ABOUT THE AMERICAN CREOLE MASTIFF (CREOLE INDIAN FARM / PLANTATION DOG)
The kennels do not include within it’s breeding program nor will the kennels ever permit breeding of the American Creole Mastiff (Creole Indian Farm Dog) to any type of so-called Pitbull, Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Bandog, Wolfdog, Presa Canario, Fila Brasiliero breeds. This is not a complete list. The aforementioned breeds do not function well within the goals of such a program and would compromise the genetic integrity within the purpose of our private kennels of family protection/companion working dogs. Bordeaux Private Kennel working dogs provide equal utility function for private as well any public scenarios, including ADA assistance service dog work.
HISTORY
The original "Plantation Dogs" or "Farm Dogs" were historically used on the large southern plantations mainly in the southern states of Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi & Texas in the United States. These dogs were of a large molosser type of local and European breeds that were brought in by the plantation owners to guard slaves that were working on the plantation as well as protect the house from intruders and wild animals such as cougars, coyotes and wolves. Other than the Italian Mastiff, also known as the Cane Corso, the 'Ol Southern Louisiana Plantation/Farm Dog is one of the last of the coursing mastiffs. They also serve many hunting and catch dog functions. After slavery was abolished the need for the old style of plantation dog decreased dramatically and only a few were left in various areas, largely used as companion and protection dogs.
The Bordeaux family of the Ancient West Feliciana Parish Houma-Choctaw Tribe of Louisiana began acquiring and breeding these rare working dogs for utility working dog functions and to retain the old plantation dog temperament and appearance since 1985. The breed has gone largely unknown as it had remained within the internal use and development of the Houma-Choctaw Tribe. As tribal members began bringing their dogs with them as they relocated to various parts of the United States, interest in these noble dogs has increased dramatically.
Temperament
As a rare breed of dog the American Creole Mastiff is not commonly found in most areas. They are reported be an excellent companion dog as well as a protector that will loyally and fiercely protect their family from any type of danger. Although they are a protective breed they are not considered to be vicious or aggressive and will not typically attack or protect unless they are provoked, protecting their own territory or they perceive that their family/pack member is in some type of danger.
The American Creole Mastiff is a very trainable dog that is highly intuitive, intelligent, calm and accepting of family and pets. While they will chase and do have some prey instinct they can also be trained to accept cats and other dogs in the family. Typically the American Creole Mastiff will be somewhat of a dominant type of dog so it is strongly recommended to have them spayed or neutered if not being used for breeding purposes and pair them with an opposite gender, non-dominant spayed or neutered companion dog.
The American Creole Mastiff is great with children and has an amazing tolerance for kids of all ages. They are, however, highly protective of kids so it is important to introduce these dogs to friends and kid's playmates to avoid any misunderstanding on the part of the dog.
While a large and active dog the American Creole Mastiff is very quiet and relaxed when in the house. They will usually find a quiet space beside their owner and simply watch what is going on, always vigilant and attentive to their environment and the needs of their family. The American Creole Mastiff will bond very strongly with the family and needs to be able to keep people in sight. Although they can be outdoors in a well-fenced and secure area in moderate climates they really do prefer to be part of the family.
The breed enjoys going for walks and outings, although it is very important to have them well trained and keep them on a lead at all times. The American Creole Mastiff requires socialization and obedience training if these dogs are to be taken out of a fenced area.
Grooming
Grooming the American Creole Mastiff is very simple as their short, dense and rather coarse coat is easy to care for. All that is required is regular twice a week grooming with a stiff bristle brush or a rubberized grooming mitt. Grooming mitts are very easy to use as they slip on the hand and you simply stroke the dog's hair in the direction of hair growth. The texturized, rubber surface grips the dead hair and removes it from the coat.
The American Creole Mastiff is an average shedder throughout the year. Regular grooming will help prevent the build-up of shed hair on the carpet and furniture. The breed can also benefit from regular full baths once or twice a month to help cut down on the "doggy" smell that may be noticeable with the breed. Full bathing with a good quality dog shampoo and using a good quality dog hair conditioner will help prevent the skin from drying out.
While grooming watch for any signs of ear infections that are usually first discovered by the foul spelling smell coming from the ear area. Treatment usually involves washing the outer areas of the ear with warm water and a wax removal ointment that can be purchased from the vet. More cleaning may be required for severe infections and the vet may clean the ear and require antibiotics in the form of ear drops to completely cure the infection in the inner ear.Nails are usually very hard and durable with the breed and usually will require little care if the dog is exercised on a hard surface on a regular basis. For those dogs on soft surfaces the nails should be clipped whenever they become long enough to cause any type of pressure against the pads. Clipping with a guillotine style special dog nail trimmer is recommended. Never use human nail care products, as this will cause the nail to shatter and cause the dog pain. Always be sure not to accidentally nick or cut the quick of the nail, as this will cause profuse bleeding and pain. Always have some Quickstop or other clotting agent incase of accidental injury when clipping the nails.
Exercise
The American Creole Mastiff is a dog that has a history of being outside and being very active in patrolling the property as a protective dog. They are normally very inactive indoors and do need regular, structured exercise or long periods of time outside per day to stay healthy and prevent excessive weight gain and obesity from becoming a problem. They are good at self-exercising so are not a huge demand on the owner for exercise with the outside time option.
The breed is very protective and will need to be kept within a secure, strong and tall fence at all times. Since they are athletic they can jump and climb, although with enough space to explore in the yard they are very content. The American Creole Mastiff prefers to have some exercise time with the family as well as just being outside in the yard. They love to play with the kids and will romp and play for hours chasing the ball or just running and jogging alongside the kids.
The American Creole Mastiff makes a good jogging companion and has excellent stamina. They will, of course, need to be well trained and kept on a leash or lead at all times when out of the fenced yard. Since many people have a fear of any type of dog that resembles the bulldog type due to irresponsible owners, it is always important to have the American Creole Mastiff under control at all times. The American Creole Mastiff is a good dog for camping and hiking and they can also make good hunting companions and may even be used in obedience events.Training
Training the American Creole Mastiff is very easy since the dog is so intelligent and willing. They are naturally very protective so training should focus on enhancing obedience to allow the owner to be able to call off the dog when required. The American Creole Mastiff is not a problem barker but if bored and unattended to may resort to barking. Since they have a very deep and loud bark, this can quickly become a problem.
Obedience training from the youngest possible age is a must for this breed. Socialization should be a key part of training and should include introducing the puppy to different dogs, new environments and various people. The more socialized these dogs are the less likely they will be to demonstrate any type of aggression unless they are protecting the residence or your person.
The American Creole Mastiff is not a highly dominant breed but they can be somewhat stubborn and independent in training. A trainer or owner should never be harsh or aggressive in training with the breed, rather using positive training rewards and using the dog's natural love of human interaction is the most effective training method.
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Chief Elder Ean Lee Bordeaux, pro per
Houma-Choctaw Tribe
