Mammal,Dog,Vertebrate,Dog breed,Canidae,Skin,Snout,Nose,American bulldog,Carnivore, Dog guide 01.05.2023

Fighting dogs: top 10 controversial dog breeds revealed

Learn all about the 10 most controversial fighting dog breeds in the world. Discover their characteristics, history and controversies.

The controversial reputation of fighting dogs

In the public perception, fighting dogs are often characterized by prejudice and misunderstanding. This article will present the top 10 controversial dog breeds and explain their origins, characteristics and traits in order to provide a more nuanced picture of these animals and emphasize the importance of responsible dog ownership.

Fighting dogs are often the subject of debate and discussion in society due to the use of some breeds in illegal dog fighting, tragic bite incidents, and sensationalist media reports. It is important to understand that a dog's aggressiveness and dangerousness is not solely due to its breed, but rather to the way it is raised, socialized and trained.

Responsible dog ownership, based on loving and consistent parenting, can help these dogs turn out to be loyal and friendly companions.

By highlighting their history and true character, it is hoped to create a fairer picture of these often misunderstood dogs.

In this article, the following dog breeds are presented:

Hund, Säugetier, Wirbeltier, Hunderasse, Canidae, Fleischfresser, Rottweiler, Schnauze, Wachhund, Rasse ähnlich Beauceron, Shutterstock / EKATERINA SOLODILOVA

Rottweiler: Powerful dogs, often misunderstood

The Rottweiler is an impressive breed of dog, originally used for herding and guarding. Unfortunately, they often have the prejudice of aggressiveness attached to them. However, with proper training, Rottweilers are loyal, affectionate and intelligent companions. Their origins date back to the Roman Empire and further developed in the German city of Rottweil.

Consistent training, early socialization, and regular exercise are crucial to a well-balanced Rottweiler. It is important to challenge stereotypes and emphasize the positive qualities of these often misunderstood dogs.

Canidae, Hund, Hunderasse, Dobermann mit Stehohren loh, Schnauze, Rasse ähnlich Pinscher, Fleischfresser, Wachhund, Hund ähnlich Rottweiler, Pfote, Shutterstock / Dmytro Zinkevych

Doberman: elegance and protective instinct

The Doberman combines elegance and athletic strength in a dog breed originally bred for protection and police work. Their slender bodies and distinctive features make them a striking companion. Despite their reputation as guard dogs, Dobermans are loving and loyal family members when properly trained and socialized.

The origin of the Doberman can be traced back to German breeder Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, who wanted to create a dog breed for protection and security duties.

Early socialization, consistent training and regular physical and mental stimulation are required to raise a well-balanced Do berman. With a responsible attitude, the Doberman can develop its positive qualities.

Hund, Säugetier, Wirbeltier, Canidae, Hunderasse, Fleischfresser, Cane Corso mit kupierten Ohren, Wachhund, Schnauze, Gras, großer schwarzer Kampfhund mit abgeschnittenen Ohren Shutterstock / Xkunclova

Cane Corso: A guardian with Roman roots

The Cane Corso is an imposing dog breed known as a guard and protection dog. With their powerful bodies and confident characters, they make impressive companions. However, with proper training and socialization, they are gentle and affectionate.

The roots of the Cane Corso go back to the Roman Empire, where they were used as working dogs and war companions. Later, they served as guard and herding dogs for livestock in Italy.

To have a well-behaved Cane Corso, consistent training, early socialization and regular exercise are important. With a responsible attitude, the positive qualities of this dog breed can be emphasized.

Hund, Säugetier, Wirbeltier, Bullterrier (Miniatur), Canidae, Hunderasse, weißer alter englischer Terrier, weißer Bullterrier, englischer weißer Terrier, Kampfhund, gefährliche Hunderasse, mittelgroßer weißer Hund, Listenhund Shutterstock / Eve Photography

Bull Terrier: determination and loyalty

The bull terrier is a dog breed known for its determination and loyalty. With their unique appearance, characterized by their egg-shaped head and small, triangular eyes, they are distinctive companions. Despite their reputation as former fighting dogs, bull terriers are loving and loyal family dogs when properly trained and socialized.

The history of the bull terrier begins in the 19th century in Great Britain, where they were created from a cross between bulldogs and terriers. Their original purpose was to serve as fighting dogs, but this use is fortunately banned today.

To have a well-behaved bull terrier, consistent training, early socialization and regular exercise are crucial. Because bull terriers have high levels of energy and intelligence, mental stimulation and shared activities with their owners are important to their well-being.

With responsible husbandry and the proper understanding of this breed's needs, bull terriers can develop their positive traits and be great, loyal companions.

Hund, Säugetier, Wirbeltier, Canidae, Hunderasse, Fleischfresser, Dogo Argentino, Cordoba Kampfhund, argentinische Dogge mit kupierten Ohren, muskulöse Hunderasse, Wachhund, Alaunt, Hund im Wald, Muskeln beim Hund, großer weißer Hund, Kampfhund, Listenhund Shutterstock / Lunja

Dogo Argentino: The proud Argentine Molosser

The Dogo Argent ino is a proud and powerful Molosser that originated in Argentina. This impressive dog breed was bred for hunting wild boar and defending property. However, with proper training and socialization, Dogos Argentinos are loving and loyal family dogs.

The Argentine Molosser was developed by breeder Antonio Nores Martinez, who appreciated the physical strength and endurance of these dogs. To have a well-behaved Dogo Argent ino, consistent training, early socialization and regular exercise are crucial.

Hund, Säugetier, Wirbeltier, Hunderasse, Canidae, Fleischfresser, Rasse ähnlich Broholmer, Hund ähnlich Boerboel, Tosa, Hund ähnlich Fila brasileiro, Bullmastiff liegt im Wald, guter Wachhund, großer brauner Hund der viel Kraft hat, Kampfhund, Listenhund, hund mit kurzem Fell Shutterstock / TMArt

Bullmastiff: Gentle Giant with Protective Instinct

The Bullmastiff is a large and impressive dog that was originally bred in Britain to guard estates. Despite their size and strength, Bullmastiffs are gentle and loyal family dogs when properly trained and socialized.

This dog breed was created by crossing Mastiffs and Bulldogs to breed a protective guard dog with strong instincts. To have a well-mannered Bullmastiff, consistent training, early socialization and regular exercise are crucial.

With a responsible attitude, Bullmastiffs can show their gentle side and prove to be loving and reliable companions.

Hund, Säugetier, Wirbeltier, Hunderasse, Canidae, Fleischfresser, Gras, Schnauze, hellbrauner Perro de Presa Canario sitzt im Wald Shutterstock / Grisha Bruev

Presa Canario: The majestic Canarian Mastiff

The Presa Canario, also known as the Canary Dog, is a majestic and powerful breed of dog that originated in the Canary Islands. They were bred for the protection of livestock and property. However, with proper training and socialization, Presa Canarios are loyal and affectionate family dogs.

The Canary Dog has strong guarding instincts and therefore requires consistent training and early socialization to have a well-behaved Presa Canario. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are also critical to the well-being of this dog breed.

Hund, Säugetier, Wirbeltier, Hunderasse, Canidae, amerikanischer Pitbullterrier, Fleischfresser, amerikanischer Staffordshire-Terrier, Schnauze, Nase Shutterstock / Lunja

American Pit Bull Terrier: A breed with a turbulent history

The American Pit Bull Terr ier is a dog breed that is often the subject of controversy, mainly because of its troubled history. Originally bred for dog fighting, they are now popular family dogs among responsible owners.

The history of the American Pit Bull Terrier is marked by their use in blood sports. Fortunately, such activities are now banned, and Pit Bulls are increasingly valued as loving companions. With proper training and socialization, they are loyal, intelligent and friendly dogs.

A well-bred American Pit Bull Terrier requires early socialization, consistent training and regular exercise. It is important to break down prejudices and emphasize the positive qualities of these often misunderstood dogs.

zwei ausgewachsene große Tosa Inu Hunde, großer brauner Hund der auf der Liste steht, japanischer Kampfhund mit dunkler Schnauze, Hund mit kurzem Fell Shutterstock / SubertT

Tosa Inu: The Japanese "Sumo Wrestler" Among Dogs

The Tosa Inu is an impressive dog breed that is referred to as the "sumo wrestler" among dogs. Originally from Japan, this breed was bred for dog fighting and is now known as a guard and protection dog due to its size and strength.

However, with proper training and socialization, Tosa Inus are gentle and loyal companions. To have a well-behaved Tosa Inu, consistent training, early socialization and regular exercise are crucial.

Despite their history as fighting dogs, Tosa Inus can show their loving and affectionate sides when kept responsibly.

getigerter Fila Brasileiro, brasilianische Hunderasse, besondere Hunderasse, Färbung wie ein Tiger beim Hund, getigerter Hund, Welpe, brasilianischer Hund mit STreifen Shutterstock / olgagorovenko

Fila Brasileiro: The Brazilian Mastiff with its own character

The Fila Brasileiro is a large and powerful Brazilian Mastiff, known for its unique character and protective instincts. Originally, this breed was used for hunting big game and as a guard dog.

With proper training and socialization, Fila Brasileiros are loyal and affectionate family dogs. To have a well-behaved Fila Brasileiro, consistent training, early socialization and regular exercise are crucial.

Despite their size and alertness, Fila Brasileiros are loving companions with strong bonds to their owners when kept responsibly.

Final thoughts: Responsible dog ownership and public perception.

The so-called fighting dogs are often victims of prejudice and misunderstanding. It is important to emphasize that a dog's upbringing, socialization and environment are critical to its behavior, regardless of breed. With responsible dog ownership, even these controversial breeds can be loving and loyal companions.

Responsible dog ownership includes consistent training, early socialization and regular exercise to bring out the positive qualities of each breed. Public perceptions and attitudes can change if dog owners take their responsibilities seriously and educate and socialize their dogs appropriately.

Cooperation between dog owners, experts and authorities is crucial to promote harmonious coexistence between humans and dogs. Through education and awareness, misunderstandings and prejudices can be reduced and the true potential of each dog breed can be recognized.

Banner: Shutterstock / MarcinSl1987
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