Australian Bandog

Maria Bryan and Phil Daniell of Abcalert and Trublue Kennels in Queensland, Australia, are credited as the founders of the Australian Bandog, although there is a number of other breeders to be found today. Some claim to stick to the original recipe, while others are using their own programmes to create an ideal Aussie Bandogge. It is generally accepted that a proper Australian Bandog is 75% Neapolitan Mastiff and 25% American Staffordshire Terrier, but it should be noted that other breeds are used as well, such as a small percentage of the Boxton blood.

Intended to be a re-creation of the ancient working Molossers of Rome, the Australian Bandog is an alert, active and courageous breed, bred primarily for protection duties. This powerful mastiff is very intelligent and reportedly very easy to train. Devoted to its owner, loving of children and reserved with strangers, the Australian Bandog makes an agreable family companion. Although bred to be indifferent to provocation, it can still be moderately aggressive towards other dogs, needing early socialization. The body is muscular and well-boned, resembling the old-type Neapolitans.

The coat is short, soft and flat, coming in solid colours of black, blue, fawn, red and brindle, with small white markings allowed on the chest. Average height is around 26 inches.