The «Dog Football» act is a long-standing circus staple. It was performed in the early 20th century and continues to be performed in circus arenas around the world today.

What's the secret to success? It's just like real football—two teams of players, a referee, a goal, and the players wearing uniforms. The referee blows the whistle, and the match begins. Only instead of a soccer ball, the dogs «chase» a balloon around the field! The goal is the same as in real football—to score a goal. Dogs, of course, can't kick the ball with their paws and score, so they head the balloon into the goal. Typically, the «footballers» are Boxers. Sometimes, to add extra drama to the «Dog Football» act, in addition to the Boxers, a mongrel runs around the arena, getting in the way of the players and tearing off their uniforms.