Guard Dogs Guide Stance on Dogfighting

Recently, I have received a lot of backlash about an article I wrote called “The Ten Best Breeds for Dogfighting”. The reason I wrote this article was because many people felt that there was a correlation between choosing a guard dog and choosing this breed based on the best fighting dogs in the world. This article was only written as a reference and it was never my intention for people to think that I approve of dog fighting.  I have my own dogs and would never  think of using them to fight. I wrote the article not realizing that it would cause so many people to have such varied opinions and I am glad that it has invoked discussion and allowed people to tell others how they feel. Below, I have posted some facts about dog fighting from the Humane Society.

What is dogfighting?

Dogfighting is a sadistic “contest” in which two dogs—specifically bred, conditioned, and trained to fight—are placed in a pit (generally a small arena enclosed by plywood walls) to fight each other for the spectators’ entertainment and gambling.

Fights average one to two hours, ending one of the dogs will not or cannot continue. In addition to these organized dogfights, there are reports of an increase in unorganized street fights in urban areas.

How does it cause animal suffering?

The injuries inflicted and sustained by dogs participating in dogfights are frequently severe, even fatal. The American pit bull terriers used in the majority of these fights have been specifically bred and trained for fighting and are unrelenting in their attempts to overcome their opponents. With their extremely powerful jaws, they are able to inflict severe bruising, deep puncture wounds and broken bones.

Dogs used in these events often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection hours or even days after the fight. Other animals are often sacrificed as well; pit bulls who are born “cold,” or won’t fight, may be kept around to sic other dogs on.

In describing the details of one particular dogfight, a convicted dogfighter wrote, “Miss Rufus spent most of the rest of the fight on her back and Bandit broke her other front leg high up in the shoulder, as well as one of her back legs, in the knee joint. The only leg she didn’t break she chewed all to hell. She had literally scalped Miss Rufus, tearing a big chunk of skin off the top of her head alongside one ear.”

Are there other concerns?

Yes. Numerous law enforcement raids have unearthed many disturbing facets of this illegal “sport.” Young children are sometimes present at the events, which can promote insensitivity to animal suffering, enthusiasm for violence, and disrespect for the law. Illegal gambling is the norm at dogfights. Dog owners and spectators wager thousands of dollars on their favorites. Firearms and other weapons have been found at dogfights because of the large amounts of cash present. Dogfighting has also been connected to other kinds of violence—even homicide, according to newspaper reports. In addition, illegal drugs are often sold and used at dogfights.

Why should dogfighting be a felony offense?

There are several compelling reasons. Because dogfighting yields such large profits for participants, the minor penalties associated with misdemeanor convictions are not a sufficient deterrent. Dogfighters merely absorb these fines as part of the cost of doing business. The cruelty inherent in dogfighting should be punished by more than a slap on the wrist. Dogfighting is not a spur-of-the-moment act; it is a premeditated and cruel practice.

Those involved in dogfighting go to extensive lengths to avoid detection by law enforcement, so investigations can be difficult, dangerous, and expensive. Law enforcement officials are more inclined to investigate dogfighting if it is a felony. As more states make dogfighting a felony offense, those remaining states with low penalties will become magnets for dogfighters.

Do some states already have felony laws?

Yes. Dogfighting is a felony offense in all 50 states, and it is a felony offense under federal law as well.

Should being a spectator also be a felony?

Yes. Spectators provide much of the profit associated with dogfighting. The money generated by admission fees and gambling helps keep this “sport” alive. Because dogfights are illegal and therefore not widely publicized, spectators do not merely happen upon a fight; they seek it out. They are willing participants who support a criminal activity through their paid admission and attendance.

For more information about dogfighting, visit http://www.humanesociety.org

While this site neither condones nor approves of dog fighting, it does become a factor when people are searching for guard dogs. There is a close correlation in how a dog defends itself with the selection of a dog for guarding of family and property. While dog fighting is not legal in the United States, it is not illegal to own a dog bred for fighting.

Dog fighting has been documented in the recorded history of many different cultures, and is presumed to have existed since the early domestication of the species. Many breeds have been bred exclusively for the might, mind-set, and physical features that would make them better fighting dogs.

It has also been popular in many countries throughout history and continues to be practiced both legally and illegally around the world. Japan, Russia, South Africa, and much of Latin America have either no laws against dog fighting or are lenient against this crime. Japan is one of the only countries where this form of competition is not a blood sport, but a contest with strict guidelines and ceremony.

This list of the ten best fighting dogs in the world is organized for statistical purposes and is in no way a merit or support for the sport of dog fighting. It is only to help people in deciding what breed is best for guard dog training.

10.  Fila Brasileiro

The Fila Brasileiro is thought to have been developed from a number of breeds, predominantly the Mastiff, the Bulldog, and the Bloodhound. The Fila Brasileiro is an exceptional guard dogs and cattle herders. It does not hide its dislike of strangers, but these dogs are not disqualified from the show ring for showing aggression to the judges.

9. Pakistani Mastiff

All Pakistani Mastiffs have English Bull Terrier blood as well as blood from the crossings of several other British breeds such as English Mastiffs, Pointers and several types of British hunting dogs.

The Pakistani Mastiffs are victims of dog fighting but most of these rare dogs are used as guard dogs in Pakistan and India. It is because of their enormous size and strength that a few find themselves in the hands of people who choose to use them for dog fighting which is still illegal in Pakistan and its neighboring countries.

8. Cane Corso

The Cane Corso’s history is shrouded in mystery and differing opinions. It is generally agreed that the Cane Corso is a farm dog which has been used for stock control, property, guard dogs and big game hunting throughout its Italian history.

7. Caucasian Ovtcharka

The fighting strains of the Caucasian Ovcharka can contain blood of some European breeds, from mastiffs to American Pit Bull Terriers and Bandogs, but these crosses are a minority in the breed. These dogs were used for centuries to protect properties, guard livestock, kill wolves, hunt bears and the green for many other duties.

6. Presa Canario

Presa Canario was created during the 18th century for the purpose of being a guard dog, for the holding and driving of livestock, and exterminating wild or stray dogs. This dog breed was also used for dog fighting, a tradition the English settlers transplanted along with their Mastiff and Bulldog breeds. Canary Islanders consider these fights “honor fights” and not the sole purpose of the animal.

5. Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino was bred specifically to avoid the dog aggression problems inherent in the Cordoba Fighting Dog when applied to hunting, specifically its lack of ability to hunt in a pack. The creators of the breed took great care to prevent this undesirable trait from manifesting in the Dogo Argentino, as the breed was always intended to be a pack hunter.

4. American Pit Bull Terrier

There is much debate as to where the APTB belongs on this list. To some, there is no better a fighting dog, but to those who fight dogs legally, this breed is farther down on their list. This dog is most popular for dog fighting in the United States where it is highly illegal.

3. American Bandogge

While these dogs weren’t bred to be fighting dogs, they do share hostile traits with their crossbreeds, at least when it comes to other dogs, meaning that they make a poor selection for people who’ve never owned a dog, or aren’t familiar with dogs that don’t socialize well with others. Still, some do use these dogs for fighting.

2. English Staffordshire Bull Terrier

English Staffordshire Bull Terrier had originally been bred for bull baiting. The fact that it can scrap with bulls shows that it’s pretty strong breed of dog for fighting.

1. Tosa Inu

The Tosa Inu is a massive, regal dog, standing well over 30 inches at the shoulders and weighing up to 150 pounds. This is an animal of legendary courage, intelligence and amazing presence. It has been described as the Sumo Wrestler of the Canine World and is considered a National Treasure in Japan. The sight of a Tosa Inu arrayed in full ceremonial fighting regalia and traditionally brought into the fighting arena by two handlers, makes an impressive and unforgettable impact.