| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
In this article you will find everything you need to know about the Bullmastiff: Its temperament, tips to keep it healthy, the price of a puppy and the breeding establishment where to find it.
The Bullmastiff had a rather turbulent origin in England. In the 19th century, the aim was to create a breed that would be strong and fast enough to help the guardians fight against crimes by poachers in the woods of the large English residences.
It was a dangerous situation, as poachers did not hesitate to jeopardize guards’ lives if they were caught red-handed in the act. In order to face ill-intentioned people, it was necessary not only a large dog, but also an agile and loyal one.
In addition to these characteristics, the dog must have a dark coat so that it would not be seen at night. Some of the breeds that were crossed to achieve the Bullmastiff were: the Great Dane, the Saint Bernard, the Newfoundland, the Lucher, the Irish Greyhound, and other dog breeds. However, the breeds that led to the final result were the Mastiff and the Bulldog of that time, which we must take into account that they did not have the temperament of nowadays.
Bullmastiff: Origins
The Bullmastiff was born to be feared. Also called “Bandog”, this molosser guard dog was always chained because of the potential hazard it represented. In later years, this breed was perfected when it was crossed with the St. Hubert’s Dog.
As mentioned above, this dog breed originated from the mating between the English mastiff and the old English bulldog, which looked more like the Boxer. The Bullmastiff is a powerful and harmonious dog. It is a docile molosser which was specially selected to help the guardians who protected the English manors from poachers.
Bullmastiff: Physical Characteristics
The Bullmastiff can be found in the following varieties of colors:
- Brindle,
- Fawn,
- Red.
The coat color must be pure and clear. Few white spots on its chest are allowed by the standard. Bullmastiffs have a black mask that makes them unique. This mask blends harmoniously with the black markings around the eyes, which gives them a friendly expression.
The Bullmastiff is the result of several crossbreeding. But it was not before 1924 that it achieved its identity as a breed. It has a well-proportioned body, and it may weigh up to 132 lb (60 kg). The Bullmastiff is tall: it may stand at 27 inches (68 cm) tall at the shoulder. These measures make it a strong, agile and not too heavy dog.
Bullmastiffs are strong, very affectionate and peaceful dogs that do not bark for no reason. They know how to be excellent watchdogs.
Bullmastiff: Temperament
The Bullmastiff is strong, giant and docile. Although at first sight it may seem impressive, it is a very quiet dog, even shy during the first year of age. Well-balanced and confident, the Bullmastiff is patient with children and friendly with adults.
It must be trained from puppyhood so as to be a safe and stable dog with the ability to transmit tranquility to those around it. It feels comfortable in open spaces where it can run and take walks with its owner.
But don’t think that because it is friendly it won’t defend what it loves. The Bullmastiff is aware of its strength and it will use it without thinking twice. This breed needs solid training and an owner who knows how to be a firm and loving leader. In addition, the owner must have plenty of time to spend with its pet, because if the Bullmastiff is left alone for too long, it may become lazy, weak and sad.
Bullmastiff: Grooming
The bullmastiff’s lifestyle is conditioned to its physical and natural characteristics. It would love to live outdoors. That is why it does not adapt well to apartment life, unless the owner takes it out for a walk at least three times a day.
It is not a breed that can stand to be alone for long periods of time. It needs love and attention most of the day. As for its appetite, the Bullmastiff can be classified as a greedy breed. Its diet should accompany its rapid growth stage.
It is important that you follow your veterinarian’s instructions so that your dog’s food has the right amount of energy, proteins, vitamins and minerals. You should feed your Bullmastiff with 2,4 lb (1,1 kg) of the best dry dog food during the growing stage. After that, you should only provide it with a little less than 2 lb (1 kg).
The Bullmastiff is an excellent pet dog for home, and in all environments where it can show its willingness to socialize with people, including children. As we said before, it is not an apartment dog. Thanks to its past, today it is an outstanding guard dog and defender of its territory, although you may find it hard to believe because of its shyness during the first year.
If you choose this breed as your guard dog, it is essential that it goes for walks several times a day to continuously develop its sense of smell and hearing. These are senses that can lose their sharpness if the dog is left too long in small spaces.
Bullmastiff: Health and Diseases
The Bullmastiff is generally in good health but, like all large molossers, it does not have a long life expectancy. The lifespan of this breed is 8-9 years, but if it leads a healthy life it can easily live up 10-12 years of age. The main health problems to which this breed is prone are dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, obesity and tumor diseases, especially lymphoma.
About one in four Bullmastiff dogs is prone to hip dysplasia problems.
Although the Bullmastiff does not need any special care, it is necessary to brush it regularly to remove dead hairs from its coat.
Like all short muzzled dogs, the Bullmastiff suffers from high temperatures. It can suffer serious respiratory problems if left in the car, or even a few minutes in the sun.
The best thing you can do is to look for your Bullmastiff puppy in the best breeding establishment. In this way you will be sure that there was a correct selection where the genetic diseases and the growth of the puppy were taken care of in all possible aspects.
Bullmastiff: Relationship with Its Owner
It is a breed that needs affection and human contact. So “abandoning it” for hours is the worst decision its owner can make.
It is an affectionate dog that loves to play and interact. The ideal owner should never leave it out of his daily activities and should devote as much attention to it as possible.
If the Bullmastiff lives in a house that does not have a backyard, the owner should walk it several times a day and the walks should last at least thirty minutes each. Daily exercise is absolutely necessary to keep your dog healthy and full of energy.
Bullmastiff: Relationship with Children
The Bullmastiff is the perfect companion for children at home. It loves playing with them for hours and it will defend them against any danger. Bullmastiffs create a magical bond with the youngest members of the family. This bond is evident when they “complain” when children are being scolded.
Being a dog that loves the outdoors, it is also ideal for playing with children out in nature. The Bullmastiff is a large-size breed; therefore, it is important to supervise it when it plays with children as it may unintentionally hurt them. It is a breed that always tries to move as gently as possible.
Bullmastiff: Relationship with Other Dogs
Bullmastiffs are friendly with other dogs as long as they are not of the same breed and gender. This is a common characteristic of molossers. Male Bullmastiffs are particularly friendly with females of other breeds.
If the dog is used to socializing from puppyhood, his strong character will not be a problem. However, if it encounters an aggressive dog, it will not hesitate to attack.
Many advise having two Bullmastiffs, one of each gender, because apart from keeping each other company, they act together against intruders.
Bullmastiff: Breeders, Price, and Puppies For Sale
As for Bullmastiff breeding, there are specialized and registered breeders in the United States, England, Canada and Australia. You may find your puppy in India, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, and South Africa.
A certified breeding establishment guarantees that the Bullmastiff puppies are healthy.
The price of a Bullmastiff puppy from a certified breeding establishment is around 1100 dollars, about 1000 English pounds. It is essential that you buy a dog from a reliable breeder so that you can be sure that your puppy has been:
- Bred for good health and temperament;
- Well-selected (this means that its parents were chosen without genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too fearful or too aggressive;
- Vaccinated and well-groomed.
Now that we have clarified all the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Sussex Spaniel
- Japanese Spitz
- Alabai
- Dalmatian
- Caucasian Shepherd
- English Mastiff
- Scottish Deerhound
- Vizsla
- Weimaraner
- Kai Ken
