The closest relative of the formidable pit bulls and massive mastiffs is the American bandog. What makes this dog different from other breeds?
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Description and characteristics of the breed
Translated from English, “bandog” literally means “chain dog”. This name is quite justified, judging by the description of the breed, because the physical strength of these dogs and their fighting basic qualities are at their best.
Bandogs are large, powerful dogs with stamina, strength, dexterity and mobility. The height of the bandogs at the withers averages 60-65 cm, weight - 45-65 kg.
It is interesting! Bandogs have inherited the appearance of several breeds, and individuals taken from different nurseries may look different. As a rule, breeders pre-determine the type of future dogs and select the appropriate manufacturers.
For puppy dogs, ears and tails stop at puppyhood.
Properly educated and socialized bandogs grow into obedient and intelligent dogs that are friendly to the people around them and animals. These dogs are very loyal to the owner, while they inherited the lion's share of peace from their mastiff ancestors.
However, one should not forget that any dog can take both the best qualities of the producers and the worst. Yet the American bandog is a fighting dog. These creatures, like no one else, need socialization, which should begin even within the walls of the nursery. These creatures require a confident and firm hand of the owner, as well as regular training, including various dog training programs and courses.Bandogas are prone to aggression, and their behavior can often be uncontrollable.
Bandogas are often aware of the size of their power, and their attack is truly swift. A similar line of behavior allowed these impressive dogs to be on the list of the best guard dogs in the world and at the same time the most dangerous.
American Bandog Origin History
The American bandog is a representative of one of the youngest dog breeds. They began to breed them in the 70s of the last century with the filing of an American veterinarian named Swinford. For this reason, massive dogs of this breed are also called Swinford bandogs.
For the most part, bandogies are the result of a cross between the American pit bull terrier and the Staffordshire terrier. In some animals, blood flows from Boerboel, Bullmastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, as well as the American Bulldog.
It is interesting! The concept of “bandog” appeared much earlier than the massive dogs of this breed were bred. The term “chain dog” was first used in 13th century England. As a rule, the so-called mastiffs, who spent the whole daylight sitting on a chain. They were released exclusively at night, when family members went to bed. Another explanation for this term lies in the long tradition of dog fighting. Mastiff dogs, which had to be kept on chains, also participated in them, because the rope could not restrain their strength. These gladiator dogs were released from leash only before the start of the competition.
The breed of bandog is still in the process of formation, and therefore is, in fact, unrecognized. Many countries even prohibit the breeding and keeping of such dogs because of their possible danger to humans.
Dog's purpose
Due to the size and nature of the dog’s character, it’s difficult to imagine a bandog as a peaceful home companion. At one time, these animals were popular not only as home protectors, but also as shepherd dogs protecting herds of domestic animals from wolves, foxes, and badgers. At the same time, American bandogs, like their distant mastiff ancestors, are more suitable for dog fights. In addition, bandogs are often used for various purposes by US forces.
Puppy selection criteria
Bandogs are bred mainly in the USA. There are few breeders in Greece, Brazil, Slovakia and a number of other states.
If you want to choose a puppy of an American bandog, you should carefully determine the breeder. While representatives of other canine breeds possess more or less typical appearance and standards, then bandogas in the case of improper selection of parents can turn out to be defective and have undesirable, from a social and physical point of view, qualities.
In the process of breeding chain dogs, breeders use different breeds, depending on the expected result. Some are trying to bring a guard dog for hunting, the second want to get a bodyguard dog, and others are engaged in breeding fighting animals. In this case, the owner should look for not just an enthusiastic breeder who wants to get a certain suit, but a competent professional with knowledge, experience and uncertain achievements in this area.
As for the breed standards, it seems that they simply do not exist for the bandog. By fitting a dog within a certain framework, there is a risk of destroying their working qualities, and they are valued in the first place.
Advice! A bandog is a dog that should definitely not be bought with hands. Otherwise, there is a great risk of getting a puppy, which can later turn into a real monster, dangerous for others.
Keeping and caring for a dog
American bandogs should work closely with family members. For this reason, it is best to house these dogs at home, even if they spend the lion's share of the time walking around the garden or yard.Allowed the content of these dogs in the apartment, subject to daily walks lasting at least 45 minutes.
Attention! In the middle climatic zone, when frosts are strong enough in winter, keeping a bandog dog outside is not acceptable.
Caring for a bandog is simple - these short-haired dogs are characterized by a moderate degree of molting. To maintain a neat appearance, it is enough to comb the hair periodically (twice a week) using a brush or a special mitten. From an early age, the bandog should be accustomed to hygienic procedures for cleansing the eyes, teeth and ears, as well as clipping. It should be noted that bandogs have a characteristic dog smell, which, like the remnants of hairs from the hair, can be removed by periodically bathing the pet.
Possible health problems
The American mastiff bandoggy can become a carrier of multiple diseases characteristic of its ancestors of various breeds.
Usually they include:
- eye diseases (glaucoma, cataract);
- stomach upset;
- joint dysplasia;
- epilepsy;
- tendency to cancerous tumors.
At the same time, the bandog is a rather clever dog, able to live in various conditions, with the exception of severe cold. This animal requires standard veterinary and preventative procedures. The average life expectancy of these dogs is 10-12 years.
Pet Feeding Rules
Bandogas are prone to overeating and gaining excess weight, and therefore their nutrition should be as balanced and dosed as possible. It is permissible to feed dogs with both natural products and prepared dog foods - the owner chooses the necessary option. Under the condition of active physical activity, food should contain the right amount of protein. This contributes to a set of dog muscle mass. But at the same time, an excess of protein, especially in dogs with little physical activity, can greatly stress the kidneys.
When choosing dry food, it is best to give preference to premium products. A natural diet should include lean meat - chicken, rabbit, turkey, as well as vegetables, cereals and dairy products. Puppies eat up to 3-4 times a day for up to a year. Adults eat a lot, due to their size, but they should not be fed more than 2 times a day.
Parenting and training
It should be noted that the bandog is not a dog for new owners. These four-legged temperamental and serious, need a stiff hand and certain skills of the owner in matters of training dogs of similar breeds. To acquire a chain dog and not engage in its upbringing is a gesture that can easily be called a crime.
These dogs easily remember teams and, provided they are well motivated, can show excellent results in competitions.
A properly trained gangster is an ideal guard dog that poses a threat to strangers who have invaded his home. In this case, dogs can go on to action without an appropriate command from the owner.
The character of the bandog is rather complicated, this animal is prone to making independent decisions, and when attacking, they are very categorical and it is unlikely to be able to distract them to something else.
Pros and cons of the breed
The main advantages of the American bandog are:
- selfless devotion to the master;
- excellent qualities of a security guard;
- high intellectual abilities, fast learner;
- ability to instantly assess the situation;
- high level of self-control subject to proper upbringing.
It has a breed and disadvantages, among which:
- stubbornness;
- increased salivation;
- propensity to dominate.
Massive and impressive, strong and dangerous American bandog - an unusual dog, the result of mixing among themselves representatives of different breeds. With the right upbringing and socialization, this animal will become an excellent companion to the owner, as well as an excellent watchman and guard.But the wrong selection of producers and the lack of proper training can make these dogs real monsters that pose a danger to the health and life of others.
