Having our first start with di Ponzano bloodline... we quickly learned what a true Mastini is all about, from a sharp tempered stud, love and admiration grew for the breed. Not having good females to accompany the lines, there was disappointment, yet we knew this was the “type” of dog De La Bahia should create. Muscular in construction, great length, strong head with proper wrinkle, and never excessive, combined with great feline movement and guard temperament.

After some time De La Bahia had the opportunity to acquire what we consider a "super" Ponzano (Brigante) in type or evolution of Ponzano lines in the 21st century with a son of CH Brigante Del Castellaccio son named Caos di FondoAnfossi. Not long after we experienced immediate success with an incredible litter out of Caos that produced Furio De La Bahia.

Having the right type, De La Bahia later learned that despite producing an impressive specimen, it was clear that the dogs produced did not have sufficient health. Slightly more care had to be given to the skin, eye, and over all work to maintain the health of this incredible beast. The vitality was average, but believed this as well as stamina needed to improve in order to truly have a “working” mastini. After several trials with similar bloodlines coming from Brigante, there was also difficulty with females reproduction or vitality of puppies when born. Looking in depth at De La Bahia selection, and the situation of the breed around the world, De La Bahia felt there was a problem which stemmed from a bottle neck of genetic selection, as well as a lack of functional (living samples) females being used around the world. At the time a hard decision was made to breed to more functional lines, while perhaps sacrificing slightly on type. De La Bahia made the hard choice many refuse to do, rather they continue with the same problems, and “test” to supposedly minimize the collateral damage they say they don’t breed for. The result from doing such a breeding, had immediate results in the over all health of De La Bahia Mastini. We now consistently produce litters that are good in number, with strong vitality, and need minimal care to raise from puppy to adult. The skin of our dogs are shiny with little to no pimples, and our puppies have not had to deal with eye problems in the last several litters, De La Bahia dog will look at you with an open eye with clear vision. Of course this is never 100%, however the point is we don’t just say we breed for health, De La Bahia actually does it. The work doesn’t end, and more work needs to continue specifically in type, but as well never forgetting health. I believe this is what we owe to the mastini we bring in to this world, and to those whom bring one of our dogs in to their family and homes.