Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is a powerful, active, reliable and resilient watchdog. They are very versatile and can play the role of a guardian, a police dog, a companion dog or a show dog. Confident, sure of themselves and very courageous, they make a very faithful breed who are attached to their friends and need social interaction to flourish.
Key facts about the Bullmastiff
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Origins and history
The Bullmastiff is the result of a cross between the Mastiff and the Bulldog. The intention of first crossing of these two breeds was only to create fighting dogs, both powerful and flexible in nature. However, when official battles came to an end (in 1853), people realised that crossing these two breeds could create a new pure breed with good qualities. Forest rangers were particularly interested: they needed a flexible, powerful dog with a flair for fighting against poachers. Pure breed selection began in the 19th century and was perfected in the late 20th century by S. Moseley, who is considered the creator of the modern Bullmastiff.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 2 - Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs
Section
Section 2 : Molossian type
Physical characteristics of the Bullmastiff
Adult size
Female : Between 24 and 26 in
Male : Between 25 and 27 in
Weight
Female : Between 90 and 110 lb
Male : Between 110 and 130 lb
Coat colour
The coat can be all brindle, tawny or fawn. The most important thing is that the colour is pure and clean. A white mark on the chest is acceptable but any other markings are considered a defect. The mask is black and must fade to the eyes.
Type of coat
The coat is short.
The hair is hard to the touch and lying flat. The hair should neither be long, nor silky or woolly, as this does not correspond to the official standard of the breed.
Eye colour
The eyes are either dark or hazel. Clear or yellow eyes are not to standard.
Description
The Bullmastiff is a dog with a strong, symmetrical and powerful structure; but not heavy. Their head is that of a catch dog; their skull must be strong and square. The perimeter of the skull should be equal to the height at the withers. The muzzle is short: the distance between the tip of the nose and the stop is about one third of the total length of the head. The skull-face axes are convergent, and the stop is well marked. The eyes are either dark or hazel, medium-sized, set far apart and separated by a wrinkle. The ears, V shaped or folded backwards are set wide and high on the back of the head. The definition should be strong, with large, separated canine teeth. Clipping with scissors or pliers is allowed: a slightly protruding jaw is allowed but not sought after. The legs are strong and muscular.
Good to know
The Bullmastiff is the ideal breed for those who love big dogs but do not have enough space to accommodate a real giant. Their balanced character makes them a reliable dog in all situations, but first-time owners should beware not to be attracted solely by their magnificent physical characteristics.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Bullmastiff
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Compatibility
Price
The price of a bullmastiff varies according to their origin, age and sex. On average, they cost around £900 for a pedigree dog.
Regarding the monthly budget required for their maintenance (food and conventional care included), it’s estimated at around £60 a month.
Grooming
Maintaining the Mastiff’s coat is not complicated, brushing it a few times a week is enough to preserve the beauty and protective quality of their coarse-haired coat.
Shedding
Hair loss is moderate but intensifies during moulting periods, which occur in Autumn and Spring. Brushing it on a daily basis will be required in order to get rid of the dead hair.
Nutrition of the Bullmastiff
Prone to weight issues, the Bullmastiff’s diet must be monitored in order to prevent them from becoming overweight. Moreover, having a sensitive growth means veterinary check-ups are necessary during this time.
Premium-quality biscuits can satisfy this dog, but home-made meals are still their favourite. Be careful though, meals must meet the dog’s dietary needs and be approved by a vet beforehand.
The Bullmastiff must be given meals twice a day to prevent them eating too much at once. A light meal is recommended in the morning and a heartier one in the evening. Having the dog eat whenever they want is to be avoided, especially to avoid an upset stomach, an issue to which this dog is very sensitive.
Health of the Bullmastiff
Life expectancy
Life expectancy is estimated at around 9 years.
Strong / robust
The Bullmastiff, like many other dogs in this category, is hardy and of a solid structure.
Withstand heat
Their slightly flattened nose may prevent them from regulating their body temperature as efficiently as other dogs. In fact, the heat is not a very comfortable experience for this Mastiff.
During the summer months, it’s best to adapt walk times to the weather, so either early in the morning or late at night.
Withstand cold
This dog’s short, coarse hair gives them good protection from bad weather but only to a certain, reasonable limit.
Tendency to put on weight
This dog is sufficiently robust but should not be allowed to put on more weight: as they’re very greedy, it’s necessary to create a suitable feeding arrangement with the breeder and then the vet. Deviating from this arrangement is not advisable, even in the face of yearning pleas from the most insistent dog.
Common illnesses
- Cancer (lymphoma)
- Gastric dilation syndrome/ torsion
- Heart disease
- Hip and elbow dysplasia