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 and admission fees. It is illegal gambling, however, that is at the heart of modern dog fighting. This practice has strong links with serious and organised crime and gangs.

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[edit] Dog fighting breeds

As with all domestic dogs, the ancestors of all breeds 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 instill fear, with the foundation breed naturally large, low-slung, heavy, powerfully built, with a strongly developed head, powerful biting apparatus and a threatening voice. The goal is to breed a dog that will attack animals but is docile and affectionate towards humans. All breeds with a character suitable for protecting humans and fighting wild animals may be considered for dogfighting.


[edit] Fighting Breeds Today

Many breeds that were once associated with dog fighting have been developed into excellent family and show dogs. Pure breeds such as the English Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier were originally developed purely as fighting dogs. Other pure breeds including the Irish Terrier, the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Parson Russel Terrier were used for fighting along side their original use in vermin control and other farm work. In modern times responsible breeders have taken care to breed out aggressive traits from these animals producing dogs suitable as domestic pets. Care should be taken when considering purchase of old fighting breeds to ensure that you are buying from a responsible breeder who values good temprement in their dogs. It is also important to socialize puppies at an early age to further prevent agression toward other dogs.

[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 by his side.

[edit] Pakistan

Contrary to popular belief, dog fighting is illegal in Pakistan with law enforcement rarely enforcing laws[citation needed]. 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[citation needed].

[edit] Russia

Although animal cruelty law exists there, dog fights are occurring there quite often. In some parts of Russia, Georgia for example, was made dogfighting law, in other Russian countries dogs legally fight especially under the sight of the All-Russian Association of Russian Volkodavs. There however also is a widely-spread and mild form of dog fighting used for breeding purposes, which is called temperament test.[citation needed]

[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 English Bulldogge.

Dog fighting continued in London long after the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 made dog fighting, bull-, bear-, and badger-baiting, and cock fighting illegal. However, the legislation applied only to 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 still very popular in certain areas of England, with a large underground following. As the result of the New Year's day attack on Ellie Lawrenson by a dog bred for fighting, a police clamp down has resulted in over two hundred fighting dogs in the Merseyside area of England being seized.

[edit] Latin America

Dog fighting is widespread in much of Latin 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

[edit] External links

General information
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 • Insect fighting • Pigsticking
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