MyDogPets: Australian Bandog

Australian Bandog

12.21 by MyDogPets

True Blue Terminator - Australian Bandog - True Blue Kennels

Country/State of origin - Europe,but the Australian Bandog is Queensland born and bred,and originated at True Blue Kennels in Charleville. Originally bred in ancient times as big game hunters and security dogs. They have been used as war dogs, security, protection, hunting, night dogs and catch dogs. Modern Bandogs are bred to hunt and for protection work but have excelled in most fields.

Bandogs are loyal,stable,biddable and protective.

Southern Cross Bolio, Southern Cross Mick, Southern Cross Lucy, Southern Cross Iz - Australian Bandogs - Southern Cross Kennels

Males average around 28+ inches and weigh 40kg+. Females average around 26+ inches and weigh 35kg+.

A Bandogs coat is short and soft to touch. The most common Colours are Black, Brindle, Blue, Fawn, Red, Mahogany or Blonde. They may also have a white chest and toes. Solid colours are more common than a great deal of white. A good dog cannot be a bad colour.

Southern Cross Bolio - Australian Bandog - Southern Cross Kennels

Eyes are in accordance with coat colour,ie light coloured dogs usually have light coloured eyes,although dark dogs often have striking amber coloured eyes.

Bandogs have a Broad head,pronounced stop and a square muzzle,they may or may not display much wrinkle on the head.

Usually have full drop ears.

The Australian Bandog is large but not overly so,they should look like a light weight working style Mastiff. If you wish to hunt this breed you need to keep them fit and lean. The breed should show defined muscle and a good tuck.

Southern Cross Chops - Australian Bandog - Southern Cross Kennels

In this breed,although many show promise young,they should not be pushed hard until they are mentally and physically ready for it. When this occurs can vary greatly between individuals. They are highly trainable and are soft with their owners. They respond best to consistancy and often do not thrive in the hands of the heavy handed or those who coddle and baby them.

They are short range finder/holders. While they have good noses as a rule this is not generally the type of dog that likes to hunt several kilometers away from their owner.

Southern Cross Jaxx (front), Southern Cross Mandy - Australian Bandog - K Hartwell Southern Cross Kennels

Bandogs are good natured and easy going. They get on well with other dogs as well as livestock and pets,however they need to be socialised when young,especially with other people. The breed has a natural tendancy towards suspicion of strangers and will protect their owner should he or she be threatened,however a good Bandog will never display unwarrented aggression. There is no place for savage or reckless dogs in todays society.

Cherry eye,Hip and elbow (ununited anuconial process) problems,Poor immune systems, Lack of longevity can all be problems however the biggest problem this type of dog has faced in the past is poor breeding practices resulting in dog aggressive or unstable dogs. Thankfully breeders like this are getting fewer and fewer.

Southern Cross Roxie - Australian Bandog - Southern Cross Kennels

If you wish to purchase a Bandog pup find a reputable breeder. Ask them what work they do,what health testing they have done,who their dogs are independantly temperament tested by, what their goals are etc. Be honest about what you want,don't ask for a family pet when you really want a working dog or you will probably be matched with the wrong pup.

As a hunting dog Bandogs are keen holders,hard hanging and usually easy to get off pigs. Keeping them fit and lean is the secret to getting the best endurance out of these type of dogs.