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The Bullmastiff is an impressive dog that carries itself with poise and stature. A cross between a Bulldog and Mastiffs, Bullmastiffs were originally bred as a gamekeepers' dog, and today are still prized service dogs that help the community through police work and a prized hunting dog. The breed was originally trained to track down poachers, but was trained to intimidate, rather than attack.
Early Bullmastiffs were bred for utility and work rather than their looks. They did their work at night and their dark coat color was bred for this work; they were nicknamed the "Gamekeeper’s Night-Dog." As poaching began to disappear, the Bullmastiff was more in demand as a guard dog and the lighter brown color became popular. Looks became important for breeders, and they focused on creating a beautiful dog that was established as a pure breed in 1924 by the English Kennel Club.
The original Bullmastiffs were fierce and threatening, but were trained not to bite the intruders. The modern day breed also has a very gentle, fiercely protective streak. Because of this breeding, the Bullmastiff is both a masterful watchdog and a friendly family companion.
The Beauty of the Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff carries itself with a strong, dignified poise. They come in dark and ruddy shades of brown. It has a short, straight back and short, high-carried, tapered tail. With a powerful, muscular build, and hazel eyes with a face full of is very expression, the dog has a tough yet playful look to it. Its face has a wrinkled, serious look, framed by v-shaped, dark ears. It has a short muzzle topped with a large-nostril, dark black nose. The Bullmastiff’s teeth are large and intimidating, with a slight curve that looks like an under bite.
Bullmastiffs are very large dogs that weigh an average of 130 pounds at full maturity.
How do you know id the Bullmastiff is right for you? Take a look at the Bullmastiff and decide if YOU are the right owner for this wonderful breed.
The Character of Bullmastiffs
The Bullmastiff is a good-natured, loyal companion with a stubborn streak. They also make great watchdogs and guard dogs; with their protective nature, they will run down and hold a person they consider a threat when provoked.
Highly trainable, the Bullmastiff is sensitive to your mood and the tone of your voice. They should be trained early so they don't act dominant. The Bullmastiff should be trained on reinforced on a regular basis, the ideal age is about 4 months while you’re still bigger and stronger than them. Good obedience training is not only essential for your dog, but for you as an owner, teaching you skills on controlling, rewarding, and disciplining your dog.
Puppy Bullmastiffs may seem uncoordinated; don’t worry, they gain coordination and a develop a strong, poised walk as they grow. They are also very sensitive to the tone of your voice and will act accordingly; they know when they are being scolded or praised.
The Bullmastiff’s Companions
Bullmastiffs crave attention and get along well with other pets if they are raised with them and socialized early in life. Bullmastiffs tolerate being left alone well, and may fit quite well into a family where both everyone is out of the house during the day. Of course, as a puppy, they will require someone coming home during the afternoon.
If not handled well, and trained early in life, they may act aggressive with strangers and strange dogs. They also get along well with children, but their size can be a problem for toddlers.
Bullmastiffs, once attached to you and your family, become some of the most dedicated, best friend you can have in a dog. They protect you fiercely with their life.
The Bullmastiff’s Ideal Environment
Bullmastiffs do best with a medium sized yard and plenty of play time. Bullmastiffs do best when they live in the same quarters as their family. Usually, this means in the house; not outside in a kennel, never on the end of a chain, and never to run free in the neighborhood. Fenced yards are a great benefit to the Bullmastiff, but the fend needs to be at least 6 feet tall.
You can RAISE A Bullmastiff in an apartment, but their size may be a bit much too handle in a cramped space. In any case, they need plenty of room to roam and need an owner who is prepared to give them dedicated play and exercise time.
Although an avid watchdog, the Bullmastiff dog can be slightly lazy, so as an owner, you'll need to initiate play and exercise on a regular basis. Because of their overbearing size, they need to be trained early in life to not pull on a leash; if they're not, there is a good chance that as they get larger, they will be able to run away from your grasp while on a walk.
Grooming the Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs don't shed a lot, but they do require regular grooming. Their short hair can be cleaned easily with a bristle brush and they should only be bathed when it's needed; after a romp in the mud or swimming.
Because they are large, heavy dogs, their feet need to be checked on a regular basis and their nails should be trimmed regularly.
The Bullmastiff’s Health
Bullmastiffs live an average of 8-10 years, which is average among longer dog breeds.
Unfortunately, they do inherit a tendency for painful lip boils and eyelid problem, but they are generally a healthy breed. As with many large dogs, they also develop tumors easily and should make regular trips to the vet to make sure that they aren't cancerous.
They gain weight easily and should be fed several small meals a day as well as regularly exercised.
Bullmastiffs tend to have a high tolerance for pain, and will not “complain” about discomfort until the condition is bad. For this reason, regular trips and check-ups with the vet should not be skipped. Although not a health problem, you should also be aware of their tendency to snore loudly and drool profusely, which can be cute to some people and annoying to others!
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