A Dog in the Fight and Bait Animals
While many dogs were and sadly still are used for fighting in different parts of the world, these modern fighting dogs we know of today can all be traced back to five distinct breeds:
Today, none of the above five make the list of popular fighting dogs.
Years ago, fighting dog breeds were revered for their large bodies, powerful builds, and powerful jaws. They had to have a low and loud bark.
But now, fighting dog handlers prefer medium-sized and sturdy dogs.
Dogfighting goes back centuries…
Today, dogfighting is illegal in most developed countries and considered animal cruelty with huge penalties and even jail time for the owner.
Where it remains legal, the blood sport of dogfighting is divided into categories:
In parts of the Russian Federation and Japan, dogfighting remains a legal sport.
Elsewhere, even if its officially unlawful to organize dogfighting events, the law turns a blind eye on it in Latin America, Pakistan, some Eastern European countries.
Its even occasionally spotted in the U.S. and the U.K.
According to a story from NPR, dogfighting sport have originated when the ancient Romans would pit fighting dogs against each other in gladiator-style fights to the death.
These fights last up until one dog dies, exits the pit, or fails to scratch.
As history shows, the dog who loses the battle is then shot by its owner, tortured, or beaten severely.
Other than the entertainment aspect of dogfighting, there are large sums of cash at stake. Money is made by charging stud fees and admission.
Thus, a gambling format is reached. People can bet on a certain fighter dog to win some extra dough.
Fortunately, in todays society, we find the idea of two dogs being forced to fight against each other for sheer entertainment repulsive and immoral.
In fact, dog fighting is considered a felony in all 50 states in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and many other countries.
As recently as last year, Mexico also said “no” to any dogfighting activities.
1 Boerboel
Because of its size and strength, the Boerboel is often used as a fighting dog in counties like South Africa.
Also known as the South African Mastiff, these canines were bred to guard against predators and work on farms.
They are one of the most powerful dog breeds in the world.
With a muscular and large build and a mighty jaw and bite force, its no wonder the Boerboel is often used as one of the fighting dog breeds.
10 BEST FIGHTING Dogs In The World | Top 10 Fighting Dog Breeds
While all dogs have the potential to nip and bite, some breeds have stronger bites than others due to their powerful jaws, large teeth and fearless character.
When researching dog breeds, its important to remember the factors that contribute to biting incidents, such as anti-social behaviour by irresponsible owners who train their dogs to be aggressive. Many dogs have been bred specifically for their intelligence and strength, while others may simply be the result of poor ownership.
To help us understand more about the dogs who bite, Norfolk-based animal behaviourist and trainer, Sarah-Jane White, has measured the strength of dogs by looking at the pounds per square inch (PSI) for each breed.
“The German Shepherd is a breed that is well-known for its strength and intelligence,” says Sarah-Jane White. “With a bite force of 238-291 PSI, this breed is often used for law enforcement, military and protection. German Shepherds are also popular as family pets due to their loyalty and obedience. They are the eighth most popular dog in the UK.”
“The Bulldog is a strong breed of dog that has a very powerful bite,” explains Sarah-Jane. “With a bite force of 305 PSI, this dog is not to be trifled with! Often used as a guard dog or for protection, the American Bulldog is a breed that you want on your side. They are energetic and require a lot of exercise, but make great family pets.”
“The Rottweiler is a powerful breed of dog that is known for its strength and intelligence. With a bite force of 328 PSI, this breed can definitely hold its own against other animals. Often used as a guard dog, the Rottweiler is a breed that you dont want to mess with! They make really lovable companions with the right training.”
“The American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed that is known for its strength and determination. With a bite force of 240-330 PSI, this breed can definitely bring down larger prey,” Sarah-Jane explains.
“Pitbull terriers are legal in the United States. But in Canada, pit bulls are banned in many towns and cities. Puerto Rico had a two-decade ban in place until 2018, when it was once again made legal to own, sell and import the breed. They are banned in the UK.”
“The Mastiff is another large breed of dog that is known for its strength and power. With a bite force of 556 PSI, this breed can easily overpower other animals. This is more than three times the bite force of an average dog.”
Sarah-Jane continue: “The Cane Corso is a breed that is known for its power and strength. With a bite force of 650 PSI, this breed can take down prey much larger than itself.”
“The Kangal Shepherd is a Turkish breed of dog that is known for its large size and impressive strength. With a bite force of 743 PSI, this breed is the undisputed king of the canine world when it comes to raw power. Typically used to protect against wolves, bears, and jackals in its native Turkey due to its intimidating size and capabilities as an effective guardian.
“While all of these breeds are incredibly strong, the Kangal takes the top spot as the dog with the strongest bite in the world. With a force that is more than three times that of an average dog, this breed can take down prey much larger than itself. So, if you are looking for a dog that is not only powerful but also fearless, the Kangal is the breed for you!”