The American Bandogge temperament is incredibly loyal and protective. These dogs can make very loving pets, but they require an experienced and confident owner. American Bandogge temperament is not appropriate for a first-time owner.
These dogs were developed for guard dog work. They are a cross between American Bulldogs and Mastiffs.
The American Bandogge also goes by American Bandog or the American Bandogge Mastiff. We will use these other names interchangeably.
If you are thinking about adding an American Bandogge to your household, do a lot of research to make sure you are prepared to handle American Bandogge behaviors.
This article will provide you with some initial American Bandogge facts to help you make your decision.
American Bandogge Temperament and Personality
This section will explore the most common parts of the American Bandogge temperament.
However, please remember that all dogs are individuals. Therefore, there will be some differences between specific Bandogges.
Protective
The American Bandogge temperament is highly protective.
These large, intimidating guard dogs will protect their families with their lives. They were bred for guard dog work, and those traits are very prominent to this day.
American Bandogges are curious and alert. They will bark to warn their owners of any unusual characters.
You need plenty of socialization and training to prevent this trait from getting out of hand.
Devoted
The American Bandogge temperament is incredibly devoted to family, including children.
These dogs are extremely loyal to their masters.
They are people-oriented dogs. They prefer to be with their families as much as possible.
Even though they look tough, they are sensitive dogs.
They do not do well left alone in the yard for long periods of time.
They prefer to be included in the family dynamics.
As with all dogs, always supervise their interactions with young children.
Moderate Energy Level
The American Bandogge has a moderate energy level. These dogs do not require as much exercise as some other types of dogs such as German Shepherds or Border Collies.
As long as you provide them with daily exercise and enrichment, they tend to be fairly lazy around the house.
Mental enrichment can include activities such as food puzzles, games, and interactive toys.
American Bandogge exercise can include activities such as walking, hiking, jogging, swimming, or participating in a canine sport such as weight pull.
Once they have received their daily exercise, American Bandogges are content to lounge around the house.
They have a laid-back temperament and are not considered hyper or high-strung.
Compatible with Other Animals if Socialized
The American Bandogge temperament can be compatible with other animals under the right circumstances.
However, it is crucial to socialize your American Bandogge with other animals and always supervise their interactions.
If not properly socialized, American Bandogges can show aggression towards other pets.
Eager to Work
The American Bandogge temperament makes this breed eager to work with his owner and perform a job.
American Bandogges are happiest when they are protecting their family “pack.”
If they do not have enough to do, they can become bored and destructive.
American Bandogge History
The term “Bandog” dates back to the Middle Ages. The word roughly translates to “chain.”
It is believed that these dogs were chained on properties during the day and released at night to patrol the grounds.
The modern American Bandogge was created in the 1960s by a veterinarian named Dr. Swinford. These dogs were called Swinford Bandogges.
Today, the name “American Bandogge” refers to a hybrid of any American Bulldog type dog and any Mastiff variety. Therefore, there is some variation within this breed.
The American Bandogge is a hybrid and the major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) do not yet recognize this breed.
Bandog vs. Pit Bull
The American Pit Bull Terrier is similar in many ways to the Bandog.
In fact the Pit Bull Terrier is one of the breeds that can be crossed with a Mastiff to create the American Bandogge.
American Bandogge Size and Appearance
The American Bandogge is a massive and imposing canine. They have large heads, strong jaws and are very muscular.
Weight and Height
These dogs can easily weigh as much as 140 lbs. The typical American Bandogge weight range is between 100 and 140 lbs. Females can be slightly smaller.
The American Bandogge height range is generally between 25 inches and 29 inches at the withers.
Colors
The American Bandogge has short, thick coats.
The most common American Bandogge colors are brindle, black, fawn, red or blue. The only color that is less desirable is white.
American Bandogge Mastiff Training
The American Bandogge temperament is smart but can be strong-willed, so it is important to start training as early as possible.
Training is extremely important with a dog this size.
If you are going to own a dog that weighs more than 100 lbs., you need to have it under control at all times.
If you acquire your American Bandogge as a puppy, sign up for a puppy socialization class in your area. These classes will help your American Bandogge puppy learn important canine social skills.
If you adopt your American Bandogge as an adult, sign up for beginner’s obedience class with a professional positive reinforcement trainer.
Steer clear of trainers that use forceful methods or painful training devices such as shock collars, pinch collars or choke chains. Such tactics can actually exacerbate fear and aggression.
Instead, find a trainer that uses modern, positive reinforcement methods. This type of training will be much more effective and enjoyable for you and your American Bandogge.
If you would like to get involved in more advanced training activities, check out classes for agility, nosework, search and rescue, or weight pull.
Helpful Dog Training Resource:
For help with training your dog, you should take a look at The Online Dog Trainer by Doggy Dan. Doggy Dan is an expert Dog Trainer based in New Zealand. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog.
American Bandogge Grooming
The American Bandogge has a short coat that is easy to groom.
American Bandogge shedding is moderate and fairly easy to control with regular brushing, bathing, and vacuuming.
These dogs do tend to drool and some owners report a “doggie odor.”
Like all dogs, the American Bandogge needs regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care.
Is the American Bandogge hypoallergenic?
American Bandogge is not hypoallergenic. If you are seeking a hypoallergenic pet, check out this article for a list of other breeds.
Staying Healthy: American Bandogge Heath Issues
As with all breeds, the American Bandogge is prone to certain common health conditions.
Before you make the decision to bring home an American Bandogge, talk with veterinarians about what to expect in terms of American Bandogge health.
This breed can be susceptible to the following medical concerns:
- Bloat
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Obesity
- Arthritis
- Cancer
Keep your American Bandogge healthy by bringing him to a veterinarian at least once per year for annual vaccinations and a yearly checkup.
It is very important to keep your American Bandogge up to date on parasite prevention, such as heartworm prevention and flea prevention.
Helpful Dog Health Resource:
Other American Bandogge Health Tips
Provide your American Bandogge with plenty of exercise to keep him at a healthy weight. Feed him a high-quality diet that is free from filler products such as corn. Talk with your vet about proper American Bandogge exercise and nutrition.
Please get your American Bandogge spayed or neutered at an appropriate age. This procedure has medical benefits as well as behavioral benefits. It also prevents unwanted puppies from adding to the pet overpopulation crisis in this country.
American Bandogge Lifespan
Since American Bandogges are so large, they do not live as long as smaller dogs.
The average American Bandogge expectancy is between 9 and 10 years. This is comparable to other giant breeds such as Mastiffs.
American Bandogge Rescue and Adoption
If you think the American Bandogge temperament is right for you, the next step is to explore your options for acquiring an American Bandogge.
Why Adopt?
Adoption is a great way to add a new pet to your home.
There are so many wonderful dogs and cats looking for homes in shelters and rescue groups.
When you adopt, you get to give a loving home to an animal in need.
There are some other benefits as well. For example, dogs that are up for adoption through rescue groups are sometimes already trained and housebroken.
The American Bandogge price is also substantially lower if you choose to adopt.
Adoption fees are usually between $75 and $300 depending on the organization. This fee almost always includes spay/neuter and vaccinations.
How to find an American Bandogge for Adoption
The best place to start looking for an American Bandogge for adoption is at your local animal shelter or humane society.
Animal shelters usually have a wide variety of available Bulldog/ Mastiff type dogs.
Ask the staff if they have any available American Bandogges or an American Bandogge mix.
Since this is an uncommon hybrid, you may have to explain to the staff that an American Bandogge is a mix between a Bulldog type dog and a Mastiff type dog.
Animal shelters are actually full of these types of dogs—but they might not be labeled American Bandogges.
They might simply be labeled as Mastiff mixes.
If the local shelter does not have an available Bandogge, check out Bulldog rescue groups and Mastiff rescue groups.
You can search for adoptable Bandogges online by using Facebook, Petfinder.com, Adoptapet.com or Getyourpet.com.
Finding an American Bandogge for Sale from a Reputable Breeder
If you decide to purchase an American Bandogge puppy from a breeder, spend some time doing your research on American Bandogge breeders.
This article will provide you with some tips for finding a good breeder.
Avoid Puppy Mills
Sadly, there are many unscrupulous breeders in the United States.
For example, Puppy Mills are large-scale commercial breeding operations.
The breeding dogs are kept in poor conditions and bred continually until they can no longer produce puppies. Then they are discarded.
The owners of puppy mills are not concerned with the health or temperament of the puppies. They simply care about making a profit.
Puppies from puppy mills are often sick and emotionally traumatized. They often have lifelong health and behavioral problems.
Please do not support this cruel industry.
Never purchase American Bandogge puppies over the internet or from pet stores. If you do, you may end up with an American Bandogge puppy from a puppy mill.
How to Find a Humane American Bandogge Breeder
The only way to make sure you are not scammed by a puppy mill is to visit the American Bandogge breeder’s premises in person.
This will allow you to view the breeding dogs and the environment. Make sure the dogs look happy and healthy, live indoors and are social with people.
Ask to see proof of medical care and genetic testing.
A credible breeder will welcome your visit and happily provide documents of health.
In fact, do not be surprised if the breeder asks you questions about your home and lifestyle. A good breeder wants to make sure their puppies are going to excellent homes.
A high quality breeder will also ask you to sign a contract agreeing to get the puppy spayed or neutered at the appropriate age.
They will also require you to sign an agreement stating that you will return the puppy to them if you cannot keep it for any reason. Good breeders never want their puppies to become homeless.
How Much Does an American Bandogge Cost?
The price of an American Banndogge varies depending on the breeder.
Some cost as little as $1,000. However, most are in the range of $2,500.
Certain bloodlines can be as much as $6,500 or even higher.
This price does not include travel or accommodations to collect your puppy. All in all, these are expensive puppies.
Conclusion: Why the American Bandogge?
The American Bandogge temperament can make this hybrid a good and loyal pet.
However, this breed is definitely not for beginners.
Before you bring one home, make sure you are ready to handle a very large, strong, protective dog.
If you are looking for a faithful and watchful companion, the American Bandogge might be the right breed for you.
Allie has worked in the field of animal welfare for over ten years and as a freelance writer the space for many years. She has had many different kinds of dogs (and cats) throughout her life—all adopted. She currently shares her home with a lovable pit bull mix named Huckleberry.