Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Friday, July 26, 2013
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Friday, July 19, 2013
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Monday, July 15, 2013
Tibetan Mastiff
History and Origin of the Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff’s history remains partially unclear, but it is widely believed that the dogs appeared somewhere around 1100 BC in China. The breed was developed into what we know today by being isolated in the Himalayan Mountains. This dog has always been bred and kept for protecting the home and family. In the dog’s native region, it is customary for the dogs to be confined (i.e. tied to a gate) during the day and allowed to run free at night to patrol the property. In addition, the dogs were commonly used to guard campsites when the families had to relocate to higher ground.
Over the past several years the breed has gained increased popularity throughout the United States and England. The Tibetan Mastiff was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2006 which makes this the AKCs 155th breed.
Appearance
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large, strong dog of the Molosser type. These dogs stand between 25 and 28 inches tall while weighing anywhere from 140 to 170 pounds on average. Their body follows the typical Mastiff build with heavy muscle and a deep chest. These dogs also have a broad muzzle with exceptionally strong teeth and jaws. The Tibetan is a double-coated dog with a fairly long coat that is made up of thick guard hairs and a silky undercoat. The dogs can come in several colors including: blue/grey, brown, or black that can come with or without tan markings or various shades of gold. The AKC standard only allows patches of white on the dog’s feet or chest.
Tibetan Mastiff Temperament and Personality
Tibetan’s are highly intelligent, reserved, and independent. This breed is similar in temperament to the Chow Chow because both breeds accept strangers if they are “allowed” but when the dogs need to guard their home and family they are fully capable. This is a large breed and requires an experienced dog owner who is strong and consistent with training, but also gentle at the same time. These dogs should be well socialized from a young age so that the dog will grow into a respectable adult who gets along with other animals. This breed will make excellent family pets and love children; they are happiest when they have a human around to provide attention to them.
Health of the Breed
The Tibetan Mastiff is prone to fewer genetic health problems than other purebreds, but they still have a fair share of potential health issues. The dogs are prone to many disorders that affect their bone or movement such as: hip dysplasia, Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy, Osteochondritis Dessicans, and Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy. Other common health problems in the breed include ear infections, skin disorders, and thyroid problems.
Exercise and Other Care Requirements
Like most other mastiff puppies, you should avoid over exercising a young Tibetan. A daily walk or time in a fenced yard each day will be sufficient. The dogs can do well in any living environment, even apartment life, as well as it is given plenty of training and exercise. These dogs require a regular brushing because they have a thick coat. Although the dogs are not big shedders, they are known to “blow” their coat once a year. Tibetans are thought to be good for allergy sufferers since they do not shed or produce a strong dog odor.
Something you may not know about the breed…
Tibetan Mastiff females only come into heat once per year unlike most dogs that go into heat twice per year. They usually go into heat around late fall and produce the puppies in December or January.
Tibetan Mastiff
Spanish Mastiff aka Mastin Espanol
History and Origin of the Spanish Mastiff
The Spanish Mastiff is an ancient breed of dog though to have descended from Greek dogs that were brought to Spain to explorers around 1000 BC. The breed was officially developed in the Estremadura region of Spain. It is widely accepted that the Spanish Mastiff was introduced to not only Spain, but also the Iberian Peninsula by Maritime traders who brought the dog’s ancestors from India or Syria.
The dog was created over many centuries, from many other lesser known dog breeds. The breed has been bred over the years for guarding purposes, both of the home and flocks of livestock. The bulky breed makes an excellent livestock guardian, protecting the flock from both wolves and other large predatory animals. The Spanish Mastiff is the official dog of Spain where you will find at least 24,000 of the dogs. This breed of Mastiff is also considered an ancestor to many modern-day dog breeds such as the Asian Shepherd, St Bernard, and Dogo Argentino.
Appearance
The Spanish Mastiff is a large, Molosser breed of dog. They have a general appearance that is close to many other Mastiff breeds. For example, the breed has the usual large head and loose fold of skin, especially around the dog’s neck. These dogs can stand anywhere from 28 to over 30 inches tall at the shoulders, while weighing anywhere from 110 to 150 pounds.
One difference between the Spanish Mastiff and other Mastiff breeds is the fact that the Spanish Mastiff has a longer, thinner muzzle. The dog’s eyes are small and their ears are almost triangular. The breed comes in several colors including fawn, black, red, grey, reddish, or brindle. The coat of a Spanish Mastiff is slightly thicker than most other mastiff breeds.
Spanish Mastiff Temperament and Personality
This breed of dog is characterized by its nobility and gentleness. Given the proper amounts of training and socialization from a young age, the Spanish Mastiff can make an excellent family pet. They really are devoted to their family; they show acceptance to most strangers but they will not hesitate to protect their family if the need arises. These dogs are alert and food-motivated; however they can become bored easily so you should provide this kind of dog with firm and consistent, albeit gentle training.
Health of the Breed
The Spanish Mastiff, like many other dog breeds have several health issues to watch out for. The dogs are considered large breed and are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia than some smaller breeds. In addition, the breed is prone to developing eye problems such as entropion (eyelids begin to grow inward). Much like the Great Dane, the Spanish Mastiff should be fed several small meals per day instead of one large meal; this will help avoid bloat which can be fatal for this breed. Breeders will find that some Spanish Mastiffs have a hard time with natural birth and will require a C-section. Finally, due to the excessive skin around the mouth, and overall large jaw size, the breed does drool a lot; in addition their facial structure causes them to also snore greatly.
Exercise and Other Care Requirements
These dogs were kept for centuries in different region of Spain, so the breed can adapt easily to new climates. They have an adequate amount of energy for such a large breed dog, so they do best in homes that allow them plenty of space to run. Since the dogs can adapt to extreme heat and cold, they do well as both indoor and outdoor dogs. Just beware, if you keep one as an indoor dog it will shed heavily year-round. This Mastiff has a double coat and will shed twice per year if kept outside most of the time. The dog’s coat requires a weekly brushing and a monthly bath.
Something you may not know about the breed…
There are actually two types of Spanish Mastiffs: a smaller, lighter version called Mastin Ligero and a heavier, mountain-type called Mastin Pesado. The larger Mastin Pesado is the more widespread of the two types as it is the one that participates in dog shows and other events.
Spanish Mastiff aka Mastin Espanol
Puerto Rican Mastiff AKA Gran Mastin de Borinquen
History and Origin of the Puerto Rican Mastiff
The Puerto Rican Mastiff is an ancient breed of dog dating back to at least the 1500s. This breed is native to the island of Puerto Rico and known by many names; the names include El Gran Mastin de Borinquen, Mastin Borincano, Perro Barsino de Hacienda, and Becerillo de Borinquen. The Puerto Rican Mastiff is considered to be a mix of different breeds including: Latin American Molossers, Perros Jibaros (native island dogs), and other Spanish War Mastiffs.
These dogs were brought to the island during the 20th century to aid in protection. The dogs were used to guard precious crops and farmland such as tobacco, coffee, and sugar cane. These dogs are considered “Old Country” dogs that were able to adapt to different regions like the hot “campo” hills, tropical valley lands, or the cold rain forest mountain region of Puerto Rico. People would come from far and wide to trade chickens, goats, hogs, or even produce in exchange for a Puerto Rican Mastiff puppy.
The dogs were considered especially helpful during the Spanish Conquest because landlords and noblemen kept these dogs for centuries to use them for bloodsport and protection. Rumor has it that these men would use the dogs as a weapon on the people they did not like. This in turn helped the breed develop a bad name because the dogs became aggressive and “blood thirsty” toward humans. Perhaps one of the most famous Puerto Rican Mastiffs is from 1513 and was possibly owned by Ponce de Leon. According to the story, cannibals attacked plantations situated along the river and the attack was so violent that many people were killed with the cannibal’s arrows. One man, named Don Sancho de Arango was captured until his Puerto Rican Mastiff began attacking the captors. In the end, the cannibals were forced to free the man, but the dogs (the dog and the dog’s son – Leoncillo) both fought until the end but were killed by the cannibal’s poisonous arrows.
Appearance
This is a Molosser breed that has a robust build and stately manner. The dogs can grow to be 22 to 28 inches tall, and weigh between 90 to 150 pounds. The dogs have a typical mastiff coat that comes in colors such as brindle, fawn, black, or bone white. Patches of white are permitted and not restricted in any way on this breed. The dogs have a muscular build and have an appearance similar to a Bullmastiff.
Puerto Rican Mastiff Temperament and Personality
The Puerto Rican Mastiff, like any other mastiff breed requires early socialization to ensure a happy, healthy adult dog. These dogs accrued a bad reputation for turning-on and attacking humans. There has been recent work done to preserve the breed and make it what it was meant to be. However, if you are an experienced dog owner and looking for a breed that will protect you until the end, this could be the breed for you; just remember, you should always conduct plenty of research before buying one.
Something you may not know about the breed…
The El Gran Mastin de Borinquen is the only breed of dog that is native to Puerto Rico. The dogs are quite rare and hard to find today.
Puerto Rican Mastiff AKA Gran Mastin de Borinquen
Pakistani Mastiff AKA the Bully Kutta
History and Origin of the Bully Kutta
The Bully Kutta, or Pakistani Mastiff, is a Molosser breed of dog that is surrounded by much mystery in terms of origin. There is information that leads experts to believe that the breed (or one very similar) has been around since 486 – 465 BC when it was introduced to Ancient Greece by Xerxes. It is also widely believed that the Persian army used the breed to guard enemy prisoners-of-war and soldier camp sites. There are other historians that claim the dog was created in the Thar Desert of Sindhi. These historians would believe this to also play a role in the fact that there are five types of Pakistani Mastiff, and those types are: Modern Bully Kutta, Aseel Bully Kutta, Ancient-type Bully Kutta, Mastiff type Bully Kutta, Nagi Bully Kutta.
The dogs get the name Bully Kutta from the Hindu-Urdu and Sindhi languages; the name technically means “heavily wrinkled dog”. Today the dogs are commonly found in the Indian-Subcontinent region where wealthy farmers and others alike use the dogs for guarding purposes. The dogs were originally bred to hunt large game such as wild boars and bear. They were also bred for general guarding purposes.
Appearance
The Bully Kutta is a large, powerful breed that stands between 30 and 42 inches high and weigh anywhere from 140 to 210 pounds. The dog has a single coat that is short and usually has a color that is mostly white. There are other coat colors allowed such as brindle, fawn, harlequin, black, and red. The dogs always have a black muzzle that is thin in comparison with most other Mastiff breeds. These dogs are known for having skin that is rather thin and loose, but very tough.
Bully Kutta Temperament and Personality
These dogs have been bred for guarding and fighting purposes for decades; therefore over the course of years, they have been nicknamed “the beast from the east”. It is a very noble and intelligent breed, but it is marked by its aggression during dog fights. This breed should only be handled by the most experienced handlers and should be given the proper amounts of socialization from a young age. If the dog has been properly trained and socialized, it can make a wonderful family pet. Bully Cuttas will try to become leader of the pack if the human does not assume the role and take charge early in the relationship. These dogs are very intelligent, so if you are an inexperienced dog owner, or unwilling to pay for obedience training, the Bully Kutta is probably not the right breed for you.
Health of the Breed
The breed is fairly healthy, with ailments that are common among large dogs; the most common health issue in the breed is hip dysplasia. The dogs tend to live between 8 and 10 years if cared for properly.
Exercise and Other Care Requirements
As with other Mastiff breeds, the Bully Kutta can do well in most living conditions; including apartment life. The dogs do, however, require at least one long walk per day to satisfy exercise needs. As far as grooming the Bully Kutta, it is suggested to brush the dog’s short coat about once per week to remove detached hairs and reduce shedding. Although the dog does not shed heavily, it is considered an average shedder.
Something you may not know about the breed…
The Bully Kutta has been characterized by many breed fanciers for having a gait that resembles a lion.
Pakistani Mastiff AKA the Bully Kutta
Korean Mastiff AKA Dosa Gae
History and Origin of the Korean Mastiff
Little information is available on the Korean Mastiff’s history outside of its native home of Korea. From the little information that is known, it is evident the breed was probably created over 200 years ago. Aside from being called a Korean Mastiff, the breed is known by several other names including Dosa Gae, Mee-Kyun Dosa, and Dosa Inu.
Sources say the breed was developed sometime during the 19th century from breeds such as the Tosa Inu, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Mastiffs, and quite possibly both the Bloodhound and Neapolitan Mastiff. In South Korea, the Korean Mastiff is the largest and heaviest dog available.
Appearance
The Korean Mastiff has a similar appearance to the Neapolitan Mastiff with the large amounts of wrinkles that they have. The dogs are rather large reaching heights of 24 to 30 inches at the shoulder, and weighing between 145 and 185 pounds. The dogs have a short, very shiny coat that comes in several colors. The coat colors include red, chocolate, and mahogany; a small white patch on the dog’s chest is permitted.
Korean Mastiff Temperament and Personality
The dog’s look should not fool you; although the Korean Mastiffs look intimidating, they are actually a very kind and docile breed. These dogs tend to bond closely with owners and want nothing more than human company. Early socialization is important with this breed, in order for the dog to be good with children and other pets. If socialization is done properly, you will get a good-natured dog that is both protective and gentle.
Due to the large size of the breed, it is important for the dog to understand who the boss is. A Korean Mastiff that sees itself as pack leader will prevent you and your dog from developing a good relationship. Overall, this is a wonderful breed for families because these large dogs like to think they are lap dogs and will “lean” on their favorite people for support.
Health of the Breed
This breed, like many other purebreds, is prone to several health issues. Since the dogs are a larger breed, they are a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia. In addition, these dogs require a strict diet as to not get bloat. Much like the Chow Chow, the Korean Mastiff is prone to several genetic eye conditions such as entropion and cherry eye. Finally, the breed is heavily wrinkled which means that care should be given to the dog’s skin folds to avoid skin infections. The wrinkles can also leave other organs of the dog’s body vulnerable, so these dogs can become expensive to own.
Exercise and Other Care Requirements
The Korean Mastiff is a large breed of dog that grows very rapidly as a puppy; because of this, strict care should be taken when feeding and exercising the puppy. These dogs should be fed the correct amount of food each day (2 to 3 small meals), and should avoid strenuous exercise at too young of an age so the dog’s bones will properly form. These dogs have a moderate energy level, but they are inclined to be lazy. The best option is to give the dog enough space and time to run around freely on its own; this way the dog can decide when it is done.
Something you may not know about the breed…
The Dosa Gae is a rare breed in North America with around 100 found countrywide. If you want to purchase one of these dogs, you should be prepared to wait and pay a high price. With so few Korean Mastiffs in North America, most breeders have waiting lists and prices upward of between $1,500 and $3,000.
Korean Mastiff AKA Dosa Gae
The Kumaon Mastiff History And Other Information
The Cypro Kukur or Kumaon Mastiff, is a molossar breed originally from India. In the beginning, the dog breed was only bred in the hills of Kumaon as a watch dog. Today, it is a rare find – even in it’s native lands.
History and Origin of the Kumaon Mastiff
Folklore through the years have suggested that the breed was brought to India by Alexander the Great and his soldiers when he invaded the area in 300 B.C. It’s believed that the dogs were created from ancestors domiciled throughout the Mediterranean area.
Appearance
The Kumaon Mastiff is a large breed of dog that features a well-boned body that is rather lean and muscular. They have strong necks and big powerful heads. Moreover, their coat is short and soft, always coming in a light or dark brindle pattern; the dogs can also have white markings in places. The dogs reach a height of about 28 inches and are thought to favor the Great Dane breed.
Temperament
Like many other mastiff type dogs, the Kumaon Mastiff can be aggressive and needs work from a young age. At any rate, when you find one, you will see that it makes an excellent guard and watchdog.
An Endangered Breed…
Something you may not realize is that this is an extremely rare dog breed. It’s been said that as few as 150 to 200 of the breed probably exist in India. Though, you may find higher numbers of these dogs in Europe, as many were taken there during the 19th century.
The Kumaon Mastiff History And Other Information
Fila Brasileiro AKA Brazilian Mastiff
History and Origin of the Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro, or Brazilian Mastiff, is a large and powerful breed of working dog developed in Brazil. It is believed that the breed was created by a mixture of the Bloodhound, Bulldog, Mastiff, and Rafeiro. The breed originated on cattle farms and large plantations where they were bred.
The breed was taught to chase cattle, jaguars, other animals, and even runaway slaves much like the Cuban Mastiff. In fact, the dogs were taught to grab the escapee by the neck and hold them down until the farmer arrived. This instinct is still visible today if you observe a bunch of Fila puppies playing with each other.
The first standards for the breed were written in 1946 and the Paulistas are credited with beginning a breeding program. Today, there are many laws regarding this breed. For example, places such as Malta, Israel, Denmark, Cyprus, Norway, and the United Kingdom have laws that make it illegal to own a Fila Brasileiro without a court-ordered exemption. Other places such as Australia have many restrictions on the breed and it is illegal to import the dogs into the country. Tobago, Trinidad, and New Zealand automatically label these dogs as dangerous; this means that importing the breed is illegal and all males must be neutered.
Appearance
The Fila Brasileiro is a very large, Molosser breed of dog that features loose skin and large bones. The males are between 25 and a half and 29 and a half inches tall at the withers while weighing at least 110 pounds. The females tend to be slightly smaller standing 23 and a half to 27 and a half inches tall while weighing at least 90 pounds.
These dogs are massive with very heavy bodies that are rectangular in shape. The breed has a large, heavy head and a deep muzzle. They feature ears that are thick and tapered which are held either drooped or folded back, depending on the dog’s mood. The rest of the body is well-muscled including the back and neck. In addition, these dogs have chests that are deep and broad. This dog stands apart from other breeds in terms of the croup which is actually higher at the withers unlike other breeds. Even their legs are heavily boned!
They feature coats that are short and smooth. Acceptable coat colors include brindles (brown, black, or fawn brindled), black, and fawns (apricot, red, and dark). Colors that are NOT permitted are black and tan, blue, mouse-grey, and solid white. Filas are permitted to have white markings, but the white must not cover more than one-fourth of the dog’s body on the feet, chest, or tip of the tail.
Fila Brasileiro Temperament and Personality
The Fila Brasileiro breed has great emphasis placed on the temperament. This breed makes and excellent guard dog because they do not hide their dislike toward strangers. The breed is known for its determination, faithfulness to family, gentleness with family children, self confidence, and courage. These dogs love the company of their owners and are known for being very docile in the master’s presence.
This breed will do best if owned by an experienced dog owner who is savvy and confident on the ways of a canine. This breed is renowned for remaining extremely loyal and very protective over its immediate family, with whom these dogs share very strong bonds with. These dogs truly live to protect the entire family including pets and children. They are known for accepting very few strangers, with some of these dogs never accepting strangers around their home.
If a Fila Brasileiro is properly socialized, it will provide a regal-like existence as it should be confident and quiet while commanding respect and observing all activities in the dog’s surroundings. These dogs REQUIRE proper socialization as they are very quick to bite.
Health of the Breed
The breed tends to be quite healthy. Although like many other large breed dogs, they are a high risk of developing hip dysplasia. In addition, beware of gastric torsion, bloat, elbow dysplasia, CHD, and PRA.
Exercise and other Care Requirements
Unlike the other mastiff breeds, the Fila Brasileiro requires a lot of exercise and can become quite destructive if not properly stimulated. In addition, they are not well suited for apartment life like other Mastiffs; they are large dogs who have a lot of energy that needs to be worked off. The ideal life for a Fila is guarding a large property or farm.
Something you may not know about the Fila Brasileiro..
The Brazilian Army conducted a five-year study where they compared the Fila Brasileiro to the Doberman Pinscher and the German Shepherd. The army compared the dogs in the following categories: sensibility, intelligence, aggressiveness, rusticity, energy, strength, resistance, and temperament. In the end, the German Shepherd was credited for having the highest intelligence and the Doberman was noted for having the highest level of aggressiveness. The Fila Brasileiro excelled in every other category!
Fila Brasileiro AKA Brazilian Mastiff
English Mastiff Dog History and Picture
History and Origin of the English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is thought to be an ancient breed of dog that dates from as early as 3000 B.C. where the dogs are depicted on Egyptian monuments. In 55 B.C. it’s said that the famous Caesar ran across the breed while the dogs were fighting with the British soldiers; word has it that Caesar was so impressed by the breed’s courage that he took a group of Mastiffs back to Rome with him. Once back in Rome, Caesar began competing the dogs in lion fighting, bull baiting, and fights against human gladiators.
Later down the road, the breed became popular with England’s peasant population where English Mastiffs were used for protecting homes and villages, as well as keep dangerous predators, such as wolves, under control. It is said that the Mastiff was brought to America on the Mayflower; however, documentation shows the breed entering the country until the late 19th century. By the end of World War II the Mastiff, like many other breeds of dog, was nearly extinct in England.
The English people had Mastiffs imported from Canada and the United States so they could once again begin to establish the English Mastiff breed in England again. The English Mastiff was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1918 when Beowulf, a Canadian bred Mastiff from British import parents, was first registered with the club. Today, the breed is one of the largest breeds recognized by the AKC and is considered the 28th most popular breed of dog in America; although, you can find the Mastiff breed all over the world.
Appearance
The Mastiff breeds are considered the largest dog breeds in terms of mass. The English Mastiff has a massive body and a broad skull that gives the dog an appearance of a square head. The dogs can stand anywhere from 27 to 30 inches tall at the withers and weigh anywhere from 140 to 200 pounds. These dogs give off the impression of having much dignity and grandeur.
This heavy breed has a short, straight, coarse coat of fur that can be apricot, fawn, or brindle in color. All English Mastiffs generally have a black muzzle and nose, with some even having black ears. On the apricot and fawn Mastiffs, the dog is generally one solid color, other than the black markings on the head. In the brindle Mastiffs, the dog must have either an apricot or fawn background with black stripes throughout the fur. According to the AKC, a small patch of white on the chest, and only on the chest, is acceptable.
English Mastiff Temperament and Personality
The English Mastiff has a wonderful temperament when bred correctly. These dogs are very docile, courageous, and good natured. They are commonly referred to as “gentle giants” because they are very good with children and other people they know. The dogs are capable of protection and should be socialized from a young age. You do not want a Mastiff that is aggressive because the breed can reach weights of 200 pounds; that is a large dog to be out-of-control.
This breed tends to be on the quiet side unless someone approaches the dog’s territory. The good thing about this breed is that most English Mastiffs will trap an intruder in a corner or hold them at bay rather than attacking the person like other breeds may do. These dogs are born to guard and do not need to be taught this characteristic. An owner of this breed should be calm, consistent, firm, and confident to prevent your Mastiff from wanting to take over as boss. If trained and socialized appropriately, an English Mastiff will make an excellent pet, and will also be gentle with children and other animals.
Health of the Breed
The English Mastiff is a large, heavy breed so, of course, they are risk for developing hip dysplasia. Most experts suggest that when you buy a pure bred Mastiff, you should ask the breeder if the dog has been tested for elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, as well as the DNA tested for PRA and thyroid problems. Minor problems in the breed can include allergies, entropion, obesity, OCD, and cardiomyopathy among some other common problems.
Exercise and Other Care Requirements
The English Mastiff breed is large and on the lazy side, but they do have pretty strict care requirements to ensure a healthy Mastiff. For starters, Mastiffs under the age of two should not be subjected to excessive running. Since this breed grows to be so large, they tend to have demanding diets and exercise regimes. However, it is important after the age of two to place your Mastiff on an exercise routine so you can prevent a number of health problems and a slothful attitude.
A good thing is that the short coat of the breed is easy to groom. As an owner you should brush the dog with a wire brush and bathe the dog as needed. Make sure you provide your Mastiff a nice, soft place to sleep to prevent the development of arthritis and calluses.
Something you may not know about the breed…
The English Mastiff is one of the heaviest breeds of dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club; some male Mastiffs have been known to exceed 200 pounds!
English Mastiff Dog History and Picture
Dogue de Bordeaux AKA French Mastiff
History and Origin of the Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux, or French Mastiff, is an imposing breed of dog that is very strong and powerful. The French Mastiff is one of the oldest breeds of dog originating in France. The Dogue is a very powerful breed that is usually of the brachycephalic molossoid type which has a muscular body but is very harmonious by nature.
There have been many theories as to the origin of the breed. It has very commonly been said that the Bordeaux was created from the Tibetan Mastiff, the Roman and Greek Molossus, and the Bulldog. On the other hand, the Alans brought mastiffs to Europe that was descendants of the Spanish dogs from Bugos or the dogs of Aquitaine. This is a very old breed that acted as both body guards and cattle drivers toward the end of the Middle Ages. Over the years the breed has held many duties including cattle herder, war dog, guard dog, flock guardian, and has been trained to bait bulls, jaguars, bears, and to hunt boars.
A more sad part of Dogue history is that many Dogue de Bordeaux were killed during the French Revolution. Following the war the number of Dogues rose. In fact, a man named Raymond Triquet began a Dogue de Bordeaux club which was credited with saving the breed from extinction. They are now well established as a breed in France and most parts of the county; including the United States.
Appearance
These are very powerful dogs with muscular bodies. This breed is one whose body is longer than it is tall. These dogs do not appear “leggy”; instead, they should be stocky and be visibly muscular with a deep chest and a heavy, broad head. According the breed standards, the females should weigh a minimum of 100 pounds and be from 22 and a half to 25 and a half inches tall at the shoulders. It has been specified that males are a minimum of 115 pounds and somewhere between 23 and a half to 27 inches tall. If the dog has deviations of the slightest bit it is considered a fault. The coat should be fine, short, and soft to touch.
The coat will vary in color from a fawn, light, coppery red to a dark brown colored mahogany-color. The dogs will feature a facial mask which will be red, brown, or black in color; the red mask is preferred in the breed. White is allowed on the chest or tips of the toes; however, white anywhere else on the body is considered a fault. They are one of few large breeds that are considered hypoallergenic as they are very light shedders.
Dogue de Bordeaux Temperament and Personality
This breed is known for its exceptionally calm and good temperaments. They tend to be very patient, devoted, and loyal to their families. In fact, they are confrontational and fearless when met by a stranger. They make some of the best guard or watch dogs. If you want to have a happy, healthy household you will need to socialize your Dogue early, especially with smaller animals. Some Dogues have been known to be aggressive with other dogs.
They are great family dogs not only because of their excellent guarding ability, but also because they are very gentle with members of the family, especially children. The breed does drool and snore. The owner of a Dogue de Bordeaux should not be an inexperienced dog owner, and should remain calm and consistent with natural authority over the dog.
Health of the Breed
The breed tends to be rather healthy, but of course can suffer from hip dysplasia. French mastiffs have also been known to suffer from ailments such as hyperkeratosis, epilepsy, and heart problems. Much like the bulldog, most dams require a c-section during puppy birth.
Exercise and Other Care Requirements
This is a large breed of dog that is rather easy to care for. If you live in an apartment or other home that does not have a yard, this can still make a good dog for you because they do not need large amounts of exercise. As long as you walk the dog each day, providing sufficient exercise, the Dogue will do fine in an apartment as they are inactive indoors. The breed is a light shedder, so in terms of grooming there is little to no grooming involved; so it is a light maintenance dog. That is great for lazy owners.
Something you may not know about the breed…
The Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America is now tracking Dogues that live to be 7 years or older. The breed has a rather short lifespan of usually only 5 to 6 years. However, the oldest on record was 12. In order to celebrate individuals who outlive the average Dogue they log the records as a remembrance.
Dogue de Bordeaux AKA French Mastiff
Cuban Mastiff AKA Dogo Cubano
The Cuban Mastiff, or Dogo Cubano is an extinct Molosser breed of dog. The Cuban Mastiff was bred mainly for dog fighting purposes, but it was commonly used to capture runaway slaves. There is not a lot of available information on the breed, but from what is known it was a very large breed of dog that resembled the modern day Bull Mastiff.
In fact, the dog’s height was somewhere between that of a Bulldog and a Mastiff; however, the Cuban Mastiff was the heaviest of all Mastiff breeds, commonly weighing around 300 pounds. The breed had a short muzzle that was black in color, medium-sized pendulum-shaped ears, and a rather short tail. The face, lips, and legs were all black with the rest of the body being a “rusty wolf-color”. Following the abolition of slaves in Cuba the breed became extinct. Many historians believe the breed became extinct after this because they were too expensive to care for; especially to feed.
Cuban Mastiff AKA Dogo Cubano
Cane Corso AKA Italian Mastiff
History and Origin of the Cane Corso
The Cane Corso, or Italian Mastiff, is a Molosser type of dog that was originally created from canis pugnax, which were used during times of war for the Roman army. For years now this breed has been kept for guarding purposes, as well as hunting and acting as a companion.
In the past, the Cane Corso was commonly used as catch dogs. In other words, the breed was used in the hunting and capturing of large game such as boar, swine, and cattle. The dogs have also been commonly used as night watchdogs, and also as drovers by carters.
Before 1970 the breed almost succumbed to extinction. That is until Cane Corso enthusiasts began mixing appropriate mastiffs to re-create the breed. Since enthusiasts remade the breed, the current Cane Corso breed looks much different than its forefathers looked during the pre-1980s. For example, the breed’s drive has been reduced, the bodies have more bulk, and the way the skull was remade caused the breed to lose the scissor-bite that it once had. The breed has finally gained global popularity, including in the United States where it became known in 1987. However, the breed was not accepted by the United Kennel Club until 2008 when it was officially recognized as the Cane Corso Italiano. The American Kennel Club began to recognize the breed in 2010 as simply the Cane Corso.
Appearance
The Cane Corso is a large, Molosser breed of dog that appears more athletic and muscled than other mastiff breeds. The males tend to stand between 24 to 27 inches tall while weighing around 99 to 110 pounds. The females tend to be a little smaller, with a height of 23 to 25 inches and a weight of 88 to 89 pounds. Regardless the sex of the dog, the breed should exhibit characteristics of overall power that is balanced with athleticism. Even though the dogs tend to have a very tight coat, a dewlap around the neck is normal.
Cane Corso tend to be found in two predominant colors which are fawn and black, but can be brindle also; however, it is not uncommon to find color variations of both that are diluted. A little bit of white is permitted, namely on the feet, chest, nose, and chin; with occasional small spots of white found elsewhere. The coat of a Cane Corso is rather short and easy to care for. The dogs feature a docked tail that is left longer than some other breeds. In other words, a Cane Corso tail is more like that of a Weimaraner than that of a Doberman.
Cane Corso Temperament and Personality
The Cane Corso exhibits an uncanny willingness to please, and because of that they are quite simple to obedience train. These dogs tend to form a very close bond with their primary owner. Therefore, it is very important for the owner to provide early training and strong leadership skills that will help mold the breed’s very strong protective instincts. Aggression should never be encouraged in this breed because they are naturally very suspicious of strangers. In fact, the Cane Corso breed likes to maintain status quo, and due to this many Cane Corso never accept new pets, people, or activities.
For the most part the Cane Corso is a very quiet breed of dog that will only bark when he or she finds something unfamiliar or unsettling. A good Cane Corso should be indifferent when approached by strangers, but should only attack in the case of a real threat. Early socialization with both people and other animals will help control the breed’s natural protection instincts.
Health of the Breed
The Cane Corso is a healthy, robust breed for the most part; although, the breed can suffer from joint and bone problems that are common to large breed dogs.
Exercise and Other Care Requirements
The Cane Corso is a breed that can do well in apartment life if provided with the proper amounts of exercise. These dogs are also known to make great jogging companions; if you do not jog, a brisk daily walk will be sufficient.
The breed has a life expectancy of around 10 to 11 years and the dogs very easy to care for in terms of grooming. The Cane Corso breed is a light shedder, so it is best to give an occasional brushing to remove any dead hairs that are present.
Something you may not know about the breed..
Before 1988 the Cane Corso breed was basically only known to Southern Italy and was considered very rare. However, you may not notice that it has been featured in many Italian paintings throughout the years.
Cane Corso AKA Italian Mastiff
All about Bullmastiff dog
History and Origin of the Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a large breed of domestic dog that is of the Molosser type. The breed originated in the early 19th century by gamekeepers or English wardens to protect estates. As a result, the breed gained the nickname of “Gamekeeper’s Night Dog” because they do a very good job immobilizing poachers. It is widely accepted that the Bullmastiff was created by mixing the Olde English Bulldog with the English mastiff.
The dog was officially recognized as a purebred dog by the American Kennel Club in 1933; although the breed had been accepted earlier in Europe around 1924. The breed standard was officially written in 1935 but has undergone several changes since the original creation.
Appearance
The Bullmastiff is a large dog with an appearance similar to that of an English Mastiff, although the Bullmastiff comes in multiple coat patterns. Male Bullmastiffs will reach heights of 25 to 27 inches while weighing between 110 to 130 pounds. The females, on the other hand, are 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 100 and 120 pounds. Dogs that exceed these measurements are not encouraged by reputable breeders.
The Bullmastiff coat is short and comes in shades of red, fawn, and brindle. The fawn will range from light brown to a reddish brown. The brindle coats are always stripes overlaying a red or fawn coat. The Bullmastiff is only allowed to have a small marking of white on the chest; any markings of white found on the body other than the chest are considered a fault by the AKC. The dogs have a similar appearance of an English Mastiff with a Bulldog face.
Bullmastiff Temperament and Personality
The Bullmastiff makes a wonderful guard dog as it is very alert and devoted to its family. The breed is known for being even tempered, affectionate, and docile; that is until provoked anyway. The dogs are very highly unlikely to attack, but they will knock down and hold an intruder at bay. These dogs love human companionship, but require an owner who is experienced and consistent with training.
These dogs do require early socialization to both humans and animals in order to grow into a healthy adult. These dogs are more dominant than other types of mastiffs, and they do drool a lot, in addition to snoring and slobbering. Make sure you know exactly what you are getting and that your temperament is okay for that of a Bullmastiff. If you decide you are right for the breed, you will find a loyal, devoted companion that is eager to please.
Health of the Breed
This breed, like many other large breeds, can suffer from several ailments. These dogs usually live between eight and ten years while being prone to suffer from the following conditions: Entropion, lymphoma cancers, hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, bloat, progressive retinal atrophy, and arthritis.
Exercise and Other Care Requirements
If given the proper amount of exercise (which is not that much in comparison to other breeds) the Bullmastiff can do quite well in all types of homes, even an apartment. They are usually very inactive indoors and only require a small yard at best. These dogs do well in regions that have mild conditions as they do not do well in the severe cold or severe heat. Bullmastiffs, like any other large breed need to be taught the pecking order of the family. In addition, they like all other breeds will become destructive and exhibit behavioral problems if the dog becomes bored or is not provided with a sufficient amount of exercise each day.
Something you may not know about the breed
The Bullmastiff is a very quiet breed that is rarely known to bark.
All about Bullmastiff dog
Argentinean Mastiff AKA the Dogo Argentino
History and Origin of the Dogo Argentino
The Argentinean Mastiff, also known as the Dogo Argentino, was created in Argentina in 1928 by Antonio Nores Martinez and his brother Agustin. They used ten different breeds including the Boxer, Irish Wolfhound, Dog of Cordoba (a now extinct breed), Great Dane, Old English Bulldog, Dogue de Bordeaux, Great Pyrenees, Bull Terrier, Pointer, and the Spanish Mastiff. The dogs were developed to act as big-game hunters; hunting wild boar, puma, and mountain lions. The second reason the brothers felt intrigued to create this breed was because they wanted a dog that remained loyal and protective over the owner until death.
Today, the breed has been known to work in many industries including: police work, narcotic detection, guide dogs, Schutzhund, tracking, and military work. Unfortunately the breed developed a bad reputation in some countries such as Great Britain due to people using the Dogo Argentinos for dog fighting purposes. Therefore, the government passed legislation called the “Dangerous Dog Act” in 1991, this bill banned the importation, ownership, and breeding of three breeds. The three breeds the bill banned were the Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, and the Fila Bazileiro.
Appearance
The Dogo Argentino, or Argentinean Mastiff is a large, powerful dog that has a very muscular build. The breed comes in one coat color and that is solid white. The dogs are allowed to have a small patch of black around their eye but not covering more than 10% of the dog’s head; any other color variation is considered a flaw. The actual coat of the dog is short, and although the coat is thick the dog does not have an undercoat. These dogs have square-type heads and very powerful jaws. Their ears are set high, and commonly cropped by owners. The dogs are large in size; ranging from about 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing anywhere from 80 to 100 pounds.
Dogo Argentino Temperament and Personality
This breed tends to make a good watchdog; known for being very protective of both the home and family. If socialized properly from a young age, this breed will make an excellent companion for children. They tend to be very playful and full of kisses. This breed should not show constant aggression, as that is considered a serious fault in the breed. Instead, Dogos should be humble, friendly, and cheerful. The dogs are not big barkers, but they will alert when something is out of the ordinary. Obedience training is recommended for this breed because they are strong, powerful dogs that will try to achieve the status of pack leader if given the opportunity. Dogos are known for becoming aggressive with animals of the same sex; this is especially true for males.
Health of the Breed
One of the most common ailments found in Dogos is pigment-related deafness; also common among Boxers, Dalmatians, and white Bull Terriers. The breed faces a 10% chance of deafness with some only being affected in one ear, while others lose hearing in both ears. The other common disease found in the Dogo Argentino breed is hip dysplasia, as with most large dog breeds.
Exercise and Other Care Requirements
This breed, like many Mastiff breeds, does not require a lot of care. The dogs can do well in most living conditions, even in an apartment, if the dog is given the proper amount of exercise. These dogs do the best when either taken on a long, daily walk or given time to run around in a small fenced-in area. The dog’s short coat does not require much attention; a good brushing about once per week should do fine. Dogos are average shedders and do not carry a ‘doggy odor’; they require baths only as needed.
Something you may not know about the breed…
There are many legalities surrounding the ownership of Dogo Argentinos, so it is very important that you do your research to determine if the breed is legal in your area before purchasing one. United States cities and foreign countries alike have placed bans and other restrictions on Dogos. Some countries where the breed is banned are: Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, Denmark, Ukraine, Romania, Iceland, Norway, and the UK. In the United States, cities such as Aurora, Colorado and New York City have banned the breed from public housing.
Argentinean Mastiff AKA the Dogo Argentino
American Mastiff
History and Origin of the American Mastiff
The American Mastiff was created sometime in the late 1990s by a breeder named Fredericka Wagner from Flying W Farms in Ohio. She worked to create the breed by selectively crossing English Mastiffs with Anatolian Mastiffs. She chose the breeds for specific reasons; for example, the Anatolian Mastiff is known for its relatively long life span for a large breed and its high intelligence. Therefore, mixing this Mastiff with an English Mastiff would create a moderately healthy Mastiff with a longer life span that doesn’t drool as much as other Mastiffs.
Appearance
The American Mastiff looks like a half and half mix between the English and the Anatolian. Following in the steps of its ancestor breeds, it is large weighing anywhere from 160 to over 200 pounds while standing between 28 and 36 inches tall. The dogs come in three coat colors which are brindle, fawn, or apricot. The puppies are usually born darker and lighten with age; their true color will be evident around one year of age. The breed is allowed to have white markings on the feet, chest, and chin only. In order to meet the standard of the breed, each dog must exhibit a black mask on its face. The bodies of these dogs are well-built and they are very powerful.
American Mastiff Temperament and Personality
These dogs should present a docile nonaggressive attitude until provoked. These dogs become very attached to their families, especially children, so if they feel the family is threatened, they will attack. However, in general, they tend to be calm, loyal, and good-natured dogs. Since the breed is so patient and gentle, they do make wonderful dogs for respectful children. The owner, however, should display strong leadership skills because the dogs grow very large and can try to achieve leader of the pack status.
Health of the Breed
Thanks to the original selective breeding of the American Mastiff and the fact the breed’s bloodlines have remained pure they are usually happy, healthy dogs that are not prone to any diseases. They have slight risks for common illnesses such as hip dysplasia, although the percentage rates in this breed are nonexistent compared to other breeds.
Exercise and Other Care Requirements
The American Mastiff can thrive in any living situation as long as they are given a proper amount of exercise each day. As long as you provide the dog with a long, brisk walk or a short run daily the dog will be fine in terms of exercise. Ideally, a fenced yard is perfect for this breed. The dogs will become noticeably lazy as they age but it is important to influence the dog to maintain a healthy exercise regimen to ensure a nice body build. Regular exercise will not only help the dog physically, but it will also help the dog mentally. Since the breed has short hair, it requires minimal grooming; a light brushing weekly and a bath as needed will be fine.
Something you may not know about the breed …..
There are only eight recognized American Mastiff breeders in the country. These breeders also make-up the American Mastiff Breeders Council and all of their bloodlines can be traced back to the original Flying W Mastiffs.
American Mastiff
Alpine mastiffs dog - History, behavior, pictures and background
The Alpine Mastiff is considered to be a major contributor to the modern day Mastiff dog. This breed was apparent in 1700 and 1800 Rome and was thought to have accompanied the Romans across the Alps. However, there are traces of the dogs going back to the twelfth century with Monks at the Grand Saint Bernard Hospice. Today, the Alpine Mastiff is considered one of the original Molosser dog breeds and it is extinct.
Many historians believe that sometime in the early 1800s other breeds such as the Great Dane and Newfoundland were introduced into the blood lines of the Alpine Mastiffs. There is a rumor that Alpine Mastiffs were bred at Chatsworth House by William Cavendish the 5th Duke of Devonshire which is believed to be true. Beginning in the 19th century, the breed had been redeveloped and given the new name of St Bernard.
The St Bernard was brought to Liverpool and London in 1829, and it was the largest dog in the area at the time. Although the breed is ancient, it was not recognized by dog clubs until 1880. The breed has a long history of saving lives, especially around the Swiss Alps. Possibly the most famous St. Bernard in history was named Barry and was honored with saving over forty people in a ten year time span. The original specimens of the Alpine Mastiff breed had a short coat; it was not until the Newfoundland was introduced into the breed that the dog’s developed long coats that are found on modern-day St. Bernards.
Alpine mastiffs dog - History, behavior, pictures and background
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Test Post from All About Mastiffs dog - Info on Every Mastiff Breed
Test Post from All About Mastiffs dog - Info on Every Mastiff Breed http://aboutmastiffs.com