AMERICAN BANDOGGE MASTIFF

Apartment Living

Good for 1st Time Owners

Tolerance Levels

Affection for Family

Kid Friendliness

Stranger Friendliness

Ease of Grooming

General Health

Trainability

Prey Drive

Exercise Needs

Energy Level

History

The American Bandogge Mastiff is a hybrid of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Neopolitan Mastiff. “Bandogge” is the primary name for any Bulldog-type mastiff breed. Swinford, a veterinarian in the 1960s, began a breeding program to build the best protection dog where the contribution in the breeding scheme is assumed to be 50% each of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Neopolitan Mastiff. In some cases, the English Mastiff can also be used in place of the Neopolitan. It was a practice to tie this dog in the day and release it at night for guard duties.

Interesting Facts

American Kennel Club does not recognize these dogs
Descended from wolves
85% of these dogs visit the vet in a year
Breeding them started in the 19^th century

Varieties

There are various crosses done with the American Bulldog to make different types of this breed. An American Bulldog crossed with a Mastiff will result in an American Mastibull also known as American Mastiff or simply Mastibull.

Temperament & Personality

Bandogge is very intelligent, loyal and confident dog that requires dominant owners. First-time owners should not buy a Mastiff as these dogs need their handler to understand their canine instincts and establish good communication. Strangers should be kept at bay because this breed does not bark and hold. They love attention and will do anything to protect their owner and their family.

Lack of mental and physical exercise can make them upset and if their master does not take proper care, then they may turn aggressive and hard to control. A Mastibull is comfortable with children and other pets if raised with them. Bandogges are also known as “The Silent Peacekeepers.”

Care

Exercise

Physical activities are essential for the American Bulldog Mastiff Mix to remain in shape. With exercises, these dogs also require mental stimulation wherein extreme sports, farm work, guarding and hunting are favorable for their health. A large yard with fences is best for them.

Grooming

Their grooming needs are moderate. Regular brushing with firm bristles will maintain the coat of the dog and remove the loose hairs and dirt. Moreover, cleaning ears and trimming nails should be done when required. Regular checking of eyes is also necessary and being a big dog bathing it can be a challenge. So start washing them right from puppyhood and then they will begin to cooperate.

Health Problems

Like purebreds, Bandogge is prone to genetic problems. Issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, various forms of cancer, skin and eye problems are also common in these dogs. Its size and deep chest make it likely to develop bloat.

Training

Before training the Mastiff, the owner must establish themselves as the leader. The dogs need a boss around them or else they can cause severe damage. Because of its size, training should be done since puppyhood coupled with proper exercises to obedient and ready to follow the orders. Forty-five minutes of practice per day will be enough for this dog.

Feeding

The puppies grow at a remarkable rate, so their food should be high in nutrition. Good quality dog food is the best choice for them and water should always be readily available to them. Avoid artificial supplements and vitamin shots at all costs.