Bullmastiff

Country of origin: Great Britain
Registries: AKC, UKC, CKC
Occupation: Guardian, companion
Size: 24 to 27 in tall; 100 to
130 lbs
Longevity: 8 to 10 years
Exercise: Easy
Training: Moderate; can be
stubborn
Grooming: Easy

This unique British breed was produced by crossing the English Mastiff with old-fashioned Bulldogs. A powerful gamekeeper’s assistant, its speed and strength enabled it to chase and subdue poachers without causing them lasting injury. While it is roughly the same size as the Rottweiler, its relative lack of popularity can be attributed to its boisterous stubbornness. Head halters work well to control the rather headstrong behaviour of males in particular. This is a breed suitable for experienced dog handlers only.

HISTORY

The Bullmastiff is a relatively modern breed, developed in the mid 19th century, probably somewhere around 1860, by English gamekeepers. They needed a large, quiet, fearless dog with adequate speed to track down poachers and proper strength to hold them.
Gamekeepers probably experimented with a number of breeds in an attempt to create the perfect dog for their needs, but the one that paid off was the 60% English Mastiff and 40% English Bulldog cross. The Mastiff was large but not aggressive enough, while the Bulldog, brave and tenacious, lacked the size needed to knock down and hold a man.
The popular cross became known as the Gamekeeper’s Night-Dog and worked and lived alongside the gamekeeper and his family. The dogs were bred for utility and temperament with little thought put into looks, the exception being a preference for a dark brindle coat, which provided camouflage at night.
As poaching eventually declined, the Bullmastiff took on a new role as a guard dog.
Today, however, the Bullmastiff is more likely to be an easygoing, loyal and loving family pet than a poacher’s worst enemy. “The gamekeeper’s night dog” can now be found lounging in family homes and competing in show rings.

Breed name synonyms: Gamekeeper’s Night Dog

HISTORY

The Bullmastiff was originally developed in England somewhere around the 1860’s, by gamekeepers. They needed a large, quiet and fearless dog which would possess the adequate speed and ability to track down poachers and the proper strength to hold them. As the name itself suggests, the Bullmastiff is a result of a cross between the courageous English Mastiff and the tenacious English Bulldog. While the Mastiff was large but not aggressive enough, the Bulldog was brave but lacked the size needed to overpower a man. The 60% English Mastiff and 40% English Bulldog combination proved to be just perfect.
While breeding these dogs little thought was put into their looks, with the exception of a dark brindle coat preference, which provided better camouflage at night. As the poaching declined, the Bullmastiff took a new role as guarding dog.
Unlike the former image of the ‘’poacher’s worst enemy’’, today the Bullmastiff is a loving companion capable of boundless love and devotion.

PERSONALITY

The Bullmastiff is a dual type of dog. At the same time he is confident and fearless, but yet obedient to his people wishes. He is an independent thinker, but yet he wants to please his owner. The ideal Bullmastiff can be described as smart, self-assured, quiet, gentle, courageous, overprotective, loyal and reliable.

The Bullmastiff’s laid-back attitude changes drastically when a stranger enters the picture. He is quite suspicious of people outside the family. He will not think twice if needed to show his overprotective side.

Bullmastiffs show great tolerance towards children and are capable of learning to get along with other dogs or household pets if raised together.

TRAITS

Bullmastiffs expression can be described as a powerful combination of strength and endurance. According to the standard, this alert dog is square-proportioned which means he is about as long as tall. A male Bullmastiff ranges in height from 25-27’’ (63.5-68.5cm) and weighs between 110-130Ib (50-59kg). Females range in height from 24-26’’ (61-66cm) and weigh between 100-120Ib (45-54kg).
Bullmastiffs have very short and very dense hair coat, which comes in either fawn, red or brindle color. A small white marking on the chest is acceptable, while the muzzle and the ears are dark.

HANDLING

Bullmastiffs are slow developers – both physically and mentally. Because they are not quick learners, owners should be very patient. Another thing, owners must be prepared for is that Bullmastiffs have a tendency to misbehave. All in all, it can be concluded that they are not recommended for first time owners.

It is very important to allow the Bullmastiff to socialize with other dogs while he is still a puppy. Proper socialization is also important in order to prevent food aggression and territoriality. If properly trained they can learn to be tolerant towards children and can get along with other household pets.

Bullmastiffs want to be active, and if their activity schedules do not include exercising or playing, out of boredom, they will turn to destructive behavior.

HEALTH

Bullmastiffs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be subject to certain health issues such as cardiovascular conditions (pulmonic stenosis), dermatological conditions (muzzle folliculitis and furunculosis, pododermatitis), gastrointestinal conditions (gastric dilatation-volvulus), musculoskeletal conditions (congenital elbow luxation, hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament rupture), neoplastic conditions (lymphosarcoma), neurological conditions (cerebellar degeneration), ocular conditions (entropion , ectropion, distichiasis, persistent pupillary membranes, glaucoma, multifocal retinal dysplasia), renal and urinary conditions (cystine urolithiasis), reproductive conditions (vaginal hyperplasia).

If not regularly and properly exercised, Bullmastiffs are prone to obesity. Their lifespan is estimated to be 9-10 years.

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