Which dog breeds are considered fighting dogs?

These dog breeds are considered fighting dogs

Fighting dogs are breeds that have been bred to potentially display increased aggression. Which breeds are classified as fighting dogs or listed dogs depends on the federal state. Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia no longer maintain breed lists at all.

Most commonly, the following breeds are referred to as fighting dogs:

• American Staffordshire Terrier

• Pitbull Terrier

• Bull Terrier

• Bullmastiff

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

• Cane Corso

• Dogo Argentino

• →Bordeaux Mastiff

• Fila Brasileiro

• Mastin Espanol

• Mastino Napoletano

• Mastiff

• Tosa Inu

Am I allowed to own a fighting dog?

With the wrong handling and care, fighting dogs, just like any other dogs, can →display aggressive behavior and become dangerous to people and other animals.

However, since fighting dogs are assumed to pose a higher risk, keeping these breeds is subject to certain regulations or is →completely prohibited. These regulations also depend on the federal state. Owners are often required to provide a certificate of good conduct and the dogs must pass a proficiency test. You can find out exactly which requirements you must comply with as a dog owner in the regulations of your respective federal state.

Difference between fighting dogs and dangerous dogs

In everyday language and sometimes even in legal terms, the terms "dangerous dog", "fighting dog", and "listed dog" are used interchangeably. However, there is a significant difference between these designations:

• Fighting dogs or listed dogs are dogs that belong to a specific breed considered particularly aggressive.

• →Dangerous dogs can in principle be any breed. These are dogs that are classified as dangerous solely due to their behavior and not because their genetics are considered aggressive.

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Are fighting dogs always aggressive?

Aggressive behavior is just as much a part of dog communication as barking, wagging their tail, or licking their muzzle. However, due to their specially bred traits, fighting dogs have a higher potential to display aggressive behavior than other breeds. It is especially important here to be well-versed in training these breeds and understanding dog communication. In principle, however, any dog can bite, even a small Chihuahua or a popular Golden Retriever.

Whether a fighting dog actually becomes aggressive or even dangerous to people and animals depends on various factors. Key aspects include training, the owners, and the animal's experiences. With proper care, a Pitbull or →Cane Corso can be just as much a part of people's lives as a Labrador. Nevertheless, fighting dogs are very special and should only be kept by experienced dog owners.