Bandog

General: The Bandog is designed to be a close quarter combat dog. It excels in realistic protection and can be a wonderful companion/family dog for experienced dog owners. They are quite trainable and easy to maintain. It is mainly good natured, fond of children in general, extremely devoted to its owner and eager to work. Appearance is muscular, behaviour is self assured, steady and fearless. It is basically a calm dog that transforms when a bad situation arises..

Origin: World Wide, Non specific.

History: The Bandog philosophy of breeding has existed just about as long as domestic dogs themselves. Mankind developed fleet, nimble hunting dogs that fulfill the purposes of the semi-nomadic hunter-gathers, through to the large breeds that guard settlements and livestock. The progression toward breeding these heavier dogs to the smaller, more athletic dogs producing a medium type has been a natural process that has independently occurred across several geographic regions. The resultant dogs proving to be more flexible across a greater variety of tasks. Bandogs have been used primarily for big game hunting and as guard dogs throughout the centuries. The first most organized and well documented approach and application of the Bandog was done by the British “Gamekeepers” whose “Gamekeeper’s Night dog” fulfilled the role of patrol companion and ‘despatch dog’ (capturing wounded game so that they could be dispatched without undue suffering). The Gamekeepers Night Dog had an extremely dangerous job that often cost it its life. It had to locate and fight armed “Poachers” who would often find themselves fighting these dogs for their lives. In the 1820’s, the “caught” poacher could see one shipped off to the colonies of Australia or America, if they were lucky, such punishments however, made desperate men. In France, similar types of dogs were bred to partake of similar roles, the parallels even extending to nomenclature: Chien du Nuit..

Temperament: Mentally, these dogs are the very picture of stability. At times, described as having the “British” rather than “German” canine Temperament. By which it is meant that whilst both should have high stimulus threshold and pack mentality, the British temperament does so without desire to assert rank whereby the German temperament is unflinchingly loyal to its master but affords itself as superior to all others. It is this subtle yet distinct difference that distinguishes breeds such as the Bandog and Bull Mastiff from the Rottweiler. When raised appropriately, this makes them utterly trustworthy with children, often becoming self-appointed custodians. Spirited when at play or at work, they are otherwise calm, composed and easy going. Shows no sign of shyness, or of needless apprehension. Always demonstrates a high tolerance as well as a quick recovery from stress. Impeccable ability in discerning between general human activities from behaviour warranting suspicion or aggression. Possessed of a true ‘On’ / ‘Off’ switch resultant from supreme self-confidence making for a highly predictable and stable dog that has nothing to prove in responsible hands. Strong balance of drives. Pronounced Pack and Fight drive, strong hunt, prey and defence drives. Level-headed, responds positively to stress. Switches between drives with little outward physical indication, which can require an expert eye to discern. This balance of drives does not foster the outward manifestation of aggression but should not be taken for granted as they will respond in kind when threatened, increasing their intensity in almost linear progression until the threat is dealt with. Can prove diffident or rambunctious when young. This behavior can be linked both to the maturation rate of larger breeds, as well as to environment and upbringing. Best developed in the hands of those that understand these differences, rather than those expecting to see similar behavior to that exhibited by traditional working breeds such as the shepherds.

Size: Males: 100 - 125 lbs Females: 85 - 105 lbs

Today's Uses: Bandogs are primarily used as a home/family guardian but it is also the choice of an increasing number of Security agencies as a patrol and crowd control dog. It would make a good candidate for weight pulling and other k9 sports that require raw physical strength and the eagerness to please their master. The desire of the dog to be with and please its master coupled with a natural affinity toward exercise suits it to any activity. Furthermore, the very essence of the dog is one of balance in structure, being free from needless exaggerations, greatly enhancing any dog’s chances of leading happy, healthy and active lives as ideal companions.

PullDoggies Would like to Thank: Stelios Sdrolias of Greece and Dan Balderson of England for writing this wonderful information and Joe Lucero of Working Class K-9's for use of Photo's of his awesome dogs.

Lucero Bandog "Billy"

Owned by Ariel of Security Dogs Inc.

Lucero Bandog "Ivy"

Owned by Mark Rogers

PullDoggies.com 4660 Groves rd. - Columbus, Ohio - 43232 - DoggiePullin@yahoo.com