Bullmastiff

Bullmastiff dogs are enormous, gregarious, submissive, and reliable companions. If you appreciate huge, clever, and kind dogs, learn more about the charming bullmastiff.

Bullmastiff Overview

What is a ? Combining the best features of the mastiff and the bulldog, this hybrid is If you want a robust, well-mannered guardian who loves your children and you and is open to belly rubbing, ear skritches, and full-body embraces, this is the dog for you. Bull mastiffs couldn’t hide their love even if they tried to, since it’s hard to ignore 130 pounds of affection approaching you!

Steve Krulish and Jackie Smith own Breeders Stonebull Bull mastiffs in Swanzey, New Hampshire. Smith says bullmastiffs have long memories and are quite devoted. They seem to hunger for human company instead of the need to have dog friends. Therefore, give this beautiful dog good training and treat him with great care to guarantee an amazing life with you.

Appearance

Beautiful, big and muscular, a bullmastiff has a high-castled view and a focused gaze. His strong, wide legs help him to sustain his big shoulders, sloping hindquarters, and deep chest. His mastiff progenitor gave him a square, strong physique that wiggles just slightly as his tapered tail whips at full speed.

The lines on his forehead and the folds over his truncated black cube of a muzzle testify to his bulldog background. He is not really as depressed as he first seems. But in classic bully fashion, his jowls hang with a little scowl, and his huge, deep-set brown eyes seem a little melancholy.
Often fawn or red, a bullmastiff’s short, thick, and smooth coat features black highlights around his eyes and drawing ink on his ears, thereby creating a V and extending down the side of his hat.
Men weigh 110–130 pounds weight-wise; women weigh 100–120 pounds. Approaching you from hip height or above, a bullmastiff puts his head under your hand for easy pats. For this great working dog type, withers measuring 27 inches are pretty normal.

Temperament

Inside the large bullmastiff dog frame is a quiet snuggle bug yearning for your company. Though each dog has a unique personality, a bullmastiff typically likes to be in the same room as you and may even spend as much time as possible by your feet, beside you, or even on you.

Still, this is not an instinctive behaviour. With good no-fear and positive reinforcement training, a bullmastiff—along with many other working dogs and canines generally—can realise his full potential. Once the dog has all his vaccinations, this can start as early as ten weeks of age. “We have found that a bullmastiff thrives in a family environment only with a specific type of human temperament,” Smith notes. Ideal candidates would be those who are comfortable setting appropriate training and behaviour goals as well as who regularly follow through.

Dog Energy

A bull mastiff possesses over 100 pounds of dog energy, which must be managed under gentle but firm discipline even with a subservient and kind attitude. Early in the training of a bullmastiff, restrictions should be set. Training starts with puppy kindergarten and socialisation courses. Give him regular refresher courses to keep him always aware he is not the head of the household.

Believing that new people, animals, and situations are all positive, Krista Sirois, DVM of the Florida Veterinary Behaviour Service emphasises the need of socialising your bull mastiff to create a good attitude on life.

“Socialisation is absolutely crucial in all breeds, but with a 120-pound dog, there’s just an extra layer “Sirois says. “You want to be sure your dog is not terrified of anything and has decent manners.”

Smith claims that “bullmastiffs have a hard time with ‘no,,’ sometimes meaning,’ maybe.” They are pretty literal in that way. Inconsistency results in unfair expectations of them and the family. She claims that those who are just starting out with dog ownership would not be suited for this breed.

Regular activity

Bullmastiffs lack the regular activity needed to maintain excellent health and behaviour, so they are not regarded as working dogs. Daily walks and encouraging good behaviour from your bullmastiff should keep them content. To maximise his intelligence and natural aptitude, though, you should teach him as a therapy dog or employ agility sports and tracking games.

Although their gentle giant nature makes them quite quiet hounds, bullmastiffs are great watchdogs and hardly bark. Dedicated to his family, he will let you know if something seems strange. He used to walk over large country estates with gamemasters in search of poachers. Like any dog, your bullmastiff must be socialised to everyone—including strangers—if it is to acquire civilised behaviour.

Living Needs

Only left off-leash in their own house should be bull mastiffs. They need a fenced-in space free for exercise. Though he is not as social as other working breeds, he may live contentedly in a flat if taken outside several times a day to stroll and scent.

Keep a check on their exercise, though; like with other big dog breeds, they may exercise too much, especially in their early years when they are still growing. Sirois notes, “You’re not looking for them to be a marathon partner.” “Having constant, demanding strain on the joints is not good for them.” Consequently, this big man might not be the running buddy you are looking for. He will, however, like going on long, leisurely walks.

Care

Bullmastiffs hate hot, muggy conditions, hence make sure you have a cool place for him to unwind. Choose cool mornings or evenings for your consistent walks so kids avoid overdoing it during their workout, particularly in the warmest portion of the summer.

Given their size, some owners—especially with the smallest dogs—think Yorkies or Chihuahuas—may be reluctant to let their bullmastiffs socialise at dog parks. Bullmastiffs certainly have strong prey drives, but Sirois claims they were not meant to be aggressive towards other dogs; so, as long as they have the correct care and socialising from a young age, they should get along well with other dogs.

Every single day, I observe dogs who can be uncomfortable around other dogs says Sirois. Though occasionally there is a genetic component, usually poor education is the cause.

Health

A bullmastiff won’t need much upkeep, but his slobber and farts could make him inappropriate for a flatmate. He drools heavily and has a flat face, sometimes known as brachycephalic dog. Moreover, his eating style causes digestive problems that produce bad smells. Well, other things, a veterinarian can suggest foods for, wipe the creases on his mask, and help you tidy spills.

Your puppy will grow fast and till he is about two years old. Sirois recommends feeding him large breed puppy chow instead of ordinary puppy food in order to help protect his joints.

He will shed sometimes, mostly in the spring and autumn. But a quick weekly brushing will maintain he neat and orderly. Give him a wash if his smell seems a bit strange. A bullmastiff’s appealing look is maintained in part by regular dental care, nail trimmings, and ear exams.

History

Though only for a brief period of time, a bullmastiff is quite affectionate, much like many big dogs are. His lifetime runs from seven to nine years. Like with dogs of his weight, there aren’t many medical problems to be aware of either.

One of the most critical things to be alert for is bloat. Sirois claims that all big, deep-chested dogs are prone to this disease, which can be fatal. Bloat requires emergency surgery, among other things, so a veterinarian can untwist the stomach. Other than knowing that it could happen, there are not many practical suggestions. See the warning signs and know when to act fast.

Sirois tells owners of these large breeds to tape their dogs’ stomachs as a preventive against bloat. She counsels having your bullmastiff examined for any other probable health issues, including hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy. Large canines including bull mastiffs are also prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, a painful degenerative joint disease usually inherited. Although at first medicine may be helpful, later stages usually call for surgery. See a veterinarian for guidance on age-related testing, genetic considerations, and exercise programmes.

Gamekeeper’s Night Dog

Originally developed in England in the middle of the 1880s, bullmastiffs—often referred to as the “Gamekeeper’s Night Dog”—were first used by gamekeepers on vast country estates struggling to stop poachers from stealing. Most landowners wanted to capture poachers instead of control them since poaching was unlawful. The goal was to produce a dog with a fast, strong, and even temperament. According to the ABA, mixing mastiffs with bulldogs resulted in an amazing animal capable of sprinting fast. Tracking discreetly and pining down an intruder until the gamekeeper arrived to take him out. The ingenuity of this particular dog saved the lives of gamekeepers and poachers alike.

These amazing canines arrived on the British competition scene fast. Gamekeepers fought to highlight the strength and great presence of their bullmastiffs. As dog exhibitions grew in prominence in the early 1900s,. Enthusiasts for the bull mastiff breed sought certification with England’s Kennel Club, which was granted in 1924.

John D. Rockefeller

Bull mastiff dogs arrived in the United States in the 1920s courtesy of oil magnate John D. Rockefeller. He wanted them to roam the grounds of his New York country residence. Kykuit, which sits on the Hudson River Valley. Purebred bullmastiffs were formally accepted by the American Kennel Club in 1933. Following the obsession with this new dog among East Coast aristocracy.

In case you were wondering, English mastiffs differ first from bullmastiffs in size. English mastiffs weigh roughly 100 pounds; bull mastiffs weigh less. English mastiffs also have less “square” bodies than bullmastiffs. Apart from that, their temperaments are exactly the same. They both descended from the massive ancient molosser and make great family dogs.

Fun Facts

Bullmastiffs also belong to several well-known owners, like musical star Christina Aguilera. Movie actor Marlon Brando, rocker and philanthropist Jon Bon Jovi, and folk legend Bob Dylan.
Butkus the bull mastiff, Sylvester Stallone’s beloved pet, made two appearances in the 1976 films Rocky and Rocky II.
SJ is the bullmastiff that represents the NFL team, the Cleveland Browns. He succeeded his father, Swagger. He retired in 2019 after five years of bringing football players out of the tunnel on game days.

FAQs

fascinating breed with a special mix of strength, devotion, and tenderness are bull mastiff dogs Here are a few frequently asked questions on them:

01: What is a bullmastiff?

Originally bred in England for protection of estates and poacher tracking down, the Bullmastiff is a strong, big breed. Combining the finest features of both breeds, they are a mix between the mastiff and the bulldog.

02: What is their temperament like?

The calm, protective, and devoted nature of bull mastiffs is well recognized. Usually courteous with families, they are quite protective of their house and loved ones.

03: How big do bullmastiffs get?

Usually weighing between 100 and 130 pounds (45 and 59 kg), adult bullmastiffs are male, normally more than female. At the shoulder, they stand roughly 24 to 27 inches (61 to 69 cm).

04: What are common health issues in bullmastiffs?

Among the several health problems that bull mastiffs can have are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat—gastric torsion. Additionally, they suffer from various hereditary disorders like hypothyroidism and other cardiac illnesses.

05: Are bullmastiffs easy to train?

Though clever, bull mastiffs may be somewhat stubborn. Training in consistent, positive reinforcement responds nicely. Early socializing and obedience training are crucial for their development into fully rounded adults.