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.
ummm okay the english staffordshire has no pupose in baiting bulls. they actually came from the pit bull itself by crossbreeding it with mastifs and english bulldogs… use your common sense! the dog is much to short to bait a bull and they are not agile what so ever. they are like minature bulls thts why their nickname is english bullys. they dont even deserve to be on this list because they also have many health problems caused from desired traits of the wide chest or the wide arms owners want. An AMERICAN PIT BULL WOULD DESTROY ANY STAFFORDSHIRE PIT.. amstaff pits are now bred as showdogs by the way.
i luv dags x
To be honest I have to strongly disagree with any of this ANY dog is capable of becoming a great guard dog with the correct king of training and the fact that you have put this list of dogs is not very responsible surely you should know there are going to be people that look on this site for the wrong reasons and you are basically telling them this dog is great it was breed to fight, it is wrong!
Also to Omar, I think perhaps you need to research a little more, they was used for bear/bull baiting but when the interest declined they was used as fighting dogs, also there is NO mastiff in the staffordshire bull terrier what so ever and the English Staff was imported to the USA and breeds such as the American Pitbull and American Staff was produced, English Staffs are extremely agile dogs so I dont understand where you have got this from, also the last comment about an American pit would destroy en English Staff just proves to me you are one of those people who choose a certain breed to look ‘hard’!
You can’t classify half these dogs as fighting dogs. Dogs like the Corso, Dogo and the Ovtcharka were bred for herding , hunting and guarding. Pits, presa and tosa’s are fighting dogs, it’s what they are bred for. Don’t confuse a dominant and strong dog to be a fighting dog. All you are doing is enforcing the negative stigma associated with dogs like the cane corso, for being a dominant dog, when in reality these dogs are farm dogs used for herding, hutning and guarding, NOT fighting with other dogs, it would make the breed useless to it’s original keepers. You even contradict yourself, classifying the dogo argentino as a fighting dog then saying that the vicious temperment of the fighting dog of cordoba was bred out of the Dogo, so that it didn’t fight! The fact of the matter is that some dogs were bred to fight, ie: pits, who’s chest and front legs are shorter then their hind legs, thus making them better suited for fighting and less suited for hunting or any kind of long endurance running, or hunting. These are fighting dogs. Just because someone saw the potential in a big dog and put it in a dog fight does not mean it is a fighting dog. If that was the case then a motivated individual can turn a golden retriever into a fighting dog too, better add him to the list.
I like this list, but I’m not sure I’d score it the same way. First, you have to clarify, fighting WHAT exactly. Different dogs have different purposes, even among aggressive dogs. Ole’ Southern Whites or Performance line American Bulldogs for instance are truly incredible hog dogs, but while they can be trained for protection, it’s not their natural slant on life. Johnson and bully type American Bulldogs, however, take very naturally to protection work, but can rarely hog well and these are technically the same breed! So, when you discuss who fights best worldwide, fights WHAT is relavent. Next you have to ask, are we talking about commoners within a breed or ideal specimens within a breed. Commonly an English Mastiff is found sleeping, nice protection around the house, but he isn’t chaising a darned thing. I have seen an English Mastiff that hunted and were highly active and they could whoop most. In a fight with any of numerous pit dogs, most Mastiff would be torn to pieces, but some would be irritated enough to deliver the single bite required for any Mastiff to instantly kill any pit, up to and including Gull Dongs and any of the bully and Mastiff breeds smaller than the English Mastiff. I’ve seen dogs kill other animals and sometimes dogs also; it always comes down to a final single bite and it is always delivered by the bigger, heavier dog if it is different breeds fighting. Between same breeds, these become tests of strategy and longevity, but between breeds, the heavier dog can typically win if he has a heart to.
Omar are you serious!!!!! Get your facts straight…the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier WAS developed for bull baiting…and is the original PITBULL….They are what people used to CREATE the AMSTAFF and AMERICAN Pitt Bull…however, due to show breeders, many of the original lines are now very rare, and that is why many of the dogs now sadly look like they do…even the American Pitt is no longer like the original dog that it once was…they have been breed for size instead of purpose…before you go ahead and dismiss the tenacity of a Stafford, you should learn the history of the pitbull breed moron
You have obviously never seen what a Cane Corso will do with a pit
in reply to Omar –
the pitbull originated from the likes of the Staffy not the other way around.
And they were bred for bull baiting.
‘english bull terriers are called bull terriers.
get your facts right you numpty.
Omar, you don’t know what you’re talking about. The English always had the English Staffordshire terrier..always did. The American pit bull descended FROM the AST…Americans tend to prefer larger dogs so they bred for that trait therefore that’s how pit bulls got bigger. The traditional pit bull intended for fighting tend to be 35-55 lbs. Anything over 55 lbs has mastiff in it somewhere…no debate.
i think pits should b mun 1 but i hate that ” people would make the m fight
So where is the English Bull Terrier ( bull terrier USA ) on this list Which is the gladiator of fighting dogs. I agree with omar the pit bull is probably a stronger dog than the staffordshire bull terrier, But the english bull terrier is stronger than both put together.
To Omar – Get your facts wright (it’s the other way around). APBT came from Staffs.
English Staffs were bred with God only knows what to produce the early pitbull
I love my american bulldog. He is the most devoted, protective and loving dog you could ever have. And he doesnt take any shit!
What about the Thai Ridgeback??? They should have made this list as they for sure beat out some breeds mentioned on this list. I own two Thai Ridgebacks and they are very well muscled, agile, inteligent dogs. Great watch dogs that only bark if something is not right or out of the norm, and great guard dogs that if they do not know you and/or are percieved to be a threat to the family, you better back off because they are fearless and will rip your face off without hesitation, unless there owners call them off.
A reply to Omars comments
Staffies are very fast and very agile, if you look into the history of anamal breeding you would notice the size of cattle has increased massively and in the past the Staffordshire bull terrier was more than capable of handling a bull. The fact is American pit bull terriers came out of Staffie cross breading.
I have had proper bred Staffies for over 30 years and I use to show the breed. a proper bred Staffie is more than a match for any pit bull, the problem is you are basing your opinion on very poor stock.
I, too, possess a pit-bull who will be the most trusting animal I have ever owned. Soon, a fresh dog breed will can come along for that media to blast, as they have done rotties and dobies in past many years. Unfortunate that media sensationalism breeds much inaccurate data.
The Dogo Argentino is a hunting dog VERY GOOD AS IT ONCE Q VIEW TO A DAM IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE LOSE, also produced CPAZ LOT OF YE DIE FORCE IN THE MIDDLE OF A FIGHT WITH A WILD BOAR (and I’ve seen) than to leave ESCAPE …
I’m with Elvis….
the staffordshire bull terrier was bred for bull baiting and was very good at it. just because a lot of people keep their dog in poor condition like those displayed in the picture here, it does not mean the breed is not agile and powerful.
as a fighting dog, originally they were poor and so had the manchester white terrier bred into them to make them more dog aggressive.
as Elvis also said, the american pitbull terrier came from the stafford not the other way around. the pit came from people taking the staffy to america and through various crosses and selective breeding, bred the staffy to be larger and heavier boned.
What about the Kurdish Kangal?? I think you might have missed one
First of all pits are 1st.I personally would like to every single dog fighter thats cruelty,but pits are the best fightng dogs.They are way to fast for most of the dogs on this website,not all but most.They are light,so their owners can easily pick them up.And even though they do not have the most ppowerful jaws,they are powerful enough to give these dogs a challenge.Learn your facts it clear that your lost.
u guys have the best dogs in the world
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TURKISH KANGAL DOGS are not in the list. Buddy you have no idea what you are talking about.
@brown what? kurtish shit u said ? No shame right? stealing other country’s dog.
why the hell hav you put a staff like that as number two i wouldnt even put the staff at number 10 with a picture like that the dog is overweight and by the looks of it has had no excersize and has been fed on poor quality canned dog food! if a picture of my staff was up there i would put it as number one! and it does not matter which dog is bigger and looks more agressive than others because my staff will take on any dog you bring to her and she will destroy it without doubt. and she is not much to look at for a staff but she is raawww
In reply to “XXXXX” No they are called English Bull Terriers Hence they come from England not America. The pit bull was originally from the uk and was known as the Stafford terrier which was used for baiting bulls which then became illegal and the breed was then band in the uk, America then continued to use the dog for fighting in the pits and the name was then changed to the American pit bull terrier, When it was first registered with the AKC.Looking it up yourselves http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pit_Bull Quite frankly I couldn’t care what dog is strongest dogs are pets not for fighting each other. If I ever see anybody using dogs for fighting I would personally throw them in the pit myself prior to breaking there legs.
I’ll put a African Boerboel against any on this list and any others that were left off.
well to be correct its kurdish kangel not turkish kangel
the turkish kangel strain came from the kurds and two i think the Pakistani Bully Kutta should be on it and three
i own 5 pittbulls who i use to offset the medias lies about the breed and a pure pit is like they said should be in the 50″s range mine are areound 48 being my main dog and hes slim not huge and 4 the staffy and the pit bull are one in the same just called diff cuz two kennel clubs have diff standards there are visual diff”s how ever in weight and build still beautiful dogs all are n i hope they all find peace
what a bunch of dumb asses. Most purebred dogs are not bred for work, just for show, and have many liabilities due to inbreeding. Show breeders are bad for dogs, because they are always trying to bring out unnatural traits, i.e. deformed skull and short legs of the modern bulldog. I have a pit, but not registered and it most resembles the original bulldogs(bull baiting dogs) from the 15th and 16th centuries. except he’s black. Pits are not the best guard dogs, since most are very people friendly.
They are however very athletic and have very desirable traits to true dog lovers.
Thank you kyle,I am an english bull terrier owner
and in our family most of us own staffies a few dogos a pit and two mastiffs. Without any doubt my bull terrier is the leader of the pack! My mothers boxer (bitch) by the way also is one to be reconed with but i think she is more of an exception, she has heart like no boxer i have seen before.
i agree with kyle pitting dogs is lowest of all the human actions
how moderate is one to be to condem this act
it is a noble creature providing companionship and love,not to be treated as such
I’m with kyle, rather than see the dogs fight i’d rather go toe to toe with the owner. I own a dogue de bordeaux rotty cross and he backs me up no matter who or what ! Toughest dog is a stupid argument these days, you may as well compare mammoth hunting weapons! breed characteristics are so diverse you can have a apbt thats a ponse and a lab that can be a game keepers “night dog”.
Phil uk.
most of these breeds listed are not the super bad fighting dogs. You can make any dog breed aggressive in the areas that these dogs are. I myself own a american pitbull terrier and a cane corso, both of them are male and are exceptionaly well tempered. I guess haviing a dog that comes from a good blood line that avoids line breeding has its rewards. My dogs are excellent working dogs on the farm and great with people and other animals. The APBT lets the kittens in the barn sleep with it. I do appreciate this articles attempt to try to inform people of these dogs charcater but what makes the majority of these dogs so great at fighting is what makes them great as family pets. They have a level of loyalty that is almost on touchable by other breeds. These breeds fight like they do not because they love to fight, they do it because thier piece of crap owners want them to and all the dogs want to do is please thier owners. Do not confuse willingness to please an owner with the propencity towards dispicable acts, with aggressive, vicious dogs.
a dogo argentino would rip all theese dogs to shreds . afatr from the dogo not being number 1 , i agree with this list
i live in england i have had two pitbulls 1 staff and currently have a staff bull terrior x american bulldog and kyle is right, i would break legs and chuck u in a pit to. but there are some facts that nedd setting straight, the english bull terrior was the origanal and was bred from english bullys lurchers, dalmations and several other dogs there was no mastiff in a real english bull terrior and the staff was bred from them for the bigger head and then people made pits from gross over breedin dont get me wrong there are lots of true pitbulls out there but around 70% of them are just crosses with bigger breeds and either way it shouldnt matter a dog is a dog and they should be companions not tools so why dont you stop tryin to big up your dogs because im sure you wouldnt chuck yours into a fight>>>
bahhaahaha Omar got OWNED! English staffs are Staunch
As a life long owner, you are all idiots for the most part -
Kyle, well said, dogs are pets.. and fighting them is cruelty!
my staffy is a total gem..and i couldnt ask for a more loving, devoted companion.
quite how someone can brutalise an animal escapes me,
tossers!
I love all dogs & I think anybody who abuses dogs by fighting or being mean to them should be given the leghal injection which I would happly give. I have 2 westhighland white terriers who are spoilt rotton the way dogs should be treated.
new safe dog/human exercise rigs
unlimited dog exercise under excellent dog control- give the pit bulls a job/sport !
these rigs are much safer and more practical than any “dog out front ” method of mushing for us urban dwellers.
Dear High Drive Dog Owners-
check out these new dog/human powered rigs ! at http://WWW.DOGPOWEREDSCOOTER.COM
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this is the first time anyone has placed a pulling animal BEHIND a steering wheel- that makes it safe and so easy- that makes it big news !
any chance of a link? or a news item?
thanks
mark
u can c in the picture above 2 staffies bull baiting u dumbass yanks. and a staffs nickname is not a bully and never has been, its the nanny dog. they originated in staffordshire england and were imported to the states.
the picture of dog fighting is going to be reported by me to the rspca or i wont if you stop making these dogs fight i wont.if you dont stop fighting these dogs people will come round and remove the dogs and give them a better home or destroy them depending what state there in……….:}
Replying to the comment on eng staffs for one thank you for making them look like terrible fighting dogs hopefully that deters the retards that do fight dogs to want one for that purpose (maybe those people should get in the ring and try to fight off a couple pit bulls that humans have turned into killing machines)also they were used to bait bulls and other animals early on in there breed history as well as fight other dogs unfortunately and by the way the (PIT BULL) was bred partially out of the Staffordshire bull terrier not the other way around and lastly of course a pit bull that is on avg 100lbs would kill a Stafford of avg 35 lbs (Staffords are extremely affectionate kind dogs that are very very predictable and would also die defending their families home but as for fighting dogs you are right no good because the breeders for a long time now have been breeding them for things other than fighting (Thank god) I know some of the oldest breeders in the states and UK and have Staffys from some of the best lineage so I kind of know a bit about the subject)
ummmm, what have u guys been smoking . . . . . pure blood german sheperds are the best fight/ guard dogs there are and always have been as they are used in the army, police K9 force and renoun as #1 guard dog
That is pretty instresting. I think that pitbulls are just very misunderstood
i can not believe you guys are having an argument over which dog is best, surely you have moved out of the middle ages?! it is people like you who give these dogs a bad name, i breed staffords, and mine are lovable loyal pets, who live with children, why dont you go satisfy your blood lust another way, like go in a ring against a bull and see who wins!! and this website is gloryfying fighting dogs, if people like you carry on, there will be no more legal dog breeds left accept from the toys, grow up!
Some of you really do have no clue what you are talking about…
Omar the Pit Bull originated from the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and then the AmStaff come out of the APBT after the AKC wanted to chance the APBT froma working dog with high prey drive to a show and family dog with no drive. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was taken to America from England and Ireland and it was developed into the American Pit Bull Terrier.. So in theory the Pit Bull is a British dog and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier WAS the original Pit Bull… Staffordshire Bull Terriers were bred as Bull and Badger Baiting dogs you muppet.. YOU use your common sense. I also can guarantee a Staffordshire Bull Terrier of working lines (NOT short and fat but old tyme Staffs at 16″-18″ tall… broad at the shoulders and slender at the hindquarters with a prey drive you could only WISH for in a dog) could and WILL put a “Game” Pit Bull to shame in the Pit..
Jason I have known Irish Staffordshire Bull Terriers (Essentially Pit Bulls from old Staffordshire Bull lines) to absolutely destroy a Cane Corso and on one occasion an Irish Staff killed a CC with ease…
Englsih Bull Terriers were bred for show purposes not for fighting although they have proven to be very good at it in the past…
I don’t agree with the Tosa being number 1.. although considered a fighting breed they wrestle more than fight.. They are for Japanese dog fighting in which a dog (Tosa) will wrestle another dog in a play fighting manner but will not actually fight in the sense of biting.. holding.. shaking and tearing…
I believe all breeds are bread for certain purposes. If you take the cane carso or even the bull mastiff out they would be meant for bear large game and would need less of them to take care of there jobs. Such as the red nose pitbulls 65lbs or 85 lbs would be rather better for wild boar. So when it comes to putting dogs in a ring or be the best fighting dog you don’t want a dog that is a 150lbs to 200 lbs it wont be slow but i gurantee you that you put a large well trained fighting dog against any well trained pitbull they would lose pitbulls are high energy very fast and thats the key there size they will be extremely to fast for any large size cane or mastiff. Lets just say my opinion i believe the Red nose American Pit will do the job!