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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiff's are compact, powerfully built and naturally large dogs. The coats
are short, coarse and weatherproof. The coat color should be fawn, red or brindle
with black markings on the head. A small amount of white on the chest is allowed
when showing the dog but nowhere else. The large, square shaped head should have
a short, black muzzle with a broad wrinkled head. The black nose should be broad
with large nostrils. The mouth and teeth should be level with a slight undershot
bite. The medium sized eyes should be dark or hazel in color. The medium shaped
ears are V shaped and wide set. They should be dark in color. The slight arched
muscular neck is of moderate length and is almost equal in circumference to the
skull. The deep chest should be broad merging into the muscular shoulders. The topline
is level between the withers and the loin. The back is short and straight. The feet
should have round, well-arched toes. The tail should be set high, reaching the hocks
and carried either straight or curved.
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Temperament
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The Bullmastiff is loyal, good-natured, docile and willful. If they are provoked,
they will be fearless and protective. This breed craves human interaction and attention
and they are tolerant of children. They are extremely protective of their families
and other household pets. They are usually reserved with strangers, but they will
accept them if they are introduced by someone they trust. Bullmastiff's will not
attack intruders, however, they will knock them down and hold them until their owner
calls them off. They should be socialized with people and other dogs at an early
age. They are usually good with other pets when raised with them. This breed should
attend obedience classes for safety. They should also be taught not to pull on their
leash. The owners should be firm but patient with this breed. They can become sensitive
and react badly to specific voice tones. They should never be placed in a kennel
for punishment.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 25-27" ; Weight: 110-133 lbs.
Female Height: 24-26" ; Weight: 100-120 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Bullmastiffs are susceptible to cancer, hip dysplasia, boils on the lips, tumors
and eye problems. These dogs also tend to bloat.
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Living Conditions
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Bullmastiffs can live okay in an apartment if they are given sufficient exercise.
They are also weather sensitive.
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Exercise
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This breed can tend to be lazy so they should be give regular exercise. Try not
to overfeed them as they can easily become overweight.
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Life Expectancy
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Under 10 years
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Grooming
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The Bullmastiff is easy to groom because of their short coat. Brush with a firm
bristle brush and only bathe when necessary. This breed doesn't shed much. Keep
their toes trim and check their feet often.
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Origin
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Bullmastiffs were created in the 1800s from 60% English Mastiff and 40%
Bulldog. They were called the 'Gamekeeper's Night Dog' and were used to track, tackle,
and hold down poachers. The dogs were vicious and fierce, but were trained not to
bite the intruders. The gamekeeper was then able to place them into custody. When
the dark brindle Bullmastiff's were no longer needed by gamekeepers, the dogs with
lighter fawn coloring were used in sport. The game would be played where a person
would run into the undergrowth in a wooded area. A muzzled Bullmastiff would be
released to see if the person could be found. They were trained to overpower their
target, but not to maul or kill them. All records state that the dogs never lost.
In 1925, the Kennel Club of Britain recognized this breed and the American Kennel
Club recognized them in 1933. The United Kennel Club recognized this breed in 1948.
Currently they are used as an aid in army and police work and as a watchdog by the
Diamond Society of South Africa.
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Group
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AKC Working, UKC Guardian Dog
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