About the breed
In addition to fighting talent, the American Bandogge ( also known as the Bandog ) has watchdog and security qualities. The mind, strength, and endurance of the animal make it possible to use it for service in power structures. The American Bandogge is not suitable for the role of companion. This is a serious, security, working breed.
Other names: American Bandogge Mastiff, American Bandogge, Bandog, Sphinford Bandog, American Mastiff.
Bandog
The American Bandogge, also known as the Bandog, is a powerful and muscular dog breed developed by crossing various mastiff-type breeds, such as the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Neapolitan Mastiff. Known for their imposing appearance and protective instincts, Bandogs are loyal and devoted family companions.
They require early socialization and consistent training due to their size and strength. Bandogs are generally confident, courageous, and alert, making them excellent watchdogs. With proper care and training, they can be gentle and affectionate with their family while remaining vigilant protectors of their home and loved ones.
Breed at a Glance
- Origin: United States and Europe (cross between various Mastiff and Bulldog breeds)
- Size: Large
- Weight: 100-150 lbs
- Head shape: Square
- Lifespan: 12-16 years
- Coat Type: Short, dense, and smooth
- Colors: Brindle, black, fawn, blue, or various solid colors
- Temperament: Protective, loyal, confident, and intelligent
- Grooming Needs: Low; occasional brushing
- Exercise Needs: High; requires daily physical and mental stimulation
- Best For: Experienced dog owners, families needing protection, homes with large outdoor spaces
The standard of the breed
The breed is specifically bred for protection and performing bodyguard duties. The American Bandogge is a massive, powerful animal, with a large, strong skeleton, well-developed, very strong muscles. The appearance is already intimidating, but in addition we know that the bandog is a ruthless beast if he loses his temper.
The weight of males is about 46-67 kg and a height at the withers of 63-75 cm. Females weigh 38-55 kg and 60-70 cm.
Exercise requirements
Compassion for the owner
Friendship with strangers
Energy level
Playfulness
With other pets
Characteristics of the breed
Family
In families with children, an American Bandogge is not recommended. The dog treats children with loyalty, but no more. He will not tolerate their pranks, children’s cries, laughter, running around can annoy the dog. Even if the animal is in a playful mood, it is impossible to allow games between a large fighting dog and a small child. An animal can inadvertently be harmful.
The American Bandogge behaves condescendingly with other animals. He is not particularly looking for friendship, but he does not like fights for nothing.
Physical qualities
The skull is massive, the transition from the forehead to the muzzle is pronounced. The muzzle is moderately elongated, not narrowed.
The ears are set high, hanging in small triangles, slightly touching the cheekbones.
The eyes are small and slanted, set slightly deep in the skull. They are relatively spaced apart and have a dark iris color – brown or chestnut.
Strong jaws, large teeth. The dog has a strong grip, but the dog does not hold it for long. The bite force in an adult trained dog is 730 PSI.
The chest is broad, deep. The ribs are well defined. The back is strong and straight. The belly is tucked up.
The coat is hard, not long
Forelegs
Not very long, but with pronounced musculature. The toes are gathered in a tight ball.
Hindlegs
Longer than the front ones. They have very muscular thighs. The hocks are lowered, the angles of the joints are not sharp.
The color variation is quite wide. Solid colors are allowed (black, brown and red, gray-blue) as well as with white and brindle spots.
Lifespan
Standards & Classifications
FCI
Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer type dogs – Molossoids – Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs.
Section 2.2: Molossoids mountain type.
What to expect when taking care of a Bandog
Taking care of a dog involves daily exercise, regular diet, grooming and veterinary care. Expect camaraderie, loyalty and joy, as well as responsibilities such as training, cleaning after them and the supply of a safe environment.
By nature, it is a healthy breed with strong immunity. Health problems in most cases are due to improper maintenance, care and nutrition.
The owner of the Bandog should know what diseases the breed is predisposed to:
- Obesity – occurs as a result of overfeeding.
- Epilepsy – characterized by convulsions, seizures.
- Joint dysplasia – accompanied by pain, lameness, immobility.
- Oncological diseases.
- Eye diseases – cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy.
Caring for a Bandog is not difficult. Most importantly, do not ignore hygiene procedures. They will help maintain the health of the pet and the beauty of its exterior. It is important to regularly perform the following actions:
- We comb the short hair once a week, on the remaining days, using a massage glove, we clean the dog from dust and dead hair.
- We bathe the dog rarely. About 3-4 times a year, or if absolutely necessary in case of severe pollution. Wipe the wool twice a week with a damp towel to clean it from pollution.
- The eyes are the weak point of the Bandog. It is important to examine them daily, checking for redness, inflammation or a large accumulation of secretions, we urgently turn to the veterinarian.
- Wipe the ears with cotton swabs dipped in a special solution once a week. For brushing teeth, we buy special bones at a veterinary pharmacy.
Bandog needs 2 walks a day, each lasting at least an hour.
Walking should be active, with jogging, training, so that the bandog experiences physical and mental stress.
It is forbidden to walk near playgrounds, schools, in crowded places.
We walk on specially equipped fenced sites.
We take every opportunity to take the bandog out of the city, where it can run freely.
In public places, we walk with the Bandog on a short leash, and with a muzzle.
The American Bandog can be placed both in the house and in the yard. But it is important to understand that at subzero temperatures the dog will be uncomfortable outdoors. The breed’s coat is short and is not able to warm the body even in slight frost. Additional equipment, in addition to standard bowls, that the owner of a fighting dog will need:
- A durable leash – you can take a version with a belt if you plan to do canicross, or a conductive leash;
- Strict collar (parfors);
- A muzzle is required for walking in areas where people and pets are likely to appear.
Character and behavior
In the family, among all household members, the bandog intuitively determines his master, he becomes the most powerful and strong-willed person. This does not mean that the dog will not obey the rest of the family, but with some indulgence and subject to proper upbringing.
The American Bandogge has an amazing feature. He is able to unravel the intentions of a person through movements, the timbre of his voice, facial expressions. If a person is aggressive, comes with bad intentions, the American Bandogge will attack immediately, without a roar, barking, in a word, without warning. Such a dog is an ideal guard dog, bodyguard. With her appearance she is able to scare off robbers and other intruders.
The bandog usually does not show his mood, keeps his emotions to himself. Therefore, to crouch in front of the owner, to flatter to him can in very rare cases. Although each representative of the breed is individual in its own way, and its behavior largely depends on education.
Sociality
Relationship with the human family
Attitude towards loneliness
Tendency to bark
Friendship with dogs
Adaptability
City life
Suitable as the first dog
Tolerance for hot temperatures
Tolerance for cold temperatures
Did you know?
- Technically the term “bandog” meant a dog that was tethered by a chain (or “bande”) that would be released at night.
- Representatives of the breed were once held with the help of powerful chains, there is a version that it was because of this that the name “bandog” arose.
- In many countries, keeping and breeding the American Bandogge is prohibited.
Popular Questions and Answers
With an American Bandogge, you need to walk at least 1.5 hours a day. It is important to remember that this dog is listed as a particularly dangerous breed and must be muzzled at all times. The exception is the owner’s own fenced area.
Yes, they freeze, like all smooth coated breeds, so in bad weather they need to be indoors.
They have to get used to cats from a puppy age, so they can make friends.
They can be aggressive towards other dogs, so you need to keep an eye on your pet.
This is only possible in the hot season in an equipped enclosure.
Price and budget
Here’s an overview of the Bandog dog prices and estimated annual maintenance costs across various countries:
| Country | Purchase Price (Mini) | Purchase Price (Maxi) | Annual Maintenance (Mini) | Annual Maintenance (Maxi) |
| France | €1,000 | €2,500 | €1,000 | €2,000 |
| Canada | CAD 1,500 | CAD 3,500 | CAD 1,500 | CAD 2,500 |
| Belgium | €1,200 | €3,000 | €1,200 | €2,000 |
| Switzerland | CHF 1,500 | CHF 3,500 | CHF 1,500 | CHF 2,500 |
| USA | $1,500 | $4,000 | $1,200 | $2,500 |
| Germany | €1,200 | €3,000 | €1,200 | €2,200 |
Explanation:
- Purchase Price: This refers to the initial cost of acquiring a Bandog puppy from a reputable breeder. Prices can vary based on factors like pedigree, breeder reputation, and location.
- Mini: Represents the lower end of the price range, often for standard Bandogs without notable bloodlines.
- Maxi: Higher-end prices, typically for Bandogs with a champion lineage or specific desirable traits.
- Annual Maintenance Cost: Includes food, vet care, insurance, grooming, and general upkeep. Bandogs are large and powerful dogs, requiring significant food and exercise.
- Mini: Basic care, assuming regular food and standard veterinary care.
- Maxi: Premium care, including higher-quality food, frequent vet visits, potential grooming, and pet insurance.
Due to their size and strength, Bandogs may also require specialized training, which can increase overall costs. Their maintenance costs tend to be moderate to high, reflecting their dietary needs, health care, and the attention required for such a powerful breed.
History of the breed
The homeland of the American Bandogge is the United States of America.
This is a dog bred by crossing different dog breeds. The term “bandog” arose in the thirteenth century in Central England. This definition meant a mastiff dog, which was kept on a massive chain during the day and released at night to guard the property.
In the sixteenth century in the print media there are descriptions of bandogs. The authors presented to the readers a huge, aggressive, purposeful and dangerous dog – a thunderstorm.
The ancestors of the first American Bandogges were watchdog mastiffs, dogs that participated in bullfights, predators, as well as dogs that accompanied their masters in the Crusade.
In ancient times, bandogs were hunting, fighting, security, and workers. They differed among themselves in different sizes and colors.
Breeders for the improvement of the breed and for the creation of new varieties have conducted and are carrying out crossbreeding of American Bandogge with other dog breeds. But in any process, breeders sought to preserve and improve the main qualities: strong immunity, fearlessness, protective instinct, large dimensions, assertiveness and fierce disposition.
The main directions of selection of American Bandogges:
- The main direction in which the crossing was conducted with the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier.
- The mating process with the mastiff, Neapolitan mastiff was less popular.
- Very rarely, breeders mated a bandog with the following breeds: Boerboel, Cane Corso, American Bulldog, Tosa Inu, Bullmastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux.
In the twentieth century (seventies), the American veterinarian Swinford undertakes to restore the purity of the breed American Bandogge. It was through his efforts that the exterior of modern bandogs was determined. In honor of this man, representatives of the breed are called ” Swindford Bandog “.
After the ban on dog fighting, bandogs are used as security, hunting, and guard dogs.