All Dog Breeds >>Bullmastiff
(Bull Mastiff) The Bullmastiff is massively and powerfully built, but he is not cumbersome or awkward. Their backs are short, straight, and level between the withers and loin. Their large heads are broad and wrinkled and feature a comparatively short, square-shaped, dark muzzle that is about 1/3 of the length of their head. Their nose is black with large, open nostrils, and their eyes are medium-sized and dark hazel in color. Bullmastiffs have v-shaped, wide-set ears that are dark in color and pendant-shaped. Their teeth meet in a level or slightly undershot bite, and their tails are tapered and high-set. Bullmastiffs have a short-haired coat that is slightly rough in texture. It comes in a variety of colors including brindle, red, or fawn. Frequently, the coat of this breed will feature black markings on the head.
Character
The Bullmastiff is a loyal, devoted breed of guard dog that is always alert and protective. Although he is fearless and brave, the Bullmastiff is docile unless provoked. This breed will not attack just anyone, but they will catch intruders and knock them onto the ground. They do not bite and they are not aggressive unless directly threatened. Bullmastiffs have a good-natured, loving temperament, and they are tolerant of children. They are even-tempered, intelligent, and they crave human affection. Because of their large size and powerful presence, Bullmastiffs need a firm master. This breed should be trained for safety and should be socialized with other people and dogs from an early age. Bullmastiffs are generally reserved with strangers and they can be aggressive with other dogs. If raised with pets and animals, Bullmastiffs can learn to get along with other pets in the household. This breed tends to drool and snore.
Weight
100 – 133 pounds
General Health
Like many other larger dog breeds, the Bullmastiff is prone to hip dysplasia. Other concerns for this breed include tumors, eyelid problems, boils, and bloat. Bullmastiffs have a life expectancy of less than 10 years, and they average 8 puppies per litter.
History
Developed in England in 1924, the Bullmastiff was obtained by crossing Bulldogs and Mastiffs. The Bullmastiff was initially utilized as a gamekeeper's dog- to track down poachers and tackle them to the ground. Once the need for gamekeeper's dogs decreased, the Bullmastiff was bred with a lighter, more desirable coat color. Initially the Bullmastiff was bred with a dark coat color to camouflage into the night. Today, the Bullmastiff is prized as a hunting guard, a police worker, an army aid, and a watchdog.
Maintenance
The Bullmastiff has a short-haired coat that is easy to groom and care for. This breed's coat should be brushed with a firm bristle brush and shampooed only as necessary. Bullmastiffs shed little to no hair. The feet of this breed should be regularly checked and their nails should be kept trimmed.
Ideal Environment
Bullmastiffs have a tendency to become lazy, so frequent exercise is needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This breed should not be overfed. Bullmastiffs can live happily in a small household or apartment if they are given sufficient exercise. They are comparatively inactive indoors, and a small yard will do. Bullmastiffs cannot tolerate extreme climates.
Exercise should be limited in the first months of a Bullmastiffs life so that no strain is put on the joints and ligaments. Any activities that involve jumping and climbing stairs should be avoided.
Bullmastiff Training
The Bullmastiff is harder to train than most other dog breeds. He learns new commands more slowly than the majority of other breeds. You will need to be extra patient when Training him.