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Dogs That
Fight
Jackie Drakeford |
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If you have two
canines vying for superior status, it is wise neither to ignore them
nor leave them to sort it out, for though most dog fights are more
noise and spit than injury, bitches bear a long grudge and can fight to
the death. I do not use lightly the phrase, "Dogs fight to breed;
bitches fight to breathe".
Male dogs will usually scrap untill one submits, but bitch agression goes deeper; truly deadlier than the male, even a well-socialised bitch is capable of ignoring the submission and finishing the job off if the rival is another bitch. Bitch antagonism can simmer through years, and a moment of human carelessness can result in carnage. Though male dogs will, on occasion, react similarly, it is far more usual for bitches to be involved in no-mercy fights. The bitches might be charming animals individually, but what they feel for another is pure hatred. It is hard for us humans to realise this, especially if the dogs involved are house pets and their owners have never glimpsed the wolf within.
I remember house sitting for a gamekeeper, which involved looking after a yardful of beautifully trained dogs. I was given a list of which should not be let out with whom, and as many as six of them were almost identical black patterdales, I also had a list of which ones lived in which kennel. Because I followed my instructions precisely, there was never any problem and I house-sat for him often. My predecessor had let all the terriers out together and ended up in hospital, though to her credit, she had succeeded in breaking up the fight.
The moral is that if you have two antagonistic bitches, either rehome the one you like least, or be prepared for constant vigilance, with no time off for good behaviour.
Male dogs will usually scrap untill one submits, but bitch agression goes deeper; truly deadlier than the male, even a well-socialised bitch is capable of ignoring the submission and finishing the job off if the rival is another bitch. Bitch antagonism can simmer through years, and a moment of human carelessness can result in carnage. Though male dogs will, on occasion, react similarly, it is far more usual for bitches to be involved in no-mercy fights. The bitches might be charming animals individually, but what they feel for another is pure hatred. It is hard for us humans to realise this, especially if the dogs involved are house pets and their owners have never glimpsed the wolf within.
I remember house sitting for a gamekeeper, which involved looking after a yardful of beautifully trained dogs. I was given a list of which should not be let out with whom, and as many as six of them were almost identical black patterdales, I also had a list of which ones lived in which kennel. Because I followed my instructions precisely, there was never any problem and I house-sat for him often. My predecessor had let all the terriers out together and ended up in hospital, though to her credit, she had succeeded in breaking up the fight.
The moral is that if you have two antagonistic bitches, either rehome the one you like least, or be prepared for constant vigilance, with no time off for good behaviour.
reprinted with
kind permission from Alastair Balmain
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750