About Boerboel / African BoerBoel

About Boerboel / African BoerBoel

A Boerboel is one of the largest among dog breeds, they mastiff type dog breed with strong and well-balanced dog with good muscle development. They are large working molosser dog from South Africa. The word boerboel is Afrikaans for "farmer's dog". The dog is a heavy mastiff breed with characteristic sand coloration with a black mask. The ideal height for male Boerboels is from 64-70cm at the shoulder. The height for bitches is usually 59-65cm. The most likely origins are claimed to date back to Jan van Riebeeck’s arrival to the Cape in 1652. Dutch, French and British settlers have all brought with them certain breeds of dog, which were bred with indigenous breeds of domestic African dogs to create the Boerboel.

The Boerboel is a big, strong and intelligent working dog. They easy, smooth, powerful and purposeful, by means of good propulsion of the hindquarter and parallel movement of the legs. In movement, a straight top-line should be maintained. The Boerboel is reliable, obedient and intelligent, with strong watch and guard-dog instincts. It is self-assured and fearless. The Boerboel are very playful and affectionate toward their owners. Their favorite pass time would be to play a game of fetch loving every minute they spend with their master. Their jaws are strong and they will most often pop the ball they are playing with. Boerboel are protectors and can be very aggressive to people passing in the street. They will guard their family, friends and property with their life. When the owners are not home they will not allow anyone to enter the home, unless they know them very well. They are however, guard dogs, and will keep close watch over any house guest. Owners have to be very careful when opening the gate or door so that they don't get out into the street when people are passing by. Boerboel will do okay with other dogs, cats and other non-canine pets, letting birds come down and snatch from their food bowl!

Boerboel has very well protective instinct, they should always be on your wave length and be ready to act when ever you feel threatened. The dog should also be able to sense when ever you feel uneasy about a specific individual, and he will no doubt make his presence felt in order to provide you with the necessary protection. The Boerboel is a family dog, often spending hours playing with the children and accepting the protection of the whole family as his duty and cares for all of them. A Boerboel is a loyal and devoted family guardian that loves children especially. They very seldom bark, but when they do you can be sure it is for a good reason. One of the early kennels said of its Boerboels that they were, "faithful, fearless, but not ferocious". This sums up a well-bred Boerboel today just perfectly. Most common health problems on Boerboels are hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, heart issues, thyroid problems, bloat, vaginal hyperplasia.

Ibizan Hounds Dog Breed

Ibizan Hounds Dog Breed

The ancient and enchanting breed, Ibizan Hound, is an elegant and agile breed with an athletic and attractive outline and a ground-covering springy trot. Though graceful in appearance, it has good bone girth and is a rugged/hardy breed. Its large upright ears - a hallmark of the breed - are broad at the base and frame a long and elegant headpiece. The neck is long and lean. It has a unique front assembly with well laid back shoulders and straight upper arm. In this way it is different from most other sighthound breeds in construction. It comes in both smooth and wire coated varieties. It is either red or white or a combination of red and white. Its nose is flesh colored, as are its ears, eye rims, and pads of feet. Its eyes are a striking amber color and have an alert and intelligent expression. The Ibizan may range in height from 24 to 29 inches and weigh from 45 to 65 lbs, males being larger than females.

With his great, upright ears, sculpted head, and sleek lines the Ibizan Hound is one of the most striking of the Mediterranean breeds. Playful, elegant in his athleticism, sensitive and affectionate, the Ibizan Hound is a moderately sized dog bred to hunt small game. He shows great loyalty, but can be diffident toward strangers. He is a good alert dog, but not protective. He is not an excessive barker, nor is he considered shy. One of his most stunning qualities is his sense of play, and with his moderately angulated build he is able to leap and twirl with the grace of a dancer.

This primitive breed's past is shrouded in mystery, as mummified remains and ancient Egyptian artwork indicate that these were hunting dogs valued by the Pharaohs. Artifacts recovered from tombs dating 3,000 B.C. show identical morphology to the hounds of today, yet they disappeared from Egypt, and were thought extinct.

Traditionally they are thought to originate from the island of Ibiza, one of the Balearic Islands off the Mediterranean coast of Spain, where Carthaginian or Phoenician traders brought early dogs from Egypt as early as 800-600 B.C.
The Ibizan Hounds, sometimes called "Beezers" by their fanciers, are quiet, clean, playful and polite. Good with children, gentle, sensible and sensitive. Protective and somewhat independent. They will hold back watchfully with strangers. Once they decide the stranger means no harm, they will relax very quickly. Be careful with small pets such as rabbits, cats and rodents; the Ibizan Hound is bred to hunt these creatures. Cats that are raised with the Ibizan Hound will fit in just fine as part of the "family pack," but it will chase and possibly kill a cat it does not know. As in all breeds, the Ibizan Hound should be well socialized with other dogs, other animals, adults, and children. If you have an adult Ibizan Hound and would like another dog, it is suggested that you get a puppy. Beezers are pack animals by nature, so introducing a puppy to the household is easier. An Ibizan thinks its humans are their pack, so any addition (human or baby) must be introduced slowly. Ibizans are members of the family. They cannot be kept as kennel dogs. They love their humans, are as clean as a cat, and respect the rules of a household. This breed blushes when they get excited, as does the Pharaoh Hound. Ibizans like to learn and do so very quickly. They are trainable, but tend to be willful and get bored easily. Provided they have been properly trained, they can participate in many types of dog sports. These dogs are very sensitive to the voice of their handler and a friendly request will always achieve more than a gruff command. This breed tends to have large litters.

As hunters, Ibizan Hounds are run free to find and bring down small game, mostly rabbits and hares. Working independently or cooperatively in packs, they "give tongue", crying triumphantly, when chasing down their quarry. Their unique structure allows them to rapidly pursue their target over rough terrain, even changing direction in mid-air leaps.

Historically they have hunted in the Balearic Islands: Ibiza, Majorca, Minorca, and Formentura, where they are called Ca Eivissenc, as well as in the Spanish Provinces of Catalonia, Valencia, Languedoc-Rousillon, and in France's Provence where they are called the Balearic Hound, or Podenco Ibicenco.

Temperament
The Ibizan Hound is even-tempered, affectionate and loyal. Extremely versatile and trainable, he makes an excellent family pet, and is well suited to the breed ring, obedience, tracking and lure-coursing. He exhibits a keen, natural hunting instinct with much determination and stamina in the field.
Ibizan Hounds are very intelligent, active, and engaging by nature. They are true "clowns" of the dog world, delighting in entertaining their people with their antics. Though somewhat independent and stubborn at times, they do take well to training if positive methods are used, but will balk at punitive training methods. They are generally quiet, but will alarm bark if necessary, so they make good watch dogs. They are sensitive hounds, and very good around children and other dogs alike. They generally make good house dogs, but are active and athletic, therefore need a lot of daily exercise.

Height: 22-29 inches (56-74 cm.)
Weight: 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg.)

Life Expectancy: About 10-12 years.

Tibetan Mastiff Dog Breed

Tibetan Mastiff Dog Breed

The Tibetan Mastiff is descended from the famous Tibetan dogs that were the source of the majority of Molossuses and Mastiffs throughout the world. The ancient Tibetan Mastiff may have been in existence as early as the stone or bronze age. Mollossian dogs accompanied Alexander the Great from Tibet to Europe, and during this period helped found many of today's other Mastiff breeds. Tibet later closed its doors to Westerners, so the breed developed for centuries in relative isolation. In the mid 1800's, a Tibetan Mastiff was given to Queen Victoria of England.

The Tibetan Mastiff is among the largest breeds. A powerful dog with a sturdy bone structure. It is a very large dog with a broad, massive head and a heavy, dense, medium-length coat. The bear-like head is wedged-shaped with a wide, blunt muzzle. The upper lip usually covers the lower lip. The nose is large and generally black. The teeth form a scissors or level bite. The v-shaped, thick-leathered ears hang down. Mature dogs, particularly males, tend to have moderate dewlap. The body is slightly longer than tall and the legs are heavy-boned and powerful. Marco Polo described it as "tall as a donkey with a voice as powerful as that of a lion." The muzzle is lighter than that of the English Mastiff, with an extremely strong jaw. Rear dewclaws should be removed, but front dewclaw removal is optional. The coat forms a heavy ruff around the neck. The hair on the head is short. The plumed tail curls over the back in Spitz fashion. The Tibetan Mastiff is usually black, sometimes with gold or tan markings, though he may also come in chocolate, blue & tan, sable, gold, cream, or red, with or without tan markings. Some also have white markings.

Noble and impressive: a large, powerful, heavy, well built dog, well muscled, with much substance and bone, and of solemn but kindly appearance. The Tibetan Mastiff stands well up on the pasterns, with strong, tight, cat feet, giving an alert appearance. The body is slightly longer than tall. The head is broad and impressive, with massive back skull, the eyes deep-set and almond shaped, slightly slanted, the muzzle broad and well-padded, giving a square appearance. The typical expression of the breed is one of watchfulness. The tail is well feathered and carried over the back in a single curl falling over the loin, balancing the head. The coat and heavy mane is thick, with coarse guard hair and a wooly undercoat. The tail and britches are well feathered.

The Tibetan Mastiff has been used primarily as a family and property guardian for many millennia, and is aloof and watchful of strangers, and highly protective of its people and property.
The Tibetan Mastiff is very protective and territorial. Even-tempered, calm and thoughtful. Dignified and very loyal to its own family. It is by and large loving with children but, distrusts and is reserved with strangers. Brave and fearless when properly socialized. Somewhat strong-willed and very determined, but with a desire to please. Patient and highly intelligent it was bred to take initiative.

As a flock guardian dog in Tibet, it is tenacious in its ability to confront predators the size of wolves and leopards. As a socialized, more domestic Western dog, it thrives in a spacious, fenced yard with a canine companion, but it is not an appropriate dog for apartment living. Still, the Western-bred dogs are generally more easy-going, although somewhat aloof with strangers coming to the home. Through hundreds and hundreds of years of selective breeding for a protective flock and family guardian, the breed has been prized for being a nocturnal sentry, keeping would-be predators and intruders at bay, barking at sounds throughout the night. So, leaving a Tibetan Mastiff outside all night with neighbors nearby is not usually recommended.

Like all flock guardian breeds, they are intelligent and stubborn to a fault, so obedience classes are recommended since this is a strong-willed, powerful breed with great size potential. Socialization is also critical with this breed because of their reserved nature with strangers and guarding instincts. They are, however, excellent family dogs and are unlikely to cause any harm to children.

Health Problems
Prone to hip dysplasia, skin conditions, thyroid problems, ear infections, and an unusual genetic problem called Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy (CIDN). CIDN symptoms usually appear at 7-10 weeks. If a puppy has this condition, he will die before 4 months of age. There is no test currently known for the disease and carriers can only be identified through mating. Ask the breeder about CIDN history in their lines and avoid lines with evidence of the disease if you would like to breed your dog.

Weight: 100-200 pounds (45-90 kg)
Height: 25-31 inches (60-79cm)
Coat: double coat, long hair with thick inner coat
Activity level: Moderate
Learning rate: High
Temperament: Companion, aloof and protective
Guard dog ability: Very High
Watch-dog ability: Very High
Life span: 10-14 years

Neapolitan Mastiff Dog Breed

Neapolitan Mastiff Dog Breed

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large, ancient dog breed that can be traced back to about 168 BC. This massive breed is often used as a guard and defender of family and property due to the protective instincts and their fearsome appearance. The breed is reported to have been used for fighting against Lions in the Colosseo and other ancient Roman arenas. It is muscular with a rather rectangular body, massive head, and wrinkled face. The facial wrinkles continue under the chin and down the neck to form a prominent dewlap. The skull is broad and flat on top, and the nose is large. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite.

They are highly protective and fearless. It is extremely intelligent and somewhat willful. It does not require repetitious training. Neo's are very attuned to his master's wishes. This breed rarely gives trouble by excessive barking. They are serious, calm and quiet unless provoked. The breed is very wary of strangers. Males can be much more aggressive and dominant than females. The Female makes a better family pet, as she is more submissive to her master and better with children. These dogs, however, usually very love with children, provided they do not tease them. Males do not get along with other males, but the Neo can get along well with non-canine pets if raised with them from puppy hood. The Neapolitan Mastiff is not a breed for everyone.

Physically, a Neapolitan Mastiff is a heavy-boned, massive, awe inspiring dog bred for use as a guard and defender of owner and property. He is characterized by loose skin, over his entire body, abundant, hanging wrinkles and folds on the head and a voluminous dewlap. The essence of the Neapolitan is his bestial appearance, astounding head and imposing size and attitude. Due to his massive structure, his characteristic movement is rolling and lumbering, not elegant or showy.

Neapolitan Mastiff’s neck is slightly arched, rather short, stocky and well-muscled. The length of the dog, measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of buttock is 10 - 15 percent greater than the height of the dog measured from the highest point of the shoulder to the ground. Depth of the ribcage is equal to half the total height of the dog. Ribs are long and well sprung. The coat is short, dense and of uniform length and smoothness all over the body. The hairs are straight and not longer than 1 inch. No fringe anywhere.

Height: Dogs 26-30 inches (65-75 cm.) Bitches 24-28 inches (60-70 cm.)

Weight: Up to 165 pounds (74 kg.)

The largest male Neapolitans may be nearly 200 pounds (90 kg.)

In health, they are usually prone to hip dysplasia, pano-ostiosis (growing pains), a condition which may occur when the dog is 4-18 months old and generally disappears on its own. Also prone to "cherry eye." The eye tissue protrudes more than normal and becomes red and inflamed. This condition is completely cured with minor surgery. Do not let the young, Neapolitan Mastiff run and play too much. Although it does need to be taken on a daily walk, limit its exercise, because it must on no account be over-tired. Avoid rough games in the growing stage and ensure that all its energy is available to make healthy bones and muscles. Adult Neapolitan Mastiffs need a great deal of exercise. He should be taken on daily, long walks twice daily. These giant, short-haired dogs are easy to groom. Remove loose, dead hair with a rubber brush. This breed is an average shedder.

pet Dog Breeds - Giant Dog Breeds

Giant Dog breeds refers to those breeds whose height and weight classified them into largest ends of all dog breeds. Although there are no universal height or weight breed as giant, some measures will consider them as giants such as weighing from 45 kg to 80 kg when adult and reaching 80 cm at the shoulders. Giant Dogs are popular dogs for their impressive size that arouse admiration aside from being so mellow, gentle and relaxed. Peaceful, affectionate and docile, Giant dogs show absolute devotion to their owners. They make precious companions for the whole family, they can be good with children. They have remarkable courage, their ruggedness enables them to perform outstanding exploits such as legendary rescues and as excellent helpers for human in many situations.



In August 2004, a Harlequin Great Dane dog named "Gibson" from California was recognized by Guinness Book of Records as the world's tallest dog, measuring 42.2 inches (107 cm) at the withers, he is more than 7 feet tall standing on his hind legs, he's 170 lbs. The 17 common giant dog breeds are divided into 3 main groups:

- Mastiff Type: Bull Mastiff, Tibetan Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux, Mastiff, Neopolitan Mastiff, Rottweiler and Great Dane.

- Mountain Dogs: Bernese Mountain Dog, Leonberger, Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Estrela, St. Bernard, Newfoundland.

- Other Types: Anatolian Shepherd Dog, Irish Wolfhound, Komondor, Hungarian Kuvasz, Bloodhound.

The giant dog breeds grow more rapidly comparing to smaller dog breeds, they take longer to mature up to their full adult size, about 18 months to 24 months. Their lifespan is generally shorter than smaller breeds, often living around only 6 years to 10 years of age. Giant expenses more on overall, they eat more and require less exercise than smaller dogs. On health issues, giant dog has common joint problems such as hip dysplasia and arthritis, others where hypothyroidism or low thyroid function and bloat or gastric dilatation. Proper caring and support can be able to double the life spans of some gentle giant dogs like Great Danes up to 14-18 years. By catering physical and emotional needs of dogs such as like freedom going in and out of the house, just like human, proper feeding, balanced diets, scheduled exercise, caring procedures and out of harm and heat of sun. Enough shelter space is needed for them like giant dog containment fences and large heated dog beds are required to ensure quality rest and comfort.