Dog fights between sisters, getting dangerous

[AccidentalTourism]

I have two bitches from the same litter aged 7, unusual giant cross breeds from puppies that we adopted when living abroad. They are both approx 50kg each. Now I know adopting two bitches from the same litter is a bad idea, but didn't at the time.

Generally, herd defending breeds are difficult dogs that require experienced confident handling. I have been a dog owner all my life and had several herd defending dogs but these have been the most challenging.

One of my bitches will attack her sister, usually over food competitiveness with little warning and when they fight, they fight to kill. Their jaws lock onto each other's muzzles and throats and they can only be separated by dragging both dogs backwards by the hind legs at the same time. It doesn't happen often but when it does, it's bad.

They've never fought when there has been only one person present, and I have no idea what would happen if they couldn't be separated, I think it's possible that they would fight to the death.

On Christmas day, my bitch attacked her sister, resulting in my DS getting bitten through the finger and on the elbow as he got caught in the crossfire. This is the third fight where a bystander has been injured and both dogs are pretty torn up. It's a serious injury for my DS, with possible long lasting tendon damage.

Separating them would be ideal but the unpredictable bitch has a bite history so can't be rehomed and we don't want to part with the other bitch as she has done nothing to deserve it.

We have an appointment at the vets to discuss options but I'm leaning toward putting her to sleep as in all honesty, I'm scared of what she is capable of, which will break our hearts as she's been with us all her life.

Any advice?

Regardless of any excuses
PTS
My patterdale cross bit me & was PTS because that's the responsible thing to do
The autopsy suspected a stroke or brain bleed.
Your dogs fight out of jealousy and are large powerful breeds
Be responsible what if they killed your child?

This is the third fight where a bystander has been injured, I think you know what you need to do, as hard as it might be to accept. Your son has been injured, you can't in all conscience let this happen again.

Rehoming would be unfair, on both the dog and the new owner.

Seperate them immediately with baby gates until you can make a more permanent arrangement. Your ex can either agree or take one of the dogs, there's no other choice to be made.

You don't have a choice. They must be separated, immediately and permanently. How you achieve this is up to you, but if you don't separate them you are guaranteeing at least one of them a death from this fighting.

My Ex won't take either, he doesn't want them so that's not an option. I think PTS is the only answer here.

Thanks for all your considered replies, it's been helpful.

Surely you don't though for this, not an aggressive dog with a bite history. Hopefully your vet will agree with your decision. If not, perhaps the police. I would tell the ex, not ask them.

Bless your heart. It's a horrible situation, I feel for you.

Sadly its the only option , you should stay with your dogs when it happens it's the right thing to do and helps them .
Please don't just leave them at the vets alone .

Why would you need consent? Are the dogs in his name or something?

We would bring the vets to our home to PTS. In my experience that has been far less distressing for the dog.

We both own the dogs, I don't think he'd disagree though.

I'd have the bitey one PTS tbh.

I had two litter mates once (also before I knew any better) guarding breed, it didn't end well and both were pts, it's definitely the right decision. I recently talked someone out of getting litter mates and I don't think they like me because of it but I don't care, it's not worth the risk

I agree, but find it very surprising how many ppl don't stay with their dog when having it PTS.
Out vets say it's very common (sadly)

Have they been spayed, would that make a difference? But PTS isn't neccesarily the worst outcome.

They've both been spayed and are in rude health. More like mountain goats than dogs.

This is behavioural, mum had them when she was still a puppy and as she's matured she's shown the same behaviour, she's short-tempered and aggressive with other dogs in the household.

@AccidentalTourism please just call your vet.
Ask them what they suggest, I think you already know the answer

We've already called the vets and explained the situation, they were as grave as I was. We have an appointment with them early next week.

And in the meantime? @AccidentalTourism

I’m so sorry to hear this.

Your options are to PTS, to rehome one, or to accept the ongoing risk of serious injury. Assuming you took your son to a U.K. hospital you may not have a choice, as the likelihood is they will make a safeguarding referral. If the police seize the dog (and they may) then she could be PTS in a police kennel - far more distressing than in your home.

The losing lulu website and FB group may help.

PTS. ASAP.

Yes he had to go to hospital, my DS is an adult so no safeguarding referral.

I'm separating them. It's not hard to do temporarily but won't work permanently.

You need to keep them muzzled while you wait for your vet appointment. Not just separated.

Well I hope you get this sorted and we don't read about you or family getting hurt by your dogs whilst you are waiting.
You could ask any other local vet.
I'm genuinely concerned for you and it's a shit predicament.

The Mastin size combined with Beauceron dominance would make them difficult for anyone to take on.
To have her PTS quietly and peacefully at home is probably the kindest option here. It's a very sad situation and my heart goes out to you.

Thank you. I think it's unlikely as they fight so rarely and the tension has settled. It is years between fights.

I won't muzzle her, they don't stay on her shaped head.