Touch of Grace Rare Breed Rescue
Dog and Bird Rescue, Dog Training, Pet Sitting
One of the breeds we rescue
Perro Cimarron Uruguayo, or also known as Perro Criollo, or Perro Gaucho. A rare molosser breed that had it's origins in Uruguay, starting around 350-400 years ago. The Cimarron is the only breed of dog indigenous to Uruguay.
The word Cimarron means: something domesticated that reverts back to being wild.
The Cimarron is distingushed by its fortitued, cleverness, and valor, with a docil temperment (though only with its humans). These attributes make it a superb guard dog, and a firmly loyal companion.
The Breed of the Cimarron was a natural occurrence, not a man made breed. It happened when the dogs that the Iberian Conquistadors brought to Uruguay were deliberately turned loose on the countryside, once they had served their purpose. As of then, only the smartest and the strongest dogs would survive.
When man does not interfere the end result is absolute perfection…The Cimarron is versatile, agile, inquisitive, and astute, with a well balanced temperament. It is a breed that displays extreme loyalty towards his human pack (family), and a natural dislike of strangers. It is also a breed of great courage, and great intelligence.
The Cimarron has many talents; it will be comfortable doing any of the things that come natural to the breed. He is a great herder and a great hunter, he is also a fantastic tracker, he performs stupendously in agility trails, but he is most happy guarding his territory and especially his humans.
This is an extremely rare breed of dog outside of its native country of Uruguay, and it is rare even within Uruguay. Very few people have heard of the breed around the world.
The breed has finally been recognized by the FCI ( Federation Cynologique Internationale) in February 21, 2006. A well deserved Honor.
It is hard to do reseach on the breed, but the people who love the breed are always more than happy to help.
If you come to the conclusion that this rare breed, is the dog for! You will have a very unique sort of dog, willing to give his life to protect you and your property from any harm... But a docil and faithful friend that is willing to please. Enjoy!
Anther of the breeds we rescue
The Fila Brasileiro “dog extraordinaire” is arguably the most beautiful and awesome of all the guardian dog breeds, with some characteristics not found in other breeds. You will often hear Fila owners and breeders say "they're not like other dogs!"(I would even go as far as to say that based on personality and temperament, the breed has no peers in the dog world)
The Fila is a magnificent and regal animal, a rare molosser breed that had it's origins in Brazil starting around 400 years ago, possibly from bloodhounds, Portuguese herding dogs, mastiffs and ancient bulldogs. The Fila Brasileiro is the National dog of Brazil.
The Fila excels at family and estate protection, hunting, tracking, cattle herding and even carting. A large and powerful dog, but don't let that fool you: the Fila, is a magnificent and regal animal, with graceful, fluid and agile movements which may surprise you considering how large the breed is…And it is not unheard of for a Fila to clear a six foot fence to defend his master.
The Fila extreme loyalty towards its family is legendary. That legend is expressed in a Brazilian saying: "Faithful as a Fila". The Fila requires no training to defend and protect; the ability and drive to do so are a natural part of him. When fierce loyalty and devotion are mixed with complete fearlessness, sprinkled with a natural guarding instinct and the ability to make decisions… Up rises from the mix an unparalleled guardian and companion. Enhancing these qualities is an inborn dislike and distrust of strangers, that is called “OJERIZA” in Portuguese. The Fila Brasileiro's protectiveness is also legendary. He is a patient and gentle family dog with those he considers his own, but does not take to strangers and should never be left unattended with casual acquaintances, strangers or anyone he does not regard as part of his immediate family.
The Fila does not need to be trained to defend, it is part of his genetic makeup. A Fila should, however, be intensively obedience trained and desensitized to external environmental stimuli. Some people use the term "socialized", however, this often leads to the misguided belief among potential Fila owners that you can train the Fila to be reliable around and safely accept attention from strangers. That is a BIG mistake!!
.You will never find a breed of dog more enamored and obsessed with its human pack (family). The Fila needs the human members of the pack to constantly stimulate and interact with him. It is not a dog to be left alone in a yard. (It will wait by the door for its owners to come home and will hang on your every move). It seems to believe, that he is entitled to all of the privileges available to humans. It is not very independent as it tends to become very much attached.
If you're considering adopting a Fila Brasileiro as your next dog, there are some things you need to know BEFORE you take the dog home. DO YOUR RESEARCH ON THE BREED!!! They are not a dog for the weak of heart! To own a Fila you must own it Responsibly. If you come to the determination that this is a dog you can handle, then… Enjoy, the breed, it is well worth the effort!
And yet another
Tosa Inu "The Sumo Wrestler of the dog world". Also known as Tosa Ken, or Tosa Token. A very bold, fearless, and courageous breed, the Tosa Inu is quick to learn and obey his master. The Tosa is a massive and powerful dog, that makes an imposing watchdog. The Tosa is serious and self-assured with strangers, yet generally mild-mannered unless aroused. In other words, he is a laid-back sofa connoisseur, until switched on. Also compared to other mastiffs, the Tosa is more athletic, more agile, and more responsive to training. The Tosa's athleticism and agility, combined with his immense power, means that the dog must be respected, well socialized, well trained, and under control at all times. They are incredibly strong animals, yet quite agile and capable of taking on the most powerful of foes. They are also used as fighting dogs, which they are very capable of being due to their power and stamina Weight pulling is an enjoyable activity, with some Tosa Inu pulling more than 3000 pounds.
The Tosas as a companion are ineffably affectionate, very obedient, most protective, and extreemly loyal.The Tosa is a people-oriented canine which equates to, wanting to be with their owners at all times. Extremely intelligent, it is an easy-to-train breed. The Tosa is a very loving dog. These dogs are suitable for a home with children. The Tosa loves his people! Most Tosa Inus may try to protect their own children from other children, they should never be left alone. They are very protective, especially of those they love.
Most Tosa Inus have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally.
Very self aware, brave, and smart, the Tosa Inu is said to be somewhat of an oaf. His endearing nature makes people instantly fall in love, but this breed is not for the inexperienced owner due to his sheer size. Calm, gentle and collected, the Tosa Inu is loyal to his owner and family. This breed makes a good watch or guard dog given the right training and proper control.
This very bright dog is eager to learn and does remarkably well in obedience and working sports. Due to the size of the Tosa Inu, it is only recommended for experienced owners, as this dog requires a lot of control. Given the proper training, a firm hand, and control, the Tosa Inu can make a great household pet. If you think this is a dog you can control, the Tosa is well worth your time and effort.
And another
English Mastiff, A Mastiff is a giant breed of dog, descended from the ancient Alaunt and Molosser. The general term 'mastiff' is used to refer to many different breeds around the world, probably all descended from the same root stock. The proper noun 'Mastiff', however, is used to refer to a specific breed of mastiff, the breed that originated in
The Mastiff breed is a combination of grandeur, dignity, and courage; calm and affectionate to its master, but capable of guarding. The breed is innately good natured, calm, easygoing, and surprisingly gentle. It is a well-mannered house pet but needs sufficient room to stretch out. This is an extremely loyal breed and though not excessively demonstrative, it is devoted to its family and good with children. However, it can be very protective of its owners and must be handled sensibly, since it is exceptionally powerful and can be difficult to control. When an "unrecognizable" visitor enters the home, the Mastiff will usually place itself between its master and the visitor until their master has recognized the visitor in a way that appears to be compassionate or friendly.
"What the Lion is to the Cat the Mastiff is to the Dog, the noblest of the family; he stands alone, and all others sinking before him. His courage does not exceed its temper and generosity and in attachment he equals the kindest of his race. His docility is perfect; the teasing of the smaller kinds will hardly provoke him to resent, and I have seen him down with his paw the Terrier or cur that has bit him, without offering further injury. In a family he will permit the children to play with him and will suffer all their little pranks without offence. The blind ferocity of the bulldog will often wound the hand of the master who assists him to combat, but the Mastiff distinguishes perfectly, enters the field with temper, and engages the attack as if confident of success: if he overpowers, or is beaten, his master may take him immediately in his arms and fear nothing. This ancient and faithful domestic, the pride of our island, uniting the useful, the brave and the docile, though sought by foreign nations and perpetuated on the continent, is nearly extinct where he was probably an aborigine, or is bastardized by numberless crosses, everyone of which degenerate from the invaluable character of the parent, who was deemed worthy to enter the Roman amphitheatre and in the presence of the masters of the world, encounter the pard and assail even the lord of the savage tribes, whose courage was sublimed by torrid suns, and found none gallant enough to oppose him on the deserts of Zaara or the plains of Numidia."
Edwards, S. (1800),
The English Mastiff is now a completely retired fighter, dedicated to watching over his family and friends. With his great sense of patience and affection, he must be said to be the best example of "man's best friend".
The English Mastiff is normally great with children. He seems to understand that they are "puppies", and treats them gently. He is both patient and protective, and despite his size and weight, he can be trusted to look after even small children. If the dog isn't used to children at all, he is able to learn how to deal with them even if he's fully grown. The ideal situation is of course to bring up the puppy with the "human puppies". Some dogs don't have the same respect for children as they have for adults. The Mastiff would never harm a child, but the most dominant males may try to inform the youngster that he doesn't want to be treated like dead meat. This doesn't mean that he'll hurt the child. It's more likely that he'll grab the child's arm or hand gently, to say "don't do that!".
Mastiffs are smart, and live to please. However, they go through phases where they are also stubborn, and these phases can last anywhere from a few weeks a couple of times in puppy hood to (in some cases) the lifetime of the dog!
Mastiffs, with their gentle natures, do not have the instincts that dogfighters are looking for. Their protective instincts make them actually the opposite to the aggressive fighting personality. However, they will, at times, fight among themselves, or with other dogs, for the typical canine reasons such as pack dominance
Mastiffs need the company of their human family much more than some other breeds of dogs do. A Mastiff left alone, tied out, or kept in a fenced yard with too little human company, will either pine away or develop destructive behaviors out of loneliness and anxiety. Denied the needed time with its family, a Mastiff may be much LESS protective because it isn't sure it belongs to that family. A normal, well adjusted Mastiff will protect its family, but only if the need arises. The ideal temperament is one where you never know that you are being protected unless a true situation arises where a Mastiff's services are needed. Mastiffs tend to react in predictable ways when faced with a threatening person. If their owner is present and a tense situation arises between the owner and a stranger, the dog will usually get between the stranger and their owner, as a sort of giant protective barrier that no sane mugger would reach over. If the stranger does anything to escalate the tension, the dog will probably growl or snarl at the person.
Dogs are creatures of habit, and it is this characteristic that makes them good guards. If you come to the realization that this is the dog for you, you will have a patient and loyal companion… Who will live to protect you.
And another
Cao de Fila de Sao Miguel On the remote Portuguese isles of the Azores, in the middle of the Atlantic, lives a unique working dog, Cao de Fila de Sao Miguel. São Miguel is the main island of the Azores and has given its name for the breed. The working style of these dogs is aggressive, they are capable of dominating even the most bad-tempered animals that they are herding. So these cattle dogs from the Azores do not lack of courage. They are only working dogs and we think that they are not fit for being mere dogs of companion.
The Cao de Fila de Sao Miguel is an own cattle dog breed of the Azores which has been maintained pure for several hundreds of years. The official registration of these dogs was started in the 1980s, above all in order to secure the racial purity of the Cao de Fila de Sao Miguel. At that time, due to the regular modern communications, the Azores were opening themselves to the outer world and thus more and more dogs of other breeds were beginning to come ashore. This arouse the danger of a possible mixtures of breeds. The "father of the breed" is, for good reason, Mr. Antonio José Amaral, who initiated the registration in cooperation with a veterinarian, Mrs. Maria de Fatima Machado Mendes Cabral. They are the ones who are responsible that the Cao de Fila de Sao Miguel is still living as strong and firm shepherd as it was hundreds of years ago.
The Cao de Fila de Sao Miguels are also firm watch and guarding dogs, whether they are keeping an eye on cattle, persons, the home yard, goods or anything that they regard as their own. While they are guarding, it is useless for any stranger to approach them. Just their strong appearance and severe glance are enough to drive away an eventual intruder. Under the menace of a real danger they defend with a fiery zeal and till the very end what they think is their own. These dogs have a good sense of relativity, they know well how to discern a real danger from a normal situation and they are capable of acting in an instant, guided by their strong instincts.
There are very few cattle dogs in which these two working characteristics -- both herding and guarding -- are combined in such a close-knit and convincing way. It should also be mentioned that due to the strong instinct of a watch and guarding dog, the training must in this sense be very coherent and even severe, when needed. A well-balanced watch and guarding dog knows when to stop guarding, when the master gives an order. Even the watch and guarding dogs should accept a stranger accepted by the master, provided that the ranking order between the master and the dog is clear. To those who buy our puppies, we will give instructions of all that is related to the watching and guarding characteristic; they must be made clear to an Cao de Fila de Sao Miguel puppy, because this is a primitive breed with strong instincts.
Males weigh about 75-80 pounds. The females weigh about 65-70 pounds. Their color is usually a mixture of black and brown with a white chest. They are very muscular. They are good with children as well as other dogs. This breed description is courtesy of For The Love Of The Breeds
And another
Cane Corso: The Cane Corso originated in Italy from the Canis Pugnax (the old Roman Molossian). They were used for hunting large wild animals and also as a warrior in battles. For many years they have been companions of the Italic populations-employed as property, cattle and personal guard dog as well as hunters. The Cane Corso's name comes from the Latin "Cohers" which means Guardian and Protector. In medieval times, the Cane Corso was used primarily on big game. Their power, courage and agility made them especially valuable on wild boar. They were also used on stag and bear at times as well.
With the decline in big game hunting, the Corso found a new home with Italian farmers. They were used as a drover, protecting the farm from both human thieves and animal predators, and protecting the home.
These dogs do not accept strangers easily and they keep their distance from them. From a very early age they bark at strangers, signaling danger. Guarding is in their blood, and their hunting instincts are highly developed. They demand exercise and an owner who understands the breed well. This is not a breed for first time dog owners. They need to have an owner who is familiar with breeds such as this, and who has the time and knowledge to work with the dog.
Cane Corso's are large dogs, strongly built with powerful and long muscles. The length of the body is about 11% over the height at the withers. Their coat is short but not smooth, shiny, stiff, and very dense. Their colors can be black, plumb-gray, slate, light gray, light fawn, deer fawn, dark fawn, and tubby (very well marked stripes on different shades of fawn and gray). In the fawn and tubby dogs, there is a black or gray mask only on the muzzle and shouldn't go beyond the eye line. They may also have a small white patch on the chest, feet tips and on the nose bridge.
They are very intelligent, active and even minded dogs, who are unequaled as watch and protection dogs. They are docile and affectionate with their families, and will protect their families at all costs. This breed description is a courtesy of For The Love Of The Breeds
And another
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog: Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs are protective, alert, intelligent, active, loyal and obedient. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs are very protective of their family and property and make effective watchdogs and guard dogs. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs are quick to train and they thrive on human companionship. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs tend to get along with other household pets and dogs, but it does vary between individuals. It is extremely important that this protective breed is socialized adequately with a variety of animals, people and situations from an early age to help avoid them becoming overly dominant or reading non-threatening situations incorrectly.
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is dutiful and quickly trainable. This very rare breed is named as such for their streak of "royalty." It is a great watch and guard dog. They will fight to the death to defend their owners and make excellent companion dogs. Excellent with and protective of children. This breed is a well-developed, exaggerated bulldog with a broad head and natural drop ears. The prominent muzzle is covered by loose upper lips. The Prominent eyes are set well apart. The Alapaha's coat is relatively short and fairly stiff. Preferred colors are blue merle, brown merle, or red merle all trimmed in white or chocolate & white.
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog was bred by the Lane family of Georgia, in the United States for three generations. This breeding programme began in the 1800s and these rare, bulldog-type dogs descended from Buck Lane's dog called Otto. Buck Lane's granddaughter continued the breeding programme until she passed away in 2001. The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog evolved from the original English Bulldog stock and was solely bred for companionship and security purposes. It is an extremely rare breed with under 200 dogs worldwide. These dogs are now being called Lana Lou Lane Bulldogs in the memory of Lana Lou Lane.
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is extremely rare and has a unique and distinctive appearance. These Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs got their name from the Alapaha River region where they were originated by Lana Lou Lane
And another
Neapolitan Mastiff: The Neapolitan Mastiff is an awe inspiring guard dog. Massive bone structure with an express full face, joined with extreme intelligence and extreme loyalty, this Mastiff is the top defender and friend. The Neapolitan Mastiff is steady and loyal to his owner, not aggressive or apt to bite without reason. As a protector of his property and owners, he is always watchful and does not relish intrusion by strangers into his personal space. His attitude is calm yet wary. In the show ring he is majestic and powerful, but not showy. The Neapolitan Mastiff has only been recognized as a breed since 1949, but evidence of paintings and statues from 3000 years before Christ show the roots of these giant war dogs of Egypt, Persia, Mesopotamia and Asia. Even Alexander the Great was instrumental in the creation of the Neapolitan Mastiff.
Alaxander is known to have crossed the giant Macedonian and Epirian war dogs with shorthaired "Indian" dogs to create the Molossus. The Molossus was a dog characterized by having a wide, short muzzle and heavy dewlap and was used to fight tigers, lions, elephants and men in battle.
When the Romans conquered Greece, they adopted the Molossus dogs and used them in battle, for hunting as well as in the arena. The Roman invasion of England gave them access to the even larger giang Mastiff, which the Romans crossed with their own war beasts. The several different breeds that descended from these dogs are large powerful animals, who are devoted to their owners, and superior defenders of people and property.
The Romans, who delighted in bloodthirsty gladiatorial fights and wild animal fights, also used these dogs in the arena. Even though this occured, these dogs were used mostly as guard dogs, which is what they were best at.
The "Neo", as they are commonly called among fanciers and owners, continued to be used as a guard dog on estates, mostly in southern Italy. The breed remained relatively unknown elsewere. It wasn't until the dark days of World War II when a lot of the breeds of dogs in Europe nearly became extinct- this is when the popularity of the Neo began to grow. In 1942, the first standard for the Neo was drawn up, and the dogs began to show up in dog shows. The Neapolitan Mastiff was given full recognition with the American Kennel Club in 2004, and the first Neo was shown at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in February of 2005.
In Italy, a good Neo is very expensive and difficult to find. Old time breeders are very reluctant to sell dogs to people they don't know. Some Neo's were brought to the United States by those of Italian decent, who had seen the dog when they were children in Italy. In the United States and Canada, the Neo is still fairly rare, though their popularity is rising each day.
Despite the beastly and even vicious appearance, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a peaceful and steady dog. It was developed to look and act fearsome when needed, but is affectionate with his family and the family's friends. Highly protective and fearless. It is extremely intelligent and somewhat willful. It does not require repetitious training. Neo's are very attuned to his master's wishes. This breed rarely gives trouble by excessive barking. They are serious, calm and quiet unless provoked. The breed is very wary of strangers. Males can be much more aggressive and dominant than females. The Female makes a better family pet, as she is more submissive to her master and better with children. These dogs are, however, usually very loving with children, provided they do not tease them. Males do not get along with other males, but the Neo can get along well with non-canine pets if raised with them from puppyhood.
Neapolitan Mastiffs should be well socialized at an early age to avoid over-protectiveness. They will be quite protective even with extensive socialization. Additional protection training is unnecessary because they are naturally guard dogs. Thorough obedience training is highly recommended. Be sure you are consistent in approach and do not keep repeating commands it has failed to obey. These are not dogs for beginners but it is an exaggeration to describe them as difficult in their association with others. A calm handler with natural leadership will achieve the best results. With thorough training and an experienced, dominant owner, the Neapolitan Mastiff can be a good family dog. The Neo is generally very tolerant of pain due to the breed's early fighting background. Males often drool quite heavily. They tend to drool more in hot weather or after drinking water. Adult Neo's eat about 8-10 cups of dog food a day. If you are planing on showing your dog, be sure to select a puppy that has a good temperament so he can accept handling by strangers.
Males should be 26-31 inches and weigh up to 150 pounds. Females 24-29 inches tall, and weigh up to 110 pounds. Their coat is short, dense and of uniform length and smoothness all over the body. The hairs are straight and no longer than one inch. Solid coats of gray (blue), black, mahogany and tawny, and the lighter and darker shades of these colors are allowed.
Do not let the young, Neapolitan Mastiff run and play too much. Limit its exercise because it must on no account be over-tired. Avoid rough games in the growing stage and ensure that all its energy is available to make healthy bones and muscles. Adult Neapolitan Mastiffs need a great deal of exercise. He should be taken on long walks twice daily. This breed Decription is a courtesy of For The Love Of The Breeds
And anther
South African Boerboel: Boerboel - a big farm dog of uncertain origins. This dictionary definition is now a thing of the past. The South African Boerboel is now a recognised "pure breed". Research has revealed that the ancestry of the Boerboel can be traced as far back as the time of Herodotus and to Tibet, Assyria and Babylon. The Boerboel's beginnings date back to the 17th century, when South African farmers developed a sturdy working breed from various European mastiff-type dogs as well as large dogs native to Africa. Much has already been written on the descent of the Boerboel but nobody can state with certainty that it is bred from one, two or more breeds of dogs.
What is confirmed by investigation is that Jan van Riebeeck brought with him a "bullenbijter" on his arrival to the Cape. This dog was a large strong breed which reminded one of the Mastiff type of dog. Those who followed Van Riebeeck to the Cape, had also brought with them only the largest and strongest dogs, and over a period of decades only the strongest survived in the now and desolated country. With the arrival of the British Settlers in 1820 they brought amongst others the Bulldog and Mastiff type of dog. (In 1938 the real Bull Mastiff was imported to South Africa by De Beers to guard the diamonds mines. It is also known that they imported a champion obtained from the Hottentots, played a role in the development of the Boerboel. The "Boerdogs" (as they are known) were scattered by the Voortrekkers during the Great Trek and they continued to breed with them. According to tradition, after the Anglo Boer War in 1902, these dogs were cross-bred with the English long-legged Bulldog and also the with the Bull Mastiff, in the late and early 1950's. The history is especially known among the farmers of the North-Eastern Free State, Northern Natal and in parts of Transvaal.
At the turn of the century, the characteristics of the old original dog were clearly visible and the dog was generally known as the "Bole" The years that followed almost brought tragedy to the Boerboel. Urbanisation caused cross-breeding with anything that could bark and the typical "Bole" started to disappear. It was only in the eighties that a serious search started again for the original farm dog.
A few people took the initiative and the South African Boerboel Breeders Association was formed. Their main aim was to let the original Boerboel take its rightful place as a South African dog among other dog breeds of the world.A search covering thousands of kilometres followed. Selective breeding started, many disappointments followed, but also immense joys too! At last the dog of our forefathers was ready to be registered as a pure breed.In the meantime the Breeders Association has grown to in excess of 500 members. They are widely spread throughout South Africa and Namibia. Each year in November they have a big get-together and people from all over converge at Kroonstad whereby dogs and people can look each other over.
The Boerboel is an athletic Mastiff, like the Mastiffs of old days, and it is capable of doing kinds of work other Mastiff breeds only can dream of.
Males should be 25-28 inches tall, females should be 23-25.5 inches. Fully grown and in prime condition, the breed weight is about 110-165 pounds. The Boerboel will get enough exercise if they have a large yard to run and play. They have a short coat, and the colors can be Brindle, yellow (lion), grey, redbrown, brown, with white markings, with or without black muzzles, will be acceptable. This breed descrition is a courtesy of For The Love Of The Breeds
Another
Alano Espanol: The Alano is a very ancient breed. There are several theories concerning it's origin. Most people relate today's Spanish Alanos to the dogs the Alanos (Alans) brought with them when they invaded the Iberian Peninsula in 406 AC. These dogs did not originate from any breed known today, but instead, was the ancestor of, many of the molosser breeds that are very popular today, such as Great Dane or the Dogue de Bordeaux. There used to be Alano dogs not only in Spain, but in other places across Europe invaded by the Alans, however, only in Spain have they survived for more than 1500 years until the present time. A group of Alano enthusiasts spent a lot of their time in the early 1980's working towards the goal of finding out the exact demographic situation of the Alano. The breed was never in dog shows or bred for beauty. At the time everyone thought the Alano had probably disappeared from most of the wild boar hunting expeditions and cattle ranches of Spain. Carlos Contera and his colleagues thoroughly searched all of rural Spain looking for this legendary molosser, whose decline started when its participation in bullfights was banned in 1883. The search was a success. They found a few Alanos in Extremadura (Southwest of Spain) and Castille (central plateau) but also a large and stable population of about 300 Alanos in the Encartaciones Valley in Northern Spain. These were the same Alano dogs that had been used for centuries to handle a local half wild breed of cows. The restoration of the breed started from the best of these Alanos. Their DNA was analyzed by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Cordoba to assure their authenticity. The Spanish Alano, in the past, has been used in four basic purposes: 1) Wild or Half-wild Cattle handling.
2) Bullfights (this use was banned by the Spanish laws back in the 19th century)
3) Big-game hunting.
4) Guard and defense.
5) War
Today it is used for cattle handling and hunting only. When working, the Alano Español depends on its powerful bite, its obedience and its well-balanced personality. The grip of the Alano Español's jaw has become legendary. It is extremely effective not only because the dogs bite using the whole jaw, extending the grip back to the molars, steadily and maintaining it for a long time, but also because they will release the prey when they are told to do so. The release is as important as the holding when working with the dogs. Some of the Alano's talents include herding, hunting, tracking, watchdogging, guarding, police work, Schutzhund, weight pulling, competitive obedience and agility.
The Alano Español is a molosser (a large sturdy dog whose origins are in Molossia). It has a primitive appearance whose general physiology fits him specially well for running at high speeds for long periods of time and firmly holding wild game or cattle for a long time when ordered. With a well proportioned body structure, the rib cage is arched, not cylindrical, the chest reaches the elbows level, with strong and solid shoulders and withers. The front legs are stronger than the back ones, and are straight whether viewed from the front or from the side. The paws are generally much larger than those of other dogs of the same size and weight. The profile of the Alano's backbone outline is slightly ascending towards the back end or, at least, straight, but not descending. The muscles in the hindquarters are well developed and the back legs show very well defined angles ending in strong feet. The tail is thicker at the base tapering to a point and is never cropped because it is used as a rudder in the dogs sharp turns and dribbles when hunting or working with half-wild or wild cattle. When the tail is carried low, none of its length rest against the dogs hind area. The belly is retracted inwards giving him a more athletic appearance than other heavier molosser breeds. The neck is strong, powerful and wide, showing two double chins that should never hang to low. His head is brachycephalic (Bulldog type) in shape, squared in appearance and with a serious expression. The muzzle is wide and represents approximately 35% of the total length of the head, with a vertical stop. The nose is large, wide and black with open nostrils. The ears are usually cropped, slightly rounded at the tip. Uncropped ears are medium in size and carried folded over the face. The Alano has very powerful jaws. The teeth are wide, well separated from each other with a very strong and firm scissors bite or inverted scissors bite. An under-bite is allowed if it is 2 mm or less. When walking the Alano has the stride of a sly panther, because of its habit of carrying his head low, slightly and slowly bouncing it from side to side making its strong shoulders more visible. Alanos are tireless molossers that can maintain a constant, graceful, agile trot for a long time. When galloping, they are fast and flexible, fully stretching in and out their whole body in each step. Sorting obstacles with enormous agility, making it look as if they will never get tired even if they were required to maintain the gallop for miles. Coat colors include yellow and wolf gray, fawns and reds (in either light or dark tones), with or without tigering (brindling) and or black mask. Black & tan-always with tigering on the tan markings which is described in the Spanish standard as "negro y atigrado" translating as black & tigered. White markings are allowed, but only on the snout, neck and chest, lower legs, belly and at the tip of the tail, the white should never predominate the body.
The temperament of the Alano is very dominant and serious but very controllable by his master, acting submissively towards him/her. This breed is very affectionate with the family and people they know. It is also extremely patient and good with children. They are reliable, stable, very obedient and bark very little. However, the Alano will watch strangers with suspicion, attacking with little warning, only when the situation requires it. When holding wild animals with it's jaws, regardless of the size, nature, or aggressiveness of the animal, the Alano totally ignores feelings like pain or fear and will not surrender until he is told to do so or until he achieves the orders given. The Alano will fight to the death to follow orders, fighting the wild boar or the bull until the end. They are a fearless, loyal, devoted, hard worker. Well-balanced & stable, self-confidant with a very high pain threshold. Powerful and protective, but not aggressive. These characteristics of the breed are not fully apparent until the animal reaches full maturity, which usually happens when the dog reaches 2 1/2 years old or older. Because this breed is bred to function in packs as a team, he is good and sociable around other dogs. Enjoying a good romp, playing and just having fun. However, the Alano will not back down if challenged by them. The Alano Español, like all mastiff type breeds, should have a dominant owner. They can climb trees with amazing cat-like agility and are capable of leaping to great heights from a stand-still position. The Alano can be difficult to housebreak, which makes this breed best as an outside dog. Male Alano puppies tend to chew and be more destructive than female Alano puppies. This breed description is a courtesy of For The Love Of The Breeds
And another
Amarican Bandogge Mastiff: The word "Bandogge" is the generic name for any Bulldog Type Mastiff breed. The Bandogge has a very prominent musculature and an angulation that gives the dog a very athletic and agile look. Most are black brindle but others colors include black, blue, red, and tawny.
The American Bandogge is not a purebred dog, in the way we know the word "purebred". Their ancestry is of American Pit Bull Terrier and Neapolitan Mastiff. There are some kennels who do produce Bandogs successfully in many generations, without adding blood from other breeds, and have gained a homogeneous type. In the late 1960's a veterinarian by the name of Swinford began a breeding program which was ultimately to produce the greatest of all protection dogs. Though breeders of Bandogs today disagree on just what breeds went into Swinford's original breeding scheme, the general compromise is that it was 50 % American Pit Bull Terrier and 50 % very large molosser. The most common method employed to produce a Bandog is to cross a good game male American Pit Bull Terrier with a large and strong Neapolitan Mastiff bitch. Another somewhat common method used in breeding the Bandogs is to cross an English Mastiff with an American Pit Bull Terrier. Also a similar cross is the Pit Bull Terrier and the Bullmastiff cross, however this cross is not called Bandogs but rather a Pit Bullmastiff. The name Bandog was used in the old England by the Saxons and comes from the word Banda,-a Saxon word for chain. It was common practice to tie the dog by day, and release him at night to enable him to carry out his guard duties.
The Bandogge is an extremely intelligent dog. Confident and very docile. Like all mastiffs, they should have an owner who is fairly dormant. Although not bred as fighting dogs, they are on the whole very dog aggressive, making them not a good choice for first time dog owners, as well as those who have not owned a dog-aggressive dog in the past. Some people, mainly on the East Coast, still use this dog as a fighting dog. Luckily, there are more folks breeding these dogs for protection than for combat. As a protection dog, they are as a whole excellent. They have a great deal of drive and are very tractable. The only temperament draw-back to protection work is their unwillingness to perform the "bark" portion of the "bark and hold". As they are borne of fighting extraction, most dogs from this lineage do not bark as a warning, this is typically a difficult task. The American Bandogge is a breed that loves attention. They are very loyal and do not like to be left alone. Some, when left alone, will howl the entire time their owner is gone. They are happy to receive any attention and gladly accept whatever you give them. They prefer to be with their owners and live to please and protect them. Loving their families and protecting their domain. Bandogge can get along with other animals if they are raised with them including kittens, cats, and other dogs, but can they be aggressive with animals they haven't been socialized with. They will protect themselves and their families to the end. Confident and very obedient, they are excellent with children. Bandogge seem to have a sense of when to be gentle. They are excellent family members as well as an intruder's worst nightmare. They are said to be "The Silent Peacekeepers". This breed tends to drool and slobber. This breed description is a courtesy of For The Love Of The Breeds
And another
Bullmastiff: The Bullmastiff originated in England in 1860. There was a problem of keeping large estates and game preserves free from the poachers at that time. The penalties for this crime were severe, therefore the poacher would rather shoot it out with the keeper hoping to escape rather than accept the punishment they would receive if caught. Safety for the gamekeeper was what made the Bullmastiff.
The gamekeepers decided to bring dogs in. They cared nothing for the look of the dog as long as it performed its needed tasks. At first they tried the Mastiff. They were courageous and powerful, but not fast enough or aggressive enough to do the job. Next they tried the Bulldog, which turned out to be too ferocious and not quite large enough to be suitable. They wanted fearless dogs that would attack upon command only. For this, they decided to cross the Mastiff and the Bulldog, which formed the Bullmastiff.
Inevitable came the rivalry between keepers as to the quality of their dogs. Then came the breeding to and from outstanding performers of their time- a survival of the fittest. The Bullmastiff was known then as the "Gamekeepers Night Dog."
Those who are looking into this breed for a pet must realize that these are extremely large dog. They can weigh well over 120 pounds and be as tall as 27 inches at the shoulders. If you have small children, these dogs may just walk by a child and even the slightest bump can knock children off their feet. They are not aggressive dogs, however rough-housing with children can lead to a child being hurt due to the large size of the Bullmastiff. With any breed, proper supervision is required, but due to the Bullmastiffs size, it is especially needed. This breed description is courtesy of For The Love Of The Breeds
And another
Perro de Presa Canario: The Presa Canario is a molosser, coming from the Canary Islands (Spain), whose coat is characterized by a short harsh coat and with a solid and powerful look (23-26 inches for 89-126 pounds) but at the same time agile and dynamic.
It is a dog with a strong temperament, dominant and with a marked guard instinct, very loyal with his family and very distrustful towards strangers.
The Presa Canario, being a dog of a considerable size and firm temperament, should be correctly educated so that his owner can have the control of his own dog at all the time.
Besides, if you already have another dog in your house you should consider that the Presa Canario does not tolerate other dogs of the same sex, and therefore would probably show aggressive behaviors through the time, moreover difficult to control and unpredictable.
This is said not to discourage people that are approaching the breed, but because everyone that choose to own a Presa Canario should do it in a conscious and responsible way: too often the reputation of a breed which is followed by a lot of enthusiasts is irremediably ruined by the fault of few irresponsible ones. In this sense, it is extremely important that the puppy, in his early months, follow a socialization path that will let him get in contact with dogs and persons.
The same concept about responsibility and consciousness is to be hoped for reproduction: in theory everyone is free to do (almost) anything with his own dog, but those who use for the reproduction a specimen without having preliminary checked for hip dysphasia, without having tested his functional skills, without having estimated his typicality against the Standard, is simply damaging the breed.
On the whole, it is a matter of canine culture. The role of the breeders is of great responsibility and their work, more or less aware as far as genetic betterment is concerned; determine the choices that set the path the breed will follow in the future.
The Presa Canario today
It is important to specify that the modern Presa Canario nothing has to do with the ancient Presa Canario, quoted in the municipal ordinances of the Canary Islands since the first years of the XVI century and that were taken on the Islands by the conquerors coming from the
Luckily, starting from the first years of the Seventies there is a rebirth of the interest for the catch dogs and, thanks to crosses with different breeds, most of them molossers, come to light the (new) Presa Canario we know today. It is opportune to clear up that the genetic basis of the true modern Presa Canario is the Perro de Ganado Majorero, a herd dog original of the
Despite the recent interest towards the Presa Canario, the present situation of the breed is very complicated: the (yet former) Spanish Club of the Presa Canario (C.E.P.C.) ran through many years a wrong politic, using for the selection dysphasic dogs and without temperament, centering their efforts in ephemeral exhibitions and shows rather than in sound temperament tests or in efforts of genetic betterment, with the only objective to reach the international stage thanks to the breed recognition by the Federation Cinologique Internationale (F.C.I.).
In 2001 the recognition by the F.C.I. of the “Dogo Canario” was the last straw that break the camel’s back: the Spanish breed club, just to reach that objective, submitted itself to the wills of the FCI and accepted even the name change of the breed, name with deep historical origins but that the FCI judged “politically uncorrected” for the presence of the word Presa (“catch”). Sure, it would have been enough if the club tried to defend in the proper places the original denomination of the breed, eventually refusing any recognition under any other name, but, evidently, the appeal of the popularity (and most of all of the business involved by the international recognition) was stronger. As this was not enough, a number of modifications to the breed standard were made: first of all the unjustifiable exclusion of the black coat (that as was already demonstrated is an absolutely legitimate coat from an historical point of view) and the elimination of a maximum weight, error that the Dogo Canario will pay (or more precisely, is already paying..) with gigantism phenomena, which is an element that has undeniably affected in a serious manner other molosser breeds, converting functional animals in showcase freaks, moreover prone with higher frequencies to a number of serious pathologies (cardiac and respiratory problems, etc.).
The discrimination of the white markings is the umpteenth modification of the breed standard, as originally and traditionally they were accepted without any problem till the 30% of the coat, and that now someone was trying to repudiate, describing them in Standard of the Dogo Canario as “not desirable”.
This was enough to start a little revolution: at this point a group of enthusiasts of the Presa Canario decide to work outside the officially and to go on with the selection of the original Presa Canario, as it was described in the standard of the Real Sociedad Canina Espanola till 1999. We can state therefore that a real split from the breeds “Dogo Canario” and “Presa Canario” took place, just like it is already happened with the American Staffordshire and the Pit Bull. From our point of view it was necessary in order to preserve the original Presa Canario, in his historical, temperamental and morphological characteristics.
The reference standard for the original Presa Canario is therefore the one that was approved by the Real Sociedad Canina Espanola, that included the black coat and did not discriminate in any way the white markings (till the 30%).
The standard of the Presa Canario, in comparison with the one recognized by the FCI as “Dogo Canario”, is a better answer to the needs of a functional breed. This because it let preserve the genetic asset of a greater number of good specimens as far as temperament is concerned: a black Presa Canario that reaches very good results on the work field or a dog with a strong temperament and proven functionality but with evident white markings, both would be excluded if we would use such a narrow and unjustifiable standard like the one of the Dogo Canario.
Summing up, the Dogo Canario, it is clear, is going to become specialized in what is called “aesthetics conformation” (just the thing that has caused serious problems other molosser breeds). On the contrary, we want that the Presa Canario remains first of all a functional breed, and then of course also characterized by a certain typicality which is precisely described in the standard of the RSCE.
The 1st of January 2003, the Presa Canario enthusiast movement reach an important goal, that is the recognition of the breed in the United States of America, by the United Kennel Club, of course with the original denomination and with a standard that is very close to the original one of the RSCE, and therefore that include also the black coat and the white markings till 20%, but that stil has some point to better, first of all the definition of a maximum weight.
Nowadays there is still a lot of work to do, but the thing we more care about are the results that are reachable on a breed betterment point of view, thanks to a serious selection process, based on the systematic certification of hip displasia free for the dogs used in the reproduction lines and with the continous test of the temperament of both sires and dams.
The genetic science has developed tremendously in the last years, putting into the hands of the professional breeders and of all the dog fanciers a number of tools and knowledge that was not accessible before. However, if the canine culture will not manage to spread proportionately, the real risk we should face is that those awesome tools may remain unused.
As a matter of fact, for what concerns the Presa Canario, there are still too few breeders that test the hips of their specimenrs (and even fewer the ones that are able to provide an official certification of the absence of hip displasia) as still too few are the breeders that provide the customers with an official certificate of the kinship for the pups, that is easily done with a simple DNA test.
These little steps are really necessary and important. In this sense, the breeders of the Presa Canario are charged with a great responsibility: only with the sharing of the objectives and with the methodical observance of the measures directed to the genetic betterment of the breed it will be possible to reach new goals.
The functional Presa Canario
The Presa Canario is a poliedric dog from a functional point of view. Even if he is a natural born guardian (and his instinct in this sense leaves no doubts) his powerful physical conformation with the impressive agility which characterizes his structure, make him particularly suited for the defense training, that we suggest to follow to all the owners of a Presa Canario.
However, the functional training presuppose the completion of an obedience or “education” course, that should be attended by each owner with his own dog, ideally when the pup is between the 6 and the 12 months old. Basically this course let the dog (and the owner) learn some simple exercise like “come”, “sit”, “stay” and some more; this both in quiet surroundings and in places with other dogs and persons. This course prepares the field for the next working tests, helping to build and to consolidate the relationship between the dog and the owner and also helping the socialization process of the pup, that is really important in order to prevent disagreeable and dangerous episodes of aggressiveness, that are also extremely harmful for the reputation of the breed.
A full course of guard and defense is the completion of a path and it will let show the physicals and psychics skills of the Presa Canario: instinct, intelligence, courage, power, trustworthiness.
Not being recognized by the FCI, the Presa Canario is not admitted outside U.S. to official working trials (IPO, Schutzhund and similar) and in order to participate to them the dog should be taken under a registration process under the name “Dogo Canario” (same thing in order to participate in conformations shows), thing that we find really awkward because of the reasons above reported as far as the recognition of the “Dogo Canario” by the FCI and the consequent modifications of the breed standard are concerned. Rather than adapt oneself to the unfairness, becoming a party to the plot, we think it is more decent and respectable to work outside the officially – because it is clear that the official way it is not the only one -, trying to actively change that state of the thing, but never giving up, for any reason, to preserve the original characteristics of the traditional Presa Canario.
In any case, we really suggest every Presa Canario owner to follow a complete training course with his dog: and even if in some countries it is not possible to officially compete it does not prevent oneself to reach great results and satisfactions, besides than verifying if the dog is effectively a specimen that can be taken into consideration for the reproduction (in the case that also the x-rays of the hips gave a satisfactory results).
As said above, the Presa Canario is a complete utility dog, suitable to a number of functional tests. In the United States, for example, some specimen are used with success for the competitions of Weight Pulling (for which the dogs are trained with a specific athletic training) in which the dogs pull (without any coercion), wearing a proper harness, a cart charged with weight on a track of 15 feet, in a maximum time of 60 seconds; depending on the surface (snow, asphalt, rails) on which the competition takes place the results can vary considerably, but in order to have an idea of the strength of these dogs it is enough to know that they pull more than 2000 lbs on asphalt.
Another functional discipline in wich the Presa Canario is used with very good results (moreover in different countries, from
The second wild-boar functional discipline, and that is more popular in the rural areas of the United States of America, is the so called “Wild Hog Catching” and it consists in a chronometric competition that measures the time from when a dog is introduced in a pen with a wild hog and when the dog manage to catch and immobilize the wild animal: in this case the skills required are explosive speed and a decise catch.
Summing all up, the Presa Canario thanks to his morphological and physical characteristics can, without any doubt, obtain excellent results in a lot of functional disciplines like search and rescue operations, agility, bomb and drugs detection, pet therapy and much more. This is all we wish to see in the next future.
In order to transform these opportunities into objective results it will be necessary, however, a systematic work, responsible and shared by both enthusiasts and breeders, that must be conscious of the extreme importance of the methodical use of hip x-rays, kinship exams (DNA) and temperament tests. Without these 3 points it will be difficult to progress, both for the breed and for our community on the whole.This breed description is a courtesy of http://www.elpresa.com/en/content/view/12/110/
And still another
Spanish Mastiff: Also known as, Leon Mastiff, Extremadura Mastiff, La Mancha Mastiff. The Spanish Mastiff is sometimes referred to as the Mastin de la Mancha, Mastin Espanol, Mastin de Extremadura or Mastin de Leon and it is native to the
The Mastin Espanol is a breed of great strength and stamina, bred and used for guarding farms, cattle and flocks, and also in the hunt for wild boar and other large game. Today, the breed has many other uses, apart from being a house Ð dog Ð in war it has been used as guard, and for mountain communication work. It is a stocky, compact dog, well balanced and agile. It stands 28" to 32"or more, and its coat is not long, but fine and dense, soft to the touch, and with a strong tail, well feathered. The tail and ears (which normally are small with the points folded) were formerly cut, a custom dating from the MastiffÕs use as a fighting dog, but now this practice is much deplored, since the tail, in particular, is a striking feature of this distinctive breed.
The expression is intelligent. The head is large, with pronounced stop, and long, powerful muzzle. The neck is short, with a double dewlap; the back sloping and slightly hollow. The quarters are straight and strong, the feet having well defined toes and double or single dew claws. Colors are varied; most frequent are yellows, fawns, reds and blacks, wolf color. Sometimes combined colors can be seen such as: brindles, white mark on chest, and dappled.
The Mastin Espanol does not require a great deal of exercise Ð however a good size yard where the mastin can spend its day undisturbed is preferred. The breed is extremely adaptable to extremes in climate and it is very comfortable both indoors and outdoors. As with any large guardian breed Ð the mastin should become and integral part of the family in order to co exist peacefully in an indoor environment. Socialization is important with this breed as it is with any large breed. The mastin is a very loyal dog and it is happy to be in the company of its family or by its owners side. It is gentle with those that it is raised around including other family pets. However trespassing dogs into the territory of the mastin will trigger the protection instinct in the Mastin Espanol. A Mastin Espanol can catch and kill a wolf working independently with ease Ð this will give you some idea of just how powerful the breed truly is. It is utterly fearless.
The Mastin Espanol is not a breed for everyone Ð but it is one that will likely appeal to large breed fanciers who will also be responsible owners. If there is to be a negative side to ownership of a Mastin Espanol then possibly that would be drooling and shedding. Other than that Ð all else is positive.
As with any large breed there can be health issues associated with the Mastin Espanol as a breed some of these being torsion, heart defects, entropion or ectropion of the eyes, hip dysplasia and canine panosteitis (growing pains).
Nutrition plays a key factor in raising a Mastin Espanol and an owner must be patient with the growth of their dog as there will be many phases which the dog will go through as it passes from puppy hood to mature adult. At certain points the mastin will resemble a "gangly teenager" however this will soon pass and the end result is usually a good mastin. This breed description is a courtesy of http://www.spanishmastiff.org/enter.html
Dogo Argentino: The history of the Dogo Argentino and the two brothers who created the breed is as colorful and passionate as the history of
"I still remember as if it were yesterday... the day when my brother Antonio told me for the first time his idea of creating a new breed of dog for big game, for which he was going to take advantage of the extraordinary braveness of the Fighting Dog of Cordoba. Mixing them with other breeds which would give them height, a good sense of smell, speed, hunting instinct and, more than anything else deprive them of that fighting eagerness against other dogs, which made them useless for pack hunting. A mix that would turn them into sociable dogs, capable of living in freedom, in families and on estates, keeping the great courage of the primitive breed, but applied to a useful and noble end; sport hunting and vermin control."
Agustin Nores Martinez, History Of The Dogo Argentino
It is important to point out that the Fighting Dog of Cordoba, a breed established in that area consisting of Mastiff, English Bulldog, Bull Terrier, and Boxer is now extinct. Much of the early work on the new breed was devoted to eliminating the fighting eagerness and developing the hunting instinct. An effort that was essential and highly successful.
The formula Antonio started was:
- 1) the Fighting Dog of
- 2) the Pointer to give him a keen sense of smell which would be essential for the hunt.
- 3) The Boxer added vivacity and gentleness;
- 4) the Great Dane it's size;
- 5) the Bull Terrier, fearlessness;
- 6) the Bulldog gave it an ample chest and boldness;
- 7) the Irish Wolfhound brought it's instinct as a hunter of wild game;
- 8) the Dogue de Bordeaux contributed it's powerful jaws;
- 9) the Great Pyrenees it's white coat and
- 10) the Spanish Mastiff gave it's quota of power.
The brothers gathered ten Cordoban bitches as their nucleus and began bringing in the first of the contributing breeds as studs until the early offspring showed promise in the desired direction. At a certain point in the program they had as many as thirty bitches in their care. This undertaking would not have been possible for two young men still in school had it not been for the help given them by their family and friends of their father. The senior
The Dogo Argentino is an endurance hound much like his Irish Wolfhound ancestor. He is expected to track the wild boar across vast pampas, corner the animal and attack and hold it for the hunters. He is capable of dazzling bursts of speed for short distances, but his forte is covering long distances at a gallop (hence the arched loins to give impetus at the gallop). Having cornered the boar, he must have enough strength in reserve to attack and hold a wild boar weighing up to 400 pounds. In a traditional boar hunt the hunter will jump on the boar and kill it with a knife thrust to the heart while the Dogos are locked on with a death grip.
In A Brief History of the Argentinean Bulldog, by Agustin Nores Martinez, as translated from the original Argentine:
"I feel as a conscience imperative to make absolutely clear, which is the bulldog's background, the breeds that took part, what is what we intended to do, and which are the requirements or conditions that a bulldog must meet to be a typical example of the breed. This present extension, is a ratification of what was written in my first book. The fears I point to in the prologue to the four editions are confirmed a lot of times, when we see young people who ten years ago had never seen a bulldog, taking the part of "judges" in exhibitions, and who seemed to dream with "an own bulldog" awarding specimens which are far away indeed from what a good bulldog must be, as my brother Antonio and I intended in fifty long years of work and achievements.
To the enthusiasts and honest judges, who really want to know what the bulldog must be like is dedicated this knew (sic) book containing the objective history, step by step about how the bulldog was achieved and the extensive glossary of the standard that I make in chapter XV of this book. To the others, those who mix the bulldog with the Bullterrier to make them of lower height and weight, fighters against their own kind is not this book addressed, but a piece of advice: To devote themselves to the breeding of the Bullterrier in any of it's two varieties - White and Color Bullterrier, or the Staffordterrier (sic) - breeds which were created for fights, really noble animals, by the way, of extraordinary courage to fight against on another and with those dogs, let their low instincts loose if that is what they want, but, for God's sake!, do not spoil a breed which was made, after great sacrifices to be useful for mankind.
Since 1937 - more than forty years ago - a group of enthusiasts have been developing in
On the other hand, a few generations of bulldogs fighting between them will have make (sic) it involutionate, and we have painfully confirmed it already, to the useless Cordovan fight dog, insociable with it's own kind, harmful for domestic animals an (sic) useless as hunters or watching dogs. Happily there is, both in the country and abroad, a group of judges and enthusiasts, who know what it is and what it must be a good bulldog, and they use them for big game or they train them as watch - dogs, with which each generation will gradually improve and coming nearer and nearer to the goal we intended more than half a century ago."
The Dogo Argentino was recognized by the Cinologic Federation of Argentina and the Argentina Rural Society in 1964. The Argentina Kennel Club, a member of the Federation Cynologique International (FCI) recognized the breed on July 31, 1973.
Undoubtedly a big game hound, the attributes of the parent breeds also give versatility. Early on in
"She is 3 years old now - and very mature and well - behaved. My students adore her and are very proud of her - somewhat possessive too, when it comes to sharing her with non-disabled peers! Carlotta gets more than her share of hugs, petting, and walks at school, and handles even the roughest of my students with impressive tolerance."
The Dogo craves close physical contact with his people, a Dogo never lays at your feet, he lays on your feet. He is a reliable family guardian, interested in all activities and enjoying guests along with his family. Should the Dogo discern a direct threat to any member of his family, he will act to protect that person.
The Dogo Argentino is the realization of a dream that began almost 75 years ago. To use the word primitive in any context when describing the Dogo Argentino would be doing the breed a grave disservice. The Dogo is a consummate hunter, a superb companion, a wise and elegant guardian, he is complete.
The Dogo Argentino Club of America (DACA) was founded in 1985. It is the first parent club organized for the Dogo Argentino in
"The Dogo Argentino is bred in his native
One of the primary functions of a parent club is the protection of it's breed. After much thought & consideration for recent laws, the Club decided to give those who show their Dogos the option of not cropping the ears. Because the Dogo is much admired for his courage in the hunt and because he does bear a resemblance to the American Pit Bull, the Club took this as well as the recent changes in law which no longer allow for cropping of the ears, in several areas throughout the world, the standard now reflects the allowance of cropped or uncropped ears.
The Dogo Argentino is a slow maturing breed. Males are not fully grown until at least three years of age. The females are faster maturing, reaching full maturity at two years of age. The Dogo's white coat should be thick and glossy with a "satin-like," feel. They need only a once a week grooming with a rubber curry to keep the coat and skin in good condition.
Because of their white color, the Dogo's skin is more sensitive than that of the colored breeds. They can sunburn, so shade should be available when the Dogo is outside for long periods of time. Use only gentle shampoos or those made for white coats when bathing the Dogo.
The breed is not hyperactive, but young Dogos are inquisitive and keep themselves busy investigating everything around them. Adolescent Dogos, particularly males, have a tendency to be show-offs. A favorite feat is to lounge on a couch or chair, then suddenly slide "bonelessly," to the floor while nearby humans grab frantically for a leg or tail to prevent disaster. The pup then lies on the floor in a rumpled heap and grins up at the breathless humans!
The mature Dogo does need regular exercise to maintain the muscle structure that is the hallmark of the breed.
Being a rare breed in
The Dogo Argentino is a wonderful family dog. They are very intelligent and house train easily. A warm body and soft couch will keep a Dogo quiet for hours. They are clean house dogs that need little coat care. Dogos love children with a passion. At the sight of a child, a Dogo will light-up like a child on Christmas morning. They are as gentle and loving with their children and family as they are tenacious with their prey.
Obedience training is fun for the Dogo. They are natural heelers and respond wonderfully to positive reinforcement and motivation training. They enjoy working and pleasing their owners. On the other hand, Dogos don't seem to understand force training and will sometimes appear stubborn in response to a force training method, or a forceful attitude. They have a very steady temperament and seem to adjust themselves quickly to different situations. In working with Dogos in obedience, you must always keep in mind that the Dogo is a hound. Like other hounds, you are constantly working to keep their attention on you and not the exciting smells around them. They will air and ground scent and this can be very distracting to the dog when working. Therefore, you must teach them that there is a time to work and a time to hunt, which can be a test of patience to both handler and dog.
Obedience title statistics from the American Kennel Club confirm the difference between the hound and working breed groups. From 1980 to 1990 there were 4,001 Companion Dog (CD) titles, and 697 Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) titles earned by members of the Hound Group. On the other hand, dogs in the Working Group earned 24,455 CD titles, and 5,223 CDX titles in the same period.
The DACA is the parent club of the Dogo Argentino in the
It took fifty years of their lives to create the magnificent, big game hunter that we know today as the Dogo Argentino. Breeders today should take a close look at this kind of devotion. Breeding for a purpose, to make a breed the best it can be in order to fulfill its purpose, should be the goal of all breeders.
Unfortunately many of our
I pray that as the Dogos are introduced into our great country, fanciers and breeders alike will keep the Nores Martinez brothers wishes and dedication close to heart, for the development of the Dogo Argentino was truly a miraculous creation.This breed decription is a courtesy ofhttp://www.dogo.org/
And another
Great Dane: Often called the Apollo of dogs, the Great Dane can trace its paw prints as far back as time of the Egyptians. Drawings of dogs resembling Great Danes were found on Egyptian monuments dating from 3,000 B.C., and artifacts found in Babylonian temples built about 2,000 B.C. include a relief-plate showing Assyrian men walking huge, Dane like dogs on stout leashes. The dogs depicted have the same massive body and long, powerful legs as today's Great Dane.
Some zoologists believe that all Dane-type dogs originated in the highlands of
The highly cultured Assyrians traded their dogs to the Greeks and Romans along with other goods they manufactured. The Romans in turn bred the Assyrian dogs to British dogs they also acquired. Thus it appears both the Tibetan and English Mastiffs are forbears of the Great Dane.
There was some debate as to whether the Irish Wolfhound or Irish Greyhound played a secondary role in the Dane's development. The French naturalist Comte de Buffon, who lived during the 1700s, thought the Irish Wolfhound was the primary ancestor of the Dane because the Celts had taken some of the huge dogs from the Romans and English to Ireland where they were bred to the native Irish Wolfhounds. But Baron Georges Cuview, an anatomist who lived from the late 1700s thought it was the early result of an English Mastiff and Irish Wolfhound cross.
The earliest Danelike dogs were called Boar Hounds, for the prey that hunted, but by the 16th century they were known as English Dogges.
Around 1680, when German noblemen were breeding great numbers of the dogs, the biggest and most handsome dogs were kept inside their homes. These dogs were called Kammerhunde, meaning Chamber Dogs. These pampered pets wore gilded collars trimmed with fringe and padded with velvet.
Buffon gave the breed the name it's known by today. While traveling in
The Danish name stuck-despite the fact that
German Influence
Most fanciers today credit
In 1880, a Dr. Bodinus held a meeting in
The Germans had a hard time convincing other countries to accept the breed name, however. The Italians to this day call the breed Alano, which means mastiff. In
The Great Dane must be spirited, courageous, always friendly and dependable, and never timid or aggressive. Intelligence, loyalty and dependability are true breed characteristics. Timidity and aggressiveness are alien traits and should be severely penalized. This breed description is the courtesy of http://www.geocities.com/illiniweb2003/HistortyoftheGreatDane.html