Any dog can bite if it's raised for that purpose, but some breeds are known for being more "aggressive" than others.

Therefore, the dogs that are used most often in these fights are pit bulls. They come from a cross between two groups, mastiffs and terriers. The breed is not approved by the SCC (Société Centrale Canine - Central Canine Society). In some countries, other breeds are used such as Bulldogs, German Shepherd Dogs, Bullmastiffs, and tinier breeds such as Cockers, Fox Terriers and Schnauzers. The English bulldog was originally used in fights against bulls.

A dog is not necessarily aggressive by nature. Training and conditioning determine how aggressive, combative and resistant a dog will be. It is thus important for the owner to condition it as early as possible.

So called fighting dogs are therefore mistreated: puppies are weaned too early, isolated and de-socialized. The only contacts they will have will thus be human - or should we say, inhuman. A relationship based on fear is established between the owner and his animal. The dog is beaten when it doesn't satisfy the owner's expectations, when it shows signs of submission or when it's not acting aggressive enough.

The goal is to get to the dog to be aggressive and combative, so that when it gets a negative stimulation it responds by attacking. Aggressiveness is the ability to react with excitation in a potentially dangerous situation.

The hazardous crosses between breeds produce dogs that are more likely to be aggressive. A selection is also made at birth, when the owner gets rid of the weakest puppies.

The dog's ears are cut short - without painkillers! - with a cutter to ensure they're not an easy grip for the other dogs. Small prey are provided so that the dog takes out its aggression on them: puppies, cats, rabbits, rats.... often stolen or obtained through adoption ads such as «animal looking for a loving home...». Electric shocks are also used to get the dog to bite easily. Any sentient being can feel pain; it would be naive or hypocrite to think that "fighting dogs" feel less pain than other dogs.

Fights take place in creepy locations, often deserted, to avoid controls. A small arena is easily set up and the fights can last up to two hours. A fight ends when a dog bleeds a lot or dies. In the first case, the wounds are sewed up right away, without painkillers of course. If the animal is badly injured, the owners don't bother rescuing it and kill it. Most dogs bleed to death, die of stress, of exhaustion, of dehydration and even of infections that occur days after the fight.

Dogfights are deliberate murder, and dirty business: puppies are bred and sold, fights are illegal shows that hundreds of enthusiastic people will pay to watch (it even happens that children witness such spectacles) large bets are being placed; other illegal activities take place such as car and drugs trafficking....

Be alert and watch out! If you think dog fighting is taking place anywhere near your area, call the authorities to investigate.