Character
Bullmastiffs are strong and fearless. They are perfect watch-dogs and always on alert. Sometimes bullmastiffs could be a little bit frantic while they are guarding, but
that is the beauty of the breed. Naturally they are intelligent and self-confident. One of the safest dog breeds to be trusted with children and older people. They very rarely
bark, only when warning on somebody or something. They have a high pain tolerance and are not likely to react unfriendly after small accidents during games.
Dominant acting is normal when males fronting each other, the same is with two females, so owner's authority is necessary as well as a good training. Life in harmony with other
pets and animals is quite normal for bullmastiffs.
They are big "gluttons" and surely not lickerish. In addition to standard dog food, they eat meat, pasta, milk products even fruits and vegetables gladly. Much space is not
a priority. Two or three easy hikes daily are enough and the rest of the time they will rest.
Unfortunately the breed does not live long, 10 to 12 years of life is old age for them.
History
The Romans were the first to train war dog-units. The legions of Rome used giant Mastiffs while civilizing the western world, according to their scribes. The dogs wore spiked collars and armour, and unleashed in the forward line of the battle they attacked the enemies legs, causing them to lower their shields and be more vulnerable to attack.
In A.D. 391,Quintus Aurelis Symmachus, the Roman consul, wrote thanking his brother for the seven hound Mastiffs saying that "All Rome viewed them with wonder". The Romans were also very much impressed with the quality of British mastiffs, as fighting dogs against a wide variety of lions, leopards, gladiators, slaves, and even elephants.
In the Middle Ages, mastiffs ran into battle against mounted knights wearing light armour and carrying spikes and pots of flaming Sulphur and resin.
In 1850's England, gamekeepers started to breed a dog for their needs. They needed a dog that was fast and powerful enough to reach, knock down and hold poachers without mauling them until the gamekeeper's arrival. Gamekeepers experimented with several breeds, looking to the mastiff, who was a perfect guard, faithful and incredibly powerful, although too heavy, inactive and too aggressive, and then the bulldog, the ancient – English bulldog (today most similar to American bulldog) characterized by agility and persistence. Out of these breeds the bullmastiff was born. Dogs of dark brindle color were preferred for the work at night. They were referred to as the Night Dog. The foundation of ideal gamekeeper's breeding was 60% mastiff and 40% bulldog. The first kennels were founded in England in the period between 1900 and 1920. The breed was officially recognized in 1927 and originally named Bull Mastiff.
Health
Bullmastiffs are not an over sensitive and too gentle of a breed. They are adaptable to all weather conditions, although it should be said that due to their short muzzle
they find it harder to endure heat during very hot days. Therefore, the activities during hot summer days should be left for morning and evening hours. The hair on the Bullmastiff is very short,
and a firm brush should be used on this breed 2-3 times a week to remove any dead or loose hair. Since they are big ''gluttons'', care should be taken not to let them overindulge on any food,
which can cause them health problems. Chocolate, or chocolate cakes, is probably the most commonly known food to avoid with dogs (all dogs can hardly digest it or not digest it at all). Also,
nuts (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts) should be avoided, because they can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Special care should be taken to the selection of right toys. Bullmastiffs have very strong
jaws, and thus a large number of toys can end as mincemeat in no time, which would be no trouble at all, unless it would finish in the stomach and intestines where it could cause serious heath
problems (They really enjoy playing with plastic bottles & milk jugs, make sure to remove the lid!).
Bullmastiffs are not affected by any diseases specific for this breed, however, they are subject to health problems common to all large breeds:
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is characterized by abnormally formed joints, and quite often, accompanying degenerative osteoarthritis. The result is hind leg weakness, pain and functional disability. The cause of hip dysplasia is not known. Hip dysplasia is a complex disease with many factors involved in the cause. The most important are genetic and environmental factors. Since the disease is moderately heritable, attention should be paid to the selection of the parents for the future puppies – it would be ideal that the parents have HD=A, i.e. they do not have hip dysplasia.| Quantity and quality of food: young large-breed dogs should not be overweight, because their rapid growth itself and the weight gain of about 1 kg per week is already stressful enough for their locomotive system. Also, young bullmastiffs should not be fed too much protein (protein levels should be no higher than 27%) in an attempt to get the dogs as large and strong as possible. The reverse effect will be achieved result!!! A young dog grows too fast, and major structural damage can occur when the dog reaches maturity. In addition, adding some vitamins or minerals (most often calcium and vitamin D) into already balanced diet, could provide basis for disease development. | Quantity of motion: Duration of walks, surface on which a young dog walks as well as the slope may have considerable influence on illness manifestation. The young dogs should not have long walks or be allowed a lot of free exercise. Although well intended, many owners make a mistake trying to strengthen the musculature of their dogs before they are grown up. Thus, throwing a ball up and down a hill, walking up the stairs or running by a bike, as well as long walks (about 2-3 hours) are out of question before the dog is 18 months old! |
Bloat (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus) also commonly known as Gastric Torsion is a condition in which the stomach fills with air (dilation) and twists on its axis. It usually occurs when the stomach rapidly fills up with air, liquid or foam. Stomach dilation may occur together with stomach torsion, or as an independent condition. The stomach may inflate like a balloon and twist around its axis for 90 to 360 degrees. The condition does not allow the dog to burp or vomit and release thus excess air and relieve the pressure within the stomach. The most characteristic symptoms of bloat are unsuccessful attempts to burp and vomit every few minutes and the increased size of the stomach which looks like a swallowed football. The dilated stomach can put pressure on major veins, blocking blood flow back to the heart, blood pressure will drop and the dog can easily go into shock. Breathing is shallow due to pain and physical pressure of the dilated stomach on the diaphragm. The combination of gastric dilation and torsion leads to reduced circulation to the stomach, the lining of the stomach can die or be damaged enough to allow bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream. There is no normal blood flow to the heart and the heart functioning is seriously endangered. The final stage is shock and heart failure, and death is imminent. Therefore, bullmastiff owners should be familiar with the signs and symptoms of bloat and should establish a plan for immediate treatment. Early detection and immediate medical intervention is essential if the dog is to survive! Gastric dilation and torsion are much more likely to occur in large, deep-chested breeds between 2 and 10 years of age. The exact cause is unknown and therefore it is difficult to determine how to prevent it. The owners of dog breeds prone to bloat should avoid exercise for about two hours after a meal, and should not allow their dogs to drink large quantities of water at a time, especially after a meal or before and after exercise.
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about Bullmastiffs that buyers want to know.
Do they drool?
All dogs drool, but sometimes Bullmastiffs may drool more often than other breeds. Some lines have dryer mouthed dogs than others.
How BIG do they get?
The breed standard calls for a dog that is between 25-27" for a male and between 24-26" for a female. Weights are between 110-180 lbs for a male and 90-120lbs for a female. However, there are many Bullmastiffs that fall either under the standard or over the standard. So you may see a female as small as 22" tall and 85 lbs or a male as large as 29" tall and 180 lbs or more.
How much food do they eat?
An adult Bullmastiff usually eats between 2-3 cups of dry kibble twice a day. This averages out to 40-60 lbs of dog food per month. Some may eat more and some may eat less. Each dog is different so you need to gauge the amount of food to the size of the dog. The important thing to remember is do not let your Bullmastiff become overweight.
How much do they cost?
Prices vary from coast to coast, but the average is as follows. For a companion animal the price range may be from $2,000.00 - $2,500.00 plus any shipping costs that may apply. For a show puppy, the price range is from $3,000.00 - $4,000.00 plus shipping costs that may apply.
Are they good family dogs?
Yes! This breed needs to be an integral part of the family unit. This breed IS a guard breed and does require a lot of early socialization so that they become accepting to everyone you invite into your home. They are very rough as puppies and may knock small children down without even noticing. They would protect you with their life, if the need ever arose.
Do I need to take my dog to obedience school?
Always a great idea!!! Obedience training is in a class situation and provides socialization as well as valuable training. If your dog is not under control, he may knock someone down and hurt them.
What colors do they come in?
The recognized colors are red, red fawn also called apricot, fawn and brindle. They should have a black mask and dark eyes, ears and nails.
How much exercise do they need?
This breed requires minimal exercise. Mastiffs are perfectly happy in apartments as long as they are walked and you don't mind stepping over them. As a pup, start with very slow short walks, then increase the length of the walk as the dog gets older. Do not attempt any high impact events until the dog is well over 18 months of age.