BULLMASTIFF

Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Brave
Height: 25-27 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
Weight: 110-130 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 7-9 years
Group: Working Group 

MORE ABOUT THIS BREED

The Bullmastiff dog breed is a firm and fearless family guardian. While standoffish toward strangers, they’ve got a soft spot for their loved ones.

Called the “silent watchdog,” this breed is nonetheless so mellow that they make great apartment dogs. They have short, easy-care coats, but beware: These dogs are droolers. If you can get past a little slobber, you’ll find a big, protective companion who will be happy to join you on adventures, so long as you save a spot on the couch for them afterward.

The Bullmastiff isn’t quite as large as his close cousin the Mastiff. Still, standing as high as 27 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 100 and 130 pounds, this is still a whole lot of dog. After the first impression made by the Bullmastiff’s size, it is the large, broad head that conveys the breed’s essence: the dark eyes, high-set V-shaped ears, and broad, deep muzzle all combine to present the intelligence, alertness, and confidence that make the Bullmastiff a world-class protector and family companion. Coats come in fawn, red, or brindle.

These are biddable and reliable creatures, but as with any large guarding dog, owners must begin training and socialization early, while the puppy is still small enough to control.

PERSONALITY

Bullmastiffs are gentle and affectionate with family members. Their generally calm, easy-going natures make them good dogs for families with reasonably well-behaved children. However, the bullmastiff’s laid-back attitude with family members is likely to change when a stranger enters the picture. These dogs tend to be quite suspicious of people outside the family.

For all his family-oriented loyalty, the bullmastiff is no pushover. He can be an independent thinker, which can make training a challenge. He also may be less tolerant of a family’s animal members than of its human members. Caution may be in order if you’re thinking of adding a bullmastiff to your menagerie.

FEEDING

Recommended daily amount: 3 1/8 to 4 1/8 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.

How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. 

HEALTH

Bullmastiffs are a large breed with heavy bone. Breeders strive to adhere to the standard and to avoid overdone animals. In order to do the job of a guard dog, this working breed must be mentally and physically sound. Responsible Bullmastiff breeders support the American Bullmastiff Association Health & Research Committee, and screen their breeding stock for cardiac issues, hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and eye problems. Like many dogs, both purebred and not, Bullmastiffs can develop cancer as well as bloat, a sudden and life-threatening swelling of the abdomen; owners should educate themselves about its symptoms and what to do should bloat occur. Heredity and environment play roles in the health of the breed, so breeders and owners must work together in order to breed and raise healthy dogs.

Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

• Hip Evaluation
• Elbow Evaluation
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation
• Cardiac Exam
• Thyroid Evaluation

CARE

In one sense, this is a clean breed, with a short coat that’s easy to groom and doesn’t shed excessively. On the other, they’re droolers. With this breed it’s advisable to keep a hand towel with you at all times.

Despite their size, the Bullmastiff isn’t a high-energy dog. A couple of short walks or playtimes a day will meet their needs. They’re mellow enough to live comfortably in an apartment or condo, as long as they get their daily outings.

Of course, a puppy will have more energy than an adult dog, but they should settle down by the time they’re two years old. Being low-key doesn’t mean they’re lazy. The breed can excel in dog sports such as agility, conformation, obedience and tracking. Bullmastiffs are also super therapy dogs, thanks to their calm nature and comical expression.

Bullmastiffs do very well with children and show amazing patience with them. Their size can be overwhelming to toddlers, however. Nor is the Bullmastiff meant to be a baby sitter. No dog should be left unattended with young children.

GROOMING

The short smooth coat of a Bullmastiff is essentially wash and wear. A quick daily or weekly brushing is all it takes to get the dead hairs out and reduce shedding.

Bathe your Bullmastiff as you desire or only when he gets dirty. With the gentle dog shampoos available now, you can bathe a Bullmastiff weekly if you want without harming his coat.

Drool. There’s no way around it: Bullmastiffs drool. Get in the habit of carrying around a hand towel so you can wipe his mouth frequently.

The rest is basic care. Keep the nails short, and brush the teeth regularly for overall good health and fresh breath.

SOME PICTURES ABOUT THE BULLMASTIFF

Source: dogtime, akc, hillspet, vetstreet.