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MASTIFFS

THE BULL MASTIFF

Though usually mild-mannered, the powerful Bullmastiff is also serious and self-assured. He is afraid of nothing, and once aroused will seldom back down. Bullmastiff puppies (up to two or three years old) can be rambunctious and have an aversion to keeping all four feet on the ground at the same time.

Fortunately, adults are calm and quiet and need only moderate exercise to maintain their impressive muscle tone. This breed is intensely loyal to his family and doesn't like being left outside. Though sensible with strangers, the Bullmastiff does have well-established protective and territorial instincts. He must be thoroughly socialized at an early age so that he learns to distinguish 

friend from foe. Tremendously strong and stubborn, Bullmastiffs are inclined to do things their own way and will test members of the family. However, he will respond to early, consistent obedience training that includes leadership, cheerful praise, and food rewards.

PRESA CANARIO aka The Canary Mastiff

Presas may be imposing and impressive to look at, but they are known to be calm, well-behaved and placid dogs that thrive in a home environment, loving nothing more than to be included in everything that goes on around them. They are naturally suspicious of people they have never met before which is why they have always been highly prized as watchdogs in their native Canary Islands. With this said, because the Presa Canario is a large and imposing dog, they need to be trained correctly from a young age so they understand their place in the pack and who is the alpha dog in a household or they might take on this role. They are not the best choice for first time owners because they need to be handled and trained by people who are familiar with the needs of this type of large, dominant dog. A puppy's training has to start as soon as they arrive in their new home by teaching them the "basics" and the boundaries although a Presa may well test these throughout their lives which is why their training and handling has to be consistent so that dogs understand what is expected of them. Once they have settled in to their new environment,

they form strong bonds with their owners and will naturally protect them should ever they feel their families are being threatened. It cannot be stressed strongly enough the importance of socialising a Presa from a young age which has to include introducing them to lots of new situations, noises, people, other animals and dogs once they have been fully vaccinated so they grow up to be more relaxed, outgoing mature characters. However, because the Presa is naturally protective, it's important to bear in mind that no matter how much socialisation they are given, these dogs will want to guard and protect their owners and their property because it is deeply embedded into their psyche to do so. Because they are so intelligent, they need to be given lots of things to occupy their minds and they need enough daily exercise for them to be truly happy, well-rounded dogs. If they are not given enough of either, a Presa would quickly start to show signs of boredom which could result in their developing some unwanted and destructive behaviours around the home which is their way of relieving any stress they may be feeling, and not necessarily because they are being naughty.

DOGUE DE BORDEAUX

aka The French Mastiff

The Bordeaux has a good and calm temperament. It is extremely loyal, patient and devoted to his family. Fearless and confrontational with strangers, he is a first class watch and guard dog. Socialised very well with other animals, preferably starting from an early age to avoid him being aggressive with other dogs. The Dogue de Bordeaux snores and drools. Despite his fearsome appearance, the Dogue de Bordeaux is gentle with children and family members. However, this is a powerful animal, and is not suitable for an inexperienced dog owner. The objective in training this dog is to achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in its pack When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined and rules are set. You and all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. That is the only way your relationship can be a success. This breed needs a calm, but firm owner who displays a natural authority over the dog. One who is confident and consistent.

BOERBOEL - The South African Mastiff

The Boerboel is considered by most authorities to be a relatively reliable, obedient and highly intelligent breed. They have a unique combination of roughness and gentleness that can make them good family pets, when they are raised and treated properly. Generally, they are affectionate, playful, loyal, loving and confident with their families. However, this is a dominant breed. Boerboels have strong watch and guard dog instincts and are fearless and extremely protective of their people.. Owners should be careful about the situations they put these dogs into, because a Boerboel will protect its family with its life when it thinks it needs to. The consequences of such an event will never be good for anyone involved. Fortunately, with proper introduction by their owners, Boerboels usually accept visitors and family friends into their territories, although they may do so reluctantly and remain on guard. 

K9 Partners would strongly recommend that any one thinking of adoption any dog fully researches the breed. The information given about is only a basic over view. Every dog is an individual, whether pedigree, crossbreed or mongrel, but breed traits, temperaments and life style requirement should be considered before taking your decision to adopt further. Careful consideration now will save heart ache later.

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