Australian Bandog Breed: Facts, Traits, Character and Look

The Australian Bandog is a large-sized, rare dog breed that combines a muscular, imposing appearance with an easy-going, confident personality. Bandogs descended from various Mastiff and Bulldog breeds. They are attentive and highly intelligent and make excellent watchdogs. Classified as a large breed, bandogs can weigh up to 140 pounds and stand as high as 30 inches at the withers. They are expected to live for 10 to 11 years. 

Also called Australian Bandogge, the breed is extremely loyal to its human families, good with children and other pets. However, it may require early socialization with other animals. They are suspicious of strangers and need little care, so they are a good choice as a family pet, particularly for those needing extra protection.

Naming your Australian Bandog involves essential building blocks, including the significance of the sound. The Australian Bandog’s name will mean something to the humans in its life, but as far as your canine companion goes, only the sound matters. Australian Bandogges respond best to two-syllable names that are not short enough to be confused with single-syllable command words like “sit,” stay,” “come,” and “down.” However, the names should not be long enough to become puzzling.

Use any inspiration to choose a name that could sound different in regular interaction than when calling your Australian Bandog. It might be a good idea to call out the names you like and check your Bandogge pup’s reaction. Be creative use different tones for each syllable. Don’t rush; try several, and if your favorite name is too long or too short, add or remove bits until you have composed the perfect unique sound that your precious pup will recognize from a distance.

What is the History of the Australian Bandog?

The Australian Bandog is a member of the Working group of breeds, first used in Europe and later in Australia. The breeder Stelios Sdrolias aimed at breeding the ultimate guard dog in the late 1980s. His selective breeding involved crossing an Old English Mastiff with multiple breeds, including American Pit Bull Terriers, Australian Bulldogs, Bull Mastiffs, and Dogue de Bordeaux. Sdrolias referred to the resulting breed as Australian Bandogge Mastiffs. 

Before the Bandogges were domesticated, they were employed by British gamekeepers, used mainly as guard dogs and big game hunters. From there, the nickname “Gamekeeper’s Night dog.” The Australian Bandogges also worked as patrol companions and despatch dogs, which meant it would capture wounded game. An even more dangerous job for the Gamekeeper’s Night dog was to locate and fight armed poachers who would have to fight for their lives if this dog got a hold of them.

What are the Breed Traits and Characteristics of Australian Bandogs?

The Bandogge dog is a courageous and intelligent dog with a strong and natural instinct to protect its family and home. Australian bandogs are good-natured and extremely social, the Australian Bandogge Mastiff is devoted to its owner and eager to work. If raised from puppyhood, it will get along with other household pets. As long as the bandogge is treated with respect, and properly socialized it will become a protective, caring, and loving member of your family.

What are the Physical Traits of the Australian Bandog Dog?

The name Australian Bandogge is a catch-all term for any Bulldog-type Mastiff breed. Boasting prominent muscles and a sturdy frame, the Australian Bandogge Mastiff gives off an athletic and agile look. The Australian Bandog is massive and topped off with a boxy head and a strong jaw. 

The male Bandogs stand 25 to 29 inches high, and the females are between 23 and 26 inches at the withers. The males of these large dogs weigh between 100 and 140 pounds, while the females weigh between 80 and 120 pounds.

Bandogge’s ears are typically large and should hang down the side of the head (some people opt to crop its ears). And even though this is a powerful-looking dog, the Australian Bandogge Mastiff should have a well-balanced proportion and never look overweight.​ 

What is the Average Maintenance Cost for Australian Bandog Dogs?

The Australian Bandog should be fed a high-quality dry food formulated for large and giant breeds as a large-breed dog. The Bandogge is also a working breed, but they are not overly active, so a working breed formula may not be necessary. 

The average price of a Bandogge puppy is from $1,000 to $1,500, assuming you purchase them from a qualified breeder. Depending on their bloodlines and other criteria, some dogs may cost as much as significantly more. Dogs from other sources can cost less, but they may be more prone to health and behavioral problems. It would be best to consider annual expenses related to the maintenance of your Bandogge and its wellbeing.

The first year will be the most expensive, as puppies require extra vet care and more one-time purchases like microchips, spaying or neutering, etc. You can expect to spend about $3,000 for your dog’s first year. After that, the price will go down to about $1,700 a year. 

The estimated annual cost of having a medium-sized dog like an Australian Bandog is $650 for food and medical expenses only. Typical additional expenses are listed below, excluding toys, cages, doggy blankets, beds, etc. 

• Food items
• Veterinary care
• Vaccinations
• Preventive medicine
• Toys
• Pet insurance
• Pet Supplies

Other potential expenses include training, socializing, doggy daycare, dog sitters, dog walkers, etc. This dog has a double layer coat consisting of a thick, well-developed undercoat with a rough outer coat that is protective against both weather and predators. 

The Australian Bandog is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. The Australian Bandog has a moderate risk for obesity, especially if working dogs become house pets with insufficient exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together.

What is the best diet for Australian Bandogs?

Your dog’s adult size determines its dietary needs through all life stages. Thus, base your Australian Bandog’s diet on a large breed’s unique nutritional and digestive needs throughout its different life stages. Australian Bandogs fall in the large to giant breed class, and most dog food companies have breed-specific formulas for small, medium, large and giant breeds. 

It is always a good idea to discuss your dog’s dietary needs with your vet to ensure you are prepared to deal with age-related issues as their Bandogges grow. A veterinarian can advise on diets, portion sizes, meal frequencies, and all nutrition matters to ensure your furry friend lives a long life with optimal health. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times, and some of the essential nutrients are listed below:

• Protein
• Fatty acids
• Carbohydrates
• Minerals
• Vitamins

Avoid feeding your Bandogge from the table; all it does is add weight. Instead, follow the advice below to ensure your Bandogge friend’s optimal health.

Australian Bandog is a working breed type. It will thus need food that contains animal proteins and carbohydrates for energy, vitamins, and minerals for digestive and immune health, and omega fatty acids for coat and skin wellness. A dog of this size, activity level, and demeanor will thrive best on premium dry food because this food type contains balanced portions of the above-listed ingredients.

Australian Bandog puppy’s portion depends on age, but 4.5 to 6 cups are appropriate. In contrast, an active, healthy adult Australian Bandog should have 6 to 10 cups, depending on the brand and formula of the food. Feeding Australian Bandogs several meals instead of one meal per day can prevent life-threatening bloat. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian. 

Feed your Australian Bandog food formulated for large dog breeds, recipes for puppies, adults, and seniors.

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for all life stages is rated as one of the top dried food options for active dogs, available in 28-lb bags for under $60. 

This product’s benefits are listed below.

• Ingredients for Better Health: Includes prebiotics and species-specific probiotics with bacteria naturally found in a dog’s GI tract. 
• Energy That Lasts: Made with premium meats like wild boar, buffalo, smoked salmon and turkey, and roasted bison, lamb, quail, venison, and duck.  Highly digestible proteins and fiber-rich carbohydrates will keep your pup feeling full and energized throughout the day.
• Immune System Support: Includes prebiotics and species-specific probiotics with bacteria naturally found in a dog’s GI tract.
• Maximizing Nutrient Absorption: Helps your dog’s body absorb all of the beneficial minerals in its food. Recipes have chelated minerals. That means they can easily attach to proteins for absorption during digestion.
• Perfectly Balanced Omegas: Contains just the correct dose of fatty acids, marine-sourced omega-3 and omega-6 from plant sources.

When Australian Bandogs are healthy and active, every day is an adventure. That’s why Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is crafted with everything dogs need to thrive, starting with real protein as the first ingredient.

How Much Should an Australian Bandog Puppy Eat? 

The Australian Bandog is a large-sized breed whose pups under 12 weeks should get four bowls of food per day. When Australian Bandogs become three months old, owners can feed them three meals per day until they reach six months, reducing the food intake to 2 meals per day. Only high-quality and branded puppy food is acceptable. Guidance for feeding puppies is listed below.

• Australian Bandog puppies need slow, sustained growth to help prevent orthopedic problems, such as hip dysplasia. Raise them on a diet designed for large-breed puppies. Whatever diet you choose shouldn’t overemphasize protein, fat, and calorie levels.
• Bandogs should be fed according to a schedule, spreading meal times over two or three times per day. Getting the puppy accustomed to meals at specific times is better than leaving food out to allow feeding throughout the day.
• Australian Bandogges with medical conditions like hypoglycemia or low blood sugar are the exceptions because they need to nibble bits of food throughout the day.
• Never feed your puppy from the table. It only encourages begging. Everyone in the family must follow this rule.

What are the common health problems of Australian Bandogs?

Because the Australian Bandog has not been inbred and is an ancient breed, they are not prone to many health problems. The Australian Bandog is a large breed dog and will have the typical health concerns, including various cancers and skin conditions, associated with large to giant breeds – hip and elbow dysplasia, in particular. Regular veterinarian checkups remain essential, and the following list of health conditions should be monitored:

• Hip dysplasia is a deformation that occurs and develops as Australian Bandog puppies grow. It is caused by loose joints that prevent the ball part of one bone from sliding smoothly in the socket of the other joint bone. Instead, it grinds and rubs in the joint, causing painful wear and tear damage as the Australian Bandog grows and becomes heavier. Although it could start in puppyhood, it usually only becomes evident in adult dogs, making annual medical examinations crucial.
• Elbow Dysplasia is the most common cause of lameness in the forelimbs of active breeds like the Australian Bandog.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy, also called PRA, is an inherited progressive disease of the retina that leads to blindness in affected dogs.
• Hypothyroidism: Insufficient production of thyroid hormone, causing hair loss, dry skin and coat, and susceptibility to other skin diseases in Australian Bandogges.
• Epilepsy Seizures:  A hereditary disorder that causes seizures in the dog. Epilepsy can be treated with medication, but it cannot be cured.
• Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) or Gastric Torsion is also known as ‘bloat,’ a life-threatening disorder that happens when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and becomes twisted. This is an emergency and requires urgent veterinary attention.
• Muscle strains and injuries happen to any working dog. Australian Bandog will have a higher chance of developing injuries over their lifetime than companion animals or show dogs. Most commonly, they will be seen at a veterinary clinic for lacerations, claw injuries, soft tissue injuries, and fractures.

What are the nutritional needs of Australian Bandogs?

The nutritional needs of an Australian Bandog include high levels of specific nutrients. The essential nutrients for the Australian Bandog are listed below.

• Protein: Australian Bandogs need natural animal protein, valuable for the amino acids they contain essential for Australian Bandog’s health. Equally important is the fact that protein builds lean muscles and provides energy.
• Fat: Animal protein provides adequate fat, an additional energy source that boosts the Australian Bandog’s metabolism. However, there is a fine line between enough and too much. Excessive fat levels in the dog’s daily diet could result in weight gain and, ultimately, obesity. Most importantly, adults and senior Australian Bandog need lower fat levels than puppies.
• Carbohydrates: Although carbs are not essential nutrients, they are crucial energy sources. Giving the Australian Bandog sufficient carbs will provide energy, encouraging the body’s protein absorption to build lean muscle. Beware, though, too much carbohydrate can lead to obesity.
• DHA: DHA is one of the components of omega-3 fatty acids. It promotes proper eye and brain development in Australian Bandog puppies, and DHA develops cognitive development in puppies and slows cognitive decline in older dogs. Furthermore, omega fatty acids benefit aging dogs by treating chronic kidney disease and canine arthritis. Omega-3 oils improve the coat health of Australian Bandog.
• Micronutrient: Taurine is one micronutrient that aids heart health and other valuable micronutrients for promoting strong joints in Australian Bandogs chondroitin and glucosamine.
• Minerals: Beneficial minerals for an Australian Bandog’s growth include a healthy balance of phosphorus and calcium. Pre- and probiotics and chelated minerals provide additional health to the diets of Australian Bandogs.

Where to Buy or Adopt an Australian Bandog?

Australian Bandogs are rare in countries other than Australia rare. If you find a reputable breeder, the price will depend on various aspects, like the breeder’s location, the pups’ pedigree, gender, and their health. Puppies with sought-after bloodlines and the pedigrees of their parents could cost significantly more.

Breeders typically have waiting lists, but don’t let that stop you from visiting the breeding facility to ensure it is a legitimate Australian Bandogge Mastiff breeder and not a puppy mill. Make sure you go to the facility and insist on meeting both the puppies’ parents so that you can get a feel for their temperament. Australian Bandog puppies are often peppy and playful—all should have cheery expressions and kind eyes. 

The best way to ensure you get a healthy Australian Bandog puppy is to reach out to one of the following institutions or online sites to guide you in finding Australian puppies from breeders and rescue facilities where Bandogges can be adopted. 

• PuppyFinder.com is your source for finding Australian Bandog Verified Dog Breeders in the USA.
• Australian National Kennel Council Ltd
• Australian Bandog Club of America. This club will help you find your Australian Bandog puppy, view current and upcoming litters, rehomes and connect with Approved Breeders in the US & Canada.
• Oreba Registry Kennel Clubs LLC
• Old Red English Bulldogs Kennel – Home of Australian Bandogge Mastiffs
• www.aussietraders.com.au/
• infoanimal.ru/ (Europe)

It might take some time to find a legitimate breeder, and travel may very well be in the cards. Steer clear of backyard breeding by avoiding sales sites and ad pages. When you select a breeder, make sure they have a record to show they are successful breeders healthy litters with any documentation necessary.

Although you can buy or adopt an Australian Bandog from abroad, not all countries allow the importing of adopted dogs. Those whose countries allow the importation of Australian Bandogs may find the logistics challenging. Procedures include obtaining certification from a vet to prove the Australian Bandog is fully vaccinated and providing all the additional required veterinary documents before the travel.

Furthermore, your country must approve the veterinarian to authorize the importation, and it will be your responsibility to ensure you use the services of a certified vet. The same process applies to importing rescued dogs.

What Dog Breeds are Similar to the Australian Bandog?

The Bandog is often considered a breed type rather than a specific purebred dog. Bandogs are members of the Working group and have been used as fearsome guard dogs for centuries. Dogs of this type are unmatched in their guarding and protection abilities. 

Bandogs are mixed breeds typically a bulldog-type breed crossed with one or more mastiff breeds. Along with the Australian Bandog Mastiff, there is the American Bandog Mastiff, American Bandog Blue, and Old English Bandogge Mastiff, to mention a few. Despite the variety of combinations crossed to develop each Bandogge, they all share similar traits. Physical similarities include similar heights of around 26 inches and an average weight of about 110 pounds. Other shared characteristics and traits are listed below.

• Large and intimidating
• Good with children
• Very intelligent
• Exceptional watch- and guard dog skills
• With socialization, does well with other pets
• Fairly easily trained
• Little grooming required