Description: The Bullmastiff is the doggy icon of power and purpose. Bullmastiffs show great strength, endurance and alertness. They are a natural guardian of the home! They can be standoffish with strangers, but they are loving toward their owner and friends. Bullmastiffs are very gentle, cheerful and calm. They make a devoted, gentle companion. They are very good with children and willing to please. Although they are large dogs, they are loyal and gentle. They are also known as the "Gamekeepers Night Dog" because they were bred to accompany gamekeepers for the ability to track and overpower poachers. A strong but loving owner is suggested. The Bullmastiff is not for the weak or timid.
Type: Guardian Dog
Height: Females: 24-26 inches; Males: 25-27 Inches
Weight: Females: 90-120 lbs.; Males: 110-130 lbs.
Colors: Shades of brindle, fawn or red. Slight white marking on the chest is permissible, although other white marking are undesirable. They have a black mask most often can be of any shade of brindle, fawn or red.
Temperament: Bullmastiffs are loyal, fearless and will pursue if commanded. They are very loving and docile with friend and family. They are quite, patient and alert. They can be territorial and protective. They are not for the fragile or timid owner. They require a firm but loving command. They can be stubborn, but are not easily angered.
With Children: Yes. They are dependable with Children.
With Pets: If properly socialized the Bullmastiff will get along with other pets. They can be dominant with their own kind. Bullmastiffs should generally only be housed with dogs of the opposite sex.
Special Skills: Guard Dog, Watch Dog, Companion and Family Pet.
Care and Exercise: Minimal brushing of the Bullmastiffs coat is needed. A good rubdown with a rubber brush or massage glove will remove old dead hairs. Coat Care is Minimal. Nails should be kept short. Diet and daily exercise need to be in balance in order to prevent Obesity. Bullmastiffs need moderate exercise. They tend to drool, snore and do not do well in hot weather. They are best indoors in Arizona.
Training: Obedience Training should begin at a young age. A Bullmastiff is sensitive to the tone of your voice. They will do best with fair, stable and constant approaches to discipline and training.
Special Needs: Socialization, training and protection from the heat.
Learning Rate: High, very intelligent breed.
Problem Solving: High
Obedience: Normal
Living Environment: An owner of a Bullmastiff must be strong, easy going and confident as a pack leader! They must be loving yet firm. They may be too large for an apartment life, but they adapt well to different living situations. The best owner for a Bullmastiff would be a family living in a home with a yard and a fence. Again, Bullmastiffs do not do well in the heat. When indoors this breed can relax with the family; however, enjoys the outdoors and running!
Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, cancer, tumors, and gastric torsion or bloat (twisted stomach). Bloat is a health issue to most dogs being the second largest killer of dogs other than cancer. To avoid bloat, feed on an elevated or raised bowl. Soak dry dog food overnight, prepare and feed daily these soft swelled bits of food. Bullmastiffs are more susceptible to bloat due to their deep chests.
Life Span: 8-12 Years, not usually more than 10
Litter Size: 5-8 Puppies
Country of Origin: Great Britain
Brief History: Developed in the late 19th Century. Created by crossing the Mastiff with the Bulldog. For speed and agility to assist with poachers. The Bullmastiff was trained to wait silently in he dark until the command was given to attack. The Bullmastiff would easily take down poachers and hold them until their owners arrived. Around the 20th Century, poaching was not as much of a problem. However, staged hunts were planned to keep the dog in practice. A volunteer would head to the woods and a few minutes later the Bullmastiff was released to track them down. The Bullmastiff would be found holding down the volunteer until his master would arrive. In the same instance as the poacher. They would not attack but hold down the perpetrator. According to most records the Bullmastiff conquered this competition. In 1924 Bullmastiffs were standardized and originally recognized in England, followed by the American Kennel Club in 1933.
First Registered by the AKC 1934
AKC Group: Working
|
|