Bullmastiff Breed Description

An Owner's Bullmastiff Description
Take a look at Blackie - what do you see? He's big, strong and an excellent watchdog. He's not aggressive but will not back down from and confrontation that threatens our home or family.

In spite of his powerful body and intimidating stare, he's an extremely calm and patient dog, especially with the kids. As is the case with most breeds, he won't tolerate mistreatment, but Blackie seems to understand the difference between abuse and rough-play. If the playing gets out of hand, Blackie just gets up and walks away. He has proved that he can use restraint even when tested.

Blackie does have a tendency to become lazy if not motivated and active, so keeping a regular routine of exercise is vital so that he doesn't become overweight. Sometimes the exercise is in the form of walks and other times it's from playing a game of fetch. After he gets out and starts playing, there are never any signs of laziness. Because of his size, it would probably be impossible to handle him on a leash without early obedience training. That proved to be money well spent, and the beneficial results are clearly evident in his obedient nature and tractability now that he has grown into a mature dog. Even a child can walk him, and the leash never even grows taut.

Above all , Blackie is a loyal companion and family dog that we truly enjoy. He loves to come with us just about everywhere we go and we take him whenever we can; the back of our minivan is his and his alone. Leaving him alone inside the house was not a wise choice, we learned. It's not that he was especially destructive; it's just that his large frame didn't navigate very well around the ceramic dolls and picture frames. He definitely needs his space. Glad we don't live in an apartment. And I didn't like those knick knacks anyway.

 

Introduction

Originally bred to guard game against poachers this strong and reliably tempered dog is loved by owners the world over. The Mastiff and the Bulldog are the breeds behind this dog’s lineage which began around 1860. They are good with children and other animals when introduced correctly. It is an intelligent breed that responds well to reward based training and enjoys working with and interacting with its human family. If you will be able to devote exercise, attention, and mental stimulation to a dog then you will be very happy to have a Bullmastiff in your family. They average a weight of 90 to 130 lbs and have a height of 24-27 inches at the withers. While large dogs, they can adapt well to smaller homes and large apartments when exercise is regular and of the needed amount for such an active breed. The hard, short coat is easy to care for and comes in the colors of red, fawn or brindle.

History

Breeders began cross-breeding to create the Bullmastiff in England dating back to 1795. The Bullmastiff began being judged in 1924 and three breeding generations were required for the dog to be registered as a pure breed. Although the dogs were threatening and fierce, they underwent training to ensure they did not go as far as biting intruders. When the gamekeeper dogs were no longer required, the light fawn colored Bullmastiffs gained popularity over the dark Bullmastiff dogs that were excellent for night camouflaging. Today, the Bullmastiff is a dependable family guardian and companion.

General description

Bullmastiffs are powerfully built, though not cumbersome and have a wide wrinkled head with a dark, square, fairy short muzzle, which is roughly a third of the entire head’s length. This breed of dogs has a black nose, large nostrils, and medium-sized, dark hazel eyes giving the dog an intelligent, alert expression. Its wide-set, v-shaped ears are dark colored and pendant while its teeth meet in an undershot level. The squat back of a Bullmastiff is level and straight between the loin and the withers while its tapering tail is highly set reaching the hocks. The slightly rough, short coat comes in bridle, red and fawn colors while its head may often contain black markings.

Temperament

The Bullmastiffs are alert and devoted guard dogs and are commonly docile unless they are provoked. Despite being affectionate, Bullmastiffs are protective and fearless and although they do not have an inclination of attacking, they normally catch intruders, knock them down and proceed to hold them. The dog gets along with children and displays calmness, loyalty, and intelligence. These dogs have a craving for human leadership and in regard to their extreme power, their master should be firm and confident while ensuring the set rules are followed consistently. Bullmastiffs should be extensively socialized with both dogs and people while still young and should be taught to refrain from pulling on leashes. Passive and meek owners might not be able to control this breed of dog as it might appear reserved with unfamiliar persons, aggressive with fellow dogs, and headstrong if time is not taken to socialize the dog.

Health and Care

Bullmastiffs are susceptible to cancer, eyelid problems, tumors, and hip dysplasia. They are similarly vulnerable to boils on their lips. Due to their tendency to bloat, it is recommendable for Bullmastiffs to be fed twice or three times a day by giving the dog smaller meal portions rather than giving a single large meal. These dogs have the potential of being lazy if moderate and regular exercises are not provided. While indoors, they are relatively inactive and a small yard may be ideal for them in addition to long daily walks. The Bullmastiff is similarly incapable of tolerating extreme temperatures. The Bullmastiff’s slightly rough short-haired coat is simple to groom. Shampoo and a firm bristled brush should be used when necessary as the dog does not shed much. The feet tend to carry plenty of weight therefore; they should be checked and cleaned regularly. The nails should be trimmed as well.
The Bullmastiff's slightly rough short-haired coat is simple to groom. Shampoo and a firm bristled brush should be used when necessary as the dog does not shed much. The feet tend to carry plenty of weight therefore; they should be checked and cleaned regularly. The nails should be trimmed as well.

Other Important Information

Female Bullmastiffs are capable of giving birth to litters of 4 to 13 puppies with a common average of 8 puppies. In respect to the recommended weight of Bullmastiffs, the dog should not be overfed and allowed to become overweight as they are likely to become overly cumbersome, and incapable of being agile enough to carry out their duties. Although Bullmastiffs usually tolerate children, clumsy puppies have a tendency to knock down toddlers. Young children should never be left unsupervised in the presence of a Bullmastiff dog or puppy.

Colors

Fawn or Brindle or Red, each with Black markings on the head.

Living Area

The Bullmastiff doesn't need a lot of space to be happy, so an apartment can be an ideal living space, so long as it is able to get sufficient exercise time. This is a breed that won't really move around too much when it's indoors, but will enjoy a small yard if you have one. It's good to note that they aren't tolerant of extreme weather conditions or temperatures.You will also not want to have a separate pen or kennel for this particular breed. They will want to be close to the family they are protecting and loyal to. If this breed can be in the house and at least near to you, that's going to keep its mind at ease.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

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