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Bullmastiff Dog Breed
The Bullmastiff is a powerful dog, said to be a cross between the Mastiff and the Bulldog. Originally bred to find and immobilize 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 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 Centurion Bullmastiffs & French Bulldogs
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 Breed
I have an 8 month old Bullmastiff as my Service Dog. It's kind of amuzing to see how differantly people react to him. Most of them think he's full grown. When I tell them that he's a pup they freak out. He's my baby. He's so loveable and laid back. His protective instinct hasn't kicked in yet. Diesel is 8 months old, 100 lbs, and stands 24" at his shoulders (whithers). He has a lot of growning to do because his paws are huge. He's finished his Obedience Classes and is getting ready to take his Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test. After he passes the CGC then he qualifies to take the Therapy Dog International (TDI) Test. Then he will be a certified Therapy dog and we can go to Nursing Home, Hospitals, etc. to visit the ill.
On June 15th I will be picking up my 2nd Bullmastiff puppy. She will be my show dog. It's going to be a lot of work but I look forward to it. I have been retired from Government Service as a Federal Investigator for 2 years now. It's time to concentrate on what is GOOD in like instead of all BAD in life.
If you are thinking about buying a Bullmastiff, make sure that you have enough room for it in the house. Separating any pet from you is cruel. If you plan to just tie it out in the elements don't get one. Bullmastiffs are very sensitive to overheating and temperatures that are cold. They are wonderful pets, however, with them comes a great responsibility just as it does with any animal of great size and ability to harm others if not trained right.
Posted by Guest_4145 on Tuesday, May 19, 2009
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 Guest_3542 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 Guest_2392 on Thursday, October 19, 2006
Bullmastiff Diseases
How can I tell if my Bulllmastiff has hip dysplasia?
Posted by Guest_2 on Wednesday, August 16, 2006
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