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Bullmastiff

General
Other Names
Dog Group Kennel Club		Working
Breed Classification		The Bullmastiff is a member of the working group in America and Britain, however in Australia it is classified as a utility dog. They were originally used as guard dogs and today they are used as guards and as companions.
Cost of Ownership
Average Food Cost		£4-7.50 per week
Feeding Requirements		The Bullmastiff can be quite demanding in its feeding requirements. As a breed they are reputed to have individual feeding needs. As adults they should be fed twice daily, the breeder will recommend a suitable feeding programme for your dog.
		Try Royal Canin Breed Specific Dog Food
Other Expenses		A puppy will cost in the region of £800 - £1000.
Average Puppy Price		£500-800
Lifespan		9 - 15 years These dogs live to about 10 years of age. Cancer and bloat being the main causes of death.
Average Litter Size		8 Litters can vary from 4 to 13 puppies; the average, however is 8.
General Physical Description		The Bullmastiff is a powerfully built dog. They have large, square heads with large, muscular necks. A compact dog that is muscular all over and naturally large. Their coats are short, hard and weather proof.
Height Min Max Bitch 61cm (24") 66cm (26") Dog 64cm (25") 68cm (27") Weight Min Max Bitch 41kg (90lbs) 50kg (110lbs) Dog 50kg (110lbs) 59kg (130lbs)
Size Category		Large
Weight Height Range		Dogs measure 63.5-68.5cms at the withers and weigh between 50-59kgs. Bitches measure 61-66cms and weigh between 41-50kgs. It is a good idea to remember that when you decide on this dog that it does grow up to be a large, heavy dog.
Ailments		The breed is affected by cancer and bloat. Hip dysplasia and temperaments are a concern for breeders but screening can be carried out on the breeders lines. The Bullmastiff is also prone to skin and eye problems. There does appear to be a hereditary back problem that occurs to various degrees.
Common Ailments		Eczema, Dermatitis, Alopecia, Muzzle pyoderma Cerfical malformation, tumours, kidney stones
Susceptibility To Illness		Medium
Other
History		The Bullmastiff was originally called the 'Gamekeeper’s Night Dog' as they were used to catch poachers. The base stock of the Bullmastiff was 60% English Mastiff and 40% Bulldog. They were created in the late 1800’s. When the need for gamekeepers and the Bullmastiff declined they were used in sport. Someone would run off into the undergrowth and after a short time a muzzled Bullmastiff would be released to see if the person could be found. They were not trained to maul or kill, but to overpower their target. All the records state the dog never lost. The Kennel Club in Britain first recognised the breed in 1925, and the American Kennel Club gave them recognition in 1933.
Intelligence		The Bullmastiff can be stubborn and firm handling is required from puppyhood. They can also be quite headstrong and boisterous, especially during adolescence.
Show Characteristics		The Bullmastiff has a very distinctive head that should appear large and square. They have a short muzzle with a broad nose and wide nostrils. The mouth should be level, being slightly undershot is allowed. The eyes should be dark or hazel in colour and of medium size. The ears are V shaped and small, they are also darker than the body. The neck is very thick and muscular, it is almost equal to the circumference of the skull. The chest should be wide and deep, the shoulders muscular and powerful. The topline should be level with a short and straight back. The feet should be well arched with rounded toes. The tail should be high set and carried straight or curved. The colours desired are fawn, red or brindle. A small amount of white is allowed on the chest but nowhere else, the muzzle should be black.
Country Of Origin		England
Famous Examples
Records Held
Characteristics
Energy		Medium
Overall Exercise		40 - 60 minutes per day. This dog should not have long walks or be allowed a lot of free exercise until it is at least 12 months old. It has to be remembered that even when this dog is 6 months old, and is relatively large, it is still a puppy. Too much exercise too young can lead to bone and joint related health problems in later life. They have an average demand for exercise, only requiring a few walks per day. They do enjoy exercise and games with the family.
Distress Caused if Left Alone
Personal Protection		High
Suitability As Guard Dog		High
Risk of Sheep Worrying		Medium
Tendency to Bark		Low
Ease of Transportation		High
Level of Aggression		High
Compatibility With Other Animals		High
Suitable For Children		High
General Character And Temperament		These dogs are very protective of their family and other household pets. They have to be socialised from an early age. The Bullmastiff will only accept strangers if they are introduced to them by someone they trust. Intruders will be quickly halted in their tracks. It is not really a breed for the novice owner, due to its strength, stubborn and over protective nature.
Grooming
Coat Length		Short/Smooth
Grooming Requirement		< Once a week
Trimming		None
Requires Professional Groomer
Grooming		Grooming the Bullmastiff is relatively easy, a grooming mitt is all that is required to remove any dead and loose hair.
Colour		The Bullmastiff can be fawn, red or brindle, some may have limited white on the chest.
Shedding		Little
Suffers From Allergies
Tendency to Cause Allergies

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