Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a large breed of domestic dog. It has a solid build and a short muzzle. The Bullmastiff shares the characteristics of Molosser dogs, and was originally developed by 19th-century gamekeepers in England to pull buses when they broke down. The breed's bloodlines are drawn from the English Mastiff and Old English Bulldog. It was recognized as a purebred dog by the English Kennel Club in 1924. They are a very quiet dog; they very rarely bark.
History
Bred by English gamekeepers in the 19th century to assist English wardens or gamekeepers guard estates. As a result the Bullmastiff is known as the Gamekeeper's Night Dog. The Bullmastiff was a cross of 40% Old English Bulldog (not the short, chubby Bulldog of today) and 60% English Mastiff for its size, strength and loyalty. They bark much less often than other breeds; however, they will bark on alarm.
The Bullmastiff was recognized as a pure-bred dog in 1924 by the English Kennel Club. In October, 1933, the American Kennel Club recognized the Bullmastiff. The first standard for the breed was approved in 1935. The standard has undergone several revisions since then. The most current version is available on the AKC web site.
The Bullmastiff is a guard dog, and is the only guard dog breed which originated in England.
Trainability
Bullmastiffs are strong, powerful but sensitive dogs. For a Bullmastiff to become well-behaved family member consistency is needed. Training and socialization is of high importance. Dogs of this breed are natural guardians of their home and owners. No special guard training is needed for a Bullmastiff to react appropriately if his family is endangered. Special approach to Bullmastiff training is needed because these dogs do not like to repeat the same actions again and again. Main activities Bullmastiffs can really enjoy are obedience, agility, tracking, and carting.
History
Bred by English gamekeepers in the 19th century to assist English wardens or gamekeepers guard estates. As a result the Bullmastiff is known as the Gamekeeper's Night Dog. The Bullmastiff was a cross of 40% Old English Bulldog (not the short, chubby Bulldog of today) and 60% English Mastiff for its size, strength and loyalty. They bark much less often than other breeds; however, they will bark on alarm.
The Bullmastiff was recognized as a pure-bred dog in 1924 by the English Kennel Club. In October, 1933, the American Kennel Club recognized the Bullmastiff. The first standard for the breed was approved in 1935. The standard has undergone several revisions since then. The most current version is available on the AKC web site.
The Bullmastiff is a guard dog, and is the only guard dog breed which originated in England.
Trainability
Bullmastiffs are strong, powerful but sensitive dogs. For a Bullmastiff to become well-behaved family member consistency is needed. Training and socialization is of high importance. Dogs of this breed are natural guardians of their home and owners. No special guard training is needed for a Bullmastiff to react appropriately if his family is endangered. Special approach to Bullmastiff training is needed because these dogs do not like to repeat the same actions again and again. Main activities Bullmastiffs can really enjoy are obedience, agility, tracking, and carting.
Color
A bullmastiff's coat may appear in fawn, red, or brindle. These are the only acceptable colors in the AKC standard. The fawn can range from a very light brown to a reddish brown. Red can range from a light red-fawn to a dark rich red. Brindles are a striped overlay of the fawn or red. A Bullmastiff should have no white markings, except for on the chest where a little white is allowed. Temperament The Bullmastiff is a devoted, alert guard dog, with a good-natured temperament. Docile and affectionate, but fearless if provoked. Although unlikely to attack, it will catch an intruder, knock him down and hold him. At the same time, it is tolerant of children. Intelligent, even-tempered, calm and loyal, these dogs crave human leadership. The Bullmastiff is extremely powerful and needs a firm master who is confident and consistent with the rules set upon the dog. They should be thoroughly obedience trained, and should be taught not to pull on the leash. When going in and out gateways or doorways the dog should allow the humans to enter and exit first out of pack respect, because in the dog's mind, the leader goes first. The dog must heel beside or behind the human. This is most important, as not only do dogs have migration instincts and need to walk daily, but instinct tells a dog the pack leader goes first. Be sure to socialize extensively with both people and other dogs at an early age. They can be okay with other pets, depending on how well the owners communicate with the dog. The Bullmastiff is a more dominant breed than the Mastiff. He tends to drool, slobber and snore. Puppies may seem uncoordinated. These dogs are very sensitive to the tone of your voice and need someone to speak with an air of assertiveness, but not harshness. It is not a difficult dog but does require a handler who can assert his authority. The Bullmastiff should never be banished to a kennel. Meek or passive owners will find it hard to control this dog. It will appear willful, possibly aggressive with other dogs and reserved with strangers if owners do not take the time to socialize, and know how to properly communicate what is expected in a meaningful manner. |
Health Problems
Prone to cancer, hip dysplasia, tumors, eyelid problems, PRA and boils on the lips. Alsoprone to bloat. It is a good idea to feed them two or three small meals a day instead of one large meal. Gains weight easily, do not over feed. Prone to mast cell tumors.
Grooming
The shorthaired, slightly rough coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. There is little shedding with this breed. Check the feet regularly because they carry a lot of weight, and trim the nails.
Size
Males should be 25 to 27 inches (63 to 69 cm) tall (AKC Std.) at the withers and 110 to 130 pounds (50 to 59 kg). Females should be 24 to 26 inches (61 to 66 cm) at the withers, and 100 to 120 pounds (45 to 54 kg). Exceeding these dimensions is discouraged by breeders.
Prone to cancer, hip dysplasia, tumors, eyelid problems, PRA and boils on the lips. Alsoprone to bloat. It is a good idea to feed them two or three small meals a day instead of one large meal. Gains weight easily, do not over feed. Prone to mast cell tumors.
Grooming
The shorthaired, slightly rough coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. There is little shedding with this breed. Check the feet regularly because they carry a lot of weight, and trim the nails.
Size
Males should be 25 to 27 inches (63 to 69 cm) tall (AKC Std.) at the withers and 110 to 130 pounds (50 to 59 kg). Females should be 24 to 26 inches (61 to 66 cm) at the withers, and 100 to 120 pounds (45 to 54 kg). Exceeding these dimensions is discouraged by breeders.