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Archive-name: dogs-faq/breeds/bullmastiffs
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                                 BULLMASTIFFS

Author

     * Nancy Milinkovich, [e-mail]

   Here is the first very ROUGH draft of the Bullmastiff FAQ. I am
   posting it for comments about both content and format. Please send
   comments.

   The AKC standards, club names and breeder information were all
   provided by the informatiion given out by the American Bullmastiff
   Association, INC.

   Thanks to Jan Dawson for providing materials on the standard, etc.
     _________________________________________________________________

   Table of Contents
     * Breed Purpose
     * Description
     * Breed Characteristics
     * Excercise Requirements
     * Suitability for Working People
     * Grooming Requirements
     * Specific Health Problems
     * References
          + Clubs
          + Books/Magazines, etc


     _________________________________________________________________

Breed Purpose

   Originally Bullmastiffs were a combination of 30% English Bulldog and
   70% English Mastiff. They were bred specifically to accompany
   gamekeepers on their rounds, being able to track well and having
   sufficient size and strength to tackle and overpower a poacher.

   They are classified as a Working Dog. The English Bulldog from which
   the Bullmastiff is bred from is quite different from today's modern
   version. The English Bulldog of the 19th century was a more athletic
   dog than many of today's, although the loyal and calm temperments are
   still the same.

Description

   AKC Standard as approved on Feb. 8, 1992 and effective Mar. 31, 1992.

  GENERAL APPEARANCE

   That of a symmetrical animal, showing great strength, endurance and
   alertness: powerfully built but active.

  SIZE, PROPORTION AND SUBSTANCE

   Dogs, 25-27 inches at the withers and 110 - 130 pounds. Bitches, 24-26
   inches at the withers and 100 - 120 pounds in weight. Other things
   being equal, the more substantial dog within these limits is favoured.

  PROPORTION

   The length from tip of breastbone to rear of thigh exceeds the height
   from the withers to ground only slightly, resulting in a very nearly
   square appearance.

  HEAD

   Expression:
          Keen, alert and intelligent

   Eyes:  Dark and of medium size

   Ears:  V-shaped, and carried close to the cheeks, giving a square
          appearance to the skull: darker in colour than the body and
          medium in size.

   Skull:
          Large, with a fair amount of wrinkle when alert, broad, with
          cheeks well developed. Forhead flat.

   Muzzle:
          Broad and deep: its length, in comparison with that of the
          entire head, approximately 1:3. Lack of foreface with nostrils
          set on top of muzzle is a reversion to the Bulldog and is very
          undesirable. A dark muzzle is preferred.

   Nose:  Black with nostrils large and broad.

   Bite:  Preferably level or slightly undershot. Canine teeth large and
          set wide apart.

   Colour:
          Red, fawn or brindle. Except for a very small white spot on the
          chest, white marking is considered a fault.

  TEMPERMENT

   Fearless and confident yet docile. The dog combines the reliabilty,
   intelligence and willingness to please required in a dependable family
   companion and protector.

Breed Characteristics

   They present an aristocratic, attentive and intelligent look. The
   Bullmastiff is distinguished from the English Mastiff by its smaller
   size and more compact face.

   They have been described as: intelligent, loyal, stubborn, laid back,
   family oriented, stoic, and even-tempered. Bullmastiffs rarely bark
   unless there is a reason. There is a minimal amount of slobbering
   associated with a Bullmastiff, usually after eating or drinking. They
   are a dog that requires consistent and fair training. They do not take
   well to being bullied into something but will accept leadership.
   Obedience work with Bullmastiffs can be challenging as they are
   independent thinkers, but once learned it sticks!

   The Bullmastiff seems to be very easy-going and as such tends to
   integrate well with other dogs. But as with any breed, you should
   start socialization early. Puppy kindergarten type situations are
   definitely recommended. As far as the Bullmastiff's relationship to
   other animals (other than dogs) I can only draw on my own experience;
   my Bullmastiff is extremely gentle with cats, birds, hamsters, etc.
   (can anyone else give me any info?). I have heard from others that
   size rather than aggressiveness is often more an issue when being
   around other animals. Often Bullmastiffs don't realize their size and
   can hurt a smaller dog, or cat, with rough-house play.

   In relationship to people, Bullmastiffs tend to be one family dogs.
   They bond extremely close with "their" people and can be suspicious of
   strangers. Early puppy interaction with lots of different people is
   key to overcoming potential problems due to this trait. Believe it or
   not Bullmastiffs can be quite cuddly and demonstrative. They must be
   integrated as a member of the family. I would say they are not very
   suitable for being an outdoor dog.

   Bullmastiff's are also very good with children. Their easy going
   nature and calmness, tend to make them able to tolerate the energy of
   younger kids. But again, due to their size constant parental
   supervision is required.

   They are a naturally protective dog. They have a suspicious nature in
   regards to strangers and "size" people up. Sufficient socialization is
   extremely important due to this fact. They also naturally "guard"
   their family members. Bullmastiffs are constantly attentive and
   curious about their surroundings and will be alarmed if any danger is
   perceived to their pack. These two factors make, in my opinion,
   on-going training and early puppy socialization, all important.
   Without it, Bullmastiffs can become over-protective and
   over-aggressive towards strangers and other dogs, etc.

   Bullmastiffs do not tend to tolerate LARGE variances in temperature.
   They do not like extreme heat or extreme cold. I have heard from
   people that some Bullmastiffs do like the snow.

Excercise Requirements

   The Bullmastiff is not a high-energy dog. One longish walk everyday
   should take care of required excercise. But play sessions, trips to
   exciting places and other highlights should be incorporated as they
   will tend to get bored.

   NOTE: Bullmastiffs do tend to have a high tolerance for pain and do
   not tend to complain about discomfort until the condition is quite
   bad.

Suitability for Working People

   The Bullmastiff seems to tolerate being left alone well, and would fit
   into a family where both parties are working. Although it should be
   noted that any puppy will require someone coming home during the
   afternoon.

   Please note that puppies of any breed are a LOT of work and require
   without a doubt, time, energy and love. On average a puppy requires at
   least 4 hours per day and probably more if you are into any type of
   training.

Grooming Requirements

   Bullmastiffs are a short-haired dog which have minimal shedding. The
   brushes I have found that work the best are: rubber palm brushes used
   in a circular motion to lift out dead hair and bring the oil to the
   surface followed by a slicker brush to trap the hair. A grooming
   session at least once a week should be sufficient.

   Ear cleaning is a must as is nail clipping.

   Would recommend teeth cleaning using an enzymatic toothpaste.

Specific Health Problems



    1. As with any large to very large breed, hip dysplasia is a problem.
       Suggestions are to make sure that both parents and grand-parents
       have been screened for hip dyplasia, either vet-cleared or
       OFA-cleared.

    2. OCD "osteochondritis desicans" - in the elbow can be particularly
       bad. They now OFA elbows.

    3. hypo-thyroidism - this can cause many problems and you should ask
       about this in parents and grand-parents. Although it can be
       controlled with medication I would not knowingly buy a puppy or
       dog at risk for this disease.

    4. eye problems - can develop problems with the bottom lid poking
       through this can be corrected with surgery.
          + also a problem is eyelashes growing inside the eyelid. This
            can be corrected with surgery. The symptoms are: puffy eyes
            with discharge, eyes that look half closed.


    5. renal failure - probably mostly due to the hypo-thyroid condition
       if it is present.

    6. lymphoma sarcoma - have talked to some Bullmastiff breeders who
       are seeing an alarming trait in some lines with the development of
       lymphoma sarcoma. I would talk with the breeder to make sure that
       this trend did not exist in past litters of both parents and
       grand-parents.

   While this seems like a large list it should be remembered that the
   occurrences of some of the above conditions is rare. Hip dysplasia
   probably being the most common condition. As far as the breed as a
   whole, my vet has said it has very few commonly occuring medical
   problems as far as her vet science books are concerned.

References

  UNITED STATES

   American Bullmastiff Association
   Bullmastiff Rescue
   Mary Walsh
   690 E. 8th St.
   S. Boston, MA 02127
   [phone]
   HOTLINE: [phone]


   Melinda Culter (Information Chairman)
   [phone] (call her for the standard information package)

   Rescue contacts:
   Barbara Brant [phone]
   Virginia Rowland [phone]

  CANADA

   Bullmastiff Fanciers of Canada
   Helene Hansmann
   RR1 Moffat Ontario
   L0P 1J0
   [phone]

  CLUBS

   Bullmastiff Club of SO. California
   Valerie Nixson, President
   Jim Bowers, Secretary
   10917 Cherry Avenue
   Fontana, CA 92335

   Bullmastiffs of NO. California
   Connie Urbanski, President
   Patricia J. Potter, Secretary
   1957 Everwood Court
   San Jose, CA

   California Bullmastiff Fanciers
   Carol Beans, President
   Mona Lindau-Webb, Secretary
   1934 South Holt Ave.
   Los Angeles, CA 90034

   Delware Valley Bullmastiff Club
   Adele Millett, President
   Helma Weeks, Secretary
   133 Chase Avenue
   Iveyland, PA 18974

   Eastern Atlantic Bullmstiff Association
   Roxanne LaPaglia, President
   June Moeller, Secretary
   Box 69
   Rohersville, MD 21779

   Glass City Bullmastiff Fanciers
   David Schwieterman, President
   Jennifer Montgomery, Secretary
   3826 Root
   Troy, MI 48083

   Great NY Bullmastiff Fanciers
   Helene Nietsch, President
   Jude Newton, Secretary
   517 Commack Road
   Islip, NY 11751

   Heart of America Bullmastiff Fanciers
   Lance Wright, President
   Izetta Wright, Secretary
   215 St. and 69 Hwy
   Bucyrus, KS 66013

   Midwest Bullmastiff Fanciers
   Ben Baratto, President
   Harri Fenske, Secretary
   8805 Deer Trail
   Spring Grove, IL 60081

   Northwest Bullmastiff Society
   Chris Campbell, President
   Toni Selk, Secretary
   813 SW Highland
   Redmond, OR 97756

   New England Bullmastiff Association
   David Gomes, President
   Carolyn Kelly, Secretary
   27 Lippitt Ave.
   Cumberland, RI 02864

   Piedmont Bullmastiff Club of Greater Washington
   Morgan Johnson, President
   Julia Fox, Secretary
   25820 Old Hundred Rd.
   Hyattstown, MD 20871

   Southeastern Bullmastiff Enthusiasts
   Gerald Cole, President
   Beverly Goldman, Secretary
   7009 Rockledge Dr.
   Charlotte, NC 28210

   Southwest Bullmastiff Club
   Jery Tackett, President
   Cynthia Emerson, Secretary
   110 Spanish Moss
   Lake Jackson, TX 77566

  BREEDERS (ABA)

   Terry and Nanette Gaskins Upper Crust Bullmastiffs 4635 Normandie
   Place LaMesa, CA 91941 [phone]

   Lea Reuter Sound Off Bullmastiffs 11605 Pythian Cave Road Yreka, CA
   96097 [phone]

   Helene Neitsch Banstock Bullmastiffs 14 Dodgingtown Road Newtown, CT
   06470 [phone]

   Pam Kochuba Shady Oak Bullmastiffs 52 Walnut Tree Hill Sandy Hook, CT
   06484 [phone]

   Karen Skiba Avonlea Bullmastiffs 46 Vista Drive Danbury, CT 06810
   [phone]

   Chirs Lezotte and Alan Kalter Happylegs Bullmastiffs 28011 Old Colony
   Farmington Hills, MI 48334 [phone]

   *NOTE: I am not guaranteeing the quality or honesty of any of these
   breeders, you should contact them directly and also call the local
   club for references.

   (If anyone would like to provide more breeders names please feel free
   to contact me via e-mail at [e-mail])

  BOOKS/MAGAZINES, ETC

   Oliff, Douglas B. The Mastiff and Bullmastiff Handbook. Published
   by: Howell Book House, INC. 230 Park Avenue New York, NY 10169 U.S.A
   ISBN #0 85115 485 9.

   Beans, Carol and Adele Pfenninger. A Practical Guide to the
   Bullmastiff. (Carol Beans # [phone])

   Hubbard, Clifford L.B. The Bullmastiff. Published by: Nimrod Press
   15 The Maltings Turk Street Alton Hants, GU34 1 DL ENGLAND.

   Walkey, Bill. The Bullmastiff Fancier's Manual. Published By: Coast
   Arts Publishing P.O. Box 363 Sechelt, B.C. CANADA V0N 1V0.
     _________________________________________________________________

    Bullmastiff FAQ
    Nancy Milinkovich, [e-mail]