The Nordgard Dog

Vero Shaw was already complaining then that the dogs of 1820, "had at least better legs and feet than modern [1881's] specimens" (Shaw, 1881).

The latter half of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century were disastrous for the Mastiffs. Many of the breeds faced near extinction at the turn of the 20th century, particularly after World War I and II. Very few working Mastiffs remained. Consequently, efforts to revive the Mastiff focused on its "purity" as a show dog, with closed registries reinforcing the breed's distinct characteristics (Fogle, 2009).

Show breeding practices have placed an emphasis on appearance and adherence to breed standards, at the expense of a dog's working ability and overall health (Farrell et al., 2015). In the case of the Mastiff breeds, this has often led to a focus on physical traits such as size, head shape, and loose skin, rather than the breed's health or historical strengths as a working guardian dog (Meyer-Lindenberg et al., 2006). As a result, the modern Mastiff has been robbed of its working heritage, as breeders prioritize aesthetics over function (Farrell et al., 2015).

The focus on breeding to closed gene pools (Breed Registries) for exaggerated traits in the Mastiff has also led to health issues related to inbreeding. Inbreeding reduces genetic diversity, resulting in a higher prevalence of hereditary diseases and health problems (Leroy, 2011). In Mastiffs, this has manifested in various health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and cancer (PetMD. n.d.). As a result, despite modern food and care, the average lifespan of a Mastiff today can be as low as 6 years (American Kennel Club, n.d.). Compare that to a “breed” which is largely still landrace, and unaffected by long term “pure” breeding practices, like the Kangal, who lives an average of 12-15 years - double that of the mastiff at greater average size (AnimalsSo, n.d.).

The Mastiffs’ historical abilities as a working and guardian dog have been taken from them by show breeding practices and inbreeding, which have prioritized exaggerated physical traits over function and health. As a result, the breeds now face a range of health issues, directly related to the focus on appearance in breeding programs. These practices have decimated the average lifespan of modern Mastiffs, and removed all working instinct from most dogs.

In addition to the concerns regarding traditional breeding practices, society is changing. The global shift towards sustainable and ecologically friendly farming practices is leading to an increase in people returning to the land and adopting rotational grazing methods to combat soil degradation and heavy reliance on outside inputs (Savory & Butterfield, 1999; Machmuller et al., 2015). Concurrently, the resurgence of wolf populations in many regions (Chapron et al., 2014) has highlighted the need for effective livestock protection strategies that align with conservation concerns. Livestock guardian dogs provide a non-lethal approach to deter predators, such as wolves and coyotes, from preying on livestock (Bromley & Gese, 2001). With global instability, ecological consciousness, and predator numbers increasing, there will be a growing need for reliable farm guardians in coming years.

In light of these challenges, it is clear that a change in approach is necessary. Solving these issues while restoring the “Mastiff” to its rightful place as a long-lived, healthy, working farm guardian is the driving force behind the Nordgard Dog project. By focusing on responsible breeding, genetic diversity, and the prioritization of health and working temperament, Nordgard Kennel aims to revitalize the Mastiff's working heritage and ensure its continued legacy as a trusted and capable guardian. A Nordgard Dog demonstrates the true potential of a well-bred Mastiff when given the opportunity to thrive in its ancestral role.