Bullmastiff Dog Breed

Not many dogs had the task for which Bullmastiffs were bred: to hunt humans who hunted game illegally, i.e., poachers. This was back in the mid-19th century when poaching was a capital offense. Over time, hanging people for poaching was itself outlawed, and the need for such a ferocious, quiet and lethal a breed started to die away too. Although they were later used in infamous roles such as guard dogs for blood diamond mines in South Africa, they were more carefully bred to be a bit more friendly and easy-going. They remain great guard dogs, and while they are very protective of their human family members, they are not at all recommended for first-time or even novice dog owners.

Here are some information and facts about Bullmastiffs:

Bullmastiffs are, overall, squarely built and powerful large dogs. They were bred 60% Mastiff for size and 40% Bulldog for agility and strength. Although well-muscled, they do not appear "ripped" or "bulky". Males often stand 25-27 inches and weigh 110-130 pounds while females are only slightly smaller (at 24-26 inches and 100-120 pounds). Despite their huge size, they make excellent apartment and house dogs due to their relatively low exercise requirements.

Members of this breed are the perfect pets for families desiring a large dog. They are affectionate and gentle with kids, protective over the family, and reciprocative of the attention they receive. They make a fine choice for a multi pet household and have no inclination to hunt, chase or bully other pets. Bullmastiffs were bred to guard property from poachers and will be more suspicious of strangers than other pets. Friendly strangers may find this breed reserved at first but those with ill intent will find themselves quickly subdued. They will thrive as indoor dogs because being around their families is a must!

Bullmastiffs are pretty much low maintenance in every aspect imaginable. They are easily groomed, require little exercise, and are capable of being extremely well trained. Although they are big dogs, they don't require much exercise and will do fine with a daily walk or some outdoor playtime. The owner that can be confident, consistent, and firm while keeping a cool, gentle tone will find this the case while others might find them too stubborn and independent. Note they also snore and drool and don't do well alone for long periods of time.

The Bullmastiff came about when, in 1860s England, a dog was needed to guard game reserves and estates from poachers. They chose to breed Mastiffs for the size and English Bulldogs for the speed; this resulted in a breed that was large, imposing and intelligent enough to learn when to attack (yet not grievously injure) the perpetrator. This breed was so good at their job; they were nicknamed the "gamekeeper's night dog"; dark brindle was favored so they could blend in with the night. Later fawn coat with the black mask became the choice to guard estates and are now the vision that most likely comes to mind when one thinks of a Bullmastiff. They were accepted by the English Kennel Club as an official breed in 1924. The breed was accepted into the AKC during 1933 and remains in the top 50 breeds. Presently they are most often found as docile family companions rather than guard dogs and are now recognized by many registries such as the New Zealand, Australian and Canadian Kennel Clubs as well as the FCI.

According to the AKC, the Bullmastiff was bred 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog. They are only very slightly longer than tall and so appear square and sturdy. Their overall impression should be of power and alertness; they are very capable of subduing a burglar, poacher, or anyone else that threatens his family.

The coat is short and dense, making them able to tolerate cold and warm temperatures (but not very warm). Members of this breed are typically fawn or red, a mixture of both, and many have brindling of these colors. The black mask is very characteristic of this breed. The head itself also appears large and square with medium sized, v-shaped ears that hang next to the cheeks. The Bullmastiffs cheeks are very well developed while the muzzle is broad and makes up 1/3 the length of the head; notably, the muzzle (as well as the ears) should be darker in color than the rest of the coat. The eyes are medium sized and dark.

When the breed is alert wrinkling is well visible on the forehead. Both the neck and chest of the Bullmastiff are broad and thick leading into shoulders that are strong, but not overly muscular. Members of this breed have straight, well-built legs and well-developed thighs. The tail is set high and is thick, tapering to a point; it can be straight or curved.

When it comes to types of Bull Mastiff breeds, it should be noted that there is just one breed named the Bullmastiff and that the types are called "variations." As for the varieties of Bullmastiffs, they are based on color. There are no real size varieties of this breed, and certainly no mini Bull Mastiffs, no giant Bull Mastiffs, or miniature, toy, teacup, king types, etc. This dog is simply large.

While the American Kennel Club (AKC) acknowledges only three coat color variants, there is also the little-known and unpopular "Dudley Bullmastiff." The three AKC-recognized colors varietals are red, fawn, and brindle. The Dudley is known by two other, formally unrecognized coat colors: fawn with a pink or liver nose, and grey/grey and beige with a gray nose. Both will have yellow eyes. While these otherwise cute pups tend to be destroyed at birth or shortly thereafter, they need not be so long as they are not used for breeding. Bull Mastiff puppies with Dudleyism should be allowed to live but absolutely should be altered as soon as possible.

You can simply look at the Bullmastiff and tell its most cherished traits: brave, loyal and affectionate. They are calm and easygoing when indoors and will be interested in whatever you are doing. Almost every owner would agree they are fantastic additions to households with kids and other pets. Members of this breed are not hunting dogs; they were bred to protect property against poachers so they will be more suspicious of strangers than of other pets. Due to sheer size and impressive build, these guys are deterring to ill wishing strangers. Although, if need be, they have been and still are trained to subdue the intruder without harming them.

Although bred to be guardians of estates and game reserves from poachers, this breed is not an incessantly barking or even loud dog. They fare quite well in apartments and houses but not where they have to spend large amounts of time alone. Their energy requirements are not much and can be met with a daily leashed walk or some outdoor playtime. Indoors, they enjoy having toys to play with.

In regards to training, members of this breed need firm and consistent, yet loving, guidance. They are sensitive, intelligent beings that are eager to please you and will be deeply hurt if they sense your anger or impatience with them. Don't let their docile nature fool you, you must establish yourself as the leader at a young age or they will be stubborn and controlling. Well trained Bullmastiffs can excel at many things such as obedience, agility and even formation training as well as therapy work.

Hip and elbow dysplasia, along with bloat, are typical large breed issues. Never let a large dog get in the habit of "bolting" their food. Minor issues for this breed include hypothyroidism, entropion of the eyelids and retinal atrophy. Cardiac issues, kidney disease and multiple cancers such as mast cell tumors, osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma and lymphosarcoma, may also manifest during their lifespan so regular trips to the veterinarian are a must to aid in detecting and preventing such diseases. With good diet and good company, your Bullmastiff should live 8 to 10 years.