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Bullmastiff Dog Breed Introduction
Bullmastiff is a mastiff type of dog originally from the United Kingdom bred as a guard dog by crossing the now extinct Bulldog with the English Mastiff. They rarely bark since they were developed as silent watchdogs. Bullmastiffs are often confused for Mastiff and vice versa since they both have a black mask, same coat colors, V-shaped ears, large heads, short coat and muzzles as well as long tapered tails. However, Mastiffs are nearly rectangular in body appearance while Bullmastiffs are nearly square in body appearance. Moreso, a Mastiff is less agile, slower, and more laid back as compared to the Bullmastiff. Although, Bullmastiffs and Mastiffs are droolers, the latter drools more due to longer and larger flews.
Bullmastiff Origin | History
A Bullmastiff was created in the 19th century(1860) by the Gamekeepers after crossing the English Mastiff(simply Mastiff) with the now-extinct English Bulldog. The gamekeepers needed a fearless, large, and quiet dog with the speed to track down poachers and the strength to hold them. The Bulldog was tenacious and brave but was small in size and was devoid of the size to hold and knock down a man.
Whereas, the Mastiff was large in size but not aggressive enough. Fortunately, the offspring of the cross was able to track down the poachers, work quietly until they were close enough to spring to a hard charge knocking down the poacher and holding him until the gamekeeper arrived.
It is believed the dark brindle coated Bullmastiffs were more preferred since they would camouflage at night. Following the decline of poaching, Bullmastiffs took up a new role as a guard dog. The breeding of a Bullmastiff as a distinct type rather than a crossbreed began in the early 20th century. AKC recognized Bullmastiffs as a breed in 1933. The Kennel Club(KC) recognized the Bullmastiff as a breed in 1924
Bullmastiff Lifespan
According to AKC, the average lifespan of a Bullmastiff is 7 to 9 years. A UK survey conducted on the life expectancy of 96 Bullmastiffs found out the median age of this breed is 7.5 years. However, some may live up to the age of 10 to 12 years.
Bullmastiff Grooming
A Bullmastiff has a short and dense coat that sheds at moderate levels all-year round. Twice a week brushing will help to remove dirt, loose hair, and keep the coat looking healthy. During the seasonal change, brush the coat on a daily basis to manage shedding by confining the loose hair in the brush that would otherwise spread around the house using a slicker or rubber curry brush.
This is a relatively clean breed that requires a bath every 6 to 8 weeks depending on the lifestyle of your pet. Before bathing Bullmastiffs, brush the coat to remove dirt and dead hair. Use a hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner to bathe your pooch. After a bath, thoroughly rinse off the grooming products from the skin to prevent irritation using lukewarm water. Wipe the face and folds using a damp washcloth or friendly canine wipes.
Brush the teeth of Bullmastiffs at least twice a week if not daily using a dog formulated toothpaste and toothbrush. Clip the nails of a Bullmastiff every 3 to 5 weeks using a grinder if the nails don’t worn out naturally. Bullmastiffs have V-shaped ears that lie close to the cheeks. These ears are susceptible to ear infections. Clean them on a weekly basis on a weekly basis using an ear cleanser solution and cotton balls to remove excess wax, debris, or dirt.
Bullmastiff Shedding
Bullmastiffs shed throughout the year at moderate levels. The shedding is more noticeable during the seasonal change in Spring and/or fall. All-year round, abnormal shedding should be noted as a possible problem.
Bullmastiff Coat
A Bullmastiff has a double-layered coat that is short and dense giving it weather protection.
Bullmastiff Hypoallergenic
A Bullmastiff is not a hypoallergenic breed( less likely to trigger allergic reactions in people). This is because they shed all-year round at moderate levels and heavily when experiencing seasonal change. Dander and hair is spread around the house through shedding. Bullmastiffs also have large flews hence have a tendency of drooling. Dog’s hair, dander, saliva, urine, and mucus have a protein allergen that triggers inflammation in people affected by dog allergies.
Bullmastiff Training
Bullmastiffs should start training immediately they come home from the age of 8 weeks. Owners and pets will benefit from early training regimens instilled in puppyhood since a Bullmastiff can be quite strong willed. This is also an independent breed and training may be a bit difficult. Make use of positive reinforcements methods such as petting, treats, playtime, and toys to encourage good habits. Avoid raising your voice at a Bullmastiff since they don’t respond well to harsh correction methods. Generally, Mastiffs are intolerant of consistent repetition training. Once they get it right, they don’t understand the need for repetition. Therefore, ensure the training sessions are short and fun to avoid boredom with this breed.
To raise a well-adjusted, calm, and well-mannered Bullmastiff, start socialization training immediately the pup comes home. This training starts from the age of 3 weeks until the age of 16 weeks. Therefore, it is crucial to get a Bullmastiff pup from a responsible breeder who will prove he or she has been socializing the dog. To socialize Bullmastiffs, expose it to different people, animals, places, surfaces, situations, smell, experiences, sight, and sounds such as baby crying sounds, washing machine, sirens, lawn mowers, whistles, and vacuum cleaners. Enrolling a Bullmastiff in a puppy class once it is full-vaccinated will also serve as a form of socialization. These classes expose puppies to other canines ensuring they are interacting in a controlled environment.
It also enables pet parents to identify and correct bad habits such as being territorial over food and toys. Puppy classes also ensure parents have access to training information and assistance. Extensive socialization training is very crucial for Bullmastiffs. Although, they have a laid back personality around their family, it is likely to change its attitude once a strange come into the picture. Bullmastiffs are also less likely to tolerate other family pets as compared to other human members. Therefore, socialization training is very crucial to ensure this breed is exposed to different people and animals reducing the chances of being territorial or aggressive to new stimuli.
A well-socialized Bullmastiff will also be able to decipher a stranger who has no good intentions and not basically attacking any stranger encountered. As with all large-sized dogs, obedience training is a must to empower a dog how to lead a life as a household pet. This training helps a Bullmastiff to learn not to knock into small children, jump on people, steal food from the table, or otherwise take advantage of its size. Start teaching basic commands words that are potentially lifesaving such as come, down, sit, stay, down, heel, leave it, etc. immediately the pup comes home. Teach one basic command word at a time. Once a Bullmastiff understands proceed to the next command word. Remember that this breed doesn’t tolerate repetitive training. Clicker training may be used as a form of reward.
To fully housebreak a Bullmastiff, creating a feeding schedule, potty training, and crate training is key. Crate training will help with potty training since the owner will be able to closely monitor the dog for signs that it wants to eliminate such as whining, restlessness, circling, and squatting. For effective potty training, take a Bullmastiff pup to the delegated toilet area immediately it wakes up, 20 minutes after meals, every 2 to 3 hours, after naptime, following an exciting activity such as a car ride and playtime, and before bedtime. From the age of 8 months, a Bullmastiff will be able to hold for a period of 6 to 8 hours before eliminating. Therefore, the potty breaks will be every 6 to 8 hours.
Bullmastiff Temperament | Traits
- Strong willed.
- Independent.
- Aloof with strangers.
- Affectionate.
- Eager to please its favorite people.
- Loyal.
- Intelligent.
- Protective.
- Confident.
- Alert.
- Obedient.
- Docile.
- Gentle.
- Fearless.
Bullmastiff Exercise Needs
The energy levels of a Bullmastiff depend by individual dog. Some Bullmastiffs are very active while some are couch potatoes. However, moderate exercise should be encouraged daily for at least 30 minutes. Outdoor playtime and brisk walks will keep the pet happy and healthy. Bullmastiffs are not ideal companion dogs for owners who want canine running partners. Although, they make great walking companions. Puppies should not exercise vigorously before the age of 18 months until the growth plates close.
Bullmastiff Barking
A Bullmastiff is a quite breed that seldom barks. It was initially bred to silently track down the poachers.
Bullmastiff Height
Male Bullmastiffs have a height of 25 to 27 inches ( approx. 64 to 69 cm ) while their female counterparts have a height of 24 to 26 inches ( approx. 61 to 66 cm ).
Bullmastiff Weight
A female Bullmastiff has a weight of 100 to 120 pounds ( approx. 45 to 54 kg ) while its male counterpart has a height of 110 to 130 pounds ( approx. 50 to 59 kg ).
Bullmastiff Size
Bullmastiffs are large-sized dogs. However, female Bullmastiffs are slightly smaller as compared to their male counterparts. A female Bullmastiff has a height of 24 to 26 inches ( approx. 61 to 66 cm ) and a weight of 100 to 120 pounds ( approx.45 to 54 kg ). Whereas a male Bullmastiff has a height of 25 to 27 inches ( approx. 64 to 69 cm ) and a weight range of 110 to 130 pounds ( approx. 50 to 59 kg ).
Bullmastiff Aggressive | Aggression
Naturally, Bullmastiffs have a protective instinct since they were bred as guard dogs. They are also aloof of strangers. Extensive socialization is required to ensure this breed is not aggressive to new people or dogs. Poorly socialized Mastiff are territorial hence exhibiting aggressive traits.
Bullmastiff Bite Force
The bite force of a dog depends on the size of its skull and body as well as the shape of their jaw. A Bullmastiff is likely to have a bite force of above 400 PSI.
Bullmastiff Drooling
A Bullmastiff has large and long flews hence it drools but not as much as the Mastiffs.
Bull Mastiff Eye Problems
Some of the eye problems that affect a Bullmastiff include:
Entropion – This is an eye condition that makes the eyelids of Bullmastiffs to roll inward rubbing against the surface of the eye. It is extremely painful and irritating and may eventually led to blindness.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy(PRA)– This is an eye problem that is caused by a group of degenerative diseases that usually affects the photoreceptors of a Bullmastiff eventually leading to blindness.
Ectropion – This is where the lower eyelid rolls outward making the eye to appear droopy.
Apart from Bullmastiffs, other breeds of dogs include:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Pug.
Bullmastiff Health Issues | Health Problems
A Bullmastiff is a relatively healthy breed. However, it is prone to certain health issues such as bloat, hypothyroidism, cancer, lymphoma, progressive retinal atrophy, mast cell tumors, entropion, hip dysplasia, ectropion, and elbow dysplasia.
Bullmastiff Names
A Bullmastiff parent may get a name for the pup before it joins them home from the breeder or days after the do settles home to understand better the personality of the dog. Pet owners may get name inspirations from the personality of the dog, muscular build, coat colors, celebrity Bullmastiffs, nature, music, books, and historical figures.
Regardless of where you will get your inspiration, ensure the name freely rolls off your tongue and won’t make your embarrassed when uttered out loud in the public places such as parks. Avoid giving your pup a name that rhymes with the command word to prevent confusion.
If you settle with a long name ensure you find a cute nickname for the pooch. Bullmastiffs and other dog breeds understand better names that have vowels. Avoid giving your pet a name that is used by other family members or guest who frequent your household to prevent confusion.
Female Bullmastiff Names
- Malia.
- Kamala.
- Daisy.
- Ava.
- Sadie.
- Willow.
- Hera.
- Arya.
- Sandy.
- Carla.
- Allie.
- Darla, etc.
Bullmastiff Speed
Reportedly, a Bullmastiff can ran up to a speed of 25 miles per hour ( approx. 40 km/h ).
Male Bullmastiff Names
- Wyatt.
- Gus.
- Rebel.
- Hunter.
- Max.
- Bowie.
- Ethan.
- Paxton.
- Zane.
- Tank.
- Rex.
- Tito.
- Otto, etc.
Bullmastiff Heat Cycle
A Bullmastiff experiences the first heat cycle between the age of of 6 to 12 months. The process lasts for a period of 2 to 3 weeks. If intact, the female Bullmastiff will go on a heat season every 6 to 10 months. Owners who have no intention of breeding their Bullmastiffs are urged to spay 6 to 12 weeks after the first heat cycle. It is possible for a Bullmastiff dam to get pregnant at the age of 8 or 9 years since dogs experience estrus cycle throughout their lives.
Some of the signs that a Bullmastiff manifests while on a heat cycle include increased urination, tail flagging, changes in eating habits, swollen vulva, mood swings, and a bloody discharge. Before breeding Bullmastiffs ensure the potential dam and sire are screened for hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and lymphoma.
Breeders and pet parents are advised to wait until the dam is 2 years old before breeding her. This will minimize the risk of dystocia that may result to C-section. A dam that is less than 2 years old is also likely to reject the puppies. Aggressive Bullmastiffs should not be bred since the puppies will either be aggressive or fearful.
Bullmastiff Litter Size
After conception, Bullmastiff dams have a gestation period of 63 days before whelping a litter size of 5 to 13 puppies.
Bullmastiff Harness | Collar
A Harness is the preferred option for a pooch that pulls on leash. It distributes the pressure evenly on the shoulders and the back. Whereas a collar is suitable for a pet that is less likely to pull and not susceptible to tracheal collapse. Pet parents are urged to walk large breeds in a harness for a better control over the pet. This is because if this dog pulls, it will likely cause injury to the shoulder and back of a pet parent. Bullmastiffs are also brachycephalic breeds although they don’t have breathing issues.
Bullmastiff Muzzle
Even though a well-socialized Bullmastiff is docile, it is also muzzled when in pain since it is likely to bite or nip. Pet parents also muzzle their dogs in a situation where they are not sure of how the dog will react to a new stimulus.
American Kennel Club urges owners to create positive associations with the device for their pets through the use of treats and verbal praise. However, a muzzle is not used to correct behavior issues such as biting, barking, and chewing.
Bullmastiff Dog Food | Food | Feeding Guide
The amount of food that a Bullmastiff feeds on depends on its age, metabolism, size, activity level, and body build. A puppy has a high metabolism rate as compared to an adult and a senior dog. Therefore, Bullmastiffs puppies will feed on 3 or 4 times a day from the time they start weaning until the age of 6 months. From the age of 6 months, a pup will feed on twice a day for the rest of its life.
Puppies should feed on large breed puppy food to ensure slow and steady growth. Bullmastiffs are prone to gastric torsion. This is a sudden swelling of the abdomen which is life threatening. To avoid bloat, Bullmastiffs should not feed one large meal a day, drink large volumes of water after meals, or exercise vigorously one hour before and after meals.
Like other dogs, Bullmastiffs need to feed on the right amount of minerals, protein, amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, water, and fats to maintain a healthy bone structure and weight. Depending on the budget and the time of preparation needed, owners may feed Bullmastiffs with dry food, wet food, home made meals, or a raw diet. Commercial dry or wet food should have the first three ingredients listed as proteins from a known source.
The dry or wet commercial food should also not have fillers, chemicals, meat by-products, additives, and preservatives. This also applies to the snacks. Dry or wet food should also be formulated for large-sized puppies, adults, and senior depending on the age of your pet. The best way to know whether you are overfeeding or underfeeding your Bullmastiff is to take it to the vet to be informed about its weight and health. Although, you can also tell by checking the physique of your pooch. If you can see a Bullmastiff’s ribs, chances are they are being underfed. If pet parent cannot feel the ribs of the pooch under the coat, then chances are that it is being overfeed.
When you get a Bullmastiff from a responsible breeder, chances are that you will want to switch to another quality of food than the one it was previous feeding on. Gradually do this by mixing 3/4 old food with a 1/4 new food for the first week. On the second week, feed your Bullmastiff with the same amount of the new food and old food. On the third week feed your pet with 3/4 of the new food and 1/4 of old food. Totally switch off to the new food during the fourth week.
Bullmastiff Colors
A Bullmastiff may either have either a shade of brindle, red, or fawn coat. This breed is also permitted to have a small white spot on the chest.
Bullmastiff Types
There is only one type of pure bred Bullmastiff that has three permitted coat colors: brindle, red, or fawn.
Bullmastiff Allergies
A Bullmastiff is affected by different forms of allergies as discussed below:
Skin allergies – This allergy is caused by food, contact, and environmental allergies. Environmental allergies cause atopic dermatitis. This is a skin inflammation condition that causes rashes, lesions, sores, redness, and itchiness due to substances inhaled or ingested. One of the environmental allergens, flea, causes flea allergy dermatitis that affect the back legs and underneath the tail resulting to excessive scratching and biting until the skin around the bite area is raw. If left untreated, it may cause yeast and bacterial infections. Food allergies cause skin issues symptoms such as lesions, sores, and hives.
Food Allergies – Although rare, Bullmastiffs may also suffer from food allergies which cause an immune response that is accompanied with a wide range of symptoms from gastrointestinal stress to skin conditions signs. Gastrointestinal signs include acute diarrhea and vomiting as well as weight loss while skin condition issues include dermatitis, sores, hives, crusting lesions, and pruritus. Apart from food allergy, Bullmastiffs may also suffer from food sensitivity. This is a gradual response to an offending ingredient in the diet of the pooch. Some of the ingredients that cause food sensitivity include chemicals, preservatives, additives, fillers, corn, soy, wheat, lamb, beef, chicken, pork, fish, milk, eggs, turkey, etc.
Contact allergies – This allergy cause inflammation to the skin once it comes in contact with the allergen. Some of the contact allergens that cause inflammation include bed linens, lawn chemicals, grooming products, plastics, carpet cleaning detergents, certain fabrics, latex, and medications. The commonly affected body parts of a Bullmastiff include feet, paws, and around the muzzle.
Environmental allergies – Some of the environmental allergies that affect Bullmastiffs include mites, fleas, pollen, grass, trees, ragweed, dust and dust mites as well as house molds. Flea’s saliva cause flea allergy dermatitis that cause excessive biting and scratching underneath the tail and on the back legs. Symptoms of environmental allergies in Bullmastiffs include nasal discharge, sneezing, congestion, and itchiness on various body parts such as feet, paws, belly sides, around the eyes, groin, underarms, ears, and between the toes.
Bullmastiff Ears
Bullmastiffs have V-shaped ears that lies close to the cheeks.
Bullmastiff Tail
A Bullmastiff has a strong tapering tail that may be curved or straight.
Bullmastiff Teeth
An adult Bullmastiff has a total of 42 adult teeth. At birth, puppies are whelped with no teeth. However, milk teeth start growing in from the age of 2 to 3 weeks until the puppy has a total of 28 deciduous teeth at the age of 6 to 8 weeks. From the age of 12 weeks, the milk teeth falls out as permanent teeth erupts. From the age of 6 to 8 months Bullmastiffs should have a total of 42 permanent teeth.
Are Bullmastiff Aggressive
Yes, if poorly socialized. Naturally, Bullmastiff have a protective instinct towards their human family. They are also aloof of strangers. Socialization helps to reduce the chances of exhibiting aggressive signs towards strangers and other animals.
Are Bullmastiffs Hypoallergenic
No. Bullmastiffs shed all-year round spreading dander and hair around the house. They are also known for drooling due to their large and long flews. Dog’s saliva, dander, hair, mucus, and urine have a protein allergen that triggers allergic reactions in people who suffer from dog allergies.
Are Bullmastiffs Easy To Train
Bullmastiffs are relatively easy to train since they are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their favorite humans. However, training may be a bit difficult due to their independent temperament. Use of positive reinforcement methods helps with the training.
Are Bullmastiffs Smart
Yes. Bullmastiffs are smart dogs that are eager to please their favorite humans making them trainable.
Bullmastiffs Quick Facts
- Bullmastiffs were bred to work silently at night to track down poachers. For this reason, they rarely bark.
- De Beers, the diamond mining company in South Africa imported Bullmastiffs to guard the mines in 1928.
- Although a Bullmastiff is intelligent, it gets bored with repetitive training.
