I wasn't sure but I was wondering if that was you.I'm friends with JanS on FB...I wonder if she knew that
Bullmastiffs
- Thread starter Oh Little Oji
- Start date
I felt like sharing this here. It's so cute and kind of funny!
Note also that this Bullmastiff has a snout that is not all that brachycephalic. This is Cane Corso typical, really. If I were to go with a Bullmastiff, I'd probably seek this quality, even though some of the most gnarly looking BMs have the more smushed snout. Anyway, enjoy! (Edit: The video couldn't be posted, but here's a pic of the dog).
Note also that this Bullmastiff has a snout that is not all that brachycephalic. This is Cane Corso typical, really. If I were to go with a Bullmastiff, I'd probably seek this quality, even though some of the most gnarly looking BMs have the more smushed snout. Anyway, enjoy! (Edit: The video couldn't be posted, but here's a pic of the dog).
Last edited:
Lizbeli
Hot Topics Subscriber
Bull mastiffs do tend to have pretty squished noses. I agree, if I was looking at getting one I would choose a breeder that had more normal looking dogs. Some have that “boxer” mouth too that angles up and looks like they have an underbite. I can’t stand that- it’s actually one reason I don’t find boxers attractive.
Like this one I found on google.
Like this one I found on google.
Well, Castleguard is off my list for the Corso. I had held out that they may have something to offer me because: Full health testing, Ear crop included in price, Trust in the temperament of their dogs (though might actually be too friendly), Breeder responded to email and told me I could call, and if they didn't answer just try again, as they would probably just be out on their property, Pup price (companion) 2800. Well, I just popped back in on their website. Price went up to 3500. Don't think so, especially with having to get the pup home from CO.
Well, I was feeling a tad defeated but I remembered Hierarchy. For some reason, their companion pups are 2000. Their health testing doesn't seem as across the board, but they do place a higher emphasis on working ability, and one major thing I notice about them is a lot of their dogs have impressive size! They're down in GA. I have not gotten a reply from them, and it's been a few months.
I also remembered Trinity. I'm more than a little hesitant about them, as it seems the do not health test. The dogs that appear on their website (actually only currently show females) are good looking overall. I met one of their dogs here in town and was impressed with the dog's response to meeting me on the street with a bike helmet on. I wish I'd taken note of the dog's tail dock length and if it was wagging! Given the rest of the dog's body language, I doubt it was wagging much.
So I know I'm treading on controversial ground here. You say "Run! No health testing!" Yeah, maybe. But their price is lower for one thing (I know, I know, supposedly your vet bills over the years will make up for this). They are located only about 3 hrs. or so away.
I tell ya' though: My Dobes thus far have died in their 8th year. If I got a Corso that died at 8 of, say, heart disease I'd not be too dissatisfied. What I fear most is the dog having bad hips. I don't know. In dogs with a lot of muscle, and are kept in good condition, sometimes this is not as big a deal as some may think. I suppose unless the hips are particularly bad. I guess there are other things to worry about like skin allergies and sensitive g.i. systems. Guess what. Oji has a problematic g.i. system and I'm living with that problem for his life. I feel like buying from a fully health testing breeder does not keep you as safe, overall, from health problems as we like to think.
Note also that Oji, with working titles behind him, has separation anxiety, and is an overly sensitive dog suited I presume to only soft coercive treat training. He pees whenever overly stressed by anything – not fear peeing, just stress peeing really. Note also that my previous Dobe from good lines would unpredictably attack people.
Hmmmm.
Well, I was feeling a tad defeated but I remembered Hierarchy. For some reason, their companion pups are 2000. Their health testing doesn't seem as across the board, but they do place a higher emphasis on working ability, and one major thing I notice about them is a lot of their dogs have impressive size! They're down in GA. I have not gotten a reply from them, and it's been a few months.
I also remembered Trinity. I'm more than a little hesitant about them, as it seems the do not health test. The dogs that appear on their website (actually only currently show females) are good looking overall. I met one of their dogs here in town and was impressed with the dog's response to meeting me on the street with a bike helmet on. I wish I'd taken note of the dog's tail dock length and if it was wagging! Given the rest of the dog's body language, I doubt it was wagging much.
So I know I'm treading on controversial ground here. You say "Run! No health testing!" Yeah, maybe. But their price is lower for one thing (I know, I know, supposedly your vet bills over the years will make up for this). They are located only about 3 hrs. or so away.
I tell ya' though: My Dobes thus far have died in their 8th year. If I got a Corso that died at 8 of, say, heart disease I'd not be too dissatisfied. What I fear most is the dog having bad hips. I don't know. In dogs with a lot of muscle, and are kept in good condition, sometimes this is not as big a deal as some may think. I suppose unless the hips are particularly bad. I guess there are other things to worry about like skin allergies and sensitive g.i. systems. Guess what. Oji has a problematic g.i. system and I'm living with that problem for his life. I feel like buying from a fully health testing breeder does not keep you as safe, overall, from health problems as we like to think.
Note also that Oji, with working titles behind him, has separation anxiety, and is an overly sensitive dog suited I presume to only soft coercive treat training. He pees whenever overly stressed by anything – not fear peeing, just stress peeing really. Note also that my previous Dobe from good lines would unpredictably attack people.
Hmmmm.
Lizbeli
Hot Topics Subscriber
Corsos are generally healthier dogs than dobermans from what I understand anyways. Temperament would be my #1 concern for these dogs. Even if they were a bit more in the friendlier side that would be ok. Their presence alone is enough of a deterrent. $3500 right now would be out of my price range as well.
Boerboels off your list?
Boerboels off your list?
Kaiser2016
Well-Known Member
Maybe that is just the price on the website to weed out the not so serious people? I would contact them one last time to confirm the price before taking them off your list.
No, Boerboels are not off my list. In fact, I just got on that train again this past week. I did so after seeing a video of one, and it just seemed like a big slug (as in, not hyper and not dangerous). See, in terms of being leery of temperament and potential danger to my family, I am concerned more about the Boerboel than I am the Corso. Of course, I could be wrong.
It would have to be a good looking one though. I see way too many with those high hips and the back that dips. I wish I could get that breeder who is located just 2 1/2 hrs. away, and seems to be one of the most respected in the nation to Contact. Me. Back. Of course, I have a suspicion their price is over 3K anyway, so...
And: I want cropped ears.
Well, we have an answer! I don't know about the accuracy of the answer, but we have an answer!
That elusive dog with the super fast owner: Today, walking home from school a different way because we were going to the convenience store to pick up a gallon of milk, who should come walking up behind us but miss Speedy Spandex, her similarly packaged girlfriend and the elusive dog in question!
We pulled over to let her pass, and I got her attention and said "Do you mind if I ask a question about your dog?" Not looking too pleased to have me talking to her, she said okay. "Is he a Tosa? It's a breed I've been looking into." Answer (as I expected) "Well, we rescued him, but we think he's a Mastiff and Ridgeback mix."
I tell ya', I feel confident there is a lot of Tosa in that dog, if it's not actually purebred Tosa.
I like the way the dog acted as we stood about 5 or 6 feet away. It was pretty aloof, not waggy, not goofy, and it happened to position itself somewhat between us and owner.
That elusive dog with the super fast owner: Today, walking home from school a different way because we were going to the convenience store to pick up a gallon of milk, who should come walking up behind us but miss Speedy Spandex, her similarly packaged girlfriend and the elusive dog in question!
We pulled over to let her pass, and I got her attention and said "Do you mind if I ask a question about your dog?" Not looking too pleased to have me talking to her, she said okay. "Is he a Tosa? It's a breed I've been looking into." Answer (as I expected) "Well, we rescued him, but we think he's a Mastiff and Ridgeback mix."
I tell ya', I feel confident there is a lot of Tosa in that dog, if it's not actually purebred Tosa.
I like the way the dog acted as we stood about 5 or 6 feet away. It was pretty aloof, not waggy, not goofy, and it happened to position itself somewhat between us and owner.
Below is what I wrote on the mastiff forum in a thread someone started entitled: "Is a Cane Corso right for my family and me?" I saw that this thread was created about two months ago and it received zero replies. I think that something is not going well currently with that forum, as it seems there has been no activity on it for about that period of time. It was already a very slow place, but it seems something like a payment has not been made or something like that, which is completely understandable.
I just thought I'd post it here for the sake of conversation on this topic, and so as to not lose what I wrote
"Hey!
I've never owned the breed, but am seeking to. We also have two kids. We've owned working Dobes. If a Dobe that has been bred with one goal in mind: Performance on the Schutz./IPO/IGP field can be a reliable and suitable pet for a family, it's my sense that a Corso can be also. Now, this presumes "good" breeding that has produced a stable, predictable temperament. My previous working Dobe had something wrong with his brain, it turned out, and would unpredictably get aggressive with family and guests. We had to keep him away from our child, or be super vigilant when they were in the house together.
So, beyond the inherent temperament of a well-bred Corso in terms of whether it is just to sharp a dog for a family, it seems to me the other question is (and I know I may trigger some folks to be upset): Does it have what I call "dangerous potential" that I believe many bully breeds have, as well as some other dogs who have appeared most commonly in maulings over the decades? This, specifically and in a nutshell, is where a dog with a certain mental makeup and that experiences certain situations, circumstances and stimuli can go into a mode where it not just bites a person without what we would consider a good reason, but it keeps going and essentially tries to kill the person. I know the Corso is not related to the "Pit Bull," or bully breeds, so I consider that the Corso probably does not innately have this quality. That said, remember I have never actually owned one.
I know my wife has a pretty strong hesitancy about the Cane Corso, and I feel it's a distrust in her mind related to the above. My guess is the typical American Cane Corso that is bred for the conformation ring or just as a pet, or even has some working in its lineage, is probably reliable. I don't know. It's hard with a breed that has been reconstructed and is considered by some to still be in "rehab." You can't know what's really in its blood, even though you can get DNA tests that may produce the result "100% Cane Corso." (My question is: On what standard or baseline to they base that result?)
Anyway, this may short-circuit Mastiff Forum, as it strangely seems to me to have had no activity in about two months!
I hope to get some good feedback and information for both your family and mine!"
I just thought I'd post it here for the sake of conversation on this topic, and so as to not lose what I wrote
"Hey!
I've never owned the breed, but am seeking to. We also have two kids. We've owned working Dobes. If a Dobe that has been bred with one goal in mind: Performance on the Schutz./IPO/IGP field can be a reliable and suitable pet for a family, it's my sense that a Corso can be also. Now, this presumes "good" breeding that has produced a stable, predictable temperament. My previous working Dobe had something wrong with his brain, it turned out, and would unpredictably get aggressive with family and guests. We had to keep him away from our child, or be super vigilant when they were in the house together.
So, beyond the inherent temperament of a well-bred Corso in terms of whether it is just to sharp a dog for a family, it seems to me the other question is (and I know I may trigger some folks to be upset): Does it have what I call "dangerous potential" that I believe many bully breeds have, as well as some other dogs who have appeared most commonly in maulings over the decades? This, specifically and in a nutshell, is where a dog with a certain mental makeup and that experiences certain situations, circumstances and stimuli can go into a mode where it not just bites a person without what we would consider a good reason, but it keeps going and essentially tries to kill the person. I know the Corso is not related to the "Pit Bull," or bully breeds, so I consider that the Corso probably does not innately have this quality. That said, remember I have never actually owned one.
I know my wife has a pretty strong hesitancy about the Cane Corso, and I feel it's a distrust in her mind related to the above. My guess is the typical American Cane Corso that is bred for the conformation ring or just as a pet, or even has some working in its lineage, is probably reliable. I don't know. It's hard with a breed that has been reconstructed and is considered by some to still be in "rehab." You can't know what's really in its blood, even though you can get DNA tests that may produce the result "100% Cane Corso." (My question is: On what standard or baseline to they base that result?)
Anyway, this may short-circuit Mastiff Forum, as it strangely seems to me to have had no activity in about two months!
I hope to get some good feedback and information for both your family and mine!"
@Lizbeli , I saw this little video some time ago, but it reappeared on my screen today. The apparently senior Dane actually does some fairly effective protective work of home and mistress in a real life situation. It's not a violent situation, but the Dane steps up and is definitely being (somewhat) aggressive and fending off the intruder. The Dane doesn't do anything to the man when the owner is not around, but later, the vid shows the dog bringing it to the intruder in its tall and semi-ineffectual way when the owner is present. When you've got a dog that tall, it adds effectiveness for sure.
I suppose this vid gives me some hope that if you have a good bond with your dog its natural protectiveness, if it has any, may come into play, even it it's not all that ferocious.
I have noticed in a couple encounters between a female Dane and Oji who don't get along that the Dane really uses its height. It's like: Duh. Yeah, I'm way up here and I'm gonna use it. 
I suppose this vid gives me some hope that if you have a good bond with your dog its natural protectiveness, if it has any, may come into play, even it it's not all that ferocious.
I have noticed in a couple encounters between a female Dane and Oji who don't get along that the Dane really uses its height. It's like: Duh. Yeah, I'm way up here and I'm gonna use it.
Lizbeli
Hot Topics Subscriber
Thats not too bad for a breed thats not into hardcore protection. They are usually soft tempered dogs I didn’t expect it to use its teeth lol. But you never know until a real situation happens I guess.
Its funny because the other day adam and I pulled into the driveway and I heard Jasper barking, as usual. I figured he was excited to see us and knew it was us from the sound of the car. However for some reason he didn’t know it was us. We opened the door and there he was- about 8ft away facing us with all of the hair on his back standing up. As soon as he saw us he flipped a switch and became his happy silly self. But I am curious if he would have fled or attacked if it was a stranger coming inside.
I did watch a video before of a couple ankle biters scaring off an intruder. It was quite funny.
Its funny because the other day adam and I pulled into the driveway and I heard Jasper barking, as usual. I figured he was excited to see us and knew it was us from the sound of the car. However for some reason he didn’t know it was us. We opened the door and there he was- about 8ft away facing us with all of the hair on his back standing up. As soon as he saw us he flipped a switch and became his happy silly self. But I am curious if he would have fled or attacked if it was a stranger coming inside.
I did watch a video before of a couple ankle biters scaring off an intruder. It was quite funny.
I have a feeling his protection instinct would have kicked in and whoever it was would have been sorry they tried it.
I've thought about the Tosa Inu a fair amount. I like that they seem to often be a pretty tall dog. Sometimes they look like a taller Bullmastiff with a less pushed in snout. Sometimes they're too jowly, and they always have ears that are considerably too long for me. (That's where the Bullmastiff generally shines)
I've also actually directed some thought and time back toward the American Mastiff. I'd have no worries about getting the height I want! I just think they'd be too much dog – not in terms of drive, of course, but in terms of just a huge old body taking up space when the dog probably won't be that protective or do much. The originator of the breed is only like 2 hrs. or less from me, and the price is like 2k. Hmm. Maybe if I got a female, the size would be a lot better, and often in some of these large dogs, the female is actually better looking. Thing is though, the ears are just way too long and pendulous! It's a no for me.
This brings up a question for you all: It's a basic question that I hope makes you think. Give me your thoughts and feelings:
If I could find someone to crop a Tosa's or an A.M.'s ears, I would be quite intrigued by that idea. I know the general reaction to this is: No! That's just not right! Those breeds do not get cropped! Thinker that I am, though: What would be wrong with doing so? Let's dig into this a bit:
Let's take a rather extreme example. If someone said they'd like to crop a Golden, we'd all cringe – like majorly. Why? Well, because that breed does not get cropped! Further, it's not a breed that is intended to do any work that would benefit from cropping (save perhaps keeping the ears from getting cut in brambles, or getting burrs stuck in the fur of the ears). So, would we consider it cruel to crop a Golden? I think the vast majority of people would say yes. But, cruel? Why cruel? Unnecessary and misguided, perhaps, but cruel?
Now, consider cropping some other breeds that do not get cropped. Like, well, Tosas and American Mastiffs. Those are working breeds whose purposes are (respectively) fighting (and ostensibly, guarding), and guarding. Would it be cruel in the case of these two breeds?
I know of a breeder who breeds hybrids, or perhaps what could be called bandogges. They are producing a litter of Tosa / Corso. A lot of their dogs are cropped, and I imagine these pups will be cropped as well. So here we have a blurred line – dogs being cropped who consist of a breed that is a non-cropped breed x a breed that is a cropped breed.
I know of a couple vet clinics who do a lot of cropping. I might could tell them my Tosa was a hybrid Tosa / Corso, and get him cropped. Cruel?
Personally, unless I found out that there was a physical reason to not crop one of these non-cropped guarding breeds (like the ears won't look right even with a battle crop because they are just too low-set) I would do it and have not qualms. I don't see why not.
I can point to a recent example of why I just do not want a dog with uncropped ears – especially long ones. (Think, Oji having an unplanned, um, rather dominant, play session with two other off-leash dogs. The owner, with whom I had previously argued and I seriously do not like, later claimed that Oji tore one of his dog's ears.)
I've also actually directed some thought and time back toward the American Mastiff. I'd have no worries about getting the height I want! I just think they'd be too much dog – not in terms of drive, of course, but in terms of just a huge old body taking up space when the dog probably won't be that protective or do much. The originator of the breed is only like 2 hrs. or less from me, and the price is like 2k. Hmm. Maybe if I got a female, the size would be a lot better, and often in some of these large dogs, the female is actually better looking. Thing is though, the ears are just way too long and pendulous! It's a no for me.
This brings up a question for you all: It's a basic question that I hope makes you think. Give me your thoughts and feelings:
If I could find someone to crop a Tosa's or an A.M.'s ears, I would be quite intrigued by that idea. I know the general reaction to this is: No! That's just not right! Those breeds do not get cropped! Thinker that I am, though: What would be wrong with doing so? Let's dig into this a bit:
Let's take a rather extreme example. If someone said they'd like to crop a Golden, we'd all cringe – like majorly. Why? Well, because that breed does not get cropped! Further, it's not a breed that is intended to do any work that would benefit from cropping (save perhaps keeping the ears from getting cut in brambles, or getting burrs stuck in the fur of the ears). So, would we consider it cruel to crop a Golden? I think the vast majority of people would say yes. But, cruel? Why cruel? Unnecessary and misguided, perhaps, but cruel?
Now, consider cropping some other breeds that do not get cropped. Like, well, Tosas and American Mastiffs. Those are working breeds whose purposes are (respectively) fighting (and ostensibly, guarding), and guarding. Would it be cruel in the case of these two breeds?
I know of a breeder who breeds hybrids, or perhaps what could be called bandogges. They are producing a litter of Tosa / Corso. A lot of their dogs are cropped, and I imagine these pups will be cropped as well. So here we have a blurred line – dogs being cropped who consist of a breed that is a non-cropped breed x a breed that is a cropped breed.
I know of a couple vet clinics who do a lot of cropping. I might could tell them my Tosa was a hybrid Tosa / Corso, and get him cropped. Cruel?
Personally, unless I found out that there was a physical reason to not crop one of these non-cropped guarding breeds (like the ears won't look right even with a battle crop because they are just too low-set) I would do it and have not qualms. I don't see why not.
I can point to a recent example of why I just do not want a dog with uncropped ears – especially long ones. (Think, Oji having an unplanned, um, rather dominant, play session with two other off-leash dogs. The owner, with whom I had previously argued and I seriously do not like, later claimed that Oji tore one of his dog's ears.)
Last edited:
Your only option would/should be the super short crop that wouldn't require posting. Ear cartilage is different from dog to dog even within the breed, but long pendulous ears tend to be set lower on the side of the head and may have very little strength to stand. One of the reasons in the (Doberman) breed standard is the ear set "The upper attachment of the ear, when held erect, is on a level with the top of the skull." So if you crop a dog whose ears do not attach at the top of the skull, but lower down on the sides of the skull, the crop cannot stand erect. The Yoda ears. And even a super short pit bull type crop, would not look appropriate if the ears are set to the side of the skull instead of on top. If the breeder you speak of who is cropping their cross bred puppies is having success and shows photos of them as adults that might be helpful. Just remember, lots of times things aren't done because it's already been tried and had poor results.
When you see photos of breeds that are normally (ideally) cropped, take note of how they have semi-erect ears that they can hold up to a certain extent on their own.
Yes, very good points. I have considered that, and have been observing lots of pics and vids of these dogs and where their ears attach. I've also read the breed standards.
Below is a Central Asian Shepherd Dog, or Alabai. I consider this to be slightly shorter than a "battle crop" and I would hope that I could perhaps have just a touch more of a peak on the ears, but I wouldn't want anything like a tip, which may well not stand. One concern would be finding out how much the breeder of the American Mastiffs expects buyers to send periodic pics to them. She'd freak out and probably threaten to sue!
Hmm, maybe I want an Alabai...
One interesting note is that there is someone who is on the insta who has an unusually athletic, trim brindle English Mastiff. They bred it to a Bullmastiff from Guerrero Project (who are out to breed an athletic Bullmastiff more capable of doing the work it was meant to) and the resultant brindle dog, this person got a short, Corso / Pit crop on it. I messaged this person (who seems like an intelligent, reasoned person with their head on straight) and they told me their vet had no qualms cropping this dog. They are in CA. Look up Riot River Mastiff, if you want to see the dogs to which I refer.
Well, I just had a most interesting experience in my dog research.
I pulled up some search results on the Central Asian Shepherd and found a breeder whose site is fairly good. I like their common sense information, and I even read a couple posts they have in a blog – well written by an experienced dog person, and informative on the breed. In fact, this breeder has written a book on the breed.
They do lay out the price for their pups, and it does include the crop, the dock and while it does not look like health test results are available, there's a guarantee on hips, patellas and elbows (I know, a guarantee is not an ideal thing).
I notice they have an area code that is local to right here where I live. They also say they are located in Michigan. The local area code enticed me to just go ahead and give them a call. I took Oji for a walk to the park and placed the call. The woman, complete with Russian accent, picks up on the second ring! I was expecting at best to leave a voicemail. We have a conversation for maybe between 5 and 10 minutes. This is SO different than any experiences I've yet had, with the exception of a Bullmastiff breeder in Indiana.
The woman is definitely not seeming overly eager to sell pups. So that box is checked. (She did, however, say that if I am interested in the breed I should buy her book, but hey, can you blame her?) She cautions me right away on how different the breed is from Dobermans. I'm thinking: Yes, I expect that. She describes just a bit about their origin and nature.
She has only a couple litters per year, and in fact she answered the phone from inside the whelping box!
So, I will look into this breed further. I am concerned with shedding, and I must admit I wonder just how safe it is with my children; but I would expect that a well-bred example would be just fine given solid training.
Oh, and get this: When I expressed that I believe a dog should keep its hormones as long as possible, she said that she advises waiting on altering until at least two years or a few heat cycles on females, and that males not get neutered unless there is a health reason! Check!!
I pulled up some search results on the Central Asian Shepherd and found a breeder whose site is fairly good. I like their common sense information, and I even read a couple posts they have in a blog – well written by an experienced dog person, and informative on the breed. In fact, this breeder has written a book on the breed.
They do lay out the price for their pups, and it does include the crop, the dock and while it does not look like health test results are available, there's a guarantee on hips, patellas and elbows (I know, a guarantee is not an ideal thing).
I notice they have an area code that is local to right here where I live. They also say they are located in Michigan. The local area code enticed me to just go ahead and give them a call. I took Oji for a walk to the park and placed the call. The woman, complete with Russian accent, picks up on the second ring! I was expecting at best to leave a voicemail. We have a conversation for maybe between 5 and 10 minutes. This is SO different than any experiences I've yet had, with the exception of a Bullmastiff breeder in Indiana.
The woman is definitely not seeming overly eager to sell pups. So that box is checked. (She did, however, say that if I am interested in the breed I should buy her book, but hey, can you blame her?) She cautions me right away on how different the breed is from Dobermans. I'm thinking: Yes, I expect that. She describes just a bit about their origin and nature.
She has only a couple litters per year, and in fact she answered the phone from inside the whelping box!
So, I will look into this breed further. I am concerned with shedding, and I must admit I wonder just how safe it is with my children; but I would expect that a well-bred example would be just fine given solid training.
Oh, and get this: When I expressed that I believe a dog should keep its hormones as long as possible, she said that she advises waiting on altering until at least two years or a few heat cycles on females, and that males not get neutered unless there is a health reason! Check!!
Okay, I'm sure I sound a bit crazy or flighty; and I acknowledge my jumping from train car to train car on this journey to our next dog. The fact is, though, it is all rooted in soul searching and researching. I have been honing my specific requirements and wishes over the course of probably five years.
My interests have had be looking almost exclusively Mastiff breeds. Most of them have the lower energy I seek, along with impressive appearance and supposed guarding instinct. Most have short coats – maybe not Dobe short, but short.
Well, I have been riding in the Central Asian Shepherd train car for a few days now and I'm really liking my accommodations!
Wait, a Shepherd? A herding dog? A long-haired breed? Well, yes, no and maybe.
The CAS, or Alabai is not a herding dog, it's a livestock guarding breed that is said to have been in existence for 3 or 4 thousand years. Its main use is to ward off predators such as fox, coyote and wolf. This, of course, is different from a herding dog.
The breed is seen in basically three types of coats (and I'm sure some in between). I would hope for the shortest coat I could get. The pics I posted a few comments prior to this one show what is a short coat and a perhaps short, but a bit less short coat (1st and 2nd pic respectively). It's close though, between those two examples, and it could be one is in winter coat and the other is not. Some Alabais though, have a coat that is too long for my liking. See below for a coat that is considerably too long for me:
There are different lines: Working (livestock guarding), more guard dog working type, and another that I am not sure how to describe other than it more commonly is Russian lines and is less drivey and less sharp and a better family dog. This is the type that is bred by the breeder in MI that I spoke to. These are my understandings at this relatively early stage of research. I'm sure I will look back in a few years at this writing and find it rudimentary. Note also that the breeder I spoke to said in an interview that there are lines that are mixed with Pit Bull and St. Bernard etc.
It's important to note also for those of you who may look up this breed online that there is an unfortunate trend *(not sure how long it's been going on) to breed some Alabais for massive size. You see this bragged about online – like monster and all that kind of talk – and I wonder if this trend is more recent and fueled by this social media culture where folks have impressive looking dogs and just post pics of them looking all impressive but never doing anything. With this breed, you often see pics of the dog standing with its front paws on a person's shoulders to show how big the dog is
Thankfully and surprisingly, I have not heard this breed referred to as "rare." As is inevitable, it is creeping into popularity. As I understand it, it's UKC accepted, and the AKC will allow you to compete with it, but it does not fully recognize it yet. That's just what I heard in that interview. See next post for why I think this breed is obtainable for me, and for the pluses and minuses of this breed for my family and me.
My interests have had be looking almost exclusively Mastiff breeds. Most of them have the lower energy I seek, along with impressive appearance and supposed guarding instinct. Most have short coats – maybe not Dobe short, but short.
Well, I have been riding in the Central Asian Shepherd train car for a few days now and I'm really liking my accommodations!
Wait, a Shepherd? A herding dog? A long-haired breed? Well, yes, no and maybe.
The CAS, or Alabai is not a herding dog, it's a livestock guarding breed that is said to have been in existence for 3 or 4 thousand years. Its main use is to ward off predators such as fox, coyote and wolf. This, of course, is different from a herding dog.
The breed is seen in basically three types of coats (and I'm sure some in between). I would hope for the shortest coat I could get. The pics I posted a few comments prior to this one show what is a short coat and a perhaps short, but a bit less short coat (1st and 2nd pic respectively). It's close though, between those two examples, and it could be one is in winter coat and the other is not. Some Alabais though, have a coat that is too long for my liking. See below for a coat that is considerably too long for me:
There are different lines: Working (livestock guarding), more guard dog working type, and another that I am not sure how to describe other than it more commonly is Russian lines and is less drivey and less sharp and a better family dog. This is the type that is bred by the breeder in MI that I spoke to. These are my understandings at this relatively early stage of research. I'm sure I will look back in a few years at this writing and find it rudimentary. Note also that the breeder I spoke to said in an interview that there are lines that are mixed with Pit Bull and St. Bernard etc.
It's important to note also for those of you who may look up this breed online that there is an unfortunate trend *(not sure how long it's been going on) to breed some Alabais for massive size. You see this bragged about online – like monster and all that kind of talk – and I wonder if this trend is more recent and fueled by this social media culture where folks have impressive looking dogs and just post pics of them looking all impressive but never doing anything. With this breed, you often see pics of the dog standing with its front paws on a person's shoulders to show how big the dog is
Thankfully and surprisingly, I have not heard this breed referred to as "rare." As is inevitable, it is creeping into popularity. As I understand it, it's UKC accepted, and the AKC will allow you to compete with it, but it does not fully recognize it yet. That's just what I heard in that interview. See next post for why I think this breed is obtainable for me, and for the pluses and minuses of this breed for my family and me.
I am in learning, or you might call it, seeker mode with the breeds I'm researching. This is the mindset with which I've joined a few f'book groups recently. I have not gone in and asked questions. I find that that does not work well with people. I know I can learn from just watching and commenting conservatively.
I know, over time, I will pick up vital information – some more tangible, some less.
Today on an American Mastiff group, I saw a post that was a departure from the norm. Someone had put up an informational vid on a new "breed"called American Molossus, and simply asked "What do you think?"
As of last time I looked in on the post, EVERY comment except mine was derogatory about cropped ears – one or two including the words "heart hurts." That's all they commented on too – nothing else but knee-jerk reactions to the ears.
Even bearing in mind the social media platform this was on, it gave me a sense of the owners of that breed and thus a better sense of the breed itself.
I know, over time, I will pick up vital information – some more tangible, some less.
Today on an American Mastiff group, I saw a post that was a departure from the norm. Someone had put up an informational vid on a new "breed"called American Molossus, and simply asked "What do you think?"
As of last time I looked in on the post, EVERY comment except mine was derogatory about cropped ears – one or two including the words "heart hurts." That's all they commented on too – nothing else but knee-jerk reactions to the ears.
Even bearing in mind the social media platform this was on, it gave me a sense of the owners of that breed and thus a better sense of the breed itself.
Similar threads
