Latest news with #Mastiffs
Metro
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
'I thought I adopted a tiny cockapoo - but he just won't stop growing'
A couple who were told they were adopting a tiny cockapoo puppy were left puzzled when it grew up to be the size of a 13-year-old human. Laura McFarlane, 43, and Jamie Griffiths, 51, brought Bobby home from an animal rescue centre in November 2022 and were told by staff that he was a small cocker spaniel-poodle crossbreed. But when he grew to four times his expected size, the couple from Pontypridd, South Wales, knew something was up. 'I don't regret adopting him, there's just more of him to love,' Laura said. 'He's my best friend. He's a lot of fun, he's extremely cheeky. He's extremely fun and he's got lots of doggy friends.' When Bobby simply refused to stop growing, the couple carried out genetic testing that revealed he wasn't a cockapoo at all. It turned out that Bobby was in fact a Bernedoodle – a mix between a Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle. Bernese Mountain Dogs are bred for tasks like pulling carts because of their size and power often weighing up to 52kgs. Bobby weighs 45kg and easily squirrels away three meals a day including full English breakfasts or even a Sunday roast on special occasions. 'He's always hungry anyway but we're quite strict with his food because he does have a sensitive stomach,' Laura revealed. 'We don't like leaving him at home on our days off because one of us is always working from home. 'We just take him everywhere. He's done everything – he's been on speed boats, been camping. 'He lives the life of Riley.' Laura had some sound advice for people who want to avoid a situation like hers. The longest and heaviest dog ever recorded is Aicama Zorba of La Susa, who was an Old English Mastiff owned by London resident Chris Eraclides. He was verified by the Guinness World Records in September 1997 and measured 8 feet 3 inches (2.55 meters) from nose to tail and weighed 343 pounds (156 kilograms). Typical male Mastiffs measure 30 inches or taller and female Mastiffs clock in around 27.5 inches or taller. The average weight for an English Mastiff is 160-230 pounds for a male and 120-170 pounds for a female. She said: 'Ask as many questions as possible – if you're going to a breeder then get their backstory maybe. More Trending 'I would always encourage adoption over going to a breeder and buying a puppy. 'That's the second dog we've had from a rescue. We had our first dog for 10 years and we've had Bob for three so I would [recommend adoption] because there's just so many dogs there. 'We can't live without a dog really. Bobby is no trouble to us.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Man banned from every pub is banned again for biting another bouncer MORE: Man found dead inside 28ft python after being crushed and eaten MORE: Elderly woman dies after waiting 14 hours for ambulance following fall
Daily Record
26-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Hamza Igamane wants Lille transfer as Rangers set hardline rules on fee before first bid made
The French side are keen on the player with Marseille also monitoring the striker Rangers are still waiting for Lille to make their move for Hamza Igamane - but the player IS keen on a move to France. Record Sport understands that the Ligue 1 giants have this week been in touch with the Moroccan hitman's agent to agree terms on a lucrative switch across the Channel. But crucially, Lille chiefs have yet to make contact with their Ibrox counterparts to begin negotiations over the fee. Sources close to the Mastiffs admit a deal is 'nowhere near close', with discussions still at a very early stage. The haggling over a fee is likely to take some time yet with new Gers owners Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises determined to squeeze every penny they can out of the 16-goal frontman. And with Lille's French rivals Marseille waiting in the wings as they also ponder a swoop, the hope at Ibrox is that they can ramp up the bidding well beyond £15million mark. Gers unearthed the 22-year-old last summer when he was spotted playing for boyhood club FAR Rabat by former recruitment chief Nils Koppen. The £1.7million signing took time adjusting to life in Scotland but made a strong impact in his debut campaign - with his Old Firm winner at Celtic Park the stand-out moment. New gaffer Russell Martin is keen to get to work with Igamane and take his game to the next level. But it looks like he may be frustrated on that front with the African ace eager to test himself one of Europe's top five leagues. Rangers won't make it easy for his suitors, however. New vice-chairman Paraag Marathe made clear earlier this week that the club's new owners won't be forced to sell on the cheap. The San Francisco 49ers chief said: 'The resources are in place to allow us to make the best decisions for the club without being forced to make a decision because of club economics or finances. 'We don't want to speak about any specific players but we have the ability to do what we need to do to be successful this season.' It's that stance that has seen the new regime stick firm to their £5million-plus valuation on Cyriel Dessers. AEK Athens remain keen on the Nigeria striker having lodged a £4.5million bid earlier this week. However, with the clubs still some distance away from agreeing a price, sources in the Greek capital say the Yellow-Blacks may decide to walk away if a deal can't be struck by early next week. Rangers remain keen on signing Liverpool kid Owen Beck - but have admitted privately that they will have to remove Ridvan Yilmaz from the wage bill first. Conor Coady is also a target for Martin - who made his first signing of the summer on Wednesday when he tied up a season-long loan move for Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons. Talks with the veteran Leicester centre-back are ongoing as Gers close in on his signing. Coady will likely replace Robin Propper in the Ibrox dressing room. The Dutchman has held off on agreeing a move back to former club FC Twente in order to have talks with his new gaffer.
India.com
26-04-2025
- General
- India.com
8 Most Dangerous Dogs Breed Banned In India
Mastiffs, known for their imposing size and protective instincts, are among the dog breeds banned in India due to concerns about aggression and safety. The Rottweiler, known for its strength, loyalty, and protective nature, is among the dog breeds banned in India due to safety concerns. The Wolf Dog, a hybrid between domestic dogs and wolves, is known for its wild instincts and unpredictable behavior. It is among the breeds banned in India for safety reasons. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is known for its strength, loyalty, and independence. Due to concerns over its powerful nature and potential aggression, this breed is among those banned in India by the Government. The Akbash dog breed, known for its protective instincts and guarding abilities, is among the breeds banned in India due to concerns over safety and aggression. The Moscow Guard Dog is among the 23 dog breeds banned in India. The American Bulldog is banned in India, as part of efforts to regulate aggressive dog breeds and ensure public safety. Pitbulls are banned in India and in 20 states across the USA, following a rise in dog attack cases. The move aims to encourage responsible pet ownership in India. (All Image: pixabay) Read Next Story
