Dog fighting
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For other uses of the term, see Dog fight (disambiguation).
Dog fighting is a fight between game dogs. This blood sport is utilized for entertainment and may also create a revenue stream from stud fees, admission fees, and gambling.
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[edit] Dog fighting breeds
As with all domesticated dogs, the ancestors of the large breeds of fighting dog were wolves. The foundation breed of the fighting dog was, in its outward appearance, a large, low slung, heavy breed with a powerful build and strongly developed head.
Dog breeding in its earliest stages was carried out systematically, with the desire for specialization. It is believed that the development of individual breeds took place in narrow geographic areas, corresponding to the performance required in these regions. The selection for performance, complemented by the breeding for suitable body forms, leads to the formation of breeds. The task of the fighting dog demanded specific basic anatomical traits and temperamental features. The anatomy of the fighting dog requires an imposing outward form to instil fear and terror, with the foundation breed naturally large, low-slung, heavy, powerfully built, strongly developed head, powerful biting apparatus and a tremendously threatening voice. The temperament bred for is this: they will attack animals but are extremely loving towards humans. However, we must not consider only giant's among dog breeds, but rather all breeds with a character suitable for protecting humans and fighting wild animals.
[edit] Law
Dog fighting has been made illegal in many countries. Even though it is illegal, dog fighting still occurs across the globe. To combat dog fighting and the designation of so-called dangerous dog breeds, Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) has been passed in some countries and many townships and municipalities.
[edit] History
Dog fighting has been documented in the recorded history of many different cultures, and is presumed to have existed since the initial domestication of the species. Many breeds have been bred specifically for the strength, attitude, and physical features that would make them better fighting dogs.
Scholars speculate that large scale human migrations, the development of trade, and gifts between royal courts of valuable fighting dogs facilitated the spread of fighting dog breeds. There are many accounts of military campaigns which utilised fighting dogs, as well as royal gifts in the form of large dogs.
This bloodsport of baiting animals has occurred since antiquity, most famously during those times in the Roman Colosseum; however, in contemporary times, it is most associated with the English, who pursued it with utmost earnestness, which was barely known elsewhere in the world. For over six hundred years the pastime flourished, reaching the peak of its popularity during the sixteenth century. The various animal types involved in the bait allowed for the breed specialization and basic anatomical forms of fighting dogs, which we see today.
The sport was popular in many countries throughout history and continues to be practiced both legally and illegally around the world.
[edit] Afghanistan
Dog fighting has made a big comeback in Afghanistan since the fall of the hardline Taliban rulers. [1]
[edit] Japan
Dog fighting began in Japan before the end of the Kamakura period. According to historical documents, Hōjō Takatoki, the 14th shikken (shogun's regent) of the Kamakura shogunate was known to be obsessed with dog fighting, to the point where he allowed his samurai to pay taxes with dogs. At this time, dog fighting was called inuawase.
Dog fighting was considered a way for the Samurai to retain their aggressive edge during peaceful times. Several daimyo, such as Chosokabe Motochika and Yamauchi Yodo, both from Tosa Province (present-day Kochi Prefecture), were known to encourage dog fighting. Dog fighting was also popular in Akita Prefecture, which is the origin of the Akita breed.
Dog fighting evolved in Kochi to a form that is called Tōken (闘犬). Under modern rules, dogs fight in a fenced ring until one of the dogs barks, yelps, or loses the will to fight. Owners are allowed to throw in the towel, and matches are stopped if a doctor judges it is too dangerous. Draws usually occur when both dogs won't fight or both dogs fight until the time limit. There are various other rules, including one that specifies that a dog will lose if it attempts to copulate, which is called hentai. Champion dogs are called yokozuna, as in sumo. With generic animal protection laws in place, dog fighting is not specifically banned in Japan, except in Tokyo, and can be seen in Kochi. Currently, most fighting dogs in Japan are Tosa, which is a breed that was developed in Kochi [2]. Dog fighting does not have strong links to gambling in Japan.
[edit] North America
Dog fighting in North America is illegal. Despite legality issues, the American Pit Bull Terrier is still commonly used as a fighting dog all across North America. Foreign breeds, such as the Dogo Argentino (used widely in South America) and Presa Canario (used in Spain) are also gaining popularity in North America, especially where American Pit Bull Terriers are being banned. The Mexican film Amores perros main story involves dog fighting and shows the underground environment where they take place. Dog fighting is increasingly practiced by gangs, because it is often considered intimidating if a member has a Pit Bull or Rottweilers by his side.
[edit] Pakistan
Contrary to popular belief, dog fighting is illegal in Pakistan with law enforcement diligently enforcing laws. In addition, it is illegal to possess dog fighting materials such as videos, or to attend an event that subjects an animal to cruel treatment, although this law is seldom upheld due to corrupt officials and lack of juridisction in warlord-controlled tribal areas.
[edit] United Kingdom
During the Roman reign there were Pugnaces Britanniae or war dogs in Britain, mostly used in battle but later used for dog fighting contests in the amphitheatre. As early as 1154, in the reign of Henry II, bull-baiting and bear-baiting with dogs was a popular amusement.
Breeding allowed for a specialized breed in the form of the now extinct original Old English Bulldog. The contemporary recreation of the breed is recognized called the Olde Englishe Bulldogge.
Dog fighting continued in London long after the Humane Act of 1835 made dog fighting, bull-, bear-, and badger-baiting, and cock fighting illegal. However, the legislation covered only cruelty to domestic and captive animals, not to wild ones.
Despite periodic dog-fight prosecutions, the illegal canine pit battles continued. Sporting journals of the 18th and 19th centuries show the Black Country and London as the main English dog fight centres of the period. Dog fighting was also rife in many areas of Ireland. It is very rare today in the British Isles, but not unheard of.
[edit] South America
Dog fighting is widespread in much of South America, especially in Argentina, Colombia and many parts of Brazil. The Dogo Argentino is by far the most common breed involved in the bloodsport. The Fila Brasileiro is also used, but rarely. The American Pit Bull Terrier is another breed that is commonly involved in dog fighting circuits. The dogo cubano and dogo cordoba were used for fighting a mere century ago, but are extinct now.
[edit] See also
- List of dog fighting breeds
- Amores perros, a Mexican film depicting dog fighting
[edit] External links
- General information
- Fighting Dog Breeds and Info
- Animal Legal and Historical Center
- Monsieur Pitbull
- Diane Jessup
- Fight Clubs
- Sad Reality
- Literature
| Bait |
| Badger-baiting | Bear-baiting | Bull-baiting | Dog fighting | Hog-baiting | Human-baiting | Lion-baiting | Monkey-baiting | Rat-baiting |
| Bloodsports |
|---|
| Baiting • Bullfighting • Cockfighting • Dog fighting • Falconry • Sport fishing • Fox hunting • Hare coursing • Hunting • Pigsticking |
