You may have heard of the Bullmastiff, but do you know anything about them? The breed is quite a unique one and has a fascinating history. They make excellent family pets with their friendly temperament, loyalty, and love for children.
Keep reading to learn more about this breed!
If you love dogs but can’t handle the responsibility of owning a large breed or have an apartment that doesn’t allow them, then you will be happy to know that there are smaller alternatives out there. The Bullmastiff is one such dog. This article covers everything you need to know about the Bullmastiff breed: its history, appearance, behavior, training techniques, and more.
What is a Bullmastiff?
A Bullmastiff is a large dog that comes in different colors and is a cross between a Bulldog and a Mastiff. This breed has a lifespan of 8 to 10 years and can weigh anywhere from 100 to 120 pounds when fully grown. They have a short and smooth coat, and the colors of this can be from white to beige.
Bullmastiffs are very territorial and protective, both indoors and outdoors. Owners must socialize with them at a young age to adjust to being around other animals and people. The breed is generally healthy and very strong.
Where Does the Bullmastiff Come From?
The Bullmastiff breed became very popular during World War I when it was used as an attack dog. He performed well in this role due to his immense strength, agility, and courage. This dog also has a rich history dating back to the 18th century when British gamekeepers used it as a guard dog.
During the 19th century, English gentlemen were increasingly concerned about poachers on their property. As a result, large game such as rabbits was often poached to feed large groups of people. English Mastiffs were commonly used to guard game reserves but were not large enough to take on poachers. So the Bullmastiff was bred to create a larger and more powerful guard dog than the English Mastiff.
Bullmastiff Appearance
The Bullmastiff is a powerful, muscular dog with a large head and a stocky body. Males are usually larger than females and weigh around 50 pounds, while females weigh around 35 pounds. Their coat can be short and smooth or rough with colors like brindle, fawn, black and white, red roan, and blue roan.
A Bullmastiff’s head is wide with a well-defined muzzle, while their eyes are round and dark in color. Their ears are floppy and wide at the base. Their tail is thick and tapers towards the end. In short, a dog with a lot of personalities, impressive to look at, but very affectionate. It is the ideal dog for any home.
Bullmastiff Behavior and Personality
Bullmastiffs are extremely loyal and loving towards their owners and are often called “the children’s guard dog”. They are very friendly and will get along with other pets and children. These dogs are excellent guard dogs for their size and are very territorial. They will bark to inform you if an intruder is on your property.
Bullmastiffs are very easy to train and can be taught to do simple tasks such as sit, stay, fetch, and more. They are not a hyper breed and are calm indoors but energetic outdoors. This dog loves to play and is a good option for owners who want a medium-sized dog. They are very easy to groom and are typically healthy.
How to train a Bullmastiff?
Bullmastiffs respond very well to positive reinforcement training. You can use treats or toys to reward good behavior and make learning more fun. Be consistent and firm when training your dog so that they understand what you expect from them.
Socialize your Bullmastiff puppy as early as possible so they can adjust to different people and animals. Take them to dog parks, on walks, and to visit family and friends so they can learn to behave around other dogs and people. Crate training is also a good idea to keep your dog safe and sound when you aren’t home.
Final Words
The Bullmastiff is a great choice for families. These dogs are very affectionate, intelligent, and loyal. Their calm and friendly nature makes them excellent for kids and other pets. They require minimal grooming and don’t shed a lot, so they are great for people who don’t want to deal with shedding.
If you’re looking for a friendly and easy-to-train dog, then the Bullmastiff is the breed for you. Make sure to do your research when choosing a breeder and ask the right questions to ensure you’re getting a healthy puppy.
