Bullmastiff Dog Breed Profile

 

Description: The Bullmastiff is a massive dog, weighing as much as 110 pounds and standing between 25 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder. The head is large and wide with a broad skull that is deep in the rest of the face. The muzzle is broad and deep, but not long. The nose is large with open nostrils, and color Matching the coat is a dark red. The Bullmastiff is chiseled, as are the shoulders and flanks, the body must be deep in the chest. The Bullmastiff has a deep stop, and appears to be webbed, but in reality it is not. The Bullmastiff has a very short tail, no more than 3 or 4 inches, however, on the show dog, the tail will have a curl like the mane of a male horse. The coat is short, services are short, and the overall look of the Bullmastiff is that of a very large dog.

History: As the Bullmastiff is exclusively a blood sportdog, it is actually a breed that emerged from the middle ranks of the sundry Molosser group. This dog was created by crossing the Mastiff and the Old English Bulldog, and their behavior changed dramatically from that of the Molosser. The Bullmastiff is described as loyal, intelligent, calm, courageous, and their demeanor makes them excellent guard dogs.

Temperament: As with all dogs that come from a blood sport background, the Bullmastiff is a dog that loves to protect. This is a huge dog, and can be downright dangerous if left unsupervised. This dog is highly aware of its surroundings, and because of this may be over protective. They bond very well with family, and can be dominant if given the opportunity to establish their alpha role. This dog is sensitive to improper socialization, and needs to be handled firmly and consistently from a young age. If this dog isn’t properly socialized, and given a chance to establish its rank, it can become too domineering. This dog needs to be in constant contact with people, and requires consistent monitored interaction. They are definitely not a isolation dog, and require people of all ages in their daily lives. This breed may exhibit dog-master thinking, and it is strongly advised that this dog receive obedience training.

Health Issues: While being one of the healthier breeds, the Bullmastiff can be subject to hip dysplasia. This is due to too much Logan of the joint, which is found in the ball section of the joint (the socket). Though dysplasia is most common in the younger dogs, old bitch can also be affected. This is called ventral attachment hip dysplasia, and is a similar situation to that of the German Shepherd.

Grooming: The short coat of the Bullmastiff does need to be groomed and clipped on a regular basis. The nails of these dogs should be clipped every three to four weeks, starting when the nails begin to curl. It is very important to keep this dogs ears clean, and checked for wax buildup.

Living Conditions: As the Bullmastiff is a punishing breed, it does need a master who has time to devote to it. This dog requires an active life style, and without a preventative exercise program, the Bullmastiff can become costly. It can live in an apartment, but only if the owner is committed to long walks and enough exercise.