HISTORY OF FIGHTING DOGS

by Dr. Dieter Fleig

Translated by William Charlton

"He who does not learn from history is doomed to repeat it."-George Santayana

Pitting man's best friend against man's best friend counts among the most heinous crimes our race has ever committed.  Animal rights activists and many dog lovers cannot bear the thought of dog fighting as an acceptable "sport," yet the breeds once used in these bloody games remain among the world's most loved and popular companion dogs.  The History of Fighting Dogs traces the fascinating history of the dog pits, from staged battles with bulls and bears, to the queer pittings of of dog against monkeys, opossums, and donkeys, to the gory contests with a thousand rats, to the ultimate fight: dog against dog.

We cannot ignore or deny the history of our dogs, or of our race.  This important first volume by international dog expert Dr. Dieter Fleig delves deeply into the history of the fighting dog, its effects on our dogs today, and its reflection on the social character of the times.

Over a hundred prints, paintings, and sculptures-many in color-bring to life the woeful tales of the dog pit and the brave canine warriors that proved fearless and relentless time and time again.  For advocates of the bull and terrier breeds, for all dog lovers, and for animal people everywhere, this book is a timeless, truthful testament to man's best friend and his all-giving-and forgiving-heart.