Gamekeepers developed the enormous, self-assured, and assertive Bullmastiffs as guard dogs to deter poaching on prestigious English estates. Because they don’t bark but instead use their intimidating size and strength to confront intruders, several owners have referred to them as “silent watchdogs.”
But don’t be fooled by their appearance. They are bold, agile, and swift.
Bullmastiffs are loving, devoted, and obedient to their owners when they have received the correct socialization and training. Despite their size, which scares tiny children, they can be patient with children.
Due to their general mellowness, adult Bullmastiffs can thrive in an apartment, and they’ll thrive in a house with a fenced-in yard. These dogs have a short, easy-to-maintain coat, but watch out—they drool.
You may like this breed if you don’t mind drooling and want a big, loyal dog that will guard your house and family.
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Bullmastiffs Personality
The Bullmastiff is known for being a gentle giant devoted to its family. They often have a lovely temperament and enjoy spending time with their family. Also, they are less aggressive now than before but have a strong defensive instinct.
These dogs are stubborn and arrogant and like to think and act independently of their owners. Therefore, training is essential to ensuring that this big dog responds well to you and accepts you as his family. If not, your Bullmastiff will want to take charge.
Furthermore, you must pay close attention to them when family members are present, so they can spend time together to maintain their familial ties. If they are constantly left alone, they won’t thrive.
Additionally, the optimal environment for this species is an indoor one; however, they can spend some time alone outside during the day. This breed loves to spend time and play with its owners.
Are Bullmastiffs Good As Guard Dogs?
Due to their breeding as land guards against poachers, Bullmastiffs make great security dogs. Generally speaking, they don’t bark much because they are silent guard dogs.
These canines are a breed of guard dogs that will risk their lives to keep their family safe.
Socialization is crucial to ensuring that these canines are not too wary of strangers. With the correct socialization, they can learn the characteristics that set a pleasant stranger apart from an intruder.
Bullmastiffs As Guard Dogs – Are They Family Dogs?
Bullmastiffs make devoted and affectionate companions. They prefer social environments, which are great for families. However, remember that little kids may find adult dogs intimidating. If you start with a puppy, it will eventually grow quite big!
Although this breed tolerates youngsters well, they can accidentally knock over young children. Keep an eye on your kids when the dog is around. Families with children older than ten might benefit from this breed.
Raising a Bullmastiff puppy with your kids can ensure a good match with your family and teach the dog how to be kind to others. These breeds are not ideal for your family if you are worried about the dog’s interaction with little children.
Bullmastiffs As Guard Dogs – Do They Get Along with Other Pets?
Overall, families with many pets should avoid getting this breed. They have excellent chasing and catching instincts for running animals like cats and are highly territorial.
Although Bullmastiffs attack any animal that enters their area, they also don’t get along with other dogs, and male dogs of any breed do not get along with other males.
Grooming
Bullmastiffs are dogs with short hair and easy-to-care-for coats. They thrive in the cold and rain thanks to their weather-resistant covering. It would help if you gave them a weekly brushing with a bristle brush, fine-toothed comb, or hound glove to help reduce shedding.
Your dog will require regular baths and nail trimming. Like any other dog, try to brush their teeth a few times a week. Also, check their ears for excess ear wax and other dirt.
Exercise
Even though they are a breed that isn’t particularly lively, these giant dogs require regular exercise to be healthy and fit.
Giving them a few daily strolls should be adequate. It’s critical to properly educate puppies to walk on a leash early to prevent pulling when they become adults. You don’t want an adult Bullmastiff to pull away or knock you over if they decide to chase something because they are strong dogs.
You’ll need to exercise proper control. Despite the breed’s enjoyment of walks, their short nose makes them susceptible to overheating.
Bullmastiffs As Guard Dogs – Training and Socialization
As with any dog, adequate socialization and training are crucial. These are especially crucial if you plan to keep a Bullmastiff because of its protective instincts and desire.
You will have to practice consistency and patience. Because of their strength and intelligence, these powerful canines can be stubborn, so you’ll need to establish clear rules and routines that the dog will follow for the rest of its life.
One way to strengthen your relationship with your dog is to teach it to obey. If you are new to dog training, enrolling your puppy in a training class to learn the fundamentals of obedience could be beneficial.
To help it remain composed around strangers, introduce your young dog to various people and animals.
Feeding
Bullmastiffs, like adults, should eat twice a day. Puppies function best when they get several tiny meals throughout the day rather than one large meal. To help lower the chance of bloat, avoid exercising your dog soon before or right after eating.
Depending on the individual dog and their exercise routines, your dog will eat different food daily. Throughout their lives, they will eat in varying quantities. Also, consult your veterinarian to find out how much food your pet needs to maintain a healthy weight.
Obesity impacts the lifespan of Bullmastiff by shortening it; thus, maintaining a healthy weight is essential.
How Much Does a Bullmastiff Cost?
Depending on whether you adopt a Bullmastiff or buy one from a breeder, prices will change.
Depending on where you reside, you can adopt this breed from a shelter or rescue organization for approximately $300.
This money helps defray the price of the dog’s treatment while it is under the organization’s care. Purchases from breeders can cost between $1,000 and $2,000, a significant premium.
Bullmastiffs As Guard Dogs – Common Health Problems
Elbow and hip dysplasia
These are typical health issues that many giant dog breeds experience. These diseases cause the elbow or hip joint to develop unnaturally, which prevents the joint socket from easily connecting.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
This breed may experience progressive retinal atrophy, cherry eye, anomalies of the eyelids or eyelashes, or other eye conditions (PRA). PRA is a hereditary condition that impairs peripheral vision and vision in low light. It can eventually cause total vision loss, but it may take years for this to happen.
Bloat
The life-threatening illness is known as “bloat,” necessitating urgent surgery, and it is more common in Bullmastiffs. Bloat results in significant distension of the stomach, which cuts off blood flow to other organs.
Cystinuria.
Cystinuria is a genetic kidney condition typically inherited by this breed, causing kidney problems and bladder stones.
Hypothyroidism.
Low thyroid hormone causes this disease in pets and humans alike. When a dog has this ailment, its skin may darken and become rough, and its fur may become coarse, brittle, and fall out. Fortunately, medication can control this issue.
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