Our Belief and Mission

Definition of Rustic

rus·tic -adjative

1. of, pertaining to, or living in the country, as distinguished from towns or cities; rural.
2. simple, artless, or unsophisticated.
3. uncouth, rude, or boorish.

the mastino of old

Not so long ago when the Mastino was a rare breed it gained such reputation as the ultimate guarding dog with unequal courage. The breed was a reconstruction (Roman Molosser) creation of simple Italian towns people; the farmer, the meat cutter, nights watch man, the "little" people in the economic "civilized" world. Because of this, the breed was bred for function, rather then beauty, and a hard even temperament developed over 4000 years in history, establishing it as the best guarding dog ever created in history of the world.

the mastino today

In the 21st century and modern era of the internet, our beloved breed is in danger of becoming another mastiff, another tame show dog and ever increase of attack from the show dog people, who's only concern and or interest are show points, and show beauty at any cost. Out of control inbreeding trends to try and achieve this beauty has resulted in a devastation in our breeds health and longevity in life. Today it's the norm for many dogs of popular breeding affix to die by three years of age. Function has been replaced by beauty for many allevator seaking short lived fame and money, resulting  in a dog with poor eye sight, and a long list of health problems.

a deeper understanding

The advertised solution of many breeders, will be "we health test" our dogs. This however with out a deeper understanding of the bottle neck in genetic versatility in our breed is futile, and a magic pill which has no real results due to lineage, and the deeper problem of the breed. In 2007 A.T.I.M.A.N.A. International Scientific Conference, Dr. Nello Crimaldi from Naples Italy suggested based on his observation, up to 86% of recent Italian champions had cardiovascular diseases. As a result of the huge demand of offspring from these champions, the breeds early mortality is rampant. No amount of testing can improve upon this if breeders continue to inbreed the same lines. Read more

our mission and philosophy

Thus our philosophy is that the only way to bring true function, and improve health in the breed is by making selective introduction of truly functional Mastini (living examples with proven history) with a greater diversity in genetic and lineage background. We have done this in the past, and have the experience of improving health (reproduction, vitality, endurance, eyes, skin) while maintaining type, and mass.

become part of de la bahia family

Mastin de la Bahia produces occasional litters based on our mission to quality homes only. We health guarantee and provide contracts to all our puppies. While making champions is not our priority, we understand that showing is and can be rewarding and beneficial to the breed. Title a de la bahia mastini and we will provide a 500 USD rebate (see our contract for further details).