogs are the most common. But the Cane Corso standard allows the existence of blue, brindle, red, light and dark gray individuals.

Representatives of this breed are endowed with a balanced disposition and a strong nervous system. They have a well-defined territorial instinct and need early socialization. With the right upbringing, these huge dogs become full-fledged members of society and do not pose a real threat.

Dogo Argentino

These white fighting dogs are distantly related to Boxers, English Bulldogs and Bull Terriers. And their creator is considered to be a university professor named Antonio Nores Martinez. Interestingly, the Dogo Argentino is still considered the only national breed of its state.

Representatives of this breed cannot boast of gigantic size. Height of an adult animalfluctuates between 60-68 cm, and the weight reaches 40-45 kg. On a massive convex skull with a well-defined frontal furrow, an elongated broad muzzle and powerful jaws, there are hazel or dark brown almond-shaped eyes and high-set ears. Under a rectangular, moderately extended body with a voluminous deep chest and a straight topline, there are strong, even limbs with well-knit fingers. The entire body of the dog is covered with short, tight-fitting white hair. The standard allows for small dark spots, the total area of which does not exceed 10% of the head size.

Dogo Argentino is an active, hardy and very strong dog. He is always ready to fight with the enemy and is not suitable for the role of the first dog for a novice cynologist. It is unsuitable for the harsh Russian winters, but it tolerates heat well. This is a fairly rare fighting dog breed. The price for such a puppy starts from 15-20 thousand rubles. The cost of a baby from a well-known cattery with an excellent pedigree can be twice or three times higher than the indicated figure.

Dogo Canario

The history of this rare breed begins in the Middle Ages. Canarian dogs were not bred on purpose. They appeared as a result of a chaotic crossing of local shepherd dogs and imported mastiffs. Subsequently, these animals were endangered. To mitigate the unpredictable nature and preserve the Dogo Canario population (this is the second name of the fighting dog breed), the Rottweiler and the Neapolitan Mastiff were added to the list of infused blood.

These are quite large and massive dogs. The height of an adult is 60-65 cm, and the weight can reach 50 kg. On a short rectangular head with a flat forehead, drooping cheeks and strong jaws, there are oval wide-set eyes and triangular pointed ears. Under a slightly stretched body with a straight back and developed muscles, there are strong, even limbs with rounded fingers. The entire body of the Dogo Canario is covered with a short, shiny, elastic brindle coat.

Representatives of this fighting dog breed are endowed with a calm, self-confident disposition. They are suspicious of strangers and animals, and only natural restraint does not allow them to immediately attack the chosen target. Great Danes quickly become attached to their owners and get along well with children. They lend themselves well to training, if desired, you can grow an affectionate, tolerant dog from them. To do this, they need to be introduced to different people from an early age and often taken to public places.

Bull Terrier

The first mention of these animals dates back to the 19th century. They were bred specifically for baiting bulls. Among their ancestors are Spanish Pointers, Bulldogs and Old English Terriers. Interestingly, they were originally called White Cavalier, and only after some time they received their modern name.

Bull Terrier is an athletic fighting dog breed with a rat-like face, thin small ears and deep-set triangular or almond-shaped eyes. Despite the seemingheaviness, the dog should not be too massive. The strong thick neck of the animal smoothly flows into wide, developed shoulders, a flat back and a short croup, ending at the base of a low-set tail. Under the harmonious body of a dog with a powerful chest are strong straight limbs. The entire body of the dog is covered with short, shiny hair of various colors.

Bull Terrier is a cheerful, active animal that loves to spend time in the company of its owner. He is very cheerful, funny, playful and incredibly temperamental. At the same time, do not forget that this dog can be quite jealous. A properly trained dog will never show aggression towards a person. The Bull Terrier adapts perfectly to living in a city apartment. But in this case, the owner will have to provide his four-legged pet with regular long walks and physical activity.

American Staffordshire Terrier

The ancestors of the fighting dog breed with a controversial reputation are the old-fashioned bulldogs. As a result of their crossing with terriers, Amstaffs appeared. It is interesting that in the pedigrees of representatives of this breed there are common ancestors with pita.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a strong, compact dog with a straight, attentive look and solid muscles. The height of an adult animal varies from 43 to 48 cm. On a square skull with a pronounced stop, strong jaws and a rounded back of the nose, there are dark brown almond-shaped eyes and small ears. Under a proportional body with a well-developed chesta cage and a voluminous neck expanding towards the shoulders are strong, even limbs with fingers gathered in a ball. The entire body of the dog is covered with a short, smooth, close-fitting guard hair, under which there is no undercoat. As for the color, any variation is allowed by the standard, with the exception of white, liver and black and tan. Most often on the streets you can meet brindle, spotted, colored and solid Staffordshire terriers.

Representatives of this breed are endowed with a bold, purposeful disposition. They are quite active and temperamental. These animals bizarrely combine such qualities as kindness and intransigence, sensitivity and stubbornness, strength and tenderness. They are very vindictive and do not forgive insults. American Staffordshire Terriers quickly get used to their owners and their families. They are very contact and insensitive to pain. With the right upbringing, they make good companions. They almost never growl and rarely give a voice. These dogs are able to stand up for their owners, but experts strongly do not recommend deliberately instilling aggression towards humans in them. Despite the fact that they are easy to educate, in the process of training, difficulties often arise associated with hyperactivity and increased stubbornness of the little amstaff. Therefore, the owner will have to show a lot of patience in order to raise a worthy dog.