Nebolish Mastiffs, photo courtesy of Boxers of Whiteface Ranch
The Nebolish is a dog of great presence, the most agile of the mastiff breeds. It should be of strong muscular structure, large boned and have a wide chest. The head is broad with natural ears, a short, wide snout and a scissor bite. Excessive flews are not desired so there is no slobber problem. The coat is typically a short-medium length, but long coats can occur. Colors include fawn and brindle in all shades, including a rare silver. Markings include a black mask; white markings are permitted, but not desired. The tail may be docked.
The Nebolish Mastiff is very even tempered, alert and dignified. It is not an excessive barker. Loyal, easy to train and naturally protective, it can be stubborn if it senses that it is stronger minded than its handler. His intelligence, loyal affection and fearless courage make him a highly desired companion. An excellent family member, often used as a working dog or livestock protector. Good natured, patient and playful with children. Mastiffs require training and strong firm leadership skills, and are not recommended for the first time dog owner. The objective in training this dog is to achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in its pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined and rules are set. Because a dog communicates his displeasure with growling and eventually biting, all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. The humans must be the ones making the decisions, not the dogs. That is the only way your relationship with your dog can be a complete success.
Height: 27 - 36 inches (79 - 90 cm)
Weight: 95 - 200 pounds (43 - 90 kg)
Males and females should reach over 100 pounds and have very solid muscular structure, the focus being a dog that is sound and works with agility, even at a mature age.
No breed is free from health ailments; there have been none that the Nebolish are predisposed to. The Nebolish was developed to be a large, agile dog, free of genetic defects. Breeding of Mastiffs is not recommended for the novice; there are many breeding problems with Mastiffs. It is recommended to spay or neuter to ensure a longer lifespan.
The Nebolish Mastiff is not for the apartment dweller. It can get by on a daily walk and a large yard, but enjoys acreage to explore. Not prone to roam, but must be contained because of the intimidation of his size! Once boundaries are established, the Nebolish will stay in a 4-ft. or stock fence with no problem. The Nebolish was developed in Canada very cold climate, spending winters in front of the fireplace. This breed thrives in warm climates, loving the sun and water.
The Nebolish Mastiff needs room to run, and loves to swim and hike. The adult Nebolish is at home living indoors, but needs a daily walk! While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. These dogs love to check the pastures with their owners; they will make certain all fences are secure and free of intruders!
About 10 to 14 years
About 5 to 10 puppies
Very minimal, a brisk brush, occasional bath; the Nebolish love water!
There are conflicting reports over the origin of the Nebolish Mastiff. Some sources state:
With over 80 mastiff types, the Nebolish is one of the rarest. It was developed in late 1960s in the Northwest and Canada. The breed was developed to increase the agility, health and life expectancy of the mastiff by crossing Old English, Bull, Dogue de Bordeaux, mastiffs, and it is suspected that the Great Dane, Boxer and Saint Bernard maybe in the bloodline. There has never been an exact breakdown of the breeding program; to keep the line pure the exact breedings that evolved to the Nebolish we know today has never been disclosed. The Nebolish ancestry can be traced back to Aristotle and Alexander the Great, who received these large dogs for soldiers’ protection from lions. The Noble Loyal Healthy Mastiff is not a new breed, but a breed which was lost in history and now rediscovered in the Nebolish Mastiff.
Others say it was developed in Canada in the 1960s, by crossing the Neapolitan Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Mastiff, Boxer, Bullterrier, Bullmastiff, Deutsche Dogge, and the Saint Bernard.
While others claim the Nebolish Mastiff is simply a cross between the German Boxer and the French Bullmastiff.
Others report the Nebolish Mastiff is a breed still in the stages of development and some even claim it to be a mix. Photos posted of Charlie (long coat - see below and Photos Page 1) could be the Saint Bernard in the lines coming out, but this is unclear.
The CKC (Continental Kennel Club) recognizes the English Mastiff and Neapolitan Mastiff cross as a Nebolish Mastiff.
To date, we have only come across one breeder of the Nebolish Mastiff.
Mastiff, Working
Skye the Nebolish Mastiff puppy at 6 months lives in NY with his owner Cathy, photo courtesy of Boxers of Whiteface Ranch
Nebolish Mastiffs Beau and Clem, photo courtesy of Morning Star Mastiffs
Hauns the Nebolish Mastiff at 3 years old, photo courtesy of Hearn Hollow Mastiffs
Female Nebolish Mastiff sisters Junotoo and Coper of Whiteface Ranch, photo at 2 years old. Tails may be natural or docked in the Nebolish breed.
Maxy the Nebolish Mastiff at 5 months old and weighing 50 pounds— "She is the smartest dog I have ever owned! She was purchased from the local pet shop. She was the only one in the litter who was white and brindle. The rest were all brindle or a light tan."
Maxy the Nebolish Mastiff at 5 months old and weighing 50 pounds
Charlie the 2-year-old Nebolish Mastiff, bred by Whiteface Ranch
A long coat brindle Nebolish Mastiff with a short coat tan and black puppy—"Gus is a Long-coat Nebolish Mastiff, which does rarely occur in the bloodline, it is a throwback from when English Mastiffs were crossed with Saint bernards and Newfoundlands to strengthen the bloodline. On occasion a Nebolish pup may appear with longer coat."—Photo courtesy of Boxers of Whiteface Ranch
