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Breed: Bullmastiff Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

| Published on August 25, 2017

Avg Size of male: Height: 25 – 27 inches, Weight: 110 – 130 pounds
Minor concerns: Entropion
Occasionally seen: PRA
Life span: 8 – 10 years
Avg Size of Female: Height: 24 – 26 inches, Weight: 100 – 120 pounds
Suggested tests: Hip, elbow, (eye)
Major concerns: Gastric torsion, CHD, elbow dysplasia

Brief History on Bullmastiff Origin

The Bullmastiff was said to have been bred to protect larger estates from game poachers – in hopes to make gamekeepers fear for their lives. They were patient, clever and strong. They would wait for a poacher to come within striking distance and it was trained to attack upon command. Rather than mauling the intruder like some other breeds would do, the dog would simply restrain the poacher with strength and fear rather than injury. The crossing of the Bulldog with the Mastiff created a quicker and even larger dog. It is said that the Bullmastiff was commonly referred to as the “gamekeeper’s night dog,” and the darker brindle coat was highly preferred because it made this dog virtually invisible in the middle of the night. Later down the line, as the popularity of this breed began to grow, estate owners used the dog as sentries. In that case, the lighter fawn coated dogs or  those with black masks, were the preferred color. To this day, the ideal Bullmastiff appears to be 60 percent Mastiff, and 40 percent Bulldog.

Bullmastiff Breed Appearance

The Bullmastiff at first impressions clearly displays power, strength and endurance. The shoulders are slightly sloped in shape and very muscular, while the front legs are straight. The hindquarters feature a toned, muscular set of thighs. Their medium feet are rounded with thick pads, and tough, black nails. The large skull of this breed features medium size eyes that are usually dark in color, with an alert and royal expression. The ears are widely set, v-shaped and carried close to the face. The ears are normally left natural and not usually cropped. The muzzle is broad and feature drooping lips and a wide, dark nose. The breed’s tail is usually straight or curved, and it is usually high set. Occasionally owners will prefer the docked tail look as opposed to leaving it natural. The coat of the Bullmastiff is short and dense, providing the dog with adequate protection from the weather. This breed comes in a variety of coat colors including brindle, red, and fawn, often with black markings on the face and head. The gait of this large breed is best described as powerful and smooth.

Bullmastiff Breed Temperament

The Bullmastiff is know to be a gentle, quiet and loving breed. They can without a doubt be a wonderful, devoted family companion as well as an effective protector and guard dog for the home. They are generally very compatible with children, although it is not a super playful or energetic dog. The Bullmastiff can tend to be domineering or show aggression towards strange dogs. Although they are usually good with other canines that have been raised up in the same family, as well as other pets if socialized often at a young age. This breed can be stubborn at times and requires a strong owner This breed is not likely to attack, but if threatened, this dog is fearless and will not back down. It is unforthcoming with strangers, and intruders will find themselves knocked to the ground by this breed in the matter of minutes. This dog rarely barks, and it craves human affection and companionship. It should be trained in obedience from the start to avoid behavioral issues later down the line. The Bullmastiff is very sensitive to the tone of the human voice, and does well to firm training. It does not do well in a kennel. They are known to drool and snore often.

Bullmastiff Breed Maintenance

The coat care of the Bullmastiff is very minimal. Occasionally, a good brushing of the coat with a firm bristle brush is all that is needed. Bathe only when necessary to avoid stripping the skin of natural oils. This breed does not shed much at all. Check this breed’s feet on a regular basis, and keep the nails trimmed from becoming uncomfortably long. This large breed requires daily exercise to prevent obesity or becoming unhealthy. Exercise needs can be met with nice walks on leash, or play in a fenced-in yard. This breed does not do well in humid, hot weather; and it should be considered an indoor dog. Be sure to keep your Bullmastiff comfortable when the temperatures change throughout the year. Since this dog is not particularly active indoors, it will do fine in an apartment dwelling if it gets sufficient daily exercise outdoors. Whether it is walks, to the park or in a small yard- be sure they get some sort of physical exercise. Be sure not to overfeed this breed of dog.

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