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Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a powerful dog, said to be a cross between the Mastiff and the Bulldog. Originally bred to find and immobilise poachers, the breed has proved its value as a family pet. The Bullmastiff is an excellent choice for a guard dog; however, a stubborn streak makes the animal resistant to obedience training and overly protective of its human family.
The breed takes its name from its two ancestors, the Bulldog and the Mastiff. It is sometimes referred to as the English Bullmastiff.  Its primary use, historically, was as a property guard employed by gamekeepers to protect great estates from poachers. The Bullmastiff was originally known as the Gamekeeper's Night Dog.
The Bullmastiff is a powerful family protector. Originally bred in England as a guard dog to discourage poaching (illelegal hunting) on estates, today the Bullmastiff is primarily a beloved family companion and protector.
It is not easily alarmed, but if it feels threatened, the Bullmastiff is fearless.
The Bullmastiff craves human attention and should be kept indoors. Keep a towel handy because the Bullmastiff is quite a drooler. They're kinda stubborn and need early socialization and obedience training with a firm loving hand.
Photos courtesy of The Woodbull Farm
Bullmastiff Breed Outline
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Country of Origin: | Great Britain |
| FCI Classification: |
Group 2 - Pinscher and Schnauzer-Molossoid breeds - Swiss Mountain- and Cattle Dogs and other breeds. Section 2.1 - Molossoid breeds, Mastiff type. |
| Utilization: | Watchdog |
| AKC Classification: |
Working Group |
| Personality: | Stubborn, alert and very suspicious of strangers, yet has a calm and dependable disposition. Loyal and fearless. Craves human attention. |
| Size: | Large |
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Height: | 24-27 inches at shoulders |
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Colors: |
Any shade of brindle, fawn or red; color to be pure and clear. A slight white marking on chest permissible. Other white markings undesirable. Black muzzle is essential. |
| Average Litter Size: | 8 |
| Life Span: | 8-10 years |
| Grooming Requirements: |
Brush weekly. |
| Shedding: | Little |
| Social skills: |
Early socialization is required. Should get along with other household pets. |
| Suitability for Children: | The Bullmastiff tolerates children rather well. |
| Exercise Needs: | Until 12 months old, limit exercise. Too much at an early age may cause bone and joint problems later in life. After 12 months on light exercise is necessary. |
| Train Ability: | Begin obedience training early. Consistency and patience required. The Bullmastiff responds well to sensitive, firm owner. |
| Health Issues: | Diseases that may be inherited in Bullmastiff breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, retinal atrophy (blindness), entropion (eye defect), cystine urolithiasis (urinary tract stones), cerebellar abiotrophy (poor movement coordination), cervical vertebral instability (spine cord defects), and neuroaxonal dystrophy (poor balance). |
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Negative Characteristics: | Due to its strength, stubborn and over protective nature, the Bullmastiff is not recommended for inexperienced owners. Some may be heavy droolers. |
COMMENTS
Bullmastiff temperament
The temperament of Bullmastiff is the most appealing part of the total picture. He is a steady, stable animal, completely lacking in excitability. his intelligence, plus its readiness to use it, is sure selling him as the ideal pet. He adores children and will tolerate an incredible amount of abuse from them. He is completely dependable, but the unfortunate midnight prowler has much to worry about.
A bullmstiff wil seldom bark, and never will he do so without a reason. When he does give voice, it's a good idea to investigate the cause. The bark is unique in that a different one is given for various causes.
Some understanding of the foundation of this fine breed will aid the owner in realization of the temperament he may expect. The cross of Bulldog and Mastiff produced dogs that were holy terrors. Subsequent generations produced by knowledgeable breeders weeded out much of this tendency, though one still notices little tolerances of strange dogs, particularly on the part of mature dogs and bitches. However, the fact remains that a Bullmastiff may be raised satisfactorily with several other pets. Any dog that has made his name as a guard dog cannot be expected to take to strange canines on sight.
Posted by blues4life on Monday, June 09, 2008
Hip dysplasia and arthritis...any info would be great
Our bully Bentley is 2 1/2 years old. Recently he has issues after playing which leaves him very sore for hours. We took him to the vet and after xrays discovered that he has hip dysplasia and arthritis in his hind leg knee joints. I was aware of this possibility, but didn't expect it at such an early age! Any recommendations would be VERY well received. Hip replacement seems cruel at this early age and right now he's on anti-inflammatories twice a day. Help and thanks!
trudi
Posted by trudisvenson on Thursday, October 19, 2006
Bullmastiff Diseases
How can I tell if my Bulllmastiff has hip dysplasia?
Posted by mgj545 on Wednesday, August 16, 2006
I got my Bullmastiff from a friend who had to move
"...I got my Bullmastiff from a friend who had to move. He was only eight months old but weighed almost 100 pounds; he was the biggest dog I'd ever seen. We became instant friends. He was and is by far the most gentle, bullheaded, loving, sensitive being I've ever encountered. He now is four years old and just as much fun as ever. My children (twelve and fourteen now) love this dog. He has never so much as nipped or growled at any of us..."
Posted by spunkypup on Monday, July 24, 2006
Bullmastiffs: We have a 7 month old baby, a 5 year old, a 7 year old and a 10 month old Bull mastiff. He has always been good with all three girls. He's large but VERY gentle. He lets the baby pull on his jowls and she even lays between his paws and he lays very still as if he knows he is much bigger than her
"...We have a 7 month old baby, a 5 year old, a 7 year old and a 10 month old Bull mastiff. He has always been good with all three girls. He's large but VERY gentle. He lets the baby pull on his jowls and she even lays between his paws and he lays very still as if he knows he is much bigger than her. For us there is no other breed that compares... "
Posted by ringostarr on Sunday, July 16, 2006
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