Bullmastiff | Dog Breed Information & Facts – Pictures

The bullmastiff is a dog that was created to guard and protect. A huge dog inspires fear and horror with one look. In fact, if there is no reason, the dog is quite calm, adequate and friendly. Such a dog will sit quietly for hours at the owner’s feet, guarding his peace and sleep. He’s ready for anything for his family.

Despite the great weight and height, the bullmastiff is distinguished by dexterity, agility, and the ability to start lightning fast at the command of the owner. Representatives of the breed in the modern world for the most part are companions and pets, although these daredevils can also be found as guard and police dogs.

The bullmastiff is a watchdog by nature but at the same time, he is very affectionate and familiar with his owners, even if he is broad and muscular. In addition, this dog can live quietly in a small house as long as it has the opportunity to walk several times a day.

Dog sheet Bullmastiff

Bullmastiff photos

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Physical characteristics

Bullmastiff is a powerful dog with a harmonious physique. She has great strength, while moving, energetic, able to quickly develop speed. The weight of adults is 50-59 kg. Height is about 64-68 cm, females are noticeably inferior in size to males, they are lighter and lower in height.

Dog-characteristics-Bullmastiff

Distinctive features

  • Head: the head is large, square. The transition from the front to the muzzle is pronounced. The muzzle is square, dull. The length of the muzzle is 1/3 of the length of the skull.
  • Jaws: the bite looks like a tick. The fangs are tall. The jaws are powerful and wide.
  • Ears: the ears are in the shape of a V, hanging. Attached high and long distance from each other.
  • Eyes: Eyes are medium -sized, oval. Located at great distance from each other. The color is almost black.
  • Frame: the body is long, muscular. The chest is large. Filled belly. The back is straight.
  • Members: The legs are muscular and well developed. The muscles are more developed on the posterior limbs. The legs are rounded. The nails are dark and hard.
  • Pelage: the coat is short, no more than 1 cm color: red, fire, bridged. There may be white spots on the chest. There is always a dark mask on the muzzle.

Character and behavior

The Bullmastiff took only the best qualities from these ancestors. Representatives of the breed are balanced, they are not aggressive. But strangers are treated with suspicion, in order to avoid trouble, the owner must introduce the dog to guests.

Bullmastiffs are excellent watchdogs. They warn of danger with loud barks and growls. The attacker will be crushed to the ground and simulate biting until the owner gives the command. Representatives of the breed do not attack in advance. First of all, they observe the person, analyze the mood and actions.

These dogs learn quickly. They are suitable only for self-confident people. The owner must show who is responsible, then the dog will obey. Representatives of the breed are not players.

With children

These dogs will tolerate pranks from children, but can occasionally kick or nudge. It is not recommended to leave a child alone with such a dog.

With other animals

Bullmastiffs get along well with other animals. They get along well with other dogs. Cats are not particularly interesting, the dog will never rush to chase the neighbor’s cat.

Health

The owner of a bullmastiff should know what diseases the pet is predisposed to:

  • Oncological diseases.
  • Skin diseases.
  • Dysplasia of the joints.
  • Entropy – the incorrect position of the eyelids is eliminated only by surgery.
  • Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament is a pathology of the knee joint.
  • Hypothyroidism is a lack of thyroid hormones.
  • Cystinuria – cystine kidney stones.
  • Gastrointestinal diseases – bloating, intestinal torsion, diarrhea, expansion of the stomach.
  • Obstructive cardiomyopathy is a serious disease of the cardiovascular system.

Life expectancy

By nature, bullmastiff dogs are hardy and healthy dogs with a strong immune system. With proper care and maintenance, such a dog can live about 9-10 years, twelve-year-old mastiffs are found.

Care

The care of bullmastiffs is not difficult.

  • During the moulting period, the dog is combed daily with a rubber toothbrush. Normally, once a week is enough.
  • Bathe the bullmastiff no more than 2 times a year. As it gets dirty, wipe the dog down with a damp towel.
  • Once a week, the eyes are rubbed with a chamomile decoction.
  • The ears are examined daily, at the first sign of inflammation the dog is taken to the vet. Once a week, the ears are cleaned of sulfur with a special lotion.
  • Trim nails as needed.
  • The teeth are brushed twice a month. For the prevention of tartar, the dog is given chew treats.

Important

Representatives of the breed do not tolerate heat and cold. In winter, the animal is dressed in overalls. In summer it is better to refuse to walk in strong heat, it is better to shift the walk in the evening or early in the morning. The dog must always have access to drinking water and a shaded area where he can cool off.

Exercise

This dog should be carefully monitored until at least 12 months of age, since if they exercise too much when they are young, they can suffer from bone and joint problems of the elderly.

They enjoy exercise and family games, and a couple of hours of exercise a day will keep the adult Bullmastiff satisfied.

Fun facts

  • The original purpose of the bullmastiff dogs was to combat poachers. It was the dog’s responsibility to detect the intruder in the forest, detain him and hand him over to the rangers. Bullmastiff was ideally suited for such a service, he is strong, silent, fearless. Having overtaken the poacher, silently, with a powerful throw, the dog knocked him down without causing injuries, then barked the owner.
  • At the very beginning of history, the English Bullmastiff called “night dog rangers.”
  • The football team of England “Arsenal FC” made a bullmastiff named Ganner as its mascot. Before each match, a mighty dog ​​importantly passed across the field in front of the audience, thereby setting up the players to win.
  • Representatives of the breed have a high pain threshold, they are able to patiently endure even very severe pain.
  • In the Republic of South Africa, bullmastiffs are used as guard dogs on diamond mines.

History of the breed

The name “bullmastiff” stands for “large bulldog.” Such a translation is fully true, representatives of this breed are distinguished by large dimensions and all the features of a bulldog. The first information about the bullmastiff appeared in the second half of the eighteenth century.

Before official recognition, these dogs have come a long way. Only in 1924 the breed was registered and defined standard. In June 1925, breed lovers organized the Mindland Bullmastiff Club. Since that time, these dogs quickly began to conquer European and Asian countries.

The birthplace of bullmastiff is England. Bred this breed specifically to help the guards who fought against poachers. The huge dog had to be able to quickly detect the intruder, catch up and hold, without causing harm before the arrival of the owner.

In addition, the bullmastiff is silent, casting a voice only when necessary. Breeders managed to create a dog that meets all the requirements. As a result, the representatives of the breed perfectly proved themselves not only as guards of forests and other territories, but also as police dogs.