Dog Breeds: Ambullneo Mastiff

The Ambullneo Mastiff is a relatively new breed than came to light in the 1980s in Southern California. An English Mastiff was crossed to a Naepolitan female. Two of the resulting pups were bred to a Game Bred Pitbull. Then these pups were bred to a Bullmastifff. These puppies were 55% Mastiff and 45% Bulldog. But this isn't the end of the story. These pups, which we'll call Pup1 for clarity, would be bred to Pup2. Pup2 had just as interesting a beginning as Pup1. An American Bulldog/Pitbull was bred to a Bullmastiff. These pups are Pup2, and Pup2 was 70% Bulldog and 30% Mastiff. When Pup1 was bred to Pup2, the result was 57.5% Bulldog and 42.5% Mastiff. This cross is what we now call the Ambullneo Mastiff.
 
But more than a decade would pass before the breed would be admitted to The National Kennel Club (NKC). The dogs obviously had to be tested for both intelligence and fertility. Once this was done and their physical health was assured, the dog was declared a recognized breed. Still, this breed is too new to be accepted by most associations around the world.
 
The Ambullneo Mastiff is a sturdy dog with a large head and a strong jaw. The ears are usually cropped, but if left alone they drop rather like a retriever's ears. The neck is thick and the shoulders are strong and hefty. The tail is thick and long, dropping as low as the hocks when the dog is at rest. A large dog, the Ambullneo Mastiff can weigh as much as 150 pounds, though females tend to be considerably smaller.

This breed of dog is highly intelligent and a natural guardian. Once bonded to their family, they will guard to the death. This dog isn't stubborn, but it is sensitive. You have to take care to assert yourself, but not to the point where you're shouting at the dog. The Ambullneo Mastiff is very aware of tone, so keep your voice low.

These dogs bond and bond quickly, sometimes to the point where they'll become aggressive to strangers. To prevent this, socialize your dog before it bonds too closely to you and your family. Obedience classes are a virtual must with the Ambullneo Mastiff. A curious dog, this breed likes to explore and learn new things, so keep your dog engaged and entertained.

The Ambullneo Mastiff is a hardy dog, though it is prone to hip dysplasia. To lower the risk of your dog developing this condition, limit strenuous activity until the dog is at least two years of age. This gives the hips time to fully mature. These dogs like activity and do not do well in an apartment. A fenced yard is best, but make it a 6-foot fence. Any shorter and the dog may just jump over it. The Ambullneo Mastiff enjoys being outside, though not all the time. In cold weather, make sure a dog house is provided. In warm weather, shade and plenty of water is required. If they have these things, they'll probably spend most of their time exploring their territory.

If you're hoping for a low maintenance breed, the Ambullneo Mastiff might be the right choice for you. This breed has short hair and sheds little, so a quick comb with a firm bristle brush once a week is generally all that is required. For bathing, consider a dry shampoo every three months. A full bath is only necessary when the dog is truly dirty or smells (which happens since they roll in anything they can find). You'll have to keep the nails trimmed to avoid damage to floors and furniture, but that's the worst you'll encounter with these breed.

The Ambullneo Mastiff makes a great family pet if you handle this breed just right. With plenty of socialization, they can learn to get along with most people and larger pets. This breed is not a good idea for families with small children or pets (such as cats or small dogs) unless you're going to be on top of your dog at all times. Otherwise, they're a good choice for anyone with a large yard.