Before considering taking ownership of any big dog, it’s important that you understand the breed’s personality and everything that comes with it. So, to determine if the Bullmastiff is the right fit for your family, you should ask the question, “What is a Bullmastiff’s temperament like?”.
The Bullmastiff is a protective, devoted, affectionate, alert and docile breed of dog. These dogs love their loyal to their owners but are quite strong-willed and benefit from early training and socialisation.
Now that we know what to expect of the Bullmastiff’s temperament, let’s take a closer look at what makes these lovable dogs so popular.
Like most dog breeds, Bullmastiff temperament traits can vary; however, there are some traits that are quite common among the Bullmastiff. Here’s what to expect from the personality traits of this popular breed.
Despite being a physically imposing breed, Bullmastiffs tend to be incredibly docile, gentle and affectionate. This particular personality trait is what makes them an excellent addition to any family with children. Another plus is that they are generally very quiet dogs, so you probably won’t be receiving any complaints about excessive barking.
Bullmastiffs make wonderful guard dogs by nature, and they are hardwired to protect their owners. Because of this, early socialisation is key to ensuring that your dog doesn’t attack strangers. This strong instinct to protect their family is the reason why they were nicknamed the “gamekeeper’s night dog.”
These dogs are strong-willed and have a mind of their own. This trait is what makes it particularly difficult to start training as a mere Bullmastiff pup. If not trained properly, Bullmastiffs have a tendency to try and assume dominance over a household.
Bullmastiffs have a reputation for being friendly and loving dogs. However, there are some things you need to know before deciding to bring one of these gentle giants home, particularly if you already have other dogs.
Bullmastiff dogs more than likely won’t be too fond of fellow canines, especially if you have a male Bullmastiff. Accommodate the Bullmastiff temperament by finding a dog of the opposite sex (preferably neutered or spaid) and ensuring they are properly socialised to reduce aggressive behaviour.
The family cat may be safe around a socialised Bullmastiff, but interactions between the two can be difficult due to the predatory nature of the working breed. Bullmastiffs react in a territorial manner to other animals, and this is why early training of an adult dog or a Bullmastiff puppy is extremely important.
Bullmastiffs are brilliant family members if properly trained and socialised from an early age. Because of their protective nature, they’re usually patient with kids, but their size can be overwhelming for younger children. Always remember that dogs should not be left unattended around small children to avoid any accidents.
A Bullmastiff is a strong dog that requires an equally firm owner. If not properly socialised, Bullmastiff puppies can grow into adults that display aggression towards people and some animals due to their protective instincts.
Additionally, these dogs have the potential to be destructive when left alone for too long.
Other potential behavioural problems include snorting, loud snoring, drooling, rowdiness, and an intense desire to lean its weight against you.
Generally, it’s unacceptable to leave any dog breed alone for more than four hours. This also applies to the Bullmastiff. Because of their protective instincts, Bullmastiffs form strong attachments to their owners, which can lead to separation anxiety. When possible, try to ensure there is someone around to keep them company.
Due to Bullmastiffs having an incredibly docile nature, they do not bark excessively. Barking is typically triggered when they’re feeling territorial, stressed, or lonely or when welcoming their canine companions.
The Bullmastiff is powerfully built with strength and alertness above that of many other dogs, but when it comes to their activity level, they will vary from dog to dog. Some Bullmastiffs are incredibly active, while others prefer a more sedentary lifestyle. Either way, regular exercise is key to ensuring a healthier dog. Dog parks, dog sports, and dog shows make good options for Bullmastiffs.
Bullmastiffs have a mix of desirable and some less attractive traits, but in the right hands, the Bullmastiff temperament means you can have a fearless guard dog and loyal companion.
A Bullmastiff may be an excellent family dog. Still, its protective instincts can be a pain for those with other pets or those who regularly entertain guests. Regardless of their protective nature, training and socialisation from a young age can be the answer to those problems.
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