Livestock guarding dogs vs. fighting dogs
With the term “livestock guarding dog” compared to “fighting dog”, we understand dogs with a strong protective instinct and territorial behaviour. The Turkish Kangal is a livestock guarding dog, which was originally intended to protect large herds of sheep from wolves. If it can no longer fulfil this purpose, it has to possibly find an outlet to indulge its guard dog instinct in another way. It regards “its” people as pack members and defends them as soon as it senses danger. However, if the Kangal receives consistent training, has the opportunity to do physical exercise and activity and is reared in a species-appropriate manner, it can be a harmless and loving family dog.
There are two categories of fighting dogs. “Listed dogs” under category 1 are classed as “most probably dangerous”, whilst category 2 dogs are “likely dangerous”. Increased dog taxes are due for both category 1 and 2 dogs. A potential owner must also have a certificate of good conduct issued by the police if they wish to take a fighting dog from an animal shelter into their home. They also have to produce a certificate of competence upon successfully completing a course. In turn, the dog must carry out and pass a personality test. It can also take an on-going test in order to be allowed not to wear a muzzle.
There can be several motives for owning a fighting dog. It is very likely that owners who take a fighting dog from an animal shelter into their home do so out of love for animals. However, an increasing number of fighting dogs are procured illegally from dubious sources on the Internet. In these cases, the motives of the owners are probably different.
There is no agreement amongst researchers, experts and dog owners as to which dog breed is the most dangerous in the world. However, some breeds are prohibited in many countries due to frequent attacks on humans and may neither be bred nor sold.
Amongst others, the following breeds are considered very dangerous: the American Bulldog is prohibited in Denmark, Singapore and some other countries. This breed originally comes from the southern part of the US and was deployed for catching wild boars.
The breed is considered extremely pain-resistant.
The term “Bandog” was used in the Middle Ages as a name for large dogs that guarded private property at night. Nowadays, “Bandog” is a cross between the American Pitbull Terrier and other Mastiff sub-species. The Bandog is prohibited in all the countries in which the breeds deployed for Bandog breeding are also banned.
The Mastino Napoletano, also known as the Neapolitan Mastiff, used to be deployed in bloody gladiator battles in Italy’s Colosseum and was kept as a fighting dog by Roman legions. Nowadays, the breed is mainly still deployed there to guard private houses. The Mastino is not allowed to be kept in homes in Singapore, amongst other countries. In Romania, however, it can be kept under the premise that the owner can show a special certificate guaranteeing the dog’s mental health. Dogs of this breed are banned in Bermuda, Ukraine, Belarus and Singapore.