Page 87 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)
P. 87

W ORKING DOG S         87


         BOERBOEL

         THIS DOG LOVES FAMILY BUT NOT STRANGERS AND REQUIRES RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP                 AKC

          Height range           The Boerboel was developed from the large,   Characteristic massive,   Brow slightly
          22–27 in (55–69 cm)    mastiff-type dogs brought by settlers to the   square head  wrinkled
          Weight range           Cape area of South Africa from the 17th
          150–200 lb (68–91 kg)
                                 century onward. Affectionate with family   Drop ears hang
          Life span  12–15 years  and friends, the Boerboel is a formidable   close to head
          Origin  South Africa   guard dog of huge size and                                       Darker tip
                                 strength. An experienced                                         to muzzle
                                 owner and early
                                 socializing are                                                Strong,
                                                                                                muscular
          Other colors           very important.                                                neck

                                    Thick tail tapers
                                     slightly to tip
          Variety of
          colors
                                              Powerful                  Short, sleek,
          May have darker face mask.          hind legs                 fawn coat








         SPANISH MASTIFF

         A HEAVYWEIGHT DEFENDER OF HOME AND FAMILY, THIS TERRITORIAL MASTIFF NEEDS EXPERT HANDLING  FCI

          Height range           Once used for guarding livestock and homes in Spain,    Almond-shaped
          28–31 in (72–80 cm)    the Spanish Mastiff still carries out its traditional    proportion to head
                                                                                  eyes, small in
          Weight range           duties. The breed is also popular in its native
          115–221 lb (52–100 kg)
                                 country as a companion dog. Kind and   Loose-fitting skin
          Life span  10–11 years  loyal within the family, this
          Origin  Spain          breed can be aggressive with
                                 strangers and other dogs.
                                                                                                    Double
                                                                                                    dewlap
          Other colors
                                                                                                  Fawn coat
                                                                                                  with some
                                               Long,                                              sabling
          Any color                          bushy tail

             Drop ears                                                   Massively
                                                                         built but
                                                                         agile body

                                             Upper lip
                                             overhangs                                          Large,
                                             lower lip                                          catlike feet







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