Tag: Ancient Dog Breeds

The Neapolitan Mastiff is truly a dog that looks out of place and time no matter the setting. This Italian breed is straight out of the history books as its ancestors can be traced back to ancient times.  Learn more about the Neapolitan Mastiff in the BestBullySticks Breed Spotlight!

History & Background: The Neapolitan Mastiff has ancient origins by way of its ancestor, the molosser-type dog, which was known to live around 3000 B.C. and originated out of Asia. Alexander the Great helped in developing the mastiff type and eventually the dog made its way to Italy during Roman Conquest. Molosser-type dogs were used as war dogs as well as in circus combats where they would fight lions, tigers and men. Mastiff is derived from the Latin word “masssivus” meaning “massive.” The Italians also call this dog the Mastino Napoletano. Over the centuries, this dog was bred to be a guard dog for Italian homesteads and earned the description “big dog of the little man.” Some even say the dog was bred to look alarming enough that their appearance alone would deter intruders.

During WWII the number of Neapolitan Mastiffs diminished greatly but by 1948 a group of dedicated Italians had built up the breed and qualified the Neo’s characteristics into a breed standard. In 2004, the AKC recognized the Neapolitan Mastiff.

Height: Males 26 to 31 inches; Females 24 to 29 inches

Weight: Males 150 pounds; Females 110 pounds Read more

A majestic presence and a rich Italian history are wrapped up into the beautiful form of the Cane Corso. BestBullySticks.com highlights this impressive and distinctive dog in our weekly Breed Spotlight. Read on to learn more about the Cane Corso!

History & Background: The Cane Corso’s name is derived from the Latin “Cohors” meaning “Guardian” and “Protector.” This dog’s direct ancestor is the Canis Pugnax, which was a war dog used by the Romans. Corsos were also used as a “catch dog” to hunt and pin large animals such as cattle and pigs and also as a herder and watchdog. In Italy, this dog can be seen in history living along side farmers and rural families for hundreds of years. In the 1970s this dog almost faced extinction but was saved by a dedicated few. The Corso still has a large presence in Italy, today. The modern Cane Corso looks slightly different than it’s pre-70s relatives because of selective breeding used to grow numbers of this breed. In 1987 the Cane Corso made its way to the United States and has been popular ever since. In fact, celebrities such as Tracy Morgan, Patti LeBelle and Lebron James own Cane Corsos.

Height: Males: 25 to 27.5 inches; Females: 23.5 to 26 inches

Weight: 88 to 170 pounds

Coat: Corsos sport a short, hard coat that should have a healthy sheen. The close fitting coat has a light undercoat that gets thicker in cooler weather. The Cane Corso has a perfectly waterproof coat.

Color: This dog’s coloring can range from black, grey, red and fawn. Any of these colors can appear in brindle. The solid colored fawn and red dogs usually have a black or grey mask. White patches appear on the chest, throat, chin and toes. Eye color is related to muzzle color. Dogs with black muzzles have dark brown eyes and gray muzzles have lighter colored eyes. Nose color matches the pigment of dog; black pigment matches a black nose and grey pigment matches a grey nose. Read more

Did you miss any of BestBullySticks.com BARK-tastic blogs this week?  If you did miss any of the Dog Rescue Stories/Holiday Treating/Basenji/Bully Stick fun, catch up before Monday with all of this week's great BBS Blogs!

So snuggle up to your favorite pooch (or pooches) and read the BBS Healthy Dog Blog! Happy Weekend Reading! Click the links below to find out more about:

Spotlight on At Risk Intervention • Holiday PB Pumpkin Puppy Treats • Breed Spotlight on the Basenji • The Perfect Pooch Stocking Stuffer: Bully Stick Candy Cane

Also in your free time this weekend, check out our fun Pinterest Page! We've got TONS of great dog videos, adorable dog photos, funny dog photos, DIY dog project and more!

Referred to as the “barkless” dog, BestBullySticks.com thinks the Basenji doesn’t need a bark to get someone’s attention. The Basenji is a stealthy creature that could sneak right up to you, both on the hunt and into your heart. Read more about this beautiful dog’s ancient past and interesting characteristics in the BBS Breed Spotlight on the Basenji.

History & Background: The Basenji is one of the most ancient dog breeds and can be seen in Egyptian tombs and wall drawings dating back 5,000 years. Another ancestor of the modern Basenji originated in Central Africa and this “type” dog has been living with humans for thousands of years. Mostly confined to the Congo, this dog was known as the “dogs of the savages,” “dogs of the villagers,” and “dog of the bush.” This breed was once prized for its intelligence, speed and silent hunting ability in many African villages. In the late 1800s Basenjis were taken to England in an effort to build up the breed, but many of these dogs died from distemper. After many attempts, Basenjis were being bred successfully in America by 1941 and soon after this breed was recognized by the AKC in 1944.

Height: 16 to 17 inches

Weight: 22 to 24 pounds

Coat & Color: The coat on a Basenji is very short and fine with elastic skin. Coloring can be chestnut red, pure black, tricolor (black or red) or brindle. White feet, legs, chest or blaze, collar and tail tip are common.

Appearance: Basenjis exude alertness. With their small frame, tight but smooth muscles and balanced frame, this dog is the portrait of agility and readiness. This dog has a wrinkled around the forehead and a short muzzle. Facial features include small, almond shaped eyes, and small, erect ears. The back is short in length, but level. Basenjis have straight legs and a tightly curled tail that sits on top of the back. Read more

Since ancient times, Maltese have been a statement of a wealthy household. Today, this clever and jolly little dog makes a household richer for having been in it. Find out more about this small breed with a big personality by reading BestBullySticks.com’s Breed Spotlight on the Maltese.

History & Background: The “ancient dog of Malta” or “Roman Ladies’ Dog” or even the “Maltese Lion Dog” were all names given to the ancient breed that is the Maltese. This breed enjoyed the good life next to aristocratic ladies of their time. These ladies carried the Maltese around in their sleeves and let them to sleep in their beds. One of the best-accounted ancient Maltese was Issa, the dog of a Roman Governor in Malta. This account of Issa, written at the time of the Apostle Paul, painted Issa as “purer than a dove’s kiss,” “gentler than a maiden,” and “more precious than Indian gems.” It’s easily seen that even in their earliest days this dog was very much loved. It's even seen that Greeks built tombs for their Maltese and were worshipped by the Egyptians.

It’s thought Crusaders returning home from the Mediterranean took Maltese to England. Royalty owned this breed in England as well and even as far back as the 1500s would coat a $2,000 to purchase. This breed has been recognized by the AKC since 1888 and is a true companion dog for any family.

Height: Males – 8 to 10 inches; Females – 8 to 9 inches

Weight: Males – 3 to 7 pounds; Females – 2 to 7 pounds

Coat: A Maltese has a single coat made up of straight and long hair with a silky texture. Breed standards require no kinks or curls show in the coat.

Color: Coloring for a Maltese is pure white. Standards say that this breed can have some light tan or lemon color on the ears. Maltese have large dark eyes and a black nose. Read more