Australian Bandog Dog Breed

The Australian Bandog is a member of the Working group of breeds; these dogs have been used first in Europe, and more recently in Australia and elsewhere, as guard/protection and all-purpose working animals. Aussie Bandogs are great guard dogs, and they also make loyal, good-natured family companions--so they're perfect for families who desire protection.

A few breed specifications: Aussie Bandogs are large-sized (height at the shoulders averages 26 inches, and weight is around 100 pounds), with short-haired, soft coats that come in a variety of solid and multi-colored patterns. Here are some advantages and drawbacks to owning this large breed:

PROS:

• Fantastic watch- and guard dog abilities
• Very intelligent and alert
• Easily trained
• Loyal to and protective of family members
• Minimal grooming required
• Good with children
• Agile and athletic
• Low barking tendencies

CONS:

• High exercise requirements
• Sometimes stubborn
• Often aggressive towards strangers
• Not suitable for first-time owners
• May be confrontational with other dogs
• Early socialization with humans and other animals recommended
• Size and energy may be dangerous around infants/toddlers
• Rare, and thus difficult to find/expensive to purchase

The Bandog is a large-sized breed. Height at the shoulders for males is typically 25-29 inches, and weight is 90-130 pounds; height for females is 24-27 inches, and weight is 75-110 pounds.

This breed is confident, loyal, intelligent, and good-natured, and will make a fantastic guard or watchdog. If provided with consistent training and socialization from a young age, a Bandog will make a great family pet, as it is affectionate towards children, socializes fairly well with other animals, and is suspicious of strangers. Their intelligence and willingness to learn makes Bandogs easy to train, but owners should not force them to learn commands, as these dogs have a bit of a stubborn streak.

Bandogs are fairly low-maintenance animals. They're average shedders, and their short coats will only require occasional brushing and bathing. These dogs will need a lot of exercise, but minimal training.

Although Australian Bandogs originated in Europe, they were practically extinct until a resurgence in breeding took place in Australia in the late twentieth century, which likely accounts for the breed's name. All current members of this breed are descended from cross breeding various varieties of Bulldog and Mastiff.

Australian Bandogs are considered generally healthy, but may suffer health problems common to large breeds including hip and/or elbow dysplasia and bloat. Other possible ailments include autoimmune hypothyroidism, epilepsy, cancer, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and skin problems.