The Savant “Alaunt”

The Aluant, Alano, and Boar Lurcher Types – are synonomous for their ability to serve hunters “par force” or at speed with force. The coursing ability of the sighthound, combined with the added tenacity and mass from the bull and molosser breeds enhance their ability to subdue quarry. These “par force hounds”, “fleethounds” or “running mastiffs” are the epitome of a “running catch dog”

Historical significance

The Alaunt Type was first recorded in Central Asia by the Alani of Pontic Steppes - the Kavkaz nomads of Sarmatian Indo-Iranian ancestry. This group of people were known as superb warriors, herdsmen and breeders of both horses and dogs, where their nomadic lifestyle required dogs capable of not only going to war, but valued protectors of both livestock and caravans. As far as what we know today, the Alaunt’s primary ancestors were a type of working gripping dog, with origins strongly rooted in the ancient mountain dogs of the East - like the Gampr, or Alabai in type.

The Alaunt name was synonymous with a type of working dog as opposed to a specific breed which came to exist in various forms dictated by regional requirements. Geopolitical history influenced the Alaunt type, and as the Alani people spread into Russia, East into Mongolia, Tibet and China, South into India and Egypt and West into Europe. With that we can see how the blending of cultures, and environmental demands quickly became reflected within the dogs themselves. It was the routine crossing of these gripping dogs to indigenous scent and sight hound types which gives us much of the diversity we see today.

This is well documented as we look towards medieval Europe - where the Alaunt was classified into three distinct types; the Alaunt de Bucherie, a traditional livestock guardian type (which is thought to be the progenitor to many of the modern mastiff and bull breeds and crucial in the development of various fighting and baiting dogs in France), the Alaunt Gentil, a light greyhound type (which eventually became assimilated into local hunting breeds with the Alaunt Veantre) and the Alaunt Vautre, an aggressive hunting type of par force hound used in the chase. In France, the word “vuatre” was eventually used exclusively for boarhounds - and was frequently attributed the “vaultre” as a “mongrell between a hound and a mastiffe…fit for the chase or hunting of wild bears and Boares…” - David Hancock

“Light heavyweights of the canine world, quick on their feet and devastating at close quarter combat or protection when threatened. they are not mountain dogs or draught dogs needing massive bone but strongly-built hounds of athleticism with their own distinct type” - David Hancock

Locomotive Superiority

The genetic variation in dog breeds have highlighted differences in movement. Historical emphasis on physiological adaptation is what allows these dogs to specialize in this type of locomotion. We believe the term “running mastiff” is thrown around haphazardly to appeal to the romanticized versions of the Cane Corso or other mastiff types, who in modern times been bred too heavy to truly course game fairly at speed. On top of many being too many generations removed from meaningful work, their physiology has changed such as the length of their loin and back, the flexibility in their spines, the angulation of their shoulders, weight distribution and even the shape of their feet.

Canids by design were built to run - sporting only 13 ribs, and shorter digestive systems which allow them to make shorter more accurate turns. Their gaits are divided into two categories - symmetrical where movements of each side mirror each other, and asymmetrical where movements on each side are not the same. Dogs can change their gaits based on a variety of factors, including conformation, experience, training, terrain and level of fatigue. Certain gaits are required in the standards of certain breeds.

In our opinion, a true running dog is one by breeding - not merely an action. Running gaits are differentiated by symmetry. The fastest gait in canids is asymmetrical; its a four time gait with suspension where all the legs are lifted off the ground. There are two types of gallop: the single suspension and the double suspension gallop.

Stride length is influenced by a flexible loin (which begins at the point of the attachment of the last rib to the spine and continues to the pelvis). This is the area that provides the keystone arch to the topline. Flexion and extension of the vertebral column greatly increases effective stride length working with the loin to act as a coil. Loin extension during rear leg thrust produces a leap that enables the forelimbs to impact far ahead of the dog’s static anatomical reach. Epaxial and hamstring muscles support body weight and elevate the body’s center of gravity during the leap suspension phase, while abdominal wall muscles bring the dog’s pelvis forward during loin flexion. Hindquarters are long, with well bent stifles and close low set hocks. This lends itself to a dog who is carried low to the ground without lowering the body while in pursuit.

It’s important to take note that the gait found in running dogs is only as effective as the feet which carry them. A V8 without traction is worthless - which brings us to the importance of the paws. Varied game has always meant varied terrain - and physiological adaptations to enhance running at full speed while rapidly changing direction requires unique structural differences found within this breed type.

When we think about apex predators - and running dogs in particular, what they all have in common is the presence of “the hare foot” - which is a fairly long, closely knit, shallow-padded foot which is similar to that of the wolf, coyote, or fox. The hare foot tends to have a long third digital bone - with two middle toes which protrude further than the two outermost toes. The longer third digital bone is helpful for the type of quick initial speed needed for outrunning prey, change of directions, trot for varying distances, or the altering of gait instantly in rugged terrain. The length of the toes ensure leverage, traction, strength and flexibility of the foot, while also emphasizing the distribution of weight on the heel pad as well as all four toes.

When compared to the more common “catfoot” where we see a deep, rounded paw with toes nearer to the base of the heel of the foot. This design is typically better for sustained, long distanced trotting. Structurally - because the heel pad is not sharing the body weight of the dog with the toe pads, cat footed breeds typically carry their weight forward, with strong, straight upright shoulders to reduce stress on the toes. They frequently are squarely built, with short powerful backs and large, wide shoulders.

Tools of the Trade: The Running Catch Dog

“A powerful neck, a seizing jaw, with breadth right down to the nose, strong loins, good spring of rib, with the rib-cage showing good length as well as circumference, immense power in the sprint and great muscularity. Mentally, such a dog has to have extraordinary persistence, enormous amounts of determination when closing with quarry, yet always responsive to commands.” David Hancock

The anatomical requirements for this type of running catch dog is well documented by active hunting enthusiasts worldwide. We must remember that these have always been dogs bred for both pace and power, where function dictates design. The additional of bull or molosser blood when added to that of the sighthound would result in a dog who ran with commitment - a true “do or die lurcher” which blended the raw determination, power and measured aggression of many of the bull and terrier/molosser breeds with the speed and hunting instinct of the sighthounds. The addition of sighthound DNA allows for a phenomenal combination of bone, and muscle allowing for a balance between size/weight, strength and coordination between the fore and hind limbs - allowing the dog to run in sprints through a series of leaps rather than running in a strict sense.

A dog who embodies a true “par force/at force” or fleet hound is prized for their unstructured/unregulated coursing - perpetuated in breeds like the Rhodesian Ridgeback, Great Dane, and Dogo Argentino. These dogs separate themselves physically through the efficiency found within their “gait” - allowing them to sustain a pace or sprint for long distances. When at speed, the forequarters construction dictates the soundless of the dogs movement, carrying 60-70% of the dogs weight, being distributed onto the front legs, Forequarters should be straight, with a long upper arm, dropping the elbow below the brisket line. Power comes from the back, with maneuverability coming from the front. This requires the correct slope of the shoulder with adequate gap between the scapulae at the withers. The shoulder blade is not as well laid back as more endurance trotting breeds, as the upper arm is more open. The front pastern is long allowing the pastern to bend and lie flat on the ground, shortening the leg as the shoulder passes over it. Once the shoulder passes over the paw, the pastern springs back up contributing to an upward thrust.

Unlike horses which run with their legs, dogs run with their back - so a square and flat back, broad, strong and deep with well developed musculature on both sides of the spine allows for a flexible spring of the lumbar vertebrae when energy is transmitted from the rear loins and hindquarters. This translates to a dog with a topline which moves smoothly from the neck to their rear end. The rump, thighs, hocks and pasterns must all be highly developed and of sufficient length to allow the dog to cover ground. and a topline which moves move smoothly from the neck to the rear end.

To have an effective gait, a dog needs lung-room to maintain a gallop - which is made possible by through physiological characteristics. These dogs tend to have body proportions which are 10-15% longer than their height - where the length of the body is measured from the front of the prosternum to the end of the pelvis (ischium). Body length covers the entire length of the rib cage, the loin, and the width of the hind quarter, with most of the increased length of the body coming from increased length of the loin. Loin length allows for an effective gait by decreasing the likelihood of the dog being too “short coupled”. The size of the gap between the last or rearmost rib and the leading edge of the dogs thigh is a crucial one; too little allows explosive power but no endurance, too much can produce a weak back through lack of support.

The Savant Alaunt: Mastiff Foundation, bulldog influence, sighthound expression.

Alaunts, Alanos, and the Gentile/Veantre types could easily be considered a “Heavy Greyhound” “Light Mastiff” “Boar Lurcher” “Mastiff Lurcher” or “Light heavyweight” type of Coursing Dog - has actively been pursued by canid enthusiast Brian Plummer - who set out to recreate a large hunting-guard dog which closely resembled the ancient Alaunt Gentil/Veantre - the large game hunting mastiff type dog, from which many breeds are thought to have descended. His formula is well documented - and despite his passing in 2003 his desire to reconstruct a type without all the “excessive bone and weight of the normal mastiff types” and to “perpetuate a strong headed, good boned, intelligent, athletic greyhound bodied dog which possess the necessary drive and keen hunting instinct” would be one day be deemed worthy enough of being called the “New British Alaunt”. Plummer documented his recreation to resemble the Alaunt Gentil/Veantre large game hunting, mastiff type dog - from which he believed many breeds were thought to have been descended. He had written the following:

“The Greyhound, simply because the breed is the most physically perfect of any breed of dog known to man. It seems free from any of the congenital disorders known to man. Furthermore, the addition of greyhound blood ensures the hybrid will be fleet of foot and agile enough to avoid the thrust of a large predator.”

“Bull Terrier blood is also essential in the formula. The correct strains of bull terrier that are not only game, but also free of physical and mental faults. The most fierce natural selection has produced the Bull Terrier. Few are lacking in courage - a delicious understatement - for no breed of dog on earth is as courageous as the bull terrier. Furthermore some breeds of bull terrier are not only bright, but also reasonably tractable…I hasten to add that I have avoided using bull terrier dogs which have an unnatural hostility to other dogs, and have used studs which have shown a strong hunting instinct.”

“Bull Mastiff Blood - I have used the son of the very tall strong headed Graecia Marcus, the Crufts winning Bull Mastiff of 2001. On reflection I believe I made a mistake in the selection of the dog and should have asked to have used the champion dog and not his son. My own stud Naglum, has a lovely strong head and is “up to size”, but his dam line has many smallish bitches in its pedigree. I shall correct this small problem - if it manifests itself - in later generations, for I also have easy access to an oversize Bull Mastiff stud dog bred by Ch. Naukeen Heath Thyme.”

- Brian Plummer

These reconstructed Alaunt Gentil/Veantre types have consistently been bred without all the excessive bone and weight typically seen within modern mastiffs, (resultant of sighthound influence) and exist throughout parts of Europe. They portray a strong head, are moderately built, with athleticism reminiscent of the greyhound throughout hunting and enthusiast circles. Unfortunately many of them tend to lack phenotypical consistency due to heavy cross or “one off” breeding - with some enthusiast preferring more bull, sighthound or molosser influence to suit their needs.

The Savant Alaunt is the culmination of our appreciation of history. We recognize the strengths of cross breeding, historical influence, and our experiences throughout the US and abroad. What we have always sought out to do was to perpetuate our own running catchdogs reminiscent of those found throughout Australia. We are committed to producing our ideal dog through the use of working mastiffs, traditional bulldogs, and hunting sighthounds. Not a far cry from Brian Plummer - but with the selection pressure of only incorporating dogs who continue to exude the strengths and skills of their ancestors.

We hope to produce a dog 85-110lbs, and between 25-29” at the withers that is capable of serving a “one out” running catchdog. With the speed, and mass to hold hogs, while retaining enough defense drive and a civil edge to serve as a home deterrent. At this stage of our program - the character of a mastiff with sighthound influence has yet to be seen, but we feel as though with the right individuals - we will get close to achieving our ideal “Savant Alaunt”.

The Working Neo

fact or Fiction?

As functional molosser enthusiasts, we’ve recognized a fair bit of controversy surrounding the “working Neapolitan mastiff”. We’ve taken this opportunity to share some of our own personal opinions on the breed type, historical observations, and a potential path forward to promote future breed health and functionality.

Brief HistorY

The infamous molossians of antiquity were well known as large and powerful dogs, who sported muscular bodies, powerful heads with short, broad muzzles, strong limbs, and substantial bone. These dogs were routinely used in battle, the protection of livestock and the hunting of large game by the Sumerian, Mesopotamian, Assyrian, Persian, Macedonian and Roman civilizations. Dogs of such type frequent ancient artwork and writings, primarily amongst Assyrian works, and are thought to have been ancestors of the dogs Alexander the Great had found when he conquered Mesopotamia and western Asia in the fourth century BC (Allen, 29). War and migration had perpetuated the distribution of the molossian landrace throughout the world.

The death of Alexander the Great, lead Macedonia and Eastern Europe to fall to the Romans. The Romans recognized the breed’s strengths and began to perpetuate a type of guard dog which would not only protect their families (known as the Roman house guard dog “Paterfamilias” meaning, father of the house). Through the legacy of the artwork and literature from these ancient civilizations, we are able to trace the lineage of our mastiff dogs from one conquering people to another up to more modern times. The nationalities of the people owning the dogs change, but the physique of the massive gigantic, broad nosed, dewlapped guard and fighting dog remain the same. (Allen 30)

The Mastino evokes the power of Roman armies, but technically working to trace the linage of the Neapolitan Mastiff from the age of the Roman Empire until 1946 is tricky. Despite the various writings, paintings, and authors/artists documenting the breed type across Europe, the mixing of dogs from both Macedonian, and Roman stock amongst native dogs of various regions, perpetuated a larger genepool and diverse traits. The dogs who likely stayed in the original regions likely retained the features most valued by the ancient Romans.

Southern Italy

In 1503, Southern Italy became part of the Spanish Empire, as the kingdom of Sicily and Naples had been the focus of dispute between France and Spain for several decades. France abandoned their claim to the kingdom under the Treaty of Cateau-Cambresis in 1559, and the new client state “Stato dei Presidi” was established and governed directly by Spain as part of the Kingdom of Naples. According to the Neapolitan Mastiff Club (UK) The native Italian Molosser continuned to work as a property/livestock guardian, and wild boar hunter, but was numerically weak despite the distinction between the two types of indigenous molossian (light (Corsi) vs heavy (Mastini) types). Because a great number of dogs were routinely lost during the hunt, a major contributing factor to the survival of the Italian Molosser was the injection of another regionally unique molosser, the Spanish “Perro de Presa” strengthening both the native Italian molossers genepool, overall purpose and ability. It was this breed type, which came to be known as the “Cani de Presa”.

The Spanish Kingdom in Italy had ended in 1861 - and the Italian Molosser still survived in small numbers in many regions around Mt. Vesuvius. Despite the infusion of Spanish molosser blood, towards the end of the 19th Century, social and economic conditions hit the region hard, and further decreased the Italian Molsser’s population. With limited resources, the care and maintenance of large dogs ensured that only those with purpose and ability were kept. Routinely used as a chained farm guardian, livestock dog, or combat dog - such a beast of brutality was valued. This led to the remaining Cani de Presa breed types to be carefully guarded and preserved by families for generations.

Breed Prototype - Guaglione

The “Cani de Presa” were always considered the indigenous livestock guardians of what is today southern Italy. With a strong selection for intense guardian instincts and a docility towards family and stock, these original farm dogs were routinely bred with blood from different locales. Their phenotypical differences merely a reflection of different regional requirements. These dogs we bred to be all purpose farm dogs, with many routinely sporting cropped ears, and spiked collars indicative of their use as livestock guardians - protecting them from attacks from wolves or stray dogs.

The Neapolitano Mastino, Cane di Marcellaio, Dogo Sardo, Cane d Branco, Bucciriscu Calabrese, Sicilian Vucciriscu were all variants of the same landrace of the indigenous Italian molosser type dogs. Before 1946 there was no distinction between these subtypes and they were routinely labeled under the umbrella term “Cane de Presa” or “Dog of Grip”. We consider all of these dogs to be of “Bandog Type” - serviceable working crosses who were capable of variety of tasks without being a strictly set type - not the modern definition pertaining to breed composition.

The original Mastino prototype began to take shape October 12, 1946 when Swiss Journalist Piero Scanzani and Veterinarian Ruggero Soldati visited the first exhibition show at the Castel dell’Ovo in Naples. Eight “Cane de Presa” were observed, all of various size, color and phenotype, including black, blue, and brindle dogs. One dog in particular however caught Scanzini’s eye, named Guglione.

Scanziani’s appreciation of Guaglione however, was not shared by the judges from Northern Italy (at the time, this was a latitudinally conscious country, and many from Southern Italy, had a dis-truct of Northern Italians). It’s been rumored that most of the judges were more interested in working closely with Zoologist Giuseppe Solaro, who was instrumental in starting a number of Internationally recognized Italian breeds including the Maltese, Bracco Italiano and the Maremma Sheepdog during that time.

Scanziani had hoped that the judges as well as Solaro would consider Gugalione’s type to be reminiscent of the ancient molosers of the past, and is famed by writing “In vain I showed them Guaglione and spoke of the old molossus, but the most authoritative of the judges decreed: “the breed is missing, and even the dog is missing”.

That last statement can arguably be considered the death blow for a breed whose physical appearance was always steeped in controversy and opinion. In the eyes of the judges, to provide substance (aesthetic mass and wrinkle) was to give the breed “type”, allowing it to stand out amongst the other unique Italian breeds. Unfortunately, the selection for “type” arguably began to move the dog away from the functionality behind the “Cane de Presa” and more towards the show ring inspired Mastino Napoletano.

Scanziani was so enamored by Guglione, that he purchased the dog in 1949 when he was 5 years old, and used him to become the patriarch of the breed. Guglione was registered as the first Mastino and was the prototype for the first breed standard drafted by himself and Soldati. Guglione went on to become the first Italian champion in 1951.

Of particular note, Solaro - the famous judge who was so dismissive of Guaglione and the seven other dogs exhibited in 1946 later produced his own version of the Mastino standard, emphasizing heavy bone and a dog of more character and substance - arguably beginning the evolution of the modern show standardized “Mastino Napoletano”. (The Neapolitan Mastiff Club UK)

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The Neapolitan Mastiff Today

What is seemingly lost within the Mastino Community is recognition of breed origins and respect of the original prototype. In the quest to solidify notable differentiation between the Mastino and other Mastiffs, judges have perpetuated a show standard that has negatively influenced overall breed health. Excessive wrinkle, bone, increased head size, lumbering movement - praising and rewarding dogs who have become a fraction of the dogs tasked with protecting the livelihoods of thriving agricultural communities. Extra mass cannot seize a feral hog, wrinkles that cover the eyes aren’t useful in combat against stray dogs, pinched nostrils are useless when in pursuit of an intruder - how are these physical traits (abnormalities) conducive to an active farm dog?

The English often referred to the dog as the “Italian bulldog”. This wasn’t represented the same as how the English used them (bull baiting) but rather, similarly to how the Southern Farm Bulldogs were utilized in the US.

The 1908 Diplomatic and Consular Report from the British Foreign Office States:

“The Neapolitan Mastiff is a heavy and useful cattle dog. He has a fine smooth coat and is generally brindled or black. He is kind by nature, but easily made savage if he is tied up or ill-treated. His original use was to go out with the cattle and goats and protect them from the wolves in which in olden days were very common all over the district. Then, as now, he guarded the homestead at night”

The modern Neapolitan mastiff is governed by judges who focus on a breeds physical differentiation more than actually observing how these attributes enable a dog to do, what it was meant to do. This has done both the dogs and the public a great disservice. The excessive subtypes routinely rewarded by the show ring, plays into a lucrative marketing scheme readily adopted by breeders. The perversion of breed history in the pursuit of profit occurs when modern mastino breeders romanticize history, claiming that these exaggerated subtypes were fighting in the colosseums, or the war dogs of Alexander the Great. When breeders and judges continue to claim expertise - without being knowledgeable of or referring to the original Mastino prototype, they aren’t paying homage to the breed; they are disrespecting and destroying it.

The physical appearance of the Neapolitan Mastiff has been created by the purposeful blending of recessive traits which are usually considered undesirable in the more common breeds of dogs we in the 20th century are familiar with. Some of the very traits that are considered unsound in other breeds are argued if “bred out” of the Neo to create a more “sound dog” we begin to breed out the appearance of the dog we are seeking to maintain. It is this contradiction of goals that makes breeding Neapolitan mastiffs so difficult. What one breeder may consider an improvement to the breed, another may consider a detriment.

Show breeders and judges need to re-evaluate their standards, brush up on their history, and improve the mastino population by working together. The mastino community can still perpetuate aesthetic mass, wrinkle, movement and head size, to produce a desired aesthetic. Style is not the issue - failure to pair it with modern breed development and modern history is. I believe the mastino to be more a “type” than a breed anyway; and that shouldn’t take away from the preferences people have for the look of their dogs (be it modern conformation standards or a more historic and functional look). Regardless, the health and well-being of all mastino subtypes should come first. Both show and working community can come together to achieve that goal.

The fault within the mastino community is refusal to accept just what the traditional prototype of the breed is, and using a romanticized history to celebrate exaggerated dogs. If breeders are following any standard other than the one set in 1951 by Scanzani and Guaglione - I’d argue they are on the wrong side of history.

The Thyroid and “Type”

The modern Mastino is a culmination of unusual traits which fanciers of other breeds seek to remove. Many of these traits are responsible in part due to a lower than normal thyroid hormone level. The lower the thyroid hormone levels are, the more “typey” the dog becomes, sporting thick loose skin, excessive folds, short face, neck, and legs - due to retarded bone growth.

The thyroid hormone affects dogs in many ways but typically goes unnoticed - especially in large breeds. A low (hypo) thyroid makes for a calm, large and heavier dog. In many ways - this could be argued to be beneficial. Many handlers wouldn’t be able to handle boundless energy in a 120-150lb dog. A dog with a lower thyroid is more inclined to sleep as opposed to dig, bark, or chew; commonly expressed as (hyper) active destructive behaviors.

A hypothyroid can lead to muscle inflammation, stiffness, and reluctance to move. The characteristic show shuffling gait praised in the conformation ring speaks to the ossification of the joints. It can also create incongruent bones and improper changes of cartilage to calcium rations - leading to hip and elbow dysplasia, osteochondrosis, and arthritis. It’s no surprise that many mastino have an impaired immune system, and increased susceptibility to infections. Gastro and intestinal motility and a predisposition for bloat is common. Reproductively, males suffer from low sperm count, low labido and testicular atrophy, while females may experience sporadic heat cycles and false pregancies.’.

A normothroid allows a dog to grow taller, leaner, develop longer thinner appendages, a longer muzzle and lose its wrinkles and heavy lips. The perpetuation of a normal or hypothyroid is the result of selection. Breed enthusiasts must make a decision to get involved with a romantic vision which may have varying degrees of physical deformities or go for a more constitutionally healthy and sound representation of the breed. (Dr. Allan, DVM)

The “working neo” today, What is it?

Recreating what works - is what working dog breeding is all about. What is a “working neo”, do they actually exist, and where can we find them? The short answer is - yes, pure “cani de presa strains/mastino/corsi subtypes” still exist in isolated pockets within parts of world. Its reasonable to assume that they are jealously guarded and protected by families for generations with a stern belief in maintaining quality through prevention of export. The long answer is a little more complicated. The Cane de Presa and its subtypes have always been a working molosser. Famous for its talents serving as a catchdog, livestock guardian, and sentry dog. What did the breed type need changing?

Throughout Europe, Australia and the US, many of the “working neo subtypes” exist as either less typey “pedigreed purebreds”, as well as what could also be considered functional modern recreations (bandog types). Interestingly enough, many of these crosses are more true to type than many domestic or international pedigreed show Mastino’s with deep generation ancestries. So what is a “Working Neo”? Is it simply a less typey mastino? A mastino based bandog? Does it actively guard livestock? Does it chase bite sleeves? Bark at the doorbell? Catch wild hogs? Have a few live bites under its belt? Unfortunately it’s extremely subjective, but there are a few things breeders and enthusiasts can do to improve the health and functionality of this breed type, especially as they try to locate one for themselves.

I believe that the admission that the Cane di Presa, and all its regional subtypes have always been and will be, of bandog type. They were functional working dogs maintained by the selection pressures of southern Italy. When the mastino community can agree that their dogs consist of multiple breed origins - we can begin to enhance both health and functionality of our stock. There is so much emphasis on “purebred or show Neapolitan mastiffs” that instead of focusing on the value an individual dog can provide in a functional working cross, they immediately devalue the dog by placing it in a category. Emphasis on paperwork, or pure ancestry destroys breeds. How can working breed enthusiasts be so short sighted? Or feel as though appropriately selected show stock individuals have nothing to contribute in a cross?

When we view the cane de presa with the understanding that purity doesn’t dictate ability, we can begin to recognize the value of outcrossing within the mastino subtype, and the drastic enhancements that can be immediately experienced. In order to improve movement, temperament, athleticism, reduce wrinkle, health and longevity - outcrosses are essential. Bred to Cane Corsos, Presa Canarios, Bull Mastiffs, even more modern dog breeds such as American Bulldogs, and American Pit Bull Terriers - strategic outcrossing can maintain “Type” without drastically altering the breed itself. Can these bandog crosses truly bring this working dog back to its former glory in just a few generations? Perhaps the secret lies in breeding strategically outcrossed dogs to purebred show stock to save and maintain the breed.

The theory is not lost on Dalmatian and English pointer breeders within the American Kennel Club to correct genetic faults, why can it not be successfully incorporated and managed in the mastino?

The “working mastino” in my kennel Cass is a testament towards a step in the right direction. When breeders begin selecting less typey dogs, they begin to improve their programs and work towards a phenotype reminiscent of dogs in the past. I value both phenotypic and behavioral contributions in all working crosses. What’s most important is the ability to appreciate the dogs in front of us, learn the complexities of instinctual behaviors, and force ourselves to think outside of the box. A working Neapolitan should represent a molosser who is a capable catchdog, livestock guardian, confident in manwork, and capable of serving as an overall deterrent.

Opinions on health and functionality are always adapting. It would appear that people are beginning to look to the past, to improve the future.

Works Cited:

Allen, Sherilyn VMD. The Official Book of the Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiff Breed Health Improvement Strategy - The Neapolitan Mastiff Club (UK)

We Breed Better. SavantK9

Temperament Expectations

Getting the most out of the bandog types requires an understanding of their unique behavioral characterstics.by recognizing the genetic contributions from multiple breed types, we can tailor training and management for our needs

Stability

"Mentally these dogs are the very picture of stability. At times described as having “British” rather than “German” canine temperament. By which it is meant that whilst both should have a 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 superior to all others. It is this subtle yet distinct difference that distinguishes breeds such as the Bandog and Bull Mastiff from the Rottweiler. “ - Dan Balderson and Stelios Sdrolias

What this means is you are less likely to have a dog who actively challenges your authority and asserts it’s will/dominance on the handler. They are typically more biddable, and respectful once rules, boundaries and effective management guidelines have been established. Outside of adolescence and the associated maturation process, you are more likely to have a dog who actively works to please you than not. The key is establishing a relationship based on respect and understanding while actively encouraging engagement with the handler. This is a dog who lives to serve when managed appropriately.

Character

“When raised appropriately, they are extremely trustworthy with chidden, oftentimes becoming self appointed custodians. Spirited when at play or work, they are otherwise calm, composed and easy going. Showing no signs of shyness or needless apprehension. Always demonstrates a high tolerance as well as quick recovery from stress. Impeccable ability in discerning between general human activities from behavior warranting suspicion or aggression. Possessive 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 defense 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.” - Dan Balderson and Stelios Sdrolias

These dogs as a whole instinctively develop to recognize and read situations. By learning what is “abnormal” human behavior, they are safe and predictable. Oftentimes measured in their response, and behaving consistently as to how they’ve been managed. We breed for a confident dog. A confident dog doesn’t confront insecurity with aggression. They will exude balanced drives - capable of engaging between prey and defense drive seamlessly. They are clear headed, respond positively to stress, and exhibit rapid recovery time. Being unsure is ok, but what’s most important is their ability to work through and overcome those insecurities quickly. Confident dogs do not behave aggressively or defensively when unsure. We expect them to lean not on their own understanding, but seek handler guidance for direction before independently making decisions. This limits liability.

Maturity

“Can prove the be diffident or rambunctious when young, this behavior can be linked both to the maturation rate of larger breeds, as well as the 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 shepherds.” - Dan Balderson and Stelios Sdrolias

Highly dependent on the amount of molosser blood, many mastiff types frequently follow a similar maturation trajectory. It is important to be mindful of this to avoid problematic behavior as they develop. The following serves as a guide for most molosser breed types. Many are not the most confident as puppies and must be worked through elements that cause them to be nervous or insecure. Being defensive in nature, they are typically navigate the world with a sense of self preservation. The mastiff is a thinking type, that observes and decides prior to acting. Working them through obstacles, heavy exposure to different environments, and ensuring engagement with the handler in a variety of situations will help develop a strong confident pup who does not resort to defensive aggression as an adult when they become insecure or uneasy. This is incredibly important towards reducing liability and increasing stability/predictability.

Please Note - everydog is an individual, and may not follow the same maturation trajectory

12-18mo you’ll typically begin to see a slow increase in confidence. Some may even have a pronounced “fear stage”, where seemingly mundane things like trashcans or plastic bags floating in the wind, will cause them to tuck tail and run. EVERY dog is different. Some never go through a fear stage, others may have one last anywhere from a few days, to a few months. Dogs will exhibit stronger territorial aggression at home by barking at strangers, or exhibit suspicion of outsiders, shying away from their attention, turning their back, or placing themselves between you and them. All should be watchful and inquisitive. A handler should correct any inappropriate aggressive displays. Dog aggression, dominance and reactivity may occur.

18-24mo you’ll typically begin to see dogs display their character more confidently. They begin to behave consistently, and may become more forward. Strong hormonal shifts may cause a rise in rank drive, dominance amongst other dogs, and overall a little more confrontational. Expect stronger territorial aggression, a dog who is harder to call off when “hyped up”. In stable and confident dogs, stranger suspicion now begins to become indifference, and a dog who is becoming comfortable within their defensive drives. A handler should continue to correct any inappropriate aggressive displays.

24-36mo you’ll begin to see a dog who’s truly beginning to become themselves. Even if a dog was not the most confident during the first 2 years of their life, many mature into strong willed, and self assured dogs by this time. They should be predictable and measured in their response to stimuli. Strong confident defensive displays, stranger indifference with strong suspicion when warranted, and a very confrontational dog. A handler should continue to correct any inappropriate aggressive displays.

36-42mo you will have an adult dog who has been set in their ways due to genetics and handling. Typically these dogs are very self assured, measured in their response and confrontational in type. Strong defensive displays, indifference to strangers, and predictable, who only react when warranted, with displays that escalate when needed. A handler should continue to correct any inappropriate aggressive displays.

Bandogs vs (insert breed Here)

The Broad Mouthed Dog

I’m frequently asked what is the difference between our dogs, and other more established, or registerable “Kennel Club” Breeds. My answer is simple, but requires a thorough understanding of how these “types” came to be in the first place.

“Pure breeds of dogs are a relatively new phenomena within the dog world - with the late 19th century mostly seeing various breed types becoming stabilized into discernible races from their mixed origin. The pursuit of pure breeding became accepted practice once exhibiting dogs attracted public support. In earlier times, dogs were rarely kept for entirely ornamental purposes, it was their functional usefulness to man that made them highly valued and widely traded. To trace breed types and their evolution, we need to both identify function and follow the movement of tribes through recorded history. Even 2000 years ago, in many parts of the world, the success of the hunting dogs was, for their human owners, the difference between eating or starving. Powerful heavy hounds were invaluable in time when, before the invention of firearms, man needed to catch and kill big game. What is unbroken is their role. Primitive hunters relied on such dogs all over the inhabited world - where these broad mouth dogs arguably had no single ancestor - but rather a type to be treasured. (Hancock)

As a broad mouthed breed, each mastiff breed type belongs to a brave and distinguished group of dogs, praised for their instinct to seize and hold quarry, and valued by man for ages. Man was a hunter before he was a farmer and powerful hunting dogs were the difference between living and dying before the invention of firearms. It was at the kill, when big game such as bison or boar when a dog of determination, reckless courage, and immense neck and jaw strength was necessary. This invaluable instinct can quickly be isolated from others in big powerful dogs such as the arguably just as talented flock guardian types (shepherd’s mastiffs) with the instinct to identify with livestock and protect them from predators. These are not broad mouthed mastiff breeds with the instinct to seize and hold; as they would make highly unsatisfactory flock guardians if they were - but rather they have the wherewithal to intimidate rather than pursue at the expense of leaving the flock vulnerable to attack; with the heart to physically engage and see off a threat only when necessary. ” (Hancock)

“99% of the time in which man and dog have coexisted, man has developed dog for function; purity of breeding was never the major criterion as it is now. Every breed that evolved from the broad-mouthed or mastiff-type dogs developed for a prescribed purpose and from this purpose comes breed type and the breed design or standard. Each mastiff breed must have a Breed Standard that reflects and respects their time honored role. When a breed loses its historic role, then the future of that breed is threatened - arguably becoming less healthy, virile and versatile as a consequence. Breeders of the mastiff breeds must produce dogs capable of carrying out their historic roles, even if they are not required to do so. The breed history gave us the breed; the breed history must be our guide in perpetuating the breed. What alternative path can we follow?” (Hancock)

Established Breed types

“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 hunter-gatherers, 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.” - Dan Bladerson and Stelios Sdrolias

When it comes to what a Bandog is, in my opinion - look towards the “pure bred or rare breeds”. The term “Bandog” has become more of a catch all phrase, encompassing more of the Mastiff blend/types of dogs than most people typically consider." (Aaron Davis) They are all essentially bandog types with a “purebred label” put to them. The natural evolution of the bandogs of old which could be considered is the Victorian iteration referred to to as the “Game keeper’s Night Dog” - a progenitor of the Bull Mastiff. A modern day 60:40 blend of bulldog x mastiff, the British “Gamekeepers” had a well documented approach and application of these Bandogs, requiring a patrol companion and “dispatch dog”, employed to located and fight armed “poachers” during the 18th century.

Thorneywood’s Terror, bred and owned by W. Burton of Nottingham drew great fame and notoriety to Terror’s name by traveling throughout England and hosting gamekeeper trials with open challenges: those who wished to challenge Terror were given a long head start and terror was released from his steel-cage to pursue and subdue the challenger. Despite weighing in at only 90lbs (small by modern standards for mastiff types), Terror was extremely athletic, moving so fast that he was often no more than a “blur of brindle” to the poor souls who wished to challenge him.

“It should fear no an or group of men, no matter how sinister their intention…Once engaged with its tormentor it should grip like a vice and fight like a lion and never relinquish its hold of its own accord, even if it comes to serious mischief and takes its death. In my charge he should be obedient and faithful. In my home or in his kennel he should be quiet and good tempered. There is no better or hardier dog than a good nightdog” - W. Burton

Outside of the UK, serviceable Bandog Types could be considered to include the Dogo Argentino, Presa/Dogo Canario, Cane Corso/Cane de Presa, South African Boerboel, Ca de Bou, Alano Espanol amongst others. They were all nothing more than utilitarian types bred for specific duties. The only criteria behind a breeding was based on their ability to complete a job. To think this practical breeding philosophy never incorporated outside breeds, different land races or types which reflected the needs of farmers, hunters, game keepers, poachers, and slave catchers is not only willfully ignorant of breed origins, but of geopolitical history.

The discernable eye can just look towards the distinct variation and phenotypical differences within many of these established breeds and recognize both lighter and heavier types, varying coat length and textures, tail length and shape, presence of rear dewclaws, and head type amongst others within these highly celebrated “Pedigreed” dogs. The lack of consistency (for now) is a reflection of their strong utilitarian heritage - not the highly profitable and politicized show ring.

When we revere the pressures which made the dogs - we recognize bandog types aren’t as uncommon as they appear.

John Swinford DVM - and the “American Bandog”

No Bandog enthusiast can overlook the development of the “American Bandog” beginning in the late 1960s, without referencing pioneer John Bayard Swinford - a cult figure with an almost mythic status among performance mastiff enthusiasts. A Long Island Veterinarian, Swinford was consumed with a singular obsession - recreating the working mastiff of old. His goal was to create a “dog fearing nothing”, by utilizing the best working caliber specimens which processed the temperament and ability to be termed “Bandogge”.

Eventually working closely with fellow bandog enthusiast Martin J. Lieberman, the duo began crossing the American Pit Bull Terrier, with an English Mastiff. By crossing this study English Mastiff bitch Octavia, to a game proven box American Pit Bull Terrier - Bobtail Buddy (a 1xw or 2xw dog), Swinford believed he could improve upon the Mastiff’s latent and dulled drives, enhancing athletic ability, endurance and will to work. His theory on whether this made a premiere working dog was tested when his Bantu was matched with a Rottweiler brought in from Puerto Rico with a resume that included many a dead dog in the islands and a penchant for unrestrained violence.

Bantu was on of the best known Swinford dogs, although two Bantus existed. The first died in a car accident; (Bantu 2 came off of Jack Kelly’s APBT Bobtail Buddy & Swinford’s English Mastiff Octavia). Bantu 2 rose to critical acclaim after an article published in Sporting Dog Journal, July-August 1972, and was subsequently mentioned in Carl Semenic’s first book “The World of Fighting Dogs”. Publications widely described the Swinford breeding program by celebrating a match where Bantu cur’d the Rottweiler in a matter of minutes, humbling his opponent to the point where the Rottweiler could no longer face Bantu, instead actively cowering while Bantu was still scratching to get back into the fray like a gamedog.

Notable APBT personality, Jack Kelly had this to say about Swinford and Bantu in an article published in the old Sporting Dog Journal:

“…he (Swinford) did roll them and several of them were tough hard fighters. The dog on the cover (Bantu) with him (Swinford) is one of the first that John bred. He weighted 127lbs. and would fight like any pit dog…”

During the 70’s Swinford’s breeding efforts began to pick up steam, the duo found it difficult sourcing suitable English Mastiffs, were subsequently introduced to an Italian immigrant Luigi Forina of Brooklyn New York. Forina had excellent examples of the working mastino - or as referred in the US at the time, the Italian Bull Dog. They admired the original look, instinctual distrust, and great devotion, while adding much needed diversity into Swinford’s bloodline. They were not without flaws however - sexual dimorphism in head size, weak teeth, and less than ideal muzzle length inhibited their endurance and bite. Forina’s Mastino stud was bred to Bantu 2’s littermate sisters - who Lieberman describes as “a 240lb behemoth but not a fat dog” who produced a number of dogs which exemplified the type and standard that Swinford was after:

Extremely athletic and supremely confident. Exceptionally stable while being vividly formidable. Dark in color and standing at 25 inches at the whither with weights that never exceeded the 100lb mark. Strong drives with great natural guardian instincts. Loving and docile with family and the animals of their master’s home but aloof and ferocious with anything they deemed a threat. All in all, the hallmark representation of a well-rounded estate guardian that could double as a protection dog when called upon. The effect showed immediately, for the first generation was far superior to the parents. Their aim was simple - improve movement, nerves and increase gameness.

After Swinford’s untimely death at the age of 37 in October of 1971, Lieberman continued the breeding program well into the 70’s to the tune of 6 successive generations with the help of the Grimms family, associates of John Swinford who didn’t quite obtain the same notoriety. It is rumored that they were never truly happy with the Swinford dogs; and combined the American Bulldog within the existing Swinford Program (Zwettler, 2019). Lieberman eventually chose to discontinue with the breeding of the Swinford Bandog - disgusted with the type of characters the dogs were attracting. Describing the clients approaching him for dogs as “the cockroaches coming out of every nook and cranny…and most were not noble in purpose”. Lieberman allowed the Swinford bred dogs to slowly phase out as the 70’s wore on. However, Swinford’s legacy and impact can still be felt today with the renewed interest in performance mastiff hybrids among working dog enthusiasts around the world.

Whether you you choose to call them “bandogs” or “bandogges”, the fact remains that the term, even throughout history, was a title earned more so than a reference to a specific breed of dog.

Bandogs/bandogges were mastiff type dogs but not every mastiff type dog was a bandog.

Selection Pressure

So back to our original question. What’s the difference between our “Bandogs” and “insert breed here” - it’s simple.

Selection pressure and versatility.

One of the oldest standards which governed the “Bandog” was the chaining of the dog during the day, and the releasing of the dog at night protect the estate. It required a dog who was fearless, and would risk its life to protect both property and family. This historic context naturally entails close quarters combat, sentry/property protection, and catch work; all while being gentle, loving, biddable and predictable with family. This not only required a dog of the appropriate temperament, but one with the innate desire to do work for/with, and serve its handler. It is the affinity for receiving direction, it is the desire to “work” and complete the job which you ask of the dog - that is celebrated within the breed type. They must be versatile enough to complete whatever is asked of them.

Modernization has influenced societal needs, and as such, values have changed. “Rare and exotic” types who at one time were capable working breeds, attain new found mainstream attention, and are bred more so along aesthetics rather than traditional performance measures, and for good reason.

• Everyone doesn’t have a need for a highly confrontational dog

• Everyone doesn’t have a need for a dog with a strong distrust of strangers

• Everyone doesn’t have a need for a highly prey driven dog with low stimulus thresholds

• Everyone doesn’t have a need for a dog with immense pain tolerance

• Everyone doesn’t have a need for high civil aggression in their dog

These very traits, which celebrated a dogs ability to guard, fight, protect, and safeguard the livelihoods of the families past - can be considered a liability for families/individuals of the present. These very traits which made them highly capable working animals - with the ingrained desire for a job - have slowly begun to be phased out. As a result, breed versatility must inevitably be questioned. As pedigrees are built - direct ancestors proven in working arenas are pushed further down the family tree. As modern society’s needs have changed; inevitably so have the dogs.

What’s lost is the propensity for work, and the versatility which is required. This is where the “working bandog” shines. Its modern day selection pressure is different - paying homage to the traditional performance measures which perpetuate highly capable dogs with an affinity towards completing a job. This is not me saying that all working purebred breeders do not adequately test and work their stock. This is me saying that popularity as a whole has changed the selection pressure placed on most breed types to perpetuate a look over an ability (Show without Go)

When you stop placing emphasis on a “breed” and more on ability - you’ll begin to recognize they were all (in theory) once deserving of the term “Bandog”. You cannot compare a Pedigree to Performance. The only “comparison” that can justify a pedigreed dog is through competition. A pedigreed dog without the ability to perform the tasks it was once responsible for - is an insult to the breed itself.

The working bandog has never been about perpetuating a look. It has always been about perpetuating strength in ability. No one routinely questions the dog’s aesthetic - they question the performance standard which governed the dog’s breeding; and ultimately - to some people, that’s all that matters. When asked by non working dog enthusiasts why I breed, my response is simple. “While some people attribute value to how a car looks, others care more about what lies under the hood.”

we breed better. savantk9

Raising a working prospect

We’ve provided a few observations that have been deemed useful towards getting the most out of your working dog. Particularly when raising a puppy

Curb your enthusiasm

So you just got a new puppy. The biggest mistake you can make is to go out and just start training. Drive building, socialization, environmentals. Just pump the breaks. The dog barely knows you, has no idea as to your expectations, and needs to acclimate to a new way of life. The most important thing you can do as a new handler, is begin to set the dog up for nothing but success. Limit experiences so that you can build a trusting relationship without resorting to excessive commands (that they may not yet comprehend) or where your forced to use the word NO. Its hard building a new relationship based on the word NO, so take it slow. Your puppy is looking to you for calm, fair, and consistent leadership. One of the best things you can do to relationship build is just take the dog on a walk.

The walk gives you and the puppy time to bond over new shared experiences. Gentle but firm leadership will allow the puppy to trust you during any obstacle where they may begin to feel unsure. Your responsibility is to teach the dog the world, and in response they’ll learn your expectations. They will not only overcome obstacles with your direction, but be confident in following your lead. Recognize that they are babies - and train accordingly. What is most important is that you acknowledge the importance of firm but gentle leadership towards creating and maintaining a strong canine handler bond.

We can begin laying the foundation through positive reinforcement, using toys, food, play or affection to reward desired behaviors, and ensuring the dog can understand our expectations. Simple drills where the dog works for food by shaping behaviors, instilling impulse control in the house, or learning boundaries should be fun and light. Start with the behavioral basics (such as shaping muscle memory to sit, or down) before placing demands on pups that they aren’t capable of fulfilling. You cannot expect a young dog, to perform like a well trained adult. Far too often, new owners overdue elements of training because they are anxious to see results - seemingly unaware that they can kill drive, or a puppies enthusiasm to work (for not only themselves, but their handler).

Let them Grow

Oftentimes - if bred correctly, less is more. There is plenty you can do with a new working prospect - drive building, free shaping, environmental work, conditioning desired behaviors, but its important to remember NOT to overdue any one thing. The working dog, though eager to work can loose interest, and an over enthuiastic handler can take all the fun out of a specific task. Far too often I’ve seen well bred, phenomonal prospects “burn out” and find themselves “washed” because the handler’s couldn’t put their ego aside and allow the pup, to just be a pup.

Work, training, and conditioning comes in multiple forms; use variety to your advantage and hone many of their transferrable skills. Recognize that dogs mature at different rates (particularly bull and molosser breeds) - and oftentimes really don’t begin to come into themselves until 8-18mo. “Let the puppy be a puppy” - is a simple, yet extremely difficult concept for people to understand. If the genetics are there, the behavior will follow. Appreciate the many developmental stages, observe how their behavior changes through time, and how their confidence grows. You’ll see glimpses as to who they’ll become, so allow them to be young; you’ll have an adult dog the rest of their lives.

Socialization doesn’t have to mean that every stranger can have a playdate with your dog. Socialization often means that simply sharing in the dogs space - is showing them what’s appropriate and respectful. Interaction doesn’t always have to be affection, and as a firm and consistent handler - you do not have to be pressured into letting strangers interact with you dog. You build confidence and trust in your dog by advocating on their behalf. You set the stage for their experiences and interactions. Allow them to trust and respect your guidance. Please note, that we do however, believe in early and frequent exposure and interaction with children.

Exposure to environmental stressors are important as well. Working through textures, unevan surfaces, traffic, shopping carts, playgrounds, tunnels - all aid in building a dog who is confident and secure. With your guidance they will believe that they can tackle anything thrown their way - and when we build a confident dogs, we enhance their ability to complete a job. Positive guiding experiences (no coddling) will allow them to become strong and steadfast in character. A working dog who shuts down is of no value. But one who rises to the challenge, observes, navigates and recovers is.

We find navigating children’s playgrounds, feed stores, and home improvement centers with young dogs using positive reinforcement/luring extremely helpful. The obstacles, tunnels, slides, textures, sights, smells and varying heights both challenge you and your dog, providing a stimulating environment to train with.

Of particular note, we cannot overstate the need to expose heavy molosser infulenced dogs to new environments and excessive socialzation early in life. The genetic predisposition to confronting insecurity with aggression can make for these dogs to become massive liabilities. We breed for stable, social and confident dogs, but nurture as well as nature molds them into who they become. Failure to extensively socialize and expose young molosser puppies can often yield less than ideal results as adults. Socialization does not change their ability to be defensive or protective, but rather provides dogs with the appropriate context necessary through observing normal human behavior. Building up an arsenal of such sight pictures allows a dog to determine what’s “abnormal”, and oftentimes reacts appropriately.

Drive building Basics

Whether you’re looking to train a bite sport prospect, or a hunting dog - drive building can develop and enhance a dogs intensity, engagement and commitment towards the task at hand. We can use early bite development games to lay a foundation for bitework or hunting - by teaching the pup to enjoy working in prey (strengthening drive) and when done correctly - we can help pups develop an unflappable confidence in themselves. By using prey based, bite development games, we introduce a low stress, fun way to familiarize a dog with using their mouth, sticking their grips, and remaining committed while engaged.

We can begin by using a rag, small rope, animal hide or flirt pole to encourage the dogs desire to “chase, catch, kill”. Fast, excitable movements should encourage a response in the pup to pounce, chase, and bite the object. We reward a full mouth grip and commitment by letting the pup win, releasing the item and letting them have it. What we are teaching is that by enthuiastically engaging through play - and commiting to the bite - that they can trust their mouths and win the object. When starting out, its important that we keep the sessions short. We can build frustration by taking the rag away at the height of their excitement. By ending the game abruptly, we enhance their desire to re-engage the next time we bring it out.

We reward deep biting, natural countering, persistence and willingness to remain engaged by letting the puppy win the tug. Start easy and incrementally add challenge - increasing intensity and duration of the tug session, playful contact with the dogs body, engaging over obstacles ect. The beauty of this exercise is that not only does it stregthen prey drive, but it can be used as a training exercize. The tug can become a tool we use to teach impulse control, become the reward for obedience sessions, and serve as an outlet for excess energy. Leerburg has a series of dog training videos on YouTube for those interested in learning more. Their video “The power of playing tug with your puppy” is a great place to start.

By introducing the basics, and building a foundation - we can set our dogs up for long term success. Raising a working prospect to reach their full potential requires patience, dedication, and commitment - but in our opinion, it is worth the effort.

Getting the most out of your working Molosser

Molossers, Bandogs, and cross bred bull breeds being trained in high level sport, personal protection, or even hunting applications truly benefit from early and frequent exposure to drive building. In my opinion, you can never start too early conditioning an intense prey drive response in these prospects. There are unique strengths to be found within these dynamic breed types, but getting the most out of their performance requires some intentional training and conditioning. The addition of molosser blood arguably creates a more dynamic dog - and commonly exptesses itself through a natural level of “defense drive”. This is a useful drive in that you’ll likely have a dog who is perceptive of abnormal human behavior, carry natural suspicon or a heightened territoral aggression. This is a useable drive that many can benefit from, but for high level sport or hunting applications, I prefer and breed for a molosser type whose first instinct is to operate in prey rather than defense. This is atypical of many molosser breeds.

Prey drive is a very natural, low stress drive - that when coupled with bite work fundamentals, we can condition a reward pathway which creates a dog who is determined to stay and remain engaged to fulfill drive, and self reward through biting and engagement. A dog who is comfortable working and engaging in prey, is more likely to commit to the fight when the going gets tough. What do I mean by this? It’s important to remember that for as strong as defense drive can be, it is always rooted in stress. Stress comes from worry, and worry is fueled by the idea of self preservation. The dog has two choices when pushed into defense - Fight or Flight. The strength of that defensive response is based on maturity, conditioning, and the overall confidence in the dog. All dogs, when pushed past their defensive thresholds will choose flight.

I prefer an offensive type of molosser - one who engages in prey before tapping into defense. By going into the fight with the right mindset, I want my working dog to view the target as an extension of prey, confident and determined to remain engaged despite potential harm. Their drive and quest for self fulfillment keeps them engaged, before any concept of worry and self preservation begin to creep in. By remaining engaged in prey, we arguably extend the amount of time it takes for a dog to reach this defensive threshold. This is easily explained by asking outselves, “What happens when the game is no longer fun?”

I believe that laying a strong foundation early, coupled with sound breeding and genetics, we can condition and create a dog who views this type of challenging engagement as “fun”. When we incrementally challenge the dog we build confidence. It is the confidence forged through a strong foundation that both we and the dog rely on and expect when it’s time to perform. The reason my dogs are successful is because I pair sound breeding philosophy with the approrpiate foundations which allow these unique breed types to both meet and exceed expectations. A little bit of work upfront enhances your likelihood of success. If you’re looking to create an unstoppable dog, drive build and create a confidence. You’ll be rewarded with a dog who is committed to seeking the next “win”.

Patience

Above all else, what the working prospect needs to be great is TIME. Strategic exposure, sound training, and a strong foundation built upon incremental challenges will help build and develop the dog into an animal capable of meeting and exceeding your expectations, with a work ethic and a desire to please that makes owning a SavantK9 a one of a kind experience. Genetics load the gun, environment pulls the trigger. set your dog up for success. If The genetics are there, the behavior will follow.

We Breed Better. SavantK9

Early Neurological Stimulation

We believe that Early Neurological Stimulation and the applicaton of specific “Bio Sensory Exercizes” during periods of rapid neurological growth and development provide 5 Specific Benefits in dogs compared to non stimulated individuals

The US Military’s “Super Dog Program”

“In many animal breeding programs, the entire process of selection and management is founded ont he belief that performance is inherited. Attempts to analyze the genetics of performance in a systematic way have involved some distinguished names such as Charles Darwin and Francis Galton. It has only been in recent decades, that good estimates of heritability of performance have been based on adequate data.” (Dr. Battaglia, Canine Chronicle, Breeding Better Dogs)

A 1991 study conducted and published in Scientific American on “The Genetics of the Thoroughbred Horses” by Dr. Patrick Cunningham had determend that in general, genetics account for about 35% of race horse perfomance, while the remaining 65% (management, training, and nutrition) can make all the difference in terms of winning or losing. His study utilized Timeform data, to measure groups of half brothers and half sisters to determine performance. The data had shown that with observed speed during track perforance, only 35% of the variation found was controlled by heritable factors - with the remainder being heavily influenced by husbandry.

Despite being limited to horses, we believe that this study serves as a solid basis for understanding how much breeders can attribute breeding success to genetics and pedigrees. Historically, animal breeders have always looked for ways to enhance and improve upon an animal’s natural abilities - with some producing long term positive affects. Some of the differences found in performance individuals can be attributed through the use of early stimulation methods, husbandry, training, and conditioning.

The US Military’s “Super Dog Program” is founded on the use of Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS). Through their eserach they determined that specific “Bio Sensory Exercises” during periods of rapid neurological growth and development have consistently proven 5 specific benefits in dogs when compared to non stimulated individuals.

• Improved cardiovascular systems

• Stronger heart beats

• Stronger arenal glands

• Increased tolerance to stress

• Greater resistance to disease

We use these Bio Sensory Guidelines to stimulate our stock in combination with extensive socialization, and environmental exposure in an attempt to strengthen and enhance their potential as working dogs. According to the US Military, in tests of learning stimulated pups were found to be more active and exploratory than their non-stimulated littermates, in addition to dominating their littermates in competitive situations.

In simple problem solving tests using detours in a maze, the non-stimulated pups became extremely aroused, whined a great deal, and made many errors. Their stimulated littermates were less distrubed or upset by test conditons and when comparisons were made, the stimulated littermates were more calm in the test environment, made fewer errors and gave only an occasional distress cries.

Both experience and research have shared the beneficial effects that can be achieved via early neurological stimulation, socialization, and enrichment experiences. Each has been used to improve performance and to explain the differences that may occur between individuals, their trainability, long term health and potential.

We believe that by subjecting the nervous system to minor sources of stress during periods of rapid development (that are not normally encountered in nature) we can “jump start” and strengthen the development of neurological pathways, enhancing a dog’s ability to tolerate stressors later in life. These harmless techniques best serve the interests of owners who seek high levels of health and performance. When properly used, we believe that each test has a cumulative effect and contributes to the development of individual performance.

All our puppies receive ENS following the Military’s “Super Dog Guidelines” days 3-16. We have a number of outside references availible who believe that there are positive affects to ENS. We feel as though it speeds puppy development, reduces their reaction to stress, and strengthens their environmental thresholds.

We Breed Better. SavantK9