Bullmastiff Dog - Breed Information

Bullmastiff - Breed Profile:

Origin: England
Colors: Brindle, fawn or red, often with a black mask
Size: Extra large
Type of Owner: Experienced
Exercise: Moderate
Grooming: Little
Trainability: A bit difficult to train
Combativeness: Tends to be dog-aggressive
Dominance: High
Noise: Not a barker

Physical characteristics

Bullmastiffs are massive and extremely powerful dogs with a short square muzzle and a broad head. As well as in the Bulldog, the skin on the deep muzzle is wrinkled, which makes the breed pretty recognizable. The nose is black with large nostrils. The dark eyes are medium sized and have an intelligent expression. The teeth should meet in a level or slightly undershot bite. The V-shaped floppy ears are set wide. The back is straight and short. They legs are muscular and sturdy. The medium length tail is strong at the base, set high and tapers to the hocks. It may be straight or curved.
The height of Bullmastiffs ranges from 24 to 27 inches; the weight is 100 to 130 pounds.

Temperament

Properly trained and socialized at an early age, Bullmastiffs become very loyal dogs with a good, affectionate, intelligent, and devoted nature. They are wonderful guard dogs. Self-assured and stubborn, Bullmastiffs tend to be rather dog-aggressive (more than the Mastiff) and dominant. They are inclined to do things in their own way and will test members of the family. They need an experienced owner and early obedience training that includes leadership, cheerful praise, and food rewards. Be consistent and firm. As Bullmastiffs are extremely powerful, make sure to train the dog not to pull when it's on leash. A well-trained ad well-socialized Bullmastiff is docile and mellow. Can be very protective and fearless of provoked. Good with children if raised up with them from puppyhood. Moderately dependent on people. A good jogging companion.
Bullmastiff puppies (up to two or three years old) can be rambunctious and have an aversion to keeping all four feet on the ground at the same time. Fortunately, adults are calm and quiet and need only moderate exercise to maintain their impressive muscle tone.

Coat and grooming

Bullmastiffs come in brindle, fawn and red colours. They often have a black mask and black ears. Except for a very small white spot on the chest, white markings are considered a fault in show dogs. The hair is short and dense. Little grooming is required. Bullmastiffs are average shedders.

Photo by hindesite

Health

The common health issues in this breed are hip dysplasia, tumors, bloat, boils on the lips, and eyelid problems. They are also prone to obesity, so make sure you do not overfeed the dog and exercise it well. Bullmastiffs tend to droll and snore.
The lifespan relatively short - 8 to 10 years.

Other interesting facts

The Bullmastiff was bred to create a dog faster and more aggressive than the Mastiff but larger and less ferocious than the Bulldog. The foundation breeding was 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog.

Bullmastiff

Physical characteristics

Temperament

Coat and grooming

Health

Other interesting facts

Curly Haired Dog Breeds