The Bullmastiff

Height: 23 to 27 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 90 to 130 pounds

Feeding: 1 to 2 cups of dry kibble morning and evening, plenty of large biscuits for teeth and gums and plenty of fresh water

Grooming: Light brushing once a day; ears and nails once a week or as needed

Activity level: Moderate.

Because of his size, the bullmastiff is not an overly active dog. A mile walk once a day or an hour of exercise in an enclosed yard is all he really needs. He is not a good jogging partner nor Frisbee player. He is equally at home in a house or apartment, as long as he gets his daily walk or exercise. As an adult, he is very sedate but takes up a lot of floor space, choosing usually to lie down in the middle of the living room rug.

The bullmastiff is a sociable dog who craves human companionship. For this reason, the bullmastiff should never be chained to a post or tree for long periods of time or live apart from its human family. If you do not have room in your house for the bully, you don’t have room for him at all. He can be easily crate trained if he must be left, but the best solution is to have an outdoor kennel or fenced yard when he must be left alone. If raised with other pets, the bullmastiff can get along well with them; however, a very dominant dog may not accept other animals. A breeder can advise you on the temperament of the puppies he or she sells.

The bullmastiff is independent-minded but trainable. Because of his size, it is important that he be taught proper manners at an early age. A favorite activity is jumping up on people to knock them down (what they were bred to do); however, this will not go over well with friends or visitors and could even injure a child or feeble person. It is the owner’s responsibility, therefore, to obedience train bullmastiffs as puppies to curb this behavior. Train the dog to always sit when it greets a human and expose him early to all kinds of people and other dogs.

The bullmastiff is a large, imposing dog, and he knows it. He uses his size to intimidate and dominate. He must know from the start that humans are the bosses--and only early, consistent obedience training will accomplish this. Therefore, never leave a bullmastiff with someone who can’t control it. The bullmastiff is devoted and protective of family members and territory; therefore, never leave a bullmastiff alone with young children. Although not prone to attack, it may see the advancing postman, a wandering dog or cat, or even other children as a threat to its family. If unsure of the danger, the bully will usually postition itself between the intruder and the family, using its body to protect and to discourage. But do not underestimate the bully’s willingness to attack if all else fails.

The bullmastiff is often aggressive with other dogs. NEVER feed a bullmastiff with another dog as it will fight viciously over good. For that reason, it is important that the bullmastiff never be in control of the food dish. Start by hand-feeding the bullmastiff as a puppy while you hold the food dish. Later, take the dish away while the puppy is eating. If he should ever growl, say "NO" in a firm voice. Do not return the dish until he stops growling. Continue to handle the dog and his dish as he grows. Groom the dog while it is eating, trim its nails, check its ears, etc. Never allow it to growl if any human, child or adult, approaches the food dish. In fact, it is a good idea to allow the youngest child who can manage it to feed the dog; this way the dog respects any human of any size as the one who controls the food. However, a bullmastiff can never be trusted to eat peacefully with another dog. Feed dogs in separate areas until both have finished eating.

Although this information represents the typical bullmastiff, there are always variations in temperament. Therefore, follow the advice and recommendation of a reputable breeder as to which puppy in a litter has the temperament that best suits your lifestyle. Remember, that cute little puppy will be an adult dog much longer than it will be a puppy! --Joy Lane Bullmastiffs, (207) 948-5678