Bullmastiff Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Bullmastiff?

Bullmastiff roots date back to the mid-to-late nineteenth century in England, when gamekeepers needed a large working dog with the speed necessary to apprehend poachers. With the Industrial Revolution in full swing, most people desperate for food resorted to poaching, which carried heavy penalties.

These poachers needed to be arrested and charged, which required the use of a silent and fast dog breed. To create a healthier dog than its purebred parents, this dog is a mix between the vicious Bulldog and the big, good-natured Mastiff produced the Bullmastiff, resulting in a calm but dangerous guard dog.

These canines were used to guard game at night on the English aristocracy's sprawling rural estates and game preserves. They would look out for poachers and then follow and apprehend them silently until gamekeepers came. Gamekeepers chose brindle hounds (subtle tiger stripes) to bolster their ninja-like abilities since they were disguised at night.

Soon after, gamekeepers started arguing over who had the most valuable Bullmastiff, resulting in contests and exhibitions of the most incredible guard dogs. Nicknamed the"Gamekeeper's Night Dog", the Bullmastiff quickly gained popularity as a show dog.

Who are Bullmastiff dogs best for?

With family, Bullmastiffs are kind and loving. Their typically peaceful, easy-going dispositions make them ideal for families with young children. However, when a stranger enters the scene, the bullmastiff's easy-going attitude towards family members is likely to change. These canines are notoriously wary of strangers.

Despite his familial affection and loyalty, this dog is no weakling. Their free-thinking and independent nature make training more difficult. He may also be more intolerant of other dogs than of human members. Socialising your pup could help their intolerance for other small dogs or household pets and other animals.

How much grooming does a Bullmastiff need?

Bullmastiffs have a short, thick coat that is good for weather protection. Shedding is more of a seasonal phenomenon than a permanent one. It is essential to provide them with a balanced diet and a safe environment to maintain their coat health. They sometimes develop allergies that cause their skin to become oily or dry; notify your veterinarian if any changes occur.

Inspect the ears of your dog regularly and clean them as necessary. If you notice your dog's ears have an unpleasant smell or are packed with a waxy substance that resembles coffee grounds, your pup might have an ear infection or mite infestation. Brush and trim your dog's teeth and nails before he begins 'clicking' on the home floor.

Do Bullmastiff bark much?

While Bullmastiffs are generally peaceful and calm dogs who do not bark, excessive barking may become an issue. When this happens, your adult dog is almost certainly attempting to attract your attention. If your dog barks excessively, obedience training at an early age should help ease the situation.

Bullmastiff puppies are also intelligent, strong, and capable of recognising danger. They howl and growl at their adversaries, leaving no stone left in their defence of their master.

Do Bullmastiff bite?

The Bullmastiff has a reputation for not biting. Historically, these dogs were taught to apprehend intruders without biting them. It is critical to begin early by instilling a sense of tenderness and discipline in dogs.

While you cannot completely eradicate their need to bite, you can teach them what is acceptable to bite down like their toys. Additionally, you may assist them in developing a soft bite by feeding them treats and kibbles by hand. If a bite seems too firm – even if it does not contact the skin – remove the treat and wait for them to take it gently.

What is the temperament & personality of a Bullmastiff?

A gigantic Bullmastiff dog conceals a gentle teddy bear that seeks your companionship. While each puppy is unique, a bullmastiff would typically want to be in the same room as you, sometimes even at your feet, next to you, or even on you.

While a bullmastiff's demeanour may be calm and lovely, he is still more than 100 pounds of canine energy that demands kind but strong supervision to handle. With a bullmastiff, training should begin with establishing boundaries and should not end with puppy school and socialisation. Maintain his training with regular refresher classes to ensure he is always aware that he is not the family's leader.

What is the weight & size of a Bullmastiff?

Bullmastiffs grow steadily from the day they are born until they reach full maturity. Even as puppies, they may grow to reach the size of a full-grown Tibetan Terrier. 

• A male Bullmastiff can weigh between 110 and 130 pounds (50 and 59 kilogrammes) and stand between 25 and 27 inches (63.5 and 78.6 centimetres)/

• Female Bullmastiffs weigh between 100 and 120 pounds (45.4 and 54.4 kilogrammes) and stand between 24 and 26 inches (61 and 66.04 centimetres). 

These sizes vary according to the Bullmastiff dog breed information and health and the environment where the Bullmastiffs are kept.

How much training does a Bullmastiff need?

Bullmastiffs need experienced pet owners ready to devote time to socialisation and training. These dogs are massive in stature and may be unaware of their strength, and you do not want an untrained Bullmastiff charging at and knocking down guests.

Begin training your dog as a puppy to ensure they develop into a well-behaved family member. Because these dogs are clever and fast learners, they quickly catch up on simple instructions and tricks. Due to the strength of these dogs, it is essential to educate your puppy not to tug on the leash or jump on humans during training to avoid catastrophes later in life. When it comes to teaching Bullmastiffs, consistency is critical.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Bullmastiff?

Although Bullmastiffs are typically generally healthy, genetic health problems such as stomach torsion, hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia, and entropion have been documented.

The dog breed is also known to suffer from bloat, renal failure, hypothyroidism, entropion, cancer, and allergies. A veterinarian may do checks on how prone your dog is for hip and elbow dysplasia, and eye checks on the dog to rule out some concerns.

What is the lifespan of a Bullmastiff?

As is the case with other dogs of similar size, Bullmastiffs have an average lifespan and health record. The average Bullmastiff's lifespan is roughly 7 to 10 years, and there is a lengthy array of inherited health problems to blame.

How much should you feed a Bullmastiff?

Throughout their lifetimes, Bullmastiffs need more food than the average dog. The ideal diet may vary depending on the dog's digestive system or allergies, but high-quality dog food is usually recommended.

If you are unsure of the feeding recommendations, your vet can assist you in determining the appropriate amount and frequency of feeding for your Bullmastiff according to their age, health, and lifestyle.

Puppies need special nourishment to support the development of their musculoskeletal systems. Additionally, puppy food developed mainly for big dog breeds may be advantageous.

What is the price of a Bullmastiff in Australia?

A Bullmastiff puppy will cost you between $1,000 and $2,000, with the average cost being approximately $1,500. Purebred Bullmastiff pups from quality parents and breed clubs may pay roughly $3,000.