American Toby Jug Museum 

Bear Baiting toby jug holding a dog produced in Staffordshire circa 1840. Bear-baiting was a popular English sport from the 12th until the 19th century. Arenas for the sport were called bear-gardens consisting of a circular high fenced area with a pit and raised seating for spectators. A post was set in the ground towards the edge of the pit and the bear chained to it. Several well-trained fighting or baiting dogs would then be set on it fighting until they got tired or were wounded or killed. This bear is holding a dog that was sent to attack him.