Bullmastiffs are a very loyal, affectionate, tolerant and an intelligent breed.
1. Are They Good With Children?
As a mother of four we asked the same question, and now being owners and breeders for over ten years we certainly could say that the Bullmastiff loves children, they are a very large affectionate, tolerant breed that is very loyal towards his family. We do however suggest that with any breed of dog supervision is required. Because they are a large breed, and without intention, they can become quite excitable and boisterous and knock over toddlers. Warning care is also required with those long wagging tails. We would highly recommend the Bullmastiff as a family dog. Refer to Bullmastiffs and Children
2. Do They Make Good Guard Dogs?
This is a breed that was bred solely to guard, therefore it is their natural instincts, they are not a herding breed, unlike most other large breeds that are for some reason used as guard dogs. Without a doubt, even the most aloof of the breed will surprise you. I call the Bullmastiff the natural guardian, as they know the TRUE meaning of danger and act. Occasionally depending on the individual character, some can become overly protective of his family. Refer to Guarding
3. Are They A One-Man Dog?
In my opinion, there is no such thing as a one-man dog. Dogs are pack animals and therefore they obey the pack leader or the most dominant. Generally when a person says “He’s a one-man dog!”, it means that the dog sees himself as the second most dominant dog in the pack, in my opinion, I see this as being trouble for the rest of the human family members this is something that I wouldn’t like to see in our dogs they MUST have respect for every family member. refer to training.
4. Do They Require A Lot Of Room?
Surprisingly enough, no. They may be a large breed but they are not an energetic dog. I have even heard of Bullmastiffs living quite happily in apartment buildings with the exception of walks two-three times a day.
5. How Much Exercise Do They Require?
As mentioned above they are not an overly energetic breed. For an adult a ten minute walk a day is ample, for growing puppies (puppies up to 12 months) we suggest a gentle stroll on flat grassy ground (avoid sand and concrete surfaces as they are too soft or hard which means the puppy needs to work twice as hard) for about ten minutes, if the puppy appears tied allow them to rest. We can not emphasize enough of the dangers of over exercising puppies. It has now been proven that even a puppy from low hip scored parents that has been constantly over exercised has resulted in being hip dysplastic.
6. Do They Eat Much?
Yes, as this is their favorite past time. An adult will consume around 1 kilograme (2lb) to 1.5 kilograms of food per day depending on the individual dog. Bullmastiffs are far from being fussy eaters and will happily eat fruit, vegetables, pasta, and table scraps, these are also ideal and give variety to add to their daily kibble. Refer to Diet.
7. What Colors Are They?
Brindle was the original color later fawn and reds were introduced for the show ring.
8. Do They Jump?
Generally no they are a very large heavy breed, but occasionally you will find the odd one in training for the Olympics high jump.
9. How Large Do They Grow?
Males are 25-27 inches at the shoulder weight 50-59 kg. Females are 24-26 inches at the shoulder and weigh 41-50kg.
10. Do They Drool A Lot?
Every dog drools to some extent. They will drool if you happen to be eating in front of them or if it is a hot day or if they have just had a drink.
11. Do They Require A Lot Of Grooming?
No. They are in respect a low maintenance grooming breed. They have a short hard coat that requires brushing twice a week to remove the dead hairs but during molting season brushing is required daily. Bathing should be done every one to two weeks usually all that is required is a bucket of warm water submerge a towel ring out the excess water and give them a good rub down then dry off with a clean towel. refer to grooming
12. What Is The Life Expectancy?
8-10 years but a great deal depends on exercise and diet, we have also heard of some living up to 13 years.
13. Are They Intelligent And Easy To Train?
Yes, they are intelligent and easy to train, BUT he can become easily bored and distracted so we recommend to keep lessons short. The addition of food treats as rewards is also beneficial as they are a food driven breed of dog. We also recommend to always leave training on a good note and keep it fun, if you do become impatient and hasty with training leave it for another day. The key to good training is to keep training consistent.
14. Do They Have Any Health Concerns?
Yes just like any large breed they can suffer from hip dysplaysia. It has now been proven that hip dysplaysia is not entirely hereditary but environment also plays a big part of hip dysplaysia. The breed can also suffer from an eye condition known as entropion and ectropion. Entropion is where the eyelid rolls inwards and the eyelashes irritate the eye causing the dog to eventually go blind. Ectropion is the opposite of entropion where the eyelid turns outward resulting in constant conjunctivitis and inflammation problems. Both eye conditions can be surgically corrected but a responsible breeder would avoid breeding from such a dog with this hereditary problem.
15. Do They Get Along With Other Dogs And Pets?
Yes. BUT early socializing is highly recommended. Puppy schools are ideal as it allows your puppy new different smells. situations, noises and to be socialized around other people and dogs. They can happily live with other dogs, cats and other pets I have even heard of Bullmastiffs only being introduced to a cat at the age of five years and now they happily curl up in front of the fire together.
Bullmastiffs are loyal lovable dogs that thrive on their owner’s attention and need to be mentally and physically stimulated. By no means are they a type of breed that can be locked up in the backyard and forgotten about, nor to that point does any dog. If your time is limited don’t get a dog in the first place. There is no such thing as a low maintenance breed. All dogs deserve a responsible loving owner.
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