I've heard this one so many times. Sure RR love to play. Yes it's pointless to expect them to behave like a different breed. Being nervous has nothing to do with a RR ability to hunt. They have superior intelligence and a sense of fun to go with it. They take longer than other breeds to become an ear dog because they have different drives. Weekend hobbyists will take there pet RR out and ask " Why didn't he act like my pig dog and grab its ear?" Answer because he's not a pig dog. RR can be trained to act like a pig dog and that takes longer. RR loves being chased by an angry pig, bull or anything for that matter. It's all a big game. I'd watch mine on big roos. Biggest game out. They'd put their bodies in front where the roo can grab them.Soon as it makes a move they've gone behind it barking. Angry bulls the same. They would love stirring them up to charge. Then let them get close as possible but never close enough. Horses too. They'd stay just in front of the hooves. They wanted to be chased. All a big game. Nervousness is an alien idea when it comes to the correct RR temperament.

It is a great pity that breeders get hold of a bloodline for looks and don't research temperament enough with RR.

I think the Bullmastiff or Boerboel crossings have been going on for a very long time. I guess sighthounds could be more recent?

Tonedog if the original Lion hunting stock was bred to be a pig dog then what you are saying makes sense. They weren't, so what you are saying is they should be looking for a different breed. Absolutes like "I think if they had access to the original lion hunting stock every single dog they tried would seem way too nervous and gutless for what they expect from it."are better left unsaid.You have no proof. Just your belief.