The Bull mastiff

Bullmastiff full body side view

Dog Breed Info – The Bullmastiff

Breed Overview

Origin 1800’s. Original function: Estate guarding. Today, companion dog. They drool and some snore.

Bullmastiff’s are a recent development of the Mastiff. He is a cross between the Mastiff and Bulldog. Poaching game from large estates had become a problem. Gamekeeper’s lives were endangered. They needed a tough dog that could wait silently as a poacher and his dog approached, attack on command and subdue, but not maul, the poacher. The Mastiff was not fast enough and the Bulldog was not big enough. Thus, they crossed the two breed in an attempt to create the perfect guard dog for their needs at guarding the estates. What the got was the aptly named “Gatekeeper’s Night Dog.”

The breed was registered by the AKC in 1933. This is a working dog for the police and military, as well as a fairly popular family dog.

This dog learns quickly. Obedience training is an absolute must for a dog of this size and nature. He’s a guard dog by heritage, so training is vital. He is intelligent and willing to learn. This breed is known to enjoy training, and especially clicker training. That’s the best way to train this big guy.

Crate Training

Want to crate train your Mastiff puppy? It’s easy and if you’re interested, take a look, and you’ll see what to do. Crate training your puppy will save many headaches and problems.

Potty Training

Bullmastiff puppies are generally easy to house train, potty train, toilet train, housebreak or whatever you want to call it. If you have a puppy, decide if you want to crate or paper potty train it. For the best results, we have a page at Crate vs Paper Potty Training which will help you decide and from there you can get all the information you need to get the job done. Always praise the pup profusely when she goes potty in the RIGHT PLACE so she knows she has done a good thing. Either method will work for this breed.

If you have an older dog, take the dog outside every two hours until she gets the idea which door leads to her potty area. Older dogs catch on to the potty or housebreaking pretty fast once they are shown what to do.

Great Bullmastiff side view

The Bullmastiff is a gentle, quiet dog. He’s a devoted companion and guard dog. He is not easily aroused. But, when he is once threatened, he becomes fearless. He is stubborn and can not easily be pushed into action against his will. Some can be aggressive toward strange dogs and people. Males tend not to tolerate other males. They can be good with children but should be raised with them.

If you happen to get a Bullmastiff puppy with a separation anxiety problem, that can be dealt with by investing a few hours of work on your part and some “tough love.” Top

Friendly Toward Other Dogs

No, they can be a guardians and see other dogs as a threat. He might find a few dogs he likes, but be careful.

Friendly Toward Other Pets

Yes, the Bullmastiff is a family dog and can do fairly well with household pets, especially if introduced on common ground and especially if he grows up with them. This Mastiff is quite docile and laid back. He’s rather tolerant, even of most cats.

Friendly Toward Strangers

No. Introduce your relatives and he’s okay but don’t provoke him. He has to know you to accept you.

Playfulness

Sort of, in a muted sense. He can roll in the grass and act silly, but he’s not overly playful.

Fairly affectionate. This guy loves his family and is really a gentle dog, even though highly protective..

If the dog is raised WITH the children, yes. The Bullmastiff is a calm, quiet, laid-back breed, not easily provoked. Toddlers beware—this heavy dog can cause serious injury to small children.

Good with Seniors over 65?

Yes. As long as the senior can walk, bend over to the ground to clean up after the dog, and has a car, the Bullmastiff is a fine, loving and protective dog. When he goes potty, it takes a truck to clean up so the senior needs to be able to reach the ground. If the owner drives a car, he can get the dog to a vet.A Bullmastiff Rescue might be a good idea for a dog that is a ‘couple years old and already trained and housebroken so she is ready to go for the senior.

A Bullmastiff resting. Mr Casual!
Living environment

Apartment, house with fenced yard or farm.
As long as the Bullmastiff gets some exercise, she doesn’t need a big yard. In fact, she can do well with a very small yard because she doesn’t move around much. Just give her a soft, “cushioney” place to stretch out.

Does not do well in hot, humid weather. Keep him in the air conditioning. This dog needs a SOFT BED with room to stretch out. Top

Energy level

Low. This is a laid-back dog who takes life slow and easy.

Low. A walk once or twice or some light romping in the yard is all this big guy needs. Daily exercise is needed for this dog to stay in good condition though.

Excellent. It’s in her heritage!

Excellent. It’s in her heritage. Guarding family and property is what she does for a living.

No, brush her weekly, more often when shedding.

The folds on the dog’s face must be cleaned with a cotton swab every day and kept dry to prevent infection. Top

Book at left is the “Pet Owners Guide To The Bullmastiff.” It’s an excellent hardcover book that’s quite comprehensive.

In the event you decide to go looking for Bullmastiff puppies, be SURE to find reputable breeders that REALLY know what they are doing. Be sure the puppy has been VERY well socialized and started in obedience training. It’s not typically that Bullmastiff puppies turn up in dog pounds and shelters, but you might check anyway.
Bullmastiff Breeders with puppies for sale.

Bullmastiff Rescue

In the event you are seriously considering the adoption of an adult dog and are looking for a Bullmastiff Rescue group or groups in your state, here are several links that might help:
Bullmastiff Rescue – (Nationwide) At this time, Pet finder is listing only 220 available Bullmastiff’s for the entire country! Check online for more Bullmastiff Rescue groups. If you do adopt one, try to locate any dog health records and keep for possible future reference.
Adopt A Pet This is an interesting site but is may not be enough, so look for dog kennels and also online for other Bullmastiff Rescue places and clubs.

This is basically a healthy breed. Don’t let the list below scare you! Your own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems. These are dog illness and medical problems this breed is prone to that have been listed by various veterinarians at different times over the past decade or so, and some pertain to puppies and very young dogs that a breeder would deal with.

The information contained herein has been gathered from numerous books by veterinarians and is intended as general information only. Every dog and situation is different. You must see your vet. Our information is for general interest only and not intended to replace the advice provided by your own veterinarian.

Gastric Torsion—Sometimes called Dog Bloat or “Twisted stomach.”

• Mainly in larger, deep-cheated dogs. Here’s a brief description of the issue:

Symptoms include excessive drooling, nervous pacing, agitation, weakness, attempt to vomit, bulging stomach area, heavy breathing, retching and gagging, shock or total collapse.

Other issues could occur with your Bullmastiff. If you notice any problems with your dog, take it to the vet immediately. This website is for general information only and is not intended to, in any way, be a medical guide.