Life Expectancy: About 10-11 years.
Colors: Many colors are accepted
Coat Type: Short
Grooming: The Cane Corso does not require much grooming. Occasionally comb and brush to remove dead hair. This breed is a light shedder.
Exercise: This very athletic breed needs a lot of regular exercise. They make excellent jogging companions.
Good With Children: Wonderful and very tolerant of children
Height: Males 24-27 inches (64-68 cm.) Females 23-25 inches (60-64 cm.)
Weight: Males 99-110 pounds (45-50 kg.) Females 88-99 pounds (40-45 kg.)
Health Problems: This is a robust dog, with typical bone and joint problems of the giant breeds.
Living Conditions: The Cane Corso will do okay in an apartment if it gets enough exercise. They will be content to live outdoors provided they have adequate shelter.
General Information:Cane Corsos are very loyal, willing to please and quiet around the house. The Cane Corso is highly intelligent and very trainable with an active and even-mind, he is an unequalled watch and protection dog. The Cane Corso is great with children in the family which makes them docile and affectionate with their owner. They are very protective yet gentle which is what makes the Cane Corso have a very stable temperament. They make excellent guard and watch dogs and will stick very close to their masters. The Cane Corso is not a fighting dog as they were bred as working dogs for hundreds of years, therefore they will not go out "looking" for a fight, but on the other hand they will not back down from other dogs. The Cane Corso requires an experienced owner because they can be aggressive with strangers and other dogs. They should be carefully socialized as soon as possible and should continue socialization throughout life. It is highly recommended and almost necessary that these dogs become fully obedience trained. When fully trained, the Cane Corso makes the best companion, suspicious of strangers, but wonderful with the family. When this wonderful breed is raised appropriately, they should be submissive to their family only wanting to please.

Life Expectancy: 10 years
Colors: Grey (also referred to as Blue), Black, Tawny and Mahogany. All colors may have brindle. White is acceptable on the tips of the toes and chest.
Coat Type: Short, hard and shiny
Grooming Needs: 2-3 times a week.
Exercise Needs: Needs about 30-60 minutes per day
Temperament: Balanced, protective of human family
Good with Children: Affectionate and protective with its family's children
Avg Size: 25.5-30 inches (males) and 23.5-27 inches (female)
Avg Weight (lbs.): 150-185 (males) and 145-165 (females)
Health Issues: Cherry eye is common in the breed, must be removed, and not tacked down. A good diet is paramount for this fast growing large breed. Prone to bloat, so should be fed 2-3 smaller meals per day. Also prone to joint problems.
Living Conditions: Prefers to be close to family, whether that is outside or in the house
General Information: Despite the beastly and even vicious appearance, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a peaceful and steady dog. It was developed to look and act fearsome when needed, but is affectionate with his family and the family's friends. Highly protective and fearless. It is extremely intelligent and somewhat willful. It does not require repetitious training because Neapolitan Mastiffs are very attuned to his master's wishes. This breed rarely gives trouble by excessive barking. They are serious, calm and quiet unless provoked. The breed is very wary of strangers. Males can be much more aggressive and dominant than females. The Female makes a better family pet, as she is more submissive to her master and better with children. These dogs are, however, usually very loving with children, provided they do not tease them. Males do not get along with other males, but the Neo can get along well with non-canine pets if raised with them from puppy hood. The Neapolitan Mastiff is not a breed for everyone. They must have a dominant owner capable of controlling him properly. Owner dominance should be firmly established while the dog is young. Children should be taught to respect these dogs. Neapolitan Mastiffs should be well socialized at an early age to avoid over-protectiveness. They will be quite protective even with extensive socialization. Additional protection training is unnecessary because they are naturally guard dogs. Thorough obedience training is highly recommended. These are not dogs for beginners but it is an exaggeration to describe them as difficult in their association with others. A calm handler with natural leadership will achieve the best results. With thorough training and an experienced, dominant owner, the Neapolitan Mastiff can be a good family dog.

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Colors: Completely white
Coat Type: Short, coarse and thick with a glossy sheen; uniform in length
Grooming Needs: Occasional brushing
Exercise Needs: Needs about 30-60 minutes per day
Temperament: Balanced, protective of human family. Very confident with strong hunting instincts. Very alert, courageous & incredible determination. Breed is very people oriented and outgoing. While being incredibly obedient and willing to please, the Dogo is extremely sensitive to his handler and can't tolerate forceful training methods. Quick learner, but easily bored by overwork and repetition. An excellent watchdog, calm around the house, yet always alert. Not a barking dog.
Good with Children: Affectionate and protective with its family's children; will tolerate almost anything from them.
Avg Size: 23-27 inches for both males and females. Males are usually smaller than females
Avg Weight (lbs.): 99-110 for both males and females
Health Issues: Deafness may occur
Living Conditions: Prefers to be close to family and is unhappy when separated from them.
General Information: This breed was developed in Argentina by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez in the 1920's. He wanted a dog that was a good pack hunter and guardian, but could also be trusted with the family. He started with a now extinct mastiff-type breed called the Dog of Cordoba he then added Great Dane, Boxer, Spanish Mastiff, Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Great Pyrenees, Pointer, Irish Wolfhound and Dogue de Bordeaux. The resulting breed, not only met Martinez,' original expectations as a big game hunter and family guardian, but has also been successful as a guide dog and in military and police work. He created a bullish and fearless hunter with great stamina and a light coat. Some of the Argentine Dogo's talents are hunting, tracking, watch dogging, guarding, police work, narcotics detection, military, work, competitive obedience, and schutzhund. The Dogo Argentino is also known as the Argentinean Mastiff or Argentine Dogo. It is a muscular, yet very graceful dog of mastiff origin usually with an all white sleek coat with occasional black spots. The Dogo is an excellent guardian of the home, loyal to the family, playful and intelligent. It is good with children and loves to kiss and cuddle with those the family accepts. Socialization is a must with this breed, and should be done from the earliest time possible. With that said Dogos are easy to train. This is a highly intelligent, powerful dog who needs a firm and consistent, but loving hand. Adult Dogos can be aggressive with other dogs however, the Dogo does not usually provoke the confrontation. The Argentine Dogo is not a breed for everyone. All dogs are individuals and some are more dominant or possess a stronger prey drive than others. They are good with other pets if they are raised with them from puppy hood. This white mastiff needs early socialization with other animals. It also requires early obedience training.

Pit Bulls are wonderful animals that deserve a chance to have a good life like any other dog. However, it's important to remember that Pit Bulls are not just any other dog - They are a little more of everything a dog can be.

Pit Bulls have superior physical and mental characteristics that make them excellent partners for responsible, active, and caring owners. On the other hand, these same outstanding qualities can make them a little difficult to handle for people who don't have a lot of experience with dog ownership, or for those who don't understand the breed very well. Luckily, Pit Bulls are very responsive to training and eager to please. It is therefore strongly recommended to take them to obedience classes as soon as they are up to date with their shots. A well behaved and obedient Pit Bull will be a great ambassador for the breed and help fight prejudice and misconceptions.

Pit Bull are strong, energetic, agile, and powerful dogs. They are also very resourceful and driven. "Determination" is one of their most notable trait. Whatever they set out to do, they put their heart and soul into it... Whether it is escaping an inadequately fenced yard to go explore the neighborhood, or destroying your new couch when left home alone, or climbing into your lap to shower you with kisses! They just don't give up easily. An other very important characteristic of the Pit Bull dogs is their amazing love of people. Many people are surprised by the loving personality of these dogs the first time they meet one. Pit Bull dogs are indeed remarkably affectionate and truly enjoy human attention. Human aggression, severe shyness, and instability are not traits typically found and accepted in the APBT breed. Dogs with these traits are not good representatives of the breed and will not be placed into adoptive homes.

Pit Bull type dogs are wonderful, loving, and very loyal companions. It is important however, to understand the breed's nature, to provide a structured environment, and to establish a positive leadership role. In order to do so, Pit Bull owners must understand the original purpose of the breed, and respect its limit and potential. We don't have to condone or glorify it, but dog-aggression is not uncommon with Pit Bull dogs. Owners must recognize and accept this fact or they wont be able to provide competent ownership and have fun with their dogs.

It's a mistake to think that the fighting gene can be easily trained or loved out of a dog, or that early socialization will guarantee your Pit Bull will always get along with other animals. There are precautions to take when owning Pit Bulls, especially in a multiple-dog environment.

Never trust a Pit Bull not to fight... It is not necessarily a hate of other dogs that will cause Pit Bulls to fight, but rather an "urge" to do so that has been bred into the breed for many generations. Pit bulls may fight over hierarchic status, but external stimulus or excitement can also trigger a fight. Remember that any canine can fight, but Pit Bulls were bred specifically for drive, intensity, and determination to win.

Pit Bull owners must also be aware of the remarkable fighting abilities of this breed, and always keep in mind that Pit Bulls have the potential to inflict serious injuries to other animals. A Pit Bull may not even be the one starting a conflict, but he has the genetics to finish it.

With all that said, some Pit Bulls get along great with other pets and may live happily with other dogs without any incidents. We just can't assume that this is true for all of them, or take it for granted. Pit Bull owners need to have common sense and to make sure they will not set their dogs up for failure by putting them in the wrong situations.

In closing, please remember that animal-aggression and people-aggression are two distinctive traits and should never be confused. Unless they have been very poorly bred and/or specifically "trained" to attack humans (often by undesirable individuals through abusive methods), Pit Bulls are by nature very good with people. They are in fact one of the most loving, loyal, friendly, and dedicated companions one can have.

Life Expectancy: 8-15 years
Colors: All white, white and patched, brindle or red (red is defined as any shade of tan, brown or red), black mixed with brindle or white to solid black
Coat Type: Short, close, stiff to the touch
Grooming Needs: Brush coat with a firm bristle brush or rubber mitt; bathe only when necessary.
Exercise Needs: Needs plenty of exercise to make them mellower in the house. Walking, jogging, biking, skateboarding for about a mile twice daily with owner is enough. Also, fetching, frisbee, swimming, agility and weight pulling.
Temperament: The essential characteristics of the American Bulldog enable it to work as a hog and cattle catching dog, and a protector of personal property. These tasks require a powerful, agile, confident dog with a large head and powerful jaws. The breed is a gentle, loving family companion who is fearless enough to face an angry bull or a human intruder. Very alert, outgoing and friendly with a self-assured attitude. Some aloofness with strangers and assertive towards other dogs.
Good with Children: The American Bulldog is known for its love for children. Excellent with other pets, when raised together
Avg Size: 22-27 inches (Johnson males) and 20-25 inches (Johnson female)
23-27 inches (Scott males) and 21-25 inches (Scott female) Avg Weight (lbs.): 90-150 (Johnson males) and 70-130 (Johnson females) 75-110 (Scott males) and 60-85 (Scott females)
Health Issues: Some strains have hip dysplasia. Some are prone to eye disorders, such as Entropian, or allergies or thyroid problems
Living Conditions: Preferably indoor because they don't have a lot of protection from the elements
General Information: The American Bulldog should not be excessively timid, shy or aggressive towards man and preferably not overly aggressive with other dogs. An American Bulldog should never be confused with uniquely different breeds such as the American Staffordshire Terrier or the American Pit Bull Terrier. The American Bulldog is a brave and determined, but not hostile dog. Alert and self-confident, this breed genuinely loves children. It is known for its acts of heroism towards its master. These dogs have fought wild dogs, bulls and even fire. It is said "fighting off one of these dogs is like fighting an animal that possesses an alligator's head and a python's body." Yet when called off by their handler, they immediately obey. No wonder they are said to have "true grit, true devotion and true love." Because of its strong protective instincts, the American Bulldog should be well-socialized and obedience trained at an early age. Some may be aggressive with other dogs and reserved with strangers. They need to be around people to be truly happy.

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Colors: Brindles and all solid colors, except white or mouse gray.
Coat Type: Short, smooth
Grooming Needs: Groom with a hound glove.
Exercise Needs: Needs about 30-60 minutes per day
Temperament: Courage, determination and outstanding braveness are part of the breed's characteristics. He is docile to his owners and family and extremely tolerant with children. Very faithful breed. Distrusting of strangers. Shows calm disposition, self assurance and self confidence, not being disturbed by strange noises or when facing a new environment. A excellent guardian of property. Well dedicated hunter. Not recommended for first time dog owners.
Good with Children: Affectionate, tolerant and protective with its family's children.
Avg Size: 24-30 inches for both males and females
Avg Weight (lbs.): 140-180 (males) and 125-160 (females)
Health Issues: Hip Dysplasia, Bloat-Canine Gastric Dilation-Volvulous
Living Conditions: Prefers to be close to family, whether that is outside or in the house.
General Information: The Fila Brasileiro is a courageous and powerful Mastiff that makes a very loyal and loving companion who is extremely dedicated to his owner. A Fila will protect you without a moments hesitation. He feels that is why he is there. Once you bond with your Fila you and your family will become his whole world. It is the breeds nature to be loyal and protective of his family. They love kids in their own family and take a lot of abuse from them. Fila's make great family pets and are gentle, loving, loyal and very protective. They will also bond with other pets in your home. Bold and very wary with strangers, this breed makes a wonderful guard dog. It needs a strong owner who understands the alpha pack instinct. Proper socialization and understanding of the breeds instincts are the key to successful ownership of a Fila. Filas just want to make sure that his family members are never in harms way and he is always on guard. Filas will always be wary of strangers, even the milder Filas will be wary and all. Filas will do what it takes to defend what is theirs. Outstanding courage, determination, and bravery are part of his characteristics. He is docile and obedient to his owners and family and extremely tolerant with children in his own family. He is always looking for the company of his master. He shows a calm disposition, self-assurance, and self-confidence, not being disturbed by strange noises nor when facing a new environment. An unsurpassed guardian of property, he is also inclined, by instinct, to hunt big game and to herd cattle. The Fila is NOT a breed for the average pet owner.

Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Colors: Self-colored, in all shades of fawn, from Mahogany to Isabella (lightest fawn)
Coat Type: Short, fine and soft to the touch; thick loose-fitting skin
Grooming Needs: Occasional brushing; easy care
Exercise Needs: Moderate exercise
Temperament: Calm and well balanced. Affectionate to his family and a loving companion. This breed's courage and power is equaled only by its devotion and care for its human family. As a guardian of the house and property, he can match the best and he will never be "off guard".
Good with Children: Gets along well with children; very patient; usually gets along with other pets
Avg Size: 23-27 inches for males and 22-26 inches for females
Avg Weight (lbs.): Males should weigh at least 110 lbs and females at least 99 lbs
Health Issues: Skin allergies are common; Entropies may occur
Living Conditions: Will live inside or outside, but do require a fair-sized yard. Suitable dog for someone willing to invest a lot of time and attention to the dog
General Information: Breeders have softened the temperament of this dog quite a bit from his original ferocity. Today the Bordeaux has a good and calm temperament. It is extremely loyal, patient and devoted to his family. Fearless and confrontational with strangers, he is a first class watch and guard dog. This breed can be very aggressive with other dogs so socialization with other animals as soon as possible is a must. Males may not ever tolerate other males. Despite his fearsome appearance, the Dogue de Bordeaux is gentle with children and family members. However this is a powerful animal, and is not suitable for an inexperienced dog owner.