Dogs have held the position of man’s best friend for thousands of years. They were the first species domesticated by humans, and for much of that time, people selectively bred and trained their furry companions to create the many breeds of dogs we know today. One of these ancient breeds is the bandog. Though not recognized as a standardized dog breed by any major kennel club, bandogs are easily recognizable by their size and strength. They are primarily used as guard dogs. This article explores the long and interesting history of the bandog.
What Is a Bandog?
Today, a bandog is generally defined as a cross between a mastiff and an American bull terrier, or pit bull. However, since the name “bandog” is often used as a generic descriptor rather than a standardized breed, there is a lot of variation between bandogs. In general, these guard dogs are large, athletic, and strong. They inherit excellent guarding instincts from their mastiff ancestors, as well as the energy and spirit of their pit bull ancestors. Most bandogs are bred primarily to work as guard dogs.
The History of Bandogs in Great Britain
Bandogs originated in Great Britain. At first, the name “bandog” (or “bandage”) referred to the dog’s job of hunting, fighting, and guarding its master and home, rather than its breed. Because of this, the original bandogs were bred from a variety of different types of large, strong guard dogs. Shepherds, mastiffs, and hounds were among the dogs bred to create the first bandogs.
These early bandogs were often ferocious and had to be tied up during the daytime. It was commonplace for owners to chain their guard dogs until sundown, then let them loose to guard against intruders and wrongdoers. Because of their aggressive nature, bandogs were sometimes used for fighting, not just as guard dogs. During the Roman occupation, bandogs were bred in Britain and then transported back to Rome, where they were pitted against other animals and gladiators in the arena.
Modern Bandogs
Modern bandogs were first bred in the 1960s by John B. Swinford, a veterinarian. Swinford’s goal was to create the ideal guard dog by selecting breeds based on their performance. At that time, the trend in dog breeding was to select for appearance, rather than functionality. Swinford, on the other hand, focused primarily on the attributes he wanted his bandogs to have. As a result, his guard dogs were particularly strong and protective, while still remaining gentle and loyal to their owners. With his work, Swinford revived dog breeders’ interest in bandogs, effectively saving the breed from falling into obscurity. His particular crosses were known as “Swinford bandogs.”
Since the 1970s, other breeders have continued to build off of Swinford’s work. There are now many different varieties of bandogs available. However, different breeders often have different goals for their dogs, meaning that the bandog breed as a whole lacks unity. If you’re interested in finding guard dogs for sale, it’s a good idea to talk to the breeder or seller about what traits and behavior you can expect from your dog before you make a purchase.
Why Choose a Bandog?
Though bandogs are currently not commonly bred or sought out, they’re beginning to gain popularity due to their temperament as well as their usefulness. Bandogs make excellent family guard dogs and pets as well as guardians. They are intelligent, loyal, and affectionate to their master and all other family members. Bandogs are gentle with children, and they can get along well with other dogs and cats, especially if they are brought up around them.
A bandog might be an ideal companion for you if you want a dog that’s calm and tolerant, yet energetic. Bandogs need plenty of exercise, so if you’re an active or outdoorsy person, this breed might make an ideal pet. Bandogs also need plenty of structure in their lives, since they are bred as pack dogs. Keep in mind that if you want to get a bandog, you will need to demonstrate consistent leadership from the time the dog is a puppy so that the dog understands the pecking order of the household.
If you’re looking for guard dogs for sale, be aware that the ideal bandog should weigh at least 90 pounds (for males) and 80 pounds (for females). A good bandog should be strongly built, with broad shoulders and a strong chest. Some breeders selectively breed their dogs to have no white coloration, since white tends to detract from the dogs’ natural camouflaging. Other breeders don’t select for color. In either case, a bandog’s coloration does not affect its temperament or ability to do its job as a family guard dog.
In conclusion, if you’re thinking about getting a guard dog, a bandog might be the ideal choice for you. A bandog will give you and your family a sense of security due to its excellent guarding instincts. This type of dog also makes a loyal companion for both adults and children.
