The Cane Lottatore Brindisino is a breed of dog specifically bred for the blood sport of dog fighting. It is not well-known outside its native homeland of Italy and is considered a rare dog breed.

History

The Cane Lottatore Brindisino is fairly unknown outside of its homeland, where it is closely associated with the regional Mafia of Brindisi and is prized by the Albanian and Gypsy criminals, who are believed to had originally established the breed in Italy. This modern fighting breed was developed by crossing Cane Corsos, Rottweilers and American Pit Bull Terriers in Brindisi, Italy. A number of proven fighting champions belonging to the world famous stock of Pit Bulls from Yugoslavia brought into the country by Albanian smugglers are said to have served as the basis for the Lottatore Brindisino. A fairly recent creation, this dog hasn't been standardized or recognized anywhere, and outcrosses are still quite common. Some Neapolitan Mastiff influence can reportedly be seen in certain bloodlines, but the majority of these dogs tend to be taller than the typical representatives of the breed. The breed is quickly becoming a popular "sport" contestant and property guardian throughout southern Italy, but hasn't yet made a significant impact on Molosser fanciers in other parts of the country and is generally disregarded as being just another fighting mongrel by most dog lovers in Europe.