Breed Name
Quick Facts
Description
Height
Weight
Lifespan
Ideal Owners
Overview
Background
Breed Personality, Characteristics, and Temperment
Compatibility With Other Pets
Care Requirements
Conclusion
Bullmastiff
These big dogs normally live to eight years of age, but fed correctly and given the love and respect they deserve Bullmastiffs will usually live up to 10 years.
The Bullmastiff is not the breed for everyone. Due to its intelligence, independence of mind, size, and strength to back up its wishes, the Bullmastiff should not be owned by those who are not willing, or are afraid, to enforce rules of proper behaviour.
Bullmastiffs were bred to catch, pin and hold down poachers in the forests of England. The gamekeepers needed an agile, strong and obedient dog, so they crossed the English Mastiff and the British Bulldog. These dogs were more aggressive than is considered either necessary or acceptable in today's Bullmastiff.
Bullmastiffs have a more independent mindset than many of the other guarding breeds. This extremely impressive animal can be very gentle or a total clown. They can also curl up napping or viewing television with children. Each Bullmastiff has a personality of its own. The true Bullmastiff character should exhibit dignity, alertness, intelligence, stability and loyalty. They should be neither too assertive nor too passive.
The Bullmastiff's favourite spot in the house or yard is the one that will afford the best overall view of its territory. It may appear to be at ease, while still being extremely aware of the slightest changes that occur. The Bullmastiff has an innate talent for distinguishing who belongs on the property and who is an intruder.
Obedience training is a must for such a large and powerful dog, in order for it to happily co-exist in the average household. The prime factor in training a Bullmastiff is consistency.
As a general rule, mature Bullmastiff males do not get along well with other males. Occasionally females will not tolerate other females. Although there are always exceptions, it is less likely that two dogs of the same sex will get along, especially after sexual maturity - so if you are planning to purchase two Bullmastiffs, it is recommended that you get one of each sex.
The coat requires minimal work to keep it in good condition. It is a waterproof jacket that for the most part manages to look impressive, even with very little attention. Brushing several times a week will take care of any loose hairs, while regular use of a rubber hound glove will apply pressure all over the body to stimulate the flow of oil and massage the skin to a healthy condition. Exercise is necessary and important, however, Bullmastiffs need only a limited amount of exercise to keep fit and healthy. Never over exercise a Bullmastiff, especially in its formative first year.
Please take note:
Generally Bullmastiffs are not jumpers, however, they can, with provocation, jump high fences - so 1.5-metre high fences are the absolute minimum. All Bullmastiffs need to have a suitable kennel for when the need arises. Certain health conditions, such as Entropian and Hip Dysplasia, can occur in Bullmastiffs, as with some other breeds. Contact breed experts or vets for additional information.
If you have decided that the Bullmastiff is the dog for you and you are prepared to provide good fencing to protect this dog, then contact one of the groups listed below:
Disclaimer
We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care
and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise
suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them.
We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a
substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.
