Brazilian Bullmastiff

The Brazilian Bullmastiff () is a rare working dog breed developed in Brazil. Known for strength and courage, it is prized for its ability to guard properties and herd cattle. The breed was developed by the zootechnician Fernando Xavier Chaves and by the agronomist Marcos Cortes Rondon Caporossi. The breed is recognized in Brazil by the SOBRACI.
History
Breed development began in 1988, in the State of Minas Gerais in Brazil. The goal was to create a rustic and athletic breed to serve livestock breeders of the municipalities of Coronel Xavier Chaves, Cataguases, Grão Mogol and other neighboring municipalities in Minas Gerais. The breed needed to be resistant to prolonged working hours at high temperatures. They were created to herd cattle, hunt, fight off predators, and guard the family.
With this goal, the breeders primarily used Bullmastiffs, Dogue de Bordeaux, and the American Pit Bull Terrier. The American Bulldog and Rottweiler were also used in a smaller number, as well as a few American Pit Bull Terriers mixed with Tosa Inu, and Fila Brasileiros.<ref name=":2" />
Breed standard
As working dogs they are prized for power, agility, stamina, and intelligence. They should have obvious physical strength, a broad and deep chest, and an overall impression of power.<ref name=":1" /> Males of this breed tend to be larger than the females.
The dog should be able to perform duties on a cattle ranch without extensive training. Brindle and black dogs are more desirable for guard work,<ref name=":1" /> as they are less visible at night.
The ideal height is 60 cm.<ref name":1" /> The ideal weight is 50 kg.<ref name":1" />
Characteristics
Brazilian Bullmastiffs are knows as dependable, easy to handle guard dogs and cattle dogs. They are able to herd cattle as well as protect them from predators. They are fiercely protective of family and can bring a man to the ground if necessary.
Temperament
They should be docile with familiar people, and submissive to their masters. While they are often friendly towards other animals, including dogs, they are natural guardians and can become tenaciously protective when provoked or commanded. Brazilian Bullmastiffs can grow especially close to children, however, when their owners are not present they are often regarded as dogs of "few friends."<ref name=":1" />
Size
Standard height is between 65 - 75 cm for males, and 55 - 65 cm for females. Weight should be 50 - 60 kg for males, and 35 - 50 kg for females.

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