Canton had a strong amateur team, when the Massillon Tigers turned professional Canton was no longer able to compete. On November 15, 1904 the Canton Athletic Club decided to also become professional.

Given the goal of beating the Massillon Tigers, Canton Athletic offer money to the best players on all the other Ohio League teams. Bill Laub, a player, team captain and coach of the Akron East Ends, was hired as the team's first-ever coach.

In 1905 and 1906 Canton was one of the best football teams in Ohio. With a chance to win the Ohio League title Canton Athletic suffered a 13-6 loss to Massillon.

Despite Canton, who was now using the name Bulldogs winning the first game, the league title was awarded to the Tigers. Due to Coach Blondy Wallace appearing at the Tigers victory party, rumors he fixed the game would plague professional football in Ohio for the next several years.

Blondy Wallace would file a libel suit, which would never go to trial, as Canton's Professional team was forced to fold as they lost money and their reputation.