Bullmastiff Brasileiro Dog Breed - Facts and Information

History
The Bullmastiff Brasileiro, also known as Brazilian Bandogge was developed in the late 1980s and 1990s in Brazilian state Minas Gerais with the goal of creating a strong, athletic and rustic breed that will be perfect as a farm and livestock protector.
To achieve their goal, the founders of the breed Mr. Fernando Chaves and Marcos Rondon crossbred various very strong, athletic and fearless breeds, mainly the Brazilian Mastiff, American Pit Bull Terrier and English Bullmastiff. These three breeds are believed to be the main ancestors of the Bullmastiff Brasileiro, but some other breeds were used in the breeding process as well, such as Dogue de Bordeaux, Tosa Inu, Rotweiller, Cane Corso, American Bulldog or American Staffordshire Terrier.

​Appearance
The appearance of the Brazilian Bullmastiff can vary quite a bit. Some are more Mastiff-type and others Bull-type, but in general, this is very very powerful and strong, yet athletic and agile dog breed. The breed should have broad and deep chest and overall impression of strength. The average height is between 50-70 cm which is 20-27 inch and weight between 40-60 kg, which is 88-132 lbs. There are quite big size differences between males and females.
These dogs have short coat and as you probably know, these dogs are ranch guardians. That is a reason why brindle and black dogs are highly valuable for these kinds of work, because they are less visible at night. But the Bullmastiff Brasileiro can also come in blue, white, red, fawn, yellow or chocolate.
The Bullmastiff Brasileiro has wide and robust head with wrinkles and the mask is very often black. They have slight undershot and strong and powerful jaws. The eyes are oval or almond shaped and they should be in similar color to the coat.

Temperament
The breed was developed to be a good cattle dog that drives cattle through the tropical mountains of Brazil and defends them from predators and thieves and thanks to their great strength, endurance and fearless, courageous and intelligent character they are very very good at this purpose. It is said, that these dogs are able to perform ranch duties without extensive training. It is just their natural behaviour to be guardians.
But the Bullmastiff Brasileiro should not be agressive without a reason. On contrary, it should be friendly with other dogs or animals but fearless when provoked, when he sense a danger or on command.
Of course, this is not only guardian, but also docile, loyal and loving family companion. This breed is strongly attached to its owner and typically it is quite obedient. This is also quite sensitive dog breed that does not handle well harsh handling. Kind, but firm handling is recommended.
They can live with other kids in the household and they are typically quite gentle with them, but you should never leave any dog breed with a very young child unsupervised.
Last but not least, lets say that this is quite energetic dog breed, that will love if you will provide him with daily longer walks, hikes, vigourous playtime or fun training sessionss. Without enough physical and mental activity, they might develop some problematic behaviour.

Health and grooming
Great fact is, that the maintenance and grooming of the short Brazilian Mastiffs coat is extremely easy. Even without any grooming at all, the dog will keep its coat in good condition. You can brush the coat from time to time to remove any dead hair and to redistribute natural oils all over the coat, no other grooming is needed. Just like with all dogs, you should regularly check their eyes, ears, nails and teeth and clip them or clean them if needed.
The Bullmastiff Brasileiro is famous for its natural rusticity and health and their average lifespan should around 9 or 10 years. These dogs should not suffer much from any serious health issues, but just like other big dog breeds, they might ocassionally suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, bloating, infections or allergies. But as i said, this is rather healthy dog breed.