OUR VISION
Why Watchdog Kennels
At watchdog-kennels.co.uk, we have taken something which started as a family passion and turned it into a successful breeding business. We breed our animals to have friendly dispositions and fit in seamlessly as incredible family pets.
Unlike many who breed with the Merle gene for colors, we breed for health, temperament, and guarding instinct.
We only select the best bloodlines possible from the best kennels around the world, DNA tested and 5/6 generation pedigrees.
We do all we can to ensure what we prodice is the best we possible can.
BREED HISTORY
Why Watchdog Kennels
Bandogs originated in Great Britain. At first, the name “bandog” (or “bandogge”) referred to the dog’s job of hunting, fighting, and guarding its master and home, rather than its breed. Because of this, the original bandogs were bred from a variety of different types of large, strong guard dogs. Shepherds, mastiffs, and hounds were among the dogs bred to create the first bandogs.
These early bandogs were often ferocious and had to be tied up during the daytime. It was commonplace for owners to chain their guard dogs until sundown, then let them loose to guard against intruders and wrongdoers. Because of their aggressive nature, bandogs were sometimes used for fighting, not just as guard dogs. During the Roman occupation, bandogs were bred in Britain and then transported back to Rome, where they were pitted against other animals and gladiators in the arena.
Modern bandogs were first bred in the 1960s by John B. Swinford, a veterinarian. Swinford’s goal was to create the ideal guard dog by selecting breeds based on their performance. At that time, the trend in dog breeding was to select for appearance, rather than functionality. Swinford, on the other hand, focused primarily on the attributes he wanted his bandogs to have. As a result, his guard dogs were particularly strong and protective, while still remaining gentle and loyal to their owners. With his work, Swinford revived dog breeders’ interest in bandogs, effectively saving the breed from falling into obscurity. His particular crosses were known as “Swinford bandogs.”
Since the 1970s, other breeders have continued to build off of Swinford’s work. There are now many different varieties of bandogs available.