Introducing the American Bandogge Mastiff

by Eric Salson

this mixed mastiff/terrier breed is a relatively new one, having been bred for only about half a century now. John Swinford, a veterinarian in the US bred a female Neapolitan Mastiff with a make American pit bull terrier, leading to this new breed. Breeder Joe Lucero soon followed suit and the breed quickly took off.

This dog is extremely easy to train and is very obedient. He is well known for his calm temperament. Weighing in on average of about one hundred to one hundred forty pounds, he is also a very confident dog. These dogs are bred to protect but the demeanor of this protector is quiet. The American Bandogge mastiff is also considered to be highly intelligent and a very good guard dog. The only thing with this dog is that when he is in the process of guarding the territory, he doesn't like to bark. It is kind of hard to be a watch dog without barking. I am sure it has its advantages and disadvantages. I don't think that I would want this huge dog sneaking up on me if I were in the process of robbing its home.

With their quiet nature, they also tend to have separation anxiety. They get lonely quickly and do not like for their owners to be out of their sight. Despite the lack of barking at intruders as they come about, these gentle giants will howl when their owners are absent. Just like most dogs, if they are raised from a puppy around other animals, even kittens, they can get along with them just fine, despite their large build.

Being the large dog that they are, they are also very active and love to exercise. Be prepared to do a lot of walking. They definitely will need to go on a regular walk, especially if they are confined to a house all day long while you are at work. It doesn't take too long to get attached to these 'Silent Peacekeepers'. They attach quickly to their owners and family and can become quite aggressive when provoked. They are very good with children. They stand to be confident. They are an extremely obedient breed.

Since these are large dogs, they do need their exercise and they love to walk, run and play. You'll definitely have to give them a couple of daily walks and some outdoor playtime whenever you have the opportunity. These gentle dogs bond quickly with their new families and you'll find it works both ways. They are intensely loyal and are especially good with children; their calm nature combined with their energy makes them ideal companions for kids. The short coats of American Bandogge Mastiffs are easy to groom and keep up since they're easy to brush. Other than a slight tendency towards dry skin, these dogs are a pet owners dream.

There you have it, an all American, well rounded dog. A family friendly, one hundred forty pound, pound gentle giant. He will ease up on an intruder without a sound, yet go hysterical when his loving family is away. Wonderful with kids that will most definitely defend his own. Not to mention he is easy to groom with the short hair. However, he may also have dry skin. This is a brand new breed that has only been around for about forty years and continues to thrive, today. If you can live with a huge dog and a little bit of slobbery kisses and love, then the American Bandogge may just be the right dog for you!

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This post was written by Eric Salson on August 4, 2009

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American Bulldog: The Minimally Tampered Breed Of The Bulldogs

by Troy Richardson

The American Bulldog is a famous pet among the experts of breeders and canine fanciers not only in the United States but around the world as well. This breed is a descendant of the bull baiting breeds and is the closest living relative of the now extinct Old English Bulldog. Unlike its extensively altered relative breeds in Europe, the American Bulldog remained as close to its original appearance.

This breed has two types and these are the Johnson type and the Scott type. The developers of these types were well-known and highly regarded breeders, John D. Johnson and Allen Scott. Additionally, these types were also referred to as the Classic or Bully type and the Standard or Performance type.

The American Bulldog is often mistaken for a white Boxer because both hold a striking resemblance with each other. But describing an American Bulldog alone, its body is stocky, powerful-looking, well built and with jaws that possesses exceeding strength. It weighs from 60 to 125 pounds and stands 20 to 28 inches at the withers.

The coat of this breed is generally smooth and short and sheds lightly or moderately. The coat colors often appear solid white, solid white with black markings, red, brown, brindle and fawn. Standard eye color is brown, and the mouth drools and this most especially with dogs that have looser lips.

The Johnson type is best described as having a bigger and heavier body with a shorter muzzle compared to the Scott type. The Scott type on the other hand is best described as a huge, leggy dog that resembles a Pit Bull. In general, the American Bulldog is described as leggier, more agile and faster dog than its English relatives.

The mood of the American Bulldog is always sunny and friendly and it does not mind acquaintances from strangers as long as it does not sense a threat. This breed strongly bonds with the master and may get along well with other animals as long as it is trained and socialized during puppyhood. This dog should not be left alone all the time because neglect causes it to develop negative behaviors.

This breed is developed as a highly energetic working dog that's why it needs constant activities in order to utilize its excess energy. A house with a big and unconfined yard is best for this dog's daily activities. This dog also needs regular exercise such as walking or running as this will help him remain healthy mentally and physically.

The ancestors of this breed came from England and were ultimate fighters in bull baiting. When the bloody sport was banned, breeders developed the breeds in to gentler and smaller dogs. Some of these new breeds came to the US and were further developed and the American Bulldog is one of the products.

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Easy-to-Follow Advanced Obedience Training Tips

by Geraldine Dimarco

Advanced obedience training-don't let the name daunt you anyone who is willing to exert patience can do this. It is one of the most fulfilling things you can experience with your pet. Not only will you enjoy the company of the best version of your dog, you will be doing Fido a favor as well. Successfully trained dogs are well-adjusted, confident and mentally quicker. You can leave him alone in a roomful of strangers without worry on him inflicting harm to anyone.

First and foremost in canine training is the establishment of hierarchy between you and your dog. You need to set your position as the leader early on. As soon as the dog understands this, the simpler it will be to train him. Neglecting to do so can spell trouble. There will be a struggle for dominance and aggressive behavior will ensue. Be strong and firm in teaching. When you see the beginnings of the alpha dog coming out, correct it immediately but do not be overly severe and mean to him.

Use a strong and sure voice when you give your commands. If you tell him to Sit!, carefully bring him your dog to the appropriate sitting position as you speak out the command. It will take a few times especially at the start of your training. But as the dog develops from basic to advanced obedience training, the dog begins to understand the patterns in your sessions with him and teaching him becomes much easier.

Rewarding the animal with treats and lots of praise is the best way to teach your dog to obey. This is called Operant Conditioning and it is what he understands. You have to remember to praise him every single time he successfully accomplishes a command. Sometimes, when you forget to applaud him, he will get confused as what is good behavior. Take the extra effort to remember will not be wasted on him.

On the other hand, do not neglect to reprimand the dog for wrong behavior. Do this at the time he is committing the mistake not after so he will know that action is wrong. Chastising the animal will also emphasize right from wrong. For example, if he eats dirt in the street scold him immediately. Right after put dog food in front of him and enthusiastically praise him wen he eats the latter.

Keep dog obedience training sessions short and sweet throughout the day. Keep doing the commands you want him to learn. This will drive the lessons home. Teach him at different times in the day so his obedience is not relegated to only a certain time and place.

We see movie dogs and get awed by how well they carry out the difficult commands they are given. However, remember that they all started with sit. Start with teaching him the basics that worked for you and keep progressing from there. Soon your dog will learn the more difficult command like roll over, fetch and attack.

You now have the techniques certified trainers use in their advanced obedience training for dogs. What are you waiting for? Get out there and start grooming the next Lassie of this generation!

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This post was written by Geraldine Dimarco on July 20, 2009

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