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Source : The Bullmastiff Homepage
Breed Purpose
Originally
Bullmastiffs were a combination of 40% English Bulldog and 60%
English Mastiff. They were bred specifically to accompany
gamekeepers on their rounds, being able to track well and having
sufficient size and strength to tackle, overpower and hold a poacher.
A
product of this century, by 1924 the Mastiff-Bulldog cross had been
stabilized and, as the Bullmastiff, the breed was officially
recognized in Britain and was accepted for registration by the
American Kennel Club in 1933 , where it earned a loyal but
numerically small following.
In
addition to patrolling estates, the Bullmastiff has also been used
as a police, guard and army dog. Breed Characteristics
A
Bullmastiff presents an aristocratic, attentive and intelligent
look. He is distinguished from the English Mastiff by his smaller
size and more compact face.
They
have been described as: intelligent, loyal, stubborn, laid back,
family oriented, stoic, and even-tempered.
Bullmastiffs
rarely bark unless there is a reason. There is a minimal amount of
slobbering associated with a Bullmastiff, usually after eating or
drinking.
They
are a dog that requires consistent and fair training. Unique breed
characteristics need to be taken into consideration. Though playful
enough as a puppy, the Bullmastiff often takes a rather serious,
sombre attitude toward training as he matures. He likes to work and
concentrates hard on a new exercise for a given interval. However
once he learns it, he will quickly become bored and lethargic if the
exercise is not applied in a variety of practical and rewarding ways.
The
Bullmastiff seems to be very easy-going and as such tends to
integrate well with most other dogs. But as with any breed, you
should start socialization early. Puppy kindergarten type situations
are definitely a must. As far as the Bullmastiff's relationship to
other animals (other than dogs), size rather than aggressiveness is
often more of an issue. Often Bullmastiffs don't realize their size
can hurt a smaller dog, or cat, with rough-house play.
In
relationship to people, Bullmastiffs tend to be one family dogs.
They bond extremely close with their people and
can be suspicious of strangers. Early puppy interaction with lots of
different people is key to overcoming potential problems due to this
trait. Believe it or not Bullmastiffs can be quite cuddly and
demonstrative. They must be integrated as a member of the family. I
would say they are not very suitable for being an outdoor dog.
Bullmastiffs
are more tolerant of children than many other breeds. Their easy
going nature and calmness, tend to make them able to tolerate the
energy of younger kids. But again, due to their size, constant
parental supervision is a must.
They
are a naturally protective dog. They have a suspicious nature in
regards to strangers and size people up.
Sufficient socialization is extremely important due to this fact.
They also naturally guard their family members.
Bullmastiffs
are constantly attentive and curious about their surroundings and
will be alarmed if any danger is perceived to their pack. Many
people who see a Bullmastiff playing with children or other friendly
person, cannot believe that this breed can be anything but friendly,
however if the need arises the Bullmastiff can quickly take on a 180
degree change in personality and can change from a friendly clown
into the most determined guard dog imaginable.
These
two factors make, in my opinion, on-going training and early puppy
socialization, all important. Without it, Bullmastiffs can become
over-protective and over-aggressive towards strangers and other dogs,
etc.
Bullmastiffs
do not tend to tolerate LARGE variances in temperature. They do not
like extreme heat or extreme cold. They will however frolick in a
snow drift of two when the opportunity arises.
Exercise Requirements
The
Bullmastiff is not a high-energy dog. One longish walk every day
should take care of required excercise. But play sessions, trips to
exciting places and other highlights should be incorporated as they
will otherwise tend to get bored.
NOTE:
Bullmastiffs do tend to have a high tolerance for pain and often
will not complain about discomfort until the condition is quite bad.
Suitability for Working People
The
Bullmastiff seems to tolerate being left alone well, and would fit
into a family where both parties are working. Although it should be
noted that any puppy will require someone coming home during the
afternoon.
Please
note that puppies of any breed are a LOT of work and require without
a doubt, time, energy and love. On average a puppy requires at least
4 hours per day and probably more if you are into any type of
training.
Grooming Requirements
Bullmastiffs
are a short-haired dog which have minimal shedding. The brushes I
have found that work the best are: rubber palm brushes used in a
circular motion to lift out dead hair and bring the oil to the
surface followed by a slicker brush to trap the hair. A grooming
session at least once a week should be sufficient.
Ear cleaning and nail clipping is a definit must.
Specific Health Problems Hip Dysplasia
Hip
dysplasia is a progressive degeneration of the coxofemoral joint
that occurs following the development of joint laxity when the dog
is growing. The
word dysplasia means simply " improper growth".
Since the hip is composed not only of bone but, also the muscles,
tendons, ligaments and joint capsule holding the bones together,
there are limitless ways in which " improper growth"
can occur. Therefore, hip dysplasia is not an all-or-nothing
disease, but is a syndrome, that may progress from clinically
undetectable to marked hindlimb debility. (All dogs have normal hips
at birth).
If,
due to hereditary predisposition or enviromental influence, the
bones and soft tissues mature out of synchrony, there develops an
incompatibility of the parts of the hip. This leads to joint
instability so that the ball and socket are not held together
properly. When joint instability is present, the weight of the
animal is no longer borne only by the perfectly smooth cartilage
surfaces of the joint. Lesions (therefore, pain) develop at these
sites of abnormal pressure. This is the start of degenerative joint
disease or arthritis, which is what actually produces the signs we
recognize (e.g., wobbly gait, soreness, slow rising, nonweight
bearing).
Breeders who have bred only dogs with radiographically normal hips
have decreased the incidence of hip dysplasia (in offspring) without
exception! The Bullmastiff ranks 6th out of the top ten breeds for
Hip-Dysplasia ( as of 1994 ).
Nothing
we can do, however, will completely limit the occurrence of hip
dysplasia in any line or breeds of dogs. When
looking for a new pup always check the Dam and Sire's OFA's.
These are certification numbers given to dogs who's x-rays have been
taken on or after the age of two, and been certified by the
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. This will give you a good idea of
the shape of the dogs hips. In Canada hip x-rays can be certified by
the Ontario Veterinary College - OVC at the age of 18 months. The
following is an example of a dog's OFA number and what it means:
BMF-558G24M-T
BMF - Bullmastiff
558 - 558th Bullmastiff certified
E - Excellent, G - Good, F - Fair
24 - X-rayed at 24 months
M - male
T - tattooed The
OVC number would look something like AA0918 and state only wether
the dog shows any radiographic evidence of hip dysplasia.
Osteochondritis
Dessicans or Elbow Dysplasia
OCD, Osteochondritis Dessicans or Elbow Dysplasia
affects dogs of the large rapidly growing breeds between the ages of
four and twelve months. It usually is found in the shoulder joints,
but rarely it can affect the hocks or stifles. It is due to a defect
in the cartilage overlying the head of one of the long bones. A
puppy who jumps down stairs might sustain such an injury. The
tendency for cartilage to be easily damaged may be hereditary.
Repeated stress to the joint perpetrates the condition. The signs
are gradual lameness in a young dog of one of the larger breeds,
typically between six to seven months of age. OFA and OVC now certifies
elbows as well as hips. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism
- This condition is due to inadequate thyroid hormone from the
thyroid gland. Signs of thyroid deficiency are lethargy, obesity,
drooping of the eyelids, mental dullness and irregular heat
cycles.Thyroid deficiency causes the hair to become thin and scant.The
hair is coarse and brittle and falls out easily, skin gets thick,
tough and dark in color.This can cause many problems and you should
ask about this in parents and grand-parents. The condition is easy
to treat with thyroid hormone given daily. Usually it is permanent
and requires lifetime treatment.
Eye Problems
Entropion
- This condition causes the eyelid and lashes to roll inwards
causing irritation and possible ulcerization to the eyeball. It can
be effectivitly treated with surgery. The symptoms are: puffy eyes
with discharge, eyes that look half closed.
Lymphoma Sarcoma
Some
Bullmastiff breeders are seeing an alarming trait in some lines with
the development of lymphoma sarcoma. You should talk with the
breeder to make sure that this trend did not exist in past litters
of both parents and grand-parents.
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Bullmastiff Fanciers of Canada. All Rights Reserved.
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