Shortly after we purchased Hammer, the owner of Morpheus (Hammer’s sire), Rene Rodriguez of New Britain, CT came to visit our home when Hammer became 6 mos old.  He insisted that we promise to only feed high protein, low carb diet of:  Abady frozen raw stress maintenance food for the 1^st few months to start, then graduating to Canadae and/or alternating Innova including 1 raw egg, corn or olive oil, veggies (carrots, corn, peas, potatoes, tomatoes, celery, onions, peppers, capers & garlic), fruits (watermelon, grapes, apples, bananas & strawberries) and creams twice every day.  Rene was very explicit in his instructions to us and we had to take notes.  He's a very big guy!

Our dogs regularly eat meats of lamb, pork, liver #2, chicken #1, turkey #2, veal and beef #3. Salmon, Tilapia or other white fish is alternated daily but, briefly they went to Beneful for and have since we have returned to the Canadae which is much better for everyone. 

Although we thought it strange at first, both breeders of Hammer’s Dam Sheba (owned by Shamba Huggins) and Sire Morpheous (owned by Rene Rodriquez) were clear on their expectations.  Any new owner of one of their dogs’ offspring had to promise the right nutrition and exercise. Now that we understand the breed, we hope to continue that same tradition.

It is now clear how a strictly-adhered to schedule can be essential to this breed’s behavior. The fluctuation of amounts of correct food, for instance, back off on hot days, increase on cold days or if the appetite is not that evident, they can easily skip a meal altogether. Always remember to include a regimen of some kind of play by either throwing a toy or walking the block. Or, run at a slow, steady pace through the neighborhood; even walks of the perimeter of your property will ensure appropriate behavior, ease of training and cease the spiteful antics when the regimen does not occur. Snacks are important. Their big treats are ‘B’anilla ice cream or ‘B’anilla Yogurt before bedtime. They get Banilla cake, Cheezits & Cheetos too.  Sometimes we hit the Dollar Store for people Teddy Grahams.

This dog was originally bred for border patrol of wild boar and other predators of farm livestock as well as the pairing assistance to farmers in control of bulls in a cattle raising environment. They have only begun to be introduced into residential homes as pets in the last 20 years or so.

Behaviors include:

• Manipulation of body weight to pull down a body, during play or as pups

• Relaxing in strange positions:

  • Front paws out-stretched on the floor with back legs straight, butt in the air … they’ll stay this way for long periods of time

  • Neck stretched completely perpendicular to the rest of their body as a gator or crocodile would do.

  • Head back so far that the nose is at a 45˚angle to their back

• Sit with one arm propping them on a chair while their legs are stretched out straight similar to how a person would sit

• Hold on and roll during play as an alligator would do

• They have a hard time breaking a grip and are very fond of towels … be careful with towels

• Bursts of intense energy followed by long periods of rest

CATS - In our home, we have a male flame point Himalayan cat.  Angel handles Hammer well. We have had no problems whatsoever as they seemed to have learned to respect one another early on. This, we believe, is due to continuously reminding them (when they begin to tease one another) that “he doesn’t like that, NO”.

Health checks are provided by the following Veterinarian with an expertise in this particular breed:

Dr. Ann Huntington

Access her Website for Suffield Veterinary Hospital: http://www.suffieldvet.com/

If you’re considering one of these dogs, please have experience already with one of the other bully breeds (Boxer, Doberman, Rottweiler, Mastiff, English, Staffordshire, etc.), as you will need this foundation for a happy home … reading cannot take the place of experience. Be certain of your commitment before you make the choice and, when you do, it will be one of the most rewarding choices you’ll ever make for a pet or farm hand. These dogs are extremely special to own!!!  Ask anyone who owns one.