Bullmastiff
Pic - Bull Mastiff Rescue - link below. If you are thinking about owning one of these stunning dogs, do speak to a Breed Rescue first and foremost. Not only do they do wonderful work pairing the right dog with the right home, they have a wealth of knowledge about the breed and can help to point you in the right direction. If link below not near you, do search for one closer, https://bullmastiff.us/rescue/
General
This breed was originally developed by 19th century gamekeepers to guard estates, and although other crosses were tried, the winning combination was that of the Mastiff/Bulldog cross. This was because the Bulldog that is a brave and very tenacious dog, simply did not have the size needed to knock over a poacher, and hold him down until the game keeper. Plus, they tended to be aggressive to the poacher, rather than just hold him down . The Mastiff on the other hand, hand the size, but was far too laid back.
In 1924 the breed was recognized as a purebred dog by the English Kennel Club, and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1933.
This breed was originally developed by 19th century gamekeepers to guard estates, and although other crosses were tried, the winning combination was that of the Mastiff/Bulldog cross. This was because the Bulldog that is a brave and very tenacious dog, simply did not have the size needed to knock over a poacher, and hold him down until the game keeper. Plus, they tended to be aggressive to the poacher, rather than just hold him down . The Mastiff on the other hand, hand the size, but was far too laid back.
In 1924 the breed was recognized as a purebred dog by the English Kennel Club, and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1933.
Is this the right dog for you?
Although bred to be a guarding and protection dog, the Bullmastiff today is better known for its loyalty and total devotion to its family. This breed may act as if it is a Maltese with its family, however this attitude can change very quickly when a stranger comes to the home - on average this breed is suspicious with most strangers. Do to this, it is vital that this breed receives early socialization by way of puppy school and that the socialization is ongoing.
His innate behaviour often comes to the fore of being independent, which really can make training a bit of a challange. This breed it is best to have several training sessions of very short duration rather than one long one working with praise and food rewards. Also remember that you have multiple hours of your day with your dog, so in addition to loving it, and having fun, turn these into training sessions as well.
If you don't like dogs that slobber, drool and tend to snore, then this is not the breed for you!
Although very loyal to its family, this dog needs to know its place in the human/canine social structure, so it is up to you to put down the basic House Rules and be consistent about them.
However, if you are a couch potato, this breed will suit you down to the ground. Despite it's large size, it does not require heavy exercise, and surprisingly enough, this makes the breed great for apartments and town houses - although you may have a problem convincing the Body Corporate about this!
Should you have 2 of the same, or 2 pups together?
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
Do they get on with other dogs?
With early socialization they can learn to get on with other dogs outside the home, but having two of them in the home is not a good idea and is not recommended, even if not the same breed - they can be aggressive. These are working breeds, and especially mature males do not get on with any other males at all, regardless of size.
If introducing them to any other dogs, it must always be on lead and knowing that you can handle the dog if it lunges.
With early socialization they can learn to get on with other dogs outside the home, but having two of them in the home is not a good idea and is not recommended, even if not the same breed - they can be aggressive. These are working breeds, and especially mature males do not get on with any other males at all, regardless of size.
If introducing them to any other dogs, it must always be on lead and knowing that you can handle the dog if it lunges.
Do they get on with other animals?
These dogs are not recommended for home with other animals.
These dogs are not recommended for home with other animals.
Are they good with children?
The majority of this breed are good and very patient with children if introduced to them as a pup and they grow up with them. However as much socialization with babies, toddlers and young children, as possible must be done while a pup.
What one has to bear in mind, is that this is a guard dog and will protect those it loves and if it fears its own family child is in danger it can react. This can happen while kids are running around, rough tumbling, playing etc, if the dog feels the child is in danger. Children and dogs should always be supervised, especially in a situation as described above.
The majority of this breed are good and very patient with children if introduced to them as a pup and they grow up with them. However as much socialization with babies, toddlers and young children, as possible must be done while a pup.
What one has to bear in mind, is that this is a guard dog and will protect those it loves and if it fears its own family child is in danger it can react. This can happen while kids are running around, rough tumbling, playing etc, if the dog feels the child is in danger. Children and dogs should always be supervised, especially in a situation as described above.
Health
The major health concerns of this breed include hip and elbow dysplasia. Gastric torsion and bloat. With any dog that is prone to bloat, feed 2 - 3 smaller meals throughout the day - do not exercise for about an hour before feeding, and no exercise 1 - 2 hours after eating. Limit them drinking copious amounts of water at once.
Other health issues nclude entropion, cancer (hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, and mast cell tumors).
Heart disease is also on the rise in this breed. Cancer (especially lymphosarcoma and osteosarcoma) claims the lives of many Bullmastiffs, and heart disease is becoming a real concern.
Hypothyroidism is somewhat common in the breed. Urinary conditions are a concern, especially kidney diseases and cystinuria.
Skin conditions have been reported and allergies that result in itchy skin and scratching and secondary bacterial infections. Demodectic mange is common in Bullmastiff puppies and adolescents.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
The major health concerns of this breed include hip and elbow dysplasia. Gastric torsion and bloat. With any dog that is prone to bloat, feed 2 - 3 smaller meals throughout the day - do not exercise for about an hour before feeding, and no exercise 1 - 2 hours after eating. Limit them drinking copious amounts of water at once.
Other health issues nclude entropion, cancer (hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, and mast cell tumors).
Heart disease is also on the rise in this breed. Cancer (especially lymphosarcoma and osteosarcoma) claims the lives of many Bullmastiffs, and heart disease is becoming a real concern.
Hypothyroidism is somewhat common in the breed. Urinary conditions are a concern, especially kidney diseases and cystinuria.
Skin conditions have been reported and allergies that result in itchy skin and scratching and secondary bacterial infections. Demodectic mange is common in Bullmastiff puppies and adolescents.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Do’s and Dont’s
Do’s
Don’t
Do’s
- Do get your pup from a KUSA registered breeder and do read the articles on Breeders and also choosing a pup
- Sterilize at approximately 6 months of age.
- Do take your pup for socialization - pups should start at 8 weeks of age and this should not be missed - lays the foundation for future social interactions.
- Do continue the socialiazation - keeps solid social skills in place
- Give daily, regular exercise
- Supply chew toys and mental stimulation when left alone.
- Allow your dog to be part of the family
- Give regular brushing and annual vacs.
- Take your dog for basic training and keep simple house rules in place
Don’t
- Don't use aversive training methods.
- Don't have more than one dog, fighting can occur
- Leave this breed outside alone – behaviour problems will develop
- Don't keep this breed with other small animals.