Fighting dogs: photos and names

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

Dog fighting is a very dangerous competition, the participants of which can only be specially trained dogs. This cruel “sport” gained particular popularity at the beginning of the 18th century. Subsequently, it was officially banned in almost all countries. But as a reminder of its existence, fighting dog breeds remained, the names and descriptions of which will be presented in today's article.

Neapolitan Mastiff

These huge animals take pride of place in the list of fighting breeds. Their progenitors are ancient dogs belonging to the Molossians. The first mention of dogs, vaguely reminiscent of modern mastiffs, was found in documents dating back to the times of the Roman Empire. Then they were dressed in metal armor and used for battles. Often these formidable animals were direct participants in the spectacles that took place in the ancient Roman arenas. Today they are bred exclusively for protection or as companions.

NeapolitanThe mastiff is a fairly large fighting dog with strong bones and well-developed muscles. The height of an adult is 60-75 cm with a weight of 50-70 kg. On a massive head with strong jaws, fleshy lips and drooping eyelids are slightly deepened eyes and cropped ears. A relatively short and muscular neck smoothly passes into a well-defined withers, a broad back, a flat loin and a slightly sloping croup, ending at the base of the tail. The whole body of the animal is covered with thick, folded skin with short, stiff hair. In terms of coloration, blue-gray, hazel, black, fawn, brown, isabella and tan are accepted as standard, with small white markings on the chest and fingertips.

These massive fighting dogs have a balanced and phlegmatic temperament. But, despite the natural slowness, they are able to instantly attack the enemy. They are extremely loyal to their owners and, with proper training, can make excellent companions.

Tosa Inu

These animals were bred in Japan and are considered a national treasure of this state. For several centuries, they were specially trained in bloodless battles. But today they are kept as guards or companions.

Tosa Inu are powerful fighting dogs, photos of which will be presented in this article. The average height of an adult is 75 cm and weighs about 70 kg. On the massive wrinkled head, typical representatives of this breed have drooping ears and small dark eyes. Undera powerful body with a wide chest are long muscular limbs. The whole body of these beautiful animals is covered with thick, uniform hair.

Tosa Inu have a patient disposition. They are very devoted to their owner and his family members. With the right upbringing, they grow up to be good companions, guards, search engines or rescuers. They need long walks and regular mental and physical activity.

Ca de bou

This is another not very common fighting dog, the name of which many have never heard until today. She was bred in Spain specifically to participate in bullfighting.

Ca de bou are powerful animals with a moderately elongated body, massive Molossian bones, well-developed chest, strong neck and broad shoulders. However, they cannot boast of great growth. The height of an adult does not exceed 58 cm with a weight of about 40 kg. On a broad canine head with strong jaws and a cone-shaped muzzle, there are expressive dark eyes and small triangular ears. The entire body of a typical representative of this breed is covered with dense thick skin with short, stiff hair in brindle, red, fawn or black.

Despite their intimidating appearance, ca de bou are distinguished by an affectionate, balanced disposition. They do not show unreasonable aggression against a person, but in the presence of a clear threat, they turn into ferocious defenders. These animals lend themselves well to training and get along well with children.

Dogo Canario

This breed has a very ancient history. She was on the verge of extinction several times and was revived only thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts. This fighting dog, whose photograph can be seen below, has a very intimidating appearance. Well balanced, slightly elongated body with a straight back and a round, wide rump covered with short, harsh brindle or fawn coat. Under it are smooth, perfectly folded limbs with rounded fingers. On the wide, rather massive head of the Canary dog there are dark oval eyes and cropped ears.

Despite their serious appearance, representatives of this breed are endowed with a balanced and completely non-aggressive disposition. They are loyal to their owners and distrustful of outsiders. With the right upbringing and strict discipline, a small puppy turns out to be an excellent guard and faithful companion.

Bull Terrier

This agile, strong and hardy fighting dog breed, the photo of which will be presented a little later, was bred in the 19th century. Among their ancestors are bulldogs, terriers, collies, greyhounds and Dalmatians. Initially, they were used to participate in dog fights and as rat catchers.

Bull Terrier is a harmonious, muscular dog with strong bones and an elongated egg-shaped head. The entire body of the animal is covered with short, tight hair in fawn, red, red, brindle, black, white and tricolor.

As for the character, these are rather peculiar dogs. They perfectly combine formidable appearance and affectionate cheerful disposition. They are very playful, cheerful and friendly. Bull Terriers get along well with other pets, but when a clear threat appears, they can pounce on their compatriot. They need strict upbringing, long walks and regular exercise.

American Pit Bull Terrier

This fighting dog breed has managed to win the notoriety of aggressive dogs. Despite this, they are often kept as companions and pets. Stocky, agile and muscular pit bulls are not gigantic. The height of an adult is 43-47 cm. On a wide head with powerful jaws and a flat forehead, there are dark oval eyes and triangular ears hanging on cartilage, which are often stopped at puppyhood. Under a compact square body with rounded ribs, an elongated sloping croup and a deep chest, parallel limbs are located. The entire body of the dog is covered with coarse, short hair in brindle, spotted or solid colors.

As for the character, professional breeders conduct a rigorous selection on such parameters as the absence of aggression towards humans and the stability of the psyche. Thanks to their work, the modern pit bull is a cheerful, good-natured and agile dog, well trained.

Alano Espanyol

This is one of the oldest guard and fighting dogs. She was used to participate inbullfight. When this type of entertainment was banned, the breed ceased to be in demand and practically disappeared. But at the end of the 20th century, a group of enthusiasts managed to restore the number of Spanish bulldogs and today they are increasingly being bred to protect country houses.

Alano Espanyol is an athletic, strong dog with a slender, lean body, broad chest and long muscular limbs. The height of an adult is 55-60 cm with a weight of 35-40 kg. On the square massive head of the animal there are cropped ears and small brown or yellow eyes. The entire body of the Spanish Bulldog is covered with short, dense hair in gray, straw, red or black.

Brindis Fighting Dog

These animals appeared as a result of crossing the pit bull, Rottweiler and Canne Corso. They are still not recognized by any cynological organization and do not have an officially approved standard.

These powerful dogs have been bred to be fierce fighters and ferocious watchdogs, so they are unsuitable for family life and cannot function as a companion. This unregistered breed needs serious training and early socialization.