Boerboel
The Boerboel, or “farmers dog,” came from South Africa in the 1800s as a protection dog. By 1938, they were used to guard industrial diamond mines. They are very powerful and large, weighing up to 180 pounds. It is an intelligent and stubborn dog and should not be adopted by an inexperienced dog owner.
Experienced dog handlers can bring about a well-socialized pet with continuous training and socialization from an early age. This will help prevent behavior issues and dominating conduct. These dogs have thick coats and enjoy being outdoors in cool weather. Dog parks, however, are not recommended for a dog who is very protective of its family and may attack without warning. Boerboels should always be leashed.
Tosa
As descendants of Bulldogs, Great Danes, and Mastiffs, the Tosa is a very large breed weighing up to 200 pounds. Tosas are not ideal for first-time dog owners. Bred for blood sport, you might not want this creature around your young’uns. In fact, the Tosa is a banned breed across four European nations, including the UK.
To board this type of dog, you’ll need a yard with a fence that is at least 6-feet high. Electronic fences are nothing to a Tosa, the shock will not deter this dog. Standing tall, this breed has the athletic look of a warrior. The Tosa’s history goes back to 14th-century Japanese dogfighting. Named for the Tosa Province on Shikoku Island, the Tosa is vigilant, dignified, calm and courageous. These dogs make excellent guard dogs and caring companions. For training, this eager-to-please breed looks for an abundant supply of positive reinforcement.
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler has been a successful police dog, herding dog, military dog, and therapy dog. This breed is highly trainable and very loyal. Rottweilers thrive as work dogs and get bored with nothing to do but chew up your sofa. The Rottweiler’s work ethic stretches back as far as Roman days, when they were likely used as drover dogs. They are named after the location tiles for roofs of Roman baths were sourced, called Rottweil. The dogs may have come from that German town.
Rottweiler’s rank second to Pit Bulls for bite fatalities. Some homeowner insurance policies will not cover your house if you have a Rottweiler, and owners are liable for the damage the dog causes. Rottweiler’s are powerful, large, and extremely protective. At 135 pounds, most of it is muscle, its instinct is to attack a threat. So, you may want to hope it’s not your friend sensed as a threat stopping by. For this reason, it makes a formidable police dog.
Cane Corso
This dog is intelligent, territorial, and makes a good watchdog. As a mastiff breed from Italy, the Cane Corso is a massive breed raised for hunting large game. These dogs weigh in at 120 pounds. Overall, they are not a good fit for novice dog owners. Even folks who have done well with cooperative breeds like Retrievers and Spaniels are no match for this strong, smart, active, and willful dog.
The Cane Corso will not take to strangers, even after consistent socialization—it’s a guard dog in nature through and through. If you have a Cane, you should walk or run him at least a mile each day. Add to that another 20 minutes of training exercise, and this highly active dog may relax a bit. It’s not advisable to take this strong and aggressive canine to dog parks. Left home alone, a Cane will be very destructive and aggressive. To its credit, the Cane Corso is devoted to its family and very loyal due to its protective, guard dog nature.
Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino is another breed banned in the UK under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act. It was bred in Argentina to be a big-game hunting dog for large prey like puma. It was also bred to be a protectorate for humans. But because of his predominant traits—stubborn, intelligent, and domineering—the Dogo was banned in several countries.
This dog is not recommended for first-time dog owners. Besides being intelligent and stubborn, a Dogo is large, powerful, and energetic. Without a leader who is just as strong, plus calm, firm, and consistent, a Dogo will be destructive and in charge. Even a trained Dogo will go after your neighbors’ pets, killing cats and small dogs. A high fence is a necessity with a Dogo. This dog is a natural worker, and without something to do, it will likely chew up your personal belongings.