No, you do not want to mess with a Bullmastiff. This dog breed does not need to bark or growl to let you know they mean business.
Yes, it does sound like a perfect guard dog. Bullmastiff is scary-looking but it’s not an aggressive dog! It shouldn’t be, at least. It all depends on how you train your dog. After all, a Chihuahua is considered to be a very feisty and aggressive dog and it weighs only up to 5 pounds.
What makes Bullmastiff such a great guard dog?
I’m happy to shine a light on this brilliant dog breed.
- Bullmastiff Size
Bullmastiff is a large dog. The breed was made by breeding the Old English Mastiff and a Bulldog, which gave them muscular, large, and strong bodies.
- Male Height: up to 27 inches
- Male Weight: up to 130 pounds
- Female Height: up to 26 inches
- Female Weight: up to 120 pounds
Both breeds used in making a Bullmastiff dog breed have broad heads and strong jaws. That’s exactly what makes Bullmastiff so intimidating. The size makes them as such too, although they are not as tall as their breed parent – the English Mastiff.
- Bullmastiff Color
Bullmastiffs come in 6 different coat colors accepted by the AKC and the KC. These coat colors are:
- Fawn
- Fawn brindle
- Red
- Red fawn brindle
- Red brindle
- Red fawn
They also have a standardized black mask. Besides these standard masks and patterns, they can also have white or black markings and a fawn mask.
The most common coat color we see today is fawn with a black mask.
- Bullmastiff Social Traits
Bullmastiffs are highly alert dogs and as such excellent guards or watchdogs. They are not open to everyone and they need a firm hand to learn other dogs and animals are not toys or a threat.
This goes for the children as well.
Bullmastiffs are not naturally calm and patient around children. They were bred to protect and stay alert and they don’t have a lot of time for tiny hands pulling their ears or tails.
But, they can be and must be socialized at an early age which will make them excellent protectors of your children!
- Bullmastiff Trainability
According to Stanley Coren’s book called The Intelligence Of Dogs, Bullmastiffs are in the 69th place. This puts this breed in a Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence group of dogs. What does it mean? According to the author, it means that Bullmastiffs need more time to remember the commands and they rarely obey them on the first try.
You might think Bullmastiffs are not easy to train because they rank so low on the list of the most intelligent dogs. But, that’s far from the truth.
They love to be a part of the pack and that’s what makes them trainable. They are not as trainable as a German Shepherd or a Belgian Malinois, but they are still trainable enough to make them one of the best guard dogs around the globe.
You will have to repeat the command a few times more than with some other guard dogs. However, if you make a loving and safe bond with your Bullmastiff puppy you won’t have too much trouble training them.
- Bullmastiff Activity Needs
Bullmastiff is an active dog breed. Of course, each dog is unique and you might get a Bullmastiff that is a true couch potato, but in most cases, they are very active and will need at least 2 hours of daily activities.
And, the more versatile these activities are the better. You won’t have to give them a lot of mind-boggling dog toys, but a good chewable toy or a big ball for them to chase around the yard is a must.
Yes, they also need a yard to shine and be the happiest. This is something that goes for almost all guard dog breeds, but some need a backyard more than others.
You can check out toys on Amazon and see which one fits the best. I recommend the Virtually Indestructible Ball that comes in all sizes and is perfect for a running session in the yard.
As for the chewing toy, I recommend the Furfavor’s Chew Bone.
It is made of natural rubber which is one of the safest materials for dog toys.
- Bullmastiff Feeding Guide
This is a large and active dog that will need at least 3 cups of kibble food every day. Some need 4 or 5, but it all depends on the activity, age, and health of your dog.
The best option is to consult a vet who will tell you how much and what food your Bullmastiff needs.
A good place to start is also an article called Dog Weight – What Is Normal? Especially if you are a first-time dog owner.
- Bullmastiff Grooming Requirements
Bullmastiffs are easy to groom. They don’t shed too much, apart from the seasonal more intense shedding.
You will need a soft brush or a hand glove to keep the fur shiny and healthy. It is recommended to brush your Bullmastiff every day to avoid any problems.
Bamboo Palm Brush is a good choice. They have already proven a good choice for more than just Bullmastiffs but other guard dogs with a similar coat type – short and smooth.
- Bullmastiff Possible Health Issues
Like any other dog, big or small, working or lap dogs, Bullmastiffs can develop some health issues too. The possible problems include:
- Heart problems
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Bloat
Responsible breeding and following the American Bullmastiff Association Health & Research Committee rules, tips, and advice are of great importance.
Conclusion
Bullmastiff is a fearless and alert guard dog. You will not be disappointed by their endurance and passion to protect your home and family.
However, early and proper socialization is a must before any guard dog duty training. This will ensure your Bullmastiff is a calm and confident dog that knows the difference between a visitor and an intruder.
You will also need to spend at least 2 hours daily playing or being physically active with your dog to keep them anxiety-free and healthy.
