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| Bullmastiff |
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The Bullmastiff has evolved in the nearly 200 years of his existence, from the companion of gamekeepers charged with protecting the hunting land of the upper class to a beloved companion now, the breed may be a bit mellower but it is still playful, devoted, powerful and reliable with remarkable stamina and tenacity given its size. While its exercise requirements are not profound, the breed is large enough and active enough to require space for movement. A dog of this build will require a significant amount of room just to get to "full speed". Nevertheless, the Bullmastiff readily and deservedly finds a delighted contingent of supporters who recognize the treasure in having such a friend. |
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| General Information |
| Group(s):
Working |
Height: 24-27 inches |
| Weight: 90-130 pounds |
Longevity: Rarely more than 10 years |
| Colors: Brindle, Fawn or Red often with black masking, minimal white acceptable and |
Coat type: Short, hard and weather resistant. Lies flat to the body. |
| Recognized Registries: FCI, CKC, AKC, UKC, NCA, TKC and others |
| Overall Appearance: Substantial and powerful dog but not cumbersome. Head and expression clearly indicate Mastiff and Bulldog characteristics of their ancestry. |
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| Personaility - Behavior - Training |
| Energy Level: moderate to high |
| General Nature: |
Actice, devoted, strong, playful |
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with Children: Generally very good with children if properly introduced and children are well mannered |
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with other pets: Generally good |
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with dogs: Variable |
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| Socialization requirements: moderate: while the idea of an aggressive or shy Bullmastiff is scary (and possible) the breed tends toward an easy going nature, a reasonable amount of socializing while young often insures a happy, friendly adult |
| Ideal home characteristics: One that recognizes that without GOOD (not just an attempt) basic manners training that this dog will be powerful AND out of control. Otherwise, accepting of the potential health problems and short lifespan and the demands placed on the home by a Giant. |
| Temperament Notes: Extremely loyal and devoted, not particularly suspicious of strangers but woe unto the stranger they do have concern about, with family very loving, playful and docile. |
| Training requirement: moderate: the difficulties created by early mistakes are hard to measure with a dog like a Bullmastiff is only because they are so hard to fix later. So commit to heavy socialization (be on the safe side) and solid basic manners training. |
| Trainer notes: The Bullmastiff is the rare appearance in many dogsport arenas. While definitely an athlete, he/she lacks the agility, speed and precision that makes other breeds so appealing for the competitor. However, there is something beyond compare in the love that a Bullmastiff doles out when attempting the wishes of his human training partner. For the trainer that has positive and happy methods, eye contact is rarely an issue since the Bullmastiff will immediately seek that satisfying reward of praise, a smile or contact for his efforts. For the trainer that utilizes other methods, they will quickly hit the steel enforced, brick wall with a solid concrete foundation that is otherwise known as the Bullmastiff stubborness. This tenacity is a characteristic that the breed required for their work and is still there today (though often not as valued). This is a breed that enjoys a strong intuitive relationship with its people so training is not difficult given the proper methods. With that said, it is surprising then that more Bullmastiff owners do not seek the fun of the performance ring, even if they don't expect the highest score. |
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| Background Information |
| Year range of first recognition: 1800s |
| Country of Origin: England |
| Original Function: Protect the upper class' lands from poachers |
| History: The Mastiff was too easy going and slow, and the Bulldog too ferocious for capturing and holding a poacher until the gameskeeper arrived. A strong, powerful dog was needed since the poachers faced death for their crimes and would try anything to escape. |
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| Adoption Information |
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| Deviations from Standard: |
| Health Notes: bloat, hip dysplasia,hypothyroidism, kidney disease, panosteitis,SAS, glomeruloephropathy |
| Health Testing: OFA, CERF, Thyroid Panel, medical history |
| Questions to ask Breeder:
http://www.digitaldog.com/breeder_questions.html - The Breeder Questions as listed here provided with explanations and answers you will want to be looking for!
How long have you had Bullmastiffs?
Why do you have Bullmastiffs (show, pet therapy, etc.)?
What do you consider to be the most important single characteristic of a Bullmastiff?
What health issues have you seen in the breed?
What criteria do you set for your breeding stock?
Do you plan to keep a puppy from this litter?
How often do you have puppies?
Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
At what age do you sent your pups to their homes?
How would you describe the ideal Bullmastiff?
How would you describe the ideal Bullmastiff home?
Are your puppies whelped in your home?
What advice would you offer someone in raising and training a Bullmastiff?
How do you assist or help Bullmastiffs in need of rescue? |
| Web Sites: http://www.bullmastiffrescue.com/ - Bullmastiff Rescue
http://rescue.bullmastiffinfo.org/ - Bullmastiff Rescue Resource - A GREAT place to start your search for a Bullmastiff!
http://clubs.akc.org/aba/ - American Bullmastiff Association, just click RESCUE in the top bar
http://www.geocities.com/bullmastiffrescue/ - Bullmastiff Rescue Canada
http://adopt-a-mastiff.1-800-save-a-pet.com/ - Bullmastiff Rescue Information
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| Other Resources |
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