To some, the Boerboel may be among the many unfamiliar dogs in the world. It belongs to the Mastiff family of dogs. This family includes popular choices like the Cane Corso or the Great Dane.
However, there are many other “unknown” mastiffs that have avoided the public eye in the United States of America. Let’s look at some of the mastiff breeds from around the world.
The Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino is a strong, white canine, weighing up to 99 lbs. and standing 27 inches tall. They fight pumas, and the dog’s impressive physique shows incredible athletic capabilities. Dogos have guard dog capabilities, and in some countries, they are used as a first responder and army dog. However, they have a reputation to be distrustful towards strangers and other dogs, which can be a problem due to the dog’s large size and aggression.
The Dogo Argentino has been prohibited in Australia, the UK, Denmark, and Iceland due to aggressive breeding in illegal dog fighting.
They are banned in several countries due to their temperament, but we would like to stress that upbringing and training responsibility goes a long way in preventing aggressive outbursts and attacks.
The Dogo Argentino requires long walks and daily exercise and intensive training. Only dedicated and experienced dog owners should adopt this breed of dog.
Fila Brasilerio– Brazillian Mastiff
Also known as the Fila Brasileiro, the Brazilian Mastiff is a cross between a Mastiff and a Bloodhound, giving it impressive tracking abilities and great size. The dog can reach up to 30 inches in height at the shoulder and weigh up to 110 lbs.
Like the Dogo Argentino, this dog has guard dog capabilities and the tendency to be wary of strangers, leading them to become extremely protective of their family unit. While they may show hesitance to trust strangers, they tend to do well with children.
Some may typify the Fila Brasileiro as aggressive, but it all comes down to socialization and training at an early age. This breed does best with experienced owners.
The Japanese Mstiff
Also known as the Tosa Inu, these short-haired sturdy dogs weigh anywhere from 80-200 lbs. and stand at 24-32 inches, depending on the habits of the breeder.
Tosa Inu – the Japanese Fighting Dog.
Highly aggressive, the Tosa Inu is quiet during the fights. Tosas are not a loud dog. This mastiff is sensitive to the instructions of their owners. The breed is extremely loyal. The Tosa Inu is a strong dog with guard dog instincts, so early socialization is imperative to curb aggressive tendencies. As with any dog, training is the key to avoid any incidents with other animals or humans. The Tosa Inu is banned in some countries but still legal to own in the United States. Only experienced owners should adopt this breed.The Korean Dosa
Also known as the Dosa Gae or Dosa Mastiff, this floppy dog sports a shiny, wrinkly brownish coat. The breed can reach up to 30 inches in height at the shoulder, and can weigh up to 190 lbs. The Korean Mastiff is a highly intelligent breed and does well with children and families, but will need supervision in this respect due to its massive size. The Korean Mastiff tends to grow more quickly than others and thus requires a lot of exercise as a puppy. This dog is for those who have experience with larger dogs.
The Spanish Mastiff
Also known as the Mastin Espanol, the Spanish Mastiff can stand at up to 35 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 220 lbs. They sport medium length golden hair which needs to be brushed daily.
Along with its massive size, this mastiff is protective and territorial, making it a great option for those looking for a pure watchdog.
However, unlike other Mastiff breeds, the Spanish Mastiff tends not to do well with families. Because of their size and watchdog tendencies, the Spanish Mastiff is recommended for experienced owners.
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