All About
Bullmastiff

Bullmastiffs were developed as overseers of livestock and flocks. They took their responsibility seriously and developed a reputation for fearlessness in the face of predators. Bullmastiffs were also invaluable to gameskeepers, patrolling the grounds and stopping poachers from hunting the stock. They were trained not to hurt people and would stalk the poachers and keep them subdued until backup arrived to arrest the trespasser.

Today Bullmastiffs maintain their imposing figure and watchful eye, but make a generally docile family pet. It takes a lot to provoke a Bullmastiff and despite what their appearance may suggest, they get along just fine with children. They make great farm dogs, happily keeping an eye on livestock and accompanying farmers as they do their chores.

Most Bullmastiff breeders advise feeding adult dog food or large-breed puppy food for puppies in order to ensure slow and steady growth. Several small meals are best for puppies, and two meals daily is a good routine for adults, so dogs don’t have to digest too much food at each meal. Because of the risk of bloat, exercise is discouraged immediately before and after eating. Bullmastiffs should be kept lean, especially as puppies, as they grow very rapidly, which can tax their systems.

Seasonal shedding is to be expected, though unusual hair loss should be noted as a possible problem. A balanced diet and a healthy environment are most important for coat health. Frequent grooming ensures that shedding can be managed, and dogs should be bathed as needed. The skin and coat should be monitored in order to ensure that dryness or oiliness are not issues. These can be related to diet, and sometimes to allergies.

The Bullmastiff is a low-energy dog who can adapt well to most home environments, although his size makes him best suited to a house with a fenced yard.Besides keeping him from roaming and protecting him from traffic, a fence prevents the Bullmastiff from expanding his territory beyond his home and yard, which could cause him to try to prevent other people and dogs from entering the surrounding area.His short muzzle makes the Bullmastiff prone to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Avoid exercise during the heat of the day, and keep him indoors during hot or humid weather. Be sure he always has access to shade and fresh water when he's outdoors.Start training your Bullmastiff puppy as soon as you bring him home, while he's still at a manageable size. Enroll in a puppy socialization class to get him used to being around other dogs and people. This is extremely important for the Bullmastiff, who can be aggressive toward other dogs and people he doesn't know if he isn't taught manners.In addition to puppy kindergarten and regular obedience class, take your Bullmastiff to parks, outdoor shopping malls, and other places where he can learn to meet people and become accustomed to new experiences, sights, and sounds.Although he wants to please, the Bullmastiff thinks for himself and needs a confident trainer. Use positive reinforcement techniques, never physical punishment, but be firm and consistent in what you ask of him. Avoid repetitive training, or your Bullmastiff will get bored and start doing his own thing.Think beyond puppyhood. If you don't want your Bullmastiff on the furniture when he weighs 130 pounds, don't let him on it when he only weighs 20 pounds. Once a habit is established, it will be difficult to break.Housetraining shouldn't be a problem as long as you make it a positive experience and provide your pup with a regular potty schedule and plenty of opportunities to go outside. Crate training is a wonderful tool for housetraining and keeping your young puppy from chewing things he shouldn't.The Bullmastiff needs a firm hand when training, but he also needs love and patience. When he's trained, you'll find that he's a wonderful, caring, and loyal companion who will gladly risk his life to defend yours.

Major concerns: gastric torsion, CHD, elbow dysplasia
Minor concerns: entropion
Occasionally seen: PRA
Suggested tests: hip, elbow, (eye)
Life span: 8-10 years

The Bullmastiff is a relatively modern breed that was developed in the mid-19th century, probably around 1860, by English gamekeepers who needed a large, quiet, fearless dog with the speed to track down poachers and the strength to hold them.They probably experimented with a number of breeds in an attempt to create the perfect dog for their needs, but the one that paid off was the Mastiff/Bulldog cross. The Mastiff was large but not aggressive enough, while the Bulldog, brave and tenacious, lacked the size needed to knock down and hold a man.The popular cross became known as the Gamekeeper's Night-Dog and worked and lived alongside the gamekeeper and his family. The dogs were bred for utility and temperament with little thought put into looks, the exception being a preference for a dark brindle coat, which provided camouflage at night.Poaching eventually declined, and the Bullmastiff took on a new role as a guard dog. As a result of the Mastiff influence, the fawn coat with a black mask became more common as well.It wasn't until the early 20th century that the Bullmastiff began to be bred as a distinct type rather than as a crossbreed.In 1924, England's Kennel Club recognized the breed. The American Kennel Club followed suit in 1933. The first Bullmastiff registered by the AKC was Fascination of Felons Fear in 1934.Today the Bullmastiff ranks 40th among the 157 breeds and varieties registered by the AKC, a testament to his qualities as a companion.