Blumenweiler

This working bandogge was developed in South Africa in the 1980's as a farm dog whose duties involve protecting the property, guarding, driving and controlling livestock, as well as tracking and hunting wild animals. Reportedly a result of crossing Rottweilers with Boerboels, Neapolitan Mastiffs, Dobermans and Bloodhounds, the Blumenweiler has been bred with little concern for physical appearance and primarily for working qualities and stamina, although the majority of dogs do resemble the Rottweiler quite a bit, apart from being much taller, having shorter coats and allowing a greater variety of colourings.

Some English Bullterrier blood is rumoured to had been added into the genepool in the 1990's, but this hasn't been confirmed, although it would explain the increased tenacity and drive which isn't associated with the rest of its parent breeds. In addition to its farm duties, the Blumenweiler is also supposedly used for personal protection and scent-tracking humans, both as a rescue dog and for pursuit of criminals. Said to be very intelligent and trainable, the breed is also quite dominant and can be stubborn, its high drive and strong territorial instincts making it a good rural guardian, but a poor choice for an urban companion.

This is a well-boned and massive, yet athletic and agile dog, with a large head, broad muzzle and strong jaws. The chest is reasonably wide, but also quite deep. The back is straight, with broad shoulders and a slightly elevated croup, while the legs are long and sturdy. The tail can be docked, but majority of dogs are unaltered.

The coat is short, flat and smooth, coming in black-n-tan, blue-n-tan, brindle and fawn shades, with or without white markings on the chest and legs. Average height is around 30 inches, but taller dogs exist.