Fighting Dog Breeds: Photos, List, and Characteristics

The history of fighting dog breeds began several thousand years ago. These dogs were originally bred for duels and animal baiting. They are similar in appearance and possess endurance. Today, fighting dogs are used exclusively as guard dogs or family pets, as fighting between them is prohibited in many countries. Ten breeds with distinctive behaviors are known, a list and description of which we will provide in this article.

Characteristics and photos of fighting dogs

Large, strong dogs with a distinctive character, when properly trained, become loyal companions and reliable friends. Generally, all dogs of the fighting breed are divided into two types:

1. Large fighting dogs.
2. Small fighting dogs.

They all have common features, among which the following can be distinguished:

1. A large head, a massive body, and a powerful neck. This allows them to inflict significant damage on their opponent while simultaneously reducing the risk of being bitten on the neck to zero. These qualities are indispensable assets in a serious fight.
2. Strong skin with short, spiky fur. This protection is virtually impossible to penetrate. Furthermore, strong skin increases the protection of internal organs.
3. The dog's squat legs allow it to reach significant speeds quickly without losing stamina.
4. A massive, mobile lower jaw. Over the course of evolution, all dogs of these breeds have acquired a strong, scissor-like bite. This makes them unafraid of their potential enemies.
5. A courageous and loyal character. By raising a pet without cruelty, you can gain a true friend who will never abandon you in times of need.

These distinctive features immediately identify a fighting dog breed. However, each animal's character is unique. It develops based on its upbringing, living conditions, and environment.

Large fighting dogs - photos

Neapolitan Mastiff

A huge dog weighs about 70 kg, and reaches 77 cm at the withers. This dog is distinguished by strong bone structure and muscles, a broad skull, a massive head, and a coarse build. The neck has a forked, voluminous dewlap. A dewlap is also mandatory along the lower body. The Mastino has a short coat that can be brindle, gray, blue, or black, as well as Isabella and mahogany. This calm animal can live in a city apartment, gets along well with children, and is devoted to its owner.

Cane Corso

With its luxurious, muscular body, it's hard to miss this dog among other fighting breeds. With an average weight of 50 kg, at the withers it reaches 70 cmThe pet's elongated body appears strong, with a prominent withers and a well-developed chest. The massive head is distinguished by a wide skull and a convex forehead. The Cane Corso's muzzle is half the size of the skull. The jaws have a wide, light bite. Pendulous lips cover the lower jaw.

The dog has a balanced character and is not overly aggressive. However, it will not tolerate intrusion into its boundaries. A Cane Carso can stop an intruder on its own initiative, without any command from its owner.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

A large dog weighing from 45 to 70 kg at the withers can reach 64-72 cm. Animals resembling teddy bears have long been were used to guard the herd, and fought with wolves.

This strong and majestic dog has a thick, supple coat, a massive head, well-developed hide, muscular withers, and a slightly tucked-up belly. The Caucasian Shepherd's full, blunt muzzle tapers slightly toward the nose. The slanted, oval eyes are dark. Dogs of this breed can be short-haired or long-haired. The coat can be white, brindle, gray, or red.

Caucasian Shepherds have boundless energy, so they require training and regular exercise. In fights, they often don't kill their opponents, but drag them from corner to corner until they weaken.

Alabai

A wonderful guard dog, it weighs about 55 kg and stands at least 65 cm at the withers. This massive dog very proportionately builtThe Alabai has voluminous yet defined muscles. Its movements are swift and harmonious. Its muscular legs make up half of its height. Its massive head is rectangular in shape. The muzzle tapers slightly toward the nose. Its thick coat can be up to 10 cm long or short. Its coloring can vary, but brown and blue colors should not be present.

With proper training, an Alabai will grow into a disciplined and friendly animal. This intelligent dog will be a kind and generous companion, reacting appropriately to strangers and protecting its owner.

Akita Inu

A fairly large dog, 70 cm tall has a plush face and kind eyes, so it doesn't evoke any sense of danger. However, the breed has a centuries-old fighting heritage. Within the family, an Akita will only recognize a leader, who should be a strong leader with a firm character.

Dogs of this breed have a well-developed, broad chest, a straight back, a muscular loin, and cat-like paws. The large head, proportionate to the body, resembles a blunt triangle. The coat with a soft undercoat is 5 cm long and comes in fawn, red, piebald, white, or brindle.

Small fighting dogs – photos

As the name of the species suggests, these dogs are small, however have certain appearance characteristics and an aggressive character, therefore they are classified as fighting breeds:

1. Bull Terrier. This English fighting dog weighs an average of 30 kg and stands up to 45 cm tall. This muscular dog has a stocky build, a rounded torso, and a long, egg-shaped head. The breed was bred for hunting boars and bulls, so if a Bull Terrier clamps its jaws, the victim will be impossible to free without its owner.
2. American Pit Bull Terrier. This breed was specifically bred as a fighting dog, but it is genetically incapable of causing harm. The American Pit Bull Terrier is considered one of the safest dogs around. The breed is characterized by a broad, square muzzle, almond-shaped eyes, a scissor bite, and strong jaws.
3. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog weighing 40 kg (88 lbs) and reaching a shoulder height of 48 cm (19 in). This strong, flexible, and agile dog is an ideal fighter. Its modest size allows it to deftly handle a bull, making it easier for a larger opponent to gore. With proper training, this dog will become a family protector and a good caregiver.
4. American Bulldog. A courageous fighting dog with Herculean strength, it was often used to bring down bulls, which were then safely slaughtered by the bullfight organizers. Through selective breeding, this dog's fighting nature has become a thing of the past. Today, this dog is an excellent guard dog and a wonderful companion.
5. Shar Pei. The plush toy appearance and medium size of this dog, weighing 30 kg and standing up to 51 cm tall, are endearing and don't suggest a fighting spirit. Their powerful jaws, folded skin, and spiky coat are all characteristics "convenient" for fighting. The Shar Pei can confidently pounce on and overpower a larger opponent.

The legacy of past generations of large and small fighting dogs still makes its presence felt today. But if any of the presented breeds is raised responsibly, the pet will become an excellent friend and protectorA fighting dog only becomes dangerous if its owners are indifferent and irresponsible.