Fighting dog breeds have been living with people for hundreds of years. These are strong, hardy and loyal dogs that were originally bred for guarding, protection and fighting with other animals. And today they happily play with their owners, have fun with children, help with the household and fully enjoy a peaceful life. It is important to understand that the word “fighting” refers more to their past role than to their character, because with the right training and patience, any breed can become friendly and obedient. So let’s learn more about several popular breeds that are among the top fighting dogs and the peculiarities of their upbringing.
Breeds of fighting dogs
American pit bull terrier
Pit bull terriers were bred to fight bulls in Great Britain, but later, when this type of entertainment was banned, they were used as all-purpose dogs that can guard, help on the farm and even play with children. They are often considered the most loyal and loving of the fighting breeds. They are energetic, intelligent and extremely strong, which allows them to set records in pulling power competitions.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Amstaffs are a breed that was bred in the US for guarding and fighting purposes, but today they are highly intelligent pets with worldwide recognition thanks to their frequent appearances in movies. Amstaffs are also very brave and always ready to defend their family at any moment.
Staffordshire bull terrier
These dogs were bred in Great Britain for animal fighting, but like all the above breeds, they are now part of the larger civilized world where they have found a place as pets. Staffords love their owners very much and are famous for their tolerance of children, which is why they get the nickname “nanny”. Their dedication and affection for children is also emphasized by numerous examples when Staffords helped in the treatment and emotional support of young patients as therapy dogs.
Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino was bred in Argentina to hunt large game such as wild boars and cougars. These are strong, powerful dogs with developed hunting instincts, who have a brave heart and high stress resistance. They are loyal, intelligent and have excellent guarding skills by nature. This is not an easy breed to train because of its tendency to dominate, so you need to have a lot of experience in dealing with large, stubborn dogs.
Cane Corso
These fighting dog breeds were used for hunting and guarding, and in the Roman Empire they also acted as fighting dogs. But all bad things come to an end, and currently the Cane Corso is a popular guard dog. The breed is very strong, has natural protective instincts and a calm character. They can have fun with their family, play with their children, but as soon as they feel danger, they are already in a defensive position. That is why cane-corso is not suitable for beginners.
How to choose the best fighting dog?
When reviewing the rating of fighting dogs, remember that the basis of their character depends not only on genetics, but also on upbringing. Therefore, the ideal breed is one that fits your needs, lifestyle and level of experience in raising dogs. We have put together several questions that will allow you to sort out your thoughts a little and understand what to pay attention to when making a final decision.
Are you ready to engage in regular training? Most fighting breeds have a pronounced protective instinct. Regardless of their size, they have a high fear threshold, which allows them to remain calm and determined even in threatening situations, but to achieve this result, a lot of training and socialization is required to properly teach the dog to distinguish between threats and normal social situations.
How much time can you devote to the physical activity of the dog? Most varieties of fighting dogs are extremely active. They were bred for tasks that required endurance and boundless energy, so they need regular walks, exercise and play to maintain their physical fitness and emotional balance, and not just in sunny, warm weather.
What is your marital status? If you have children, consider fighting dogs like the Stafford and Amstaff, which can make good pets because of their love and patience with little ones. The Argentine mastiff, on the contrary, will be an unsuccessful choice in such a situation, so carefully study the features of the breed that interests you.
Do you have experience in raising dogs? Some breeds, such as the Cane Corso or Dogue Argentino, require experienced owners due to their size, strength and protective instincts. In general, every fighting breed needs an owner with some experience. But as we know, with a great desire, regular practice and the help of a dog trainer, everything can become real.
Thus, when choosing a dog, take into account the answers to all these questions, choose several breeds for yourself and understand which dog you can successfully raise. With the right approach, as a result, you will get an obedient, loyal dog with an impressive appearance.
How to raise a fighting breed?
If you’re thinking about getting a fighting dog, it’s worth remembering that their natural tendencies to guard or protect can cause difficulties if they’re not properly nurtured, socialized and exercised. Therefore, socialization should begin at an early age: introduce the puppy to various sounds, people, other animals, and unfamiliar objects in order to reduce the level of fear and aggression in the future. Playing with other dogs of different breeds, sizes and temperaments will teach your pet to distinguish between threatening and safe behavior and develop communication skills. It is also worth honing his reaction to such commands as “sit”, “place”, “next” and “wait”. He must be able to calm down and control his reactions in various situations, understand that you cannot run up to other people without a team. This is very important, because obedience training and controlled behavior are the key to safe coexistence of fighting dogs with other people and animals.
Let’s also remember the physical activity and mental stimulation of the pet. Sports activities, running, games, dog sports competitions contribute to physical development, and also teach endurance, obedience, help direct energy in a useful direction. Always reward the dog in your favorite way when performing the command and demonstrating the desired behavior. Fighting dogs are sensitive to praise, treats, and positive emotions from their owners, so positive reinforcement builds self-confidence and the ability to obey without coercion.
If it is difficult for you to cope with the behavioral characteristics of a fighting dog on your own, contact a professional dog trainer. He will help create an individual program of socialization and training, teach you useful methods of education, control of the dog’s emotions and help in building a harmonious relationship between you and your pet.
