<C>Height:</C> 25 to 27 inches (male); 24 to 26 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> 110 to 130 pounds (male); 100 to 120 (female).
<C>Size:</C> Large.
<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> True to his name, the Bullmastiff originated through crosses between bulldogs and mastiffs. The breed was created in 1924. The Bullmastiff was used as a gameskeeper's dog to track down, tackle and hold poachers. The dogs were fierce and threatening, but were trained not to bite the intruders. When the need for gameskeepers dogs decreased, the dark brindle dogs so good for night camouflage gave way in popularity to the lighter fawn colorations. Today's Bullmastiff is a reliable family companion and guardian.
<b>Description:</> The Bullmastiff is a very powerful, not over-heavy mastiff with a broad wrinkled head and fairly short, square dark muzzle (about 1/3 the length of the whole head). The nose is black with large nostrils. The dark, medium sized eyes should have an alert, intelligent expression. The V-shaped wide-set ears are pendant and dark colored. The teeth should meet in a level or slightly undershot bite. The short back is straight and level between the withers and the loin. The tapering tail is set high and reaches to the hocks. The short, smooth coat comes in brindle, fawn or red, often with black markings on the head.
<b>Notes:</> Can be aggressive with other dogs. May be okay with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood. The Bullmastiff is a more aggressive breed than the Mastiff. Tends to drool and snore. Puppies may seem uncoordinated. Be sure to exercise this breed and not overfeed him, as he tends to put on weight. Lives about 8-10 years. Beware of hip dysplasia, tumors, bloat and eyelid problems. Buy only from OFA certified stock. Also prone to boils on the lips. This extremely powerful dog should be trained not to pull on the leash!
<b>Personality:</> An alert guard dog. Loyal and devoted, with a good natured temperament, though he tends to be willful. Docile unless provoked. Fearless and protective, yet affectionate. Needs a firm master and should be thoroughly obedience trained for safety. Be sure to socialize extensively with both people and other dogs at an early age.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Good only when raised with children from puppyhood.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Reserved with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Slightly difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Moderately dependent on people.
<C>Dominance:</C> High.
<C>Other Pets:</C> May be aggressive with dogs of the same sex; do not trust with non-canine pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Tends to be fairly dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Not a barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> A little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Short coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Moderate exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> A good jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Relatively inactive indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> A small yard is sufficient.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Not recommended for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Short (under 10 years).
<b>Talents:</> tracking, watchdog, guarding, and police work.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> BULLMASTIFF
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
