1. How BIG does a Bullmastiff get and what colors?
Bullmastiffs come in three basic colors: Red, fawn, or brindle.
The AKC size standard for dogs is 25" to 27" at the withers, and 110 to 130 pounds.
For bitches it’s 24" to 26" and 100 to 120 pounds.
The dog tends to be wide. Their head is massive, with a muzzle that is about 1/3 the length of the head. The neck is almost as big around. Ears are folded. The dog always has a muzzle and ears darker than the base body color. The darkness and extent of the mask will vary. Fur is short. The dogs can also be brindle. There is often a bit of white on the chest.
2. How long do Bullmastiffs live?
Expect an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years.
3. Are Bullmastiffs good with other dogs?
Sometimes, sometimes not. Bullmastiffs are a guard breed.Much depends on how well YOU train your Bullmastiff. Early obedience training and socialization can help prevent dog aggression. Also, neutering males at a young age (6 to 12 months) reduces aggression tendencies.
4. How are they with kids?
They are usually very tolerant with kids, and will take a lot of abuse. Our neighbor came over with two children ages five and one. We were talking when we realized the one year old had wondered off. We found her in the back yard with Thunder (a very large in tact male)! Thunder was sitting quietly letting the little girl pet him and love on him! It depends on the situation and this might not be a typical scenario. Thunder was raised with small children. A Bullmastiff’s behavior will depend on how you raise them! The key is supervision. A minor danger is that the dog may knock the kid down (or step on them). (VERY easy for your bullmastiff to do in play or accidentally.) Always supervise!! Much depends on how well YOU train your Bullmastiff!
5. Do they need a crate?
YES, they need a crate! Puppies (and even older dogs) feel safer and more secure in a confined, cozy area that is just their own. Crates protect your puppy, your home, your furniture, your wallet and your mental health….do you really want to leave the puppy loose with all the things that can happen?
6. Can I raise my Bullmastiff in an apartment?
Yes, but it’s much easier to have a house and fenced yard. If you insist on having one in an apartment, make sure that you have enough time to provide your puppy with adequate exercise and potty breaks.How much exercise is enough? Plan on walking and providing play exercise for your Bullmastiff twice a day for 15 to 45 minutes each time. (How much depends on the dog’s age, health, energy level, weather…i.e., heat, and the intensity of the exercise.) In addition, puppies need potty breaks 6-8 times per day.If you routinely work 10-12 hour days and have no other family members or friends who will be home with your Bullmastiff, you may want to consider another breed.
7. What were bullmastiffs bred to do?
They are one of the very few dogs bred to be a guard dog vs. people. And they are a very special kind of guard dog. They were bred to catch poachers in England. At the time poaching was a 'capital' offense. That meant the dogs were expected to chase a desperate (and usually armed) man down, knock him down and keep him there until a gamekeeper could come and arrest him. Without seriously injuring him. The dog was bred to be big, strong, and, independent. These dogs were not intended to chase the offenders away, they are intended to detain the offender. You don't often see them in action, since most people stay away from them. They rarely bark except when they want out to investigate a noise.
8. Who SHOULD own a bullmastiff?
A person who is looking for a family pet who can double as protector. Who wants a dog that is a couch potato most of the time. One who is willing to do some formal training so that the dog will at least usually do what you want him to. One who is willing to do a lot of socialization. The last is easy but critical. The dog should meet, on friendly terms, a wide range of people in his first year. This will insure that the dog reacts to actions and intent, not appearance, when evaluating a situation. Please remember, you cannot control a bullmastiff unless he lets you.
9. Can a bullmastiff be an outside dog?
Partly. A bullmastiff likes people and needs contact with his family. They like physical contact and are usually very affectionate. They don't like to be alone. They may develop temperament problems if isolated too much. This dog is also not suited for very cold or very hot weather. If the temperature is going to be in the 90's, and the humidity high, he can easily become heat stressed. Dogs cannot handle heat as well as people. And dogs that are large, stocky, and/or have short muzzles have more problems than average. If you plan on this he will need shade, water to drink, and a kid wading pool to cool off in. In cold weather, temperatures well below freezing can be a problem WHEN STAYING OUSIDE FOR A LONG TIME. The short coat does not give a lot of protection. They should be inside in very cold weather.
10. Can a bullmastiff be an inside dog?
Very definitely. They should all be inside at least part of the time so they bond with people. The dogs have lower energy than most dogs and are less destructive. They tend to sleep a lot, and like to lie down near their people.
11. What about DROOL?
It will likely be there. Dogs with short muzzles usually have saggy lips that don't contain drool well. Drool occurs primarily in two instances: Exercise generates drool as the dog salivates to control body temperature. Fortunately, he should not exercise much indoors. Drool also occurs after drinking as existing deposits are thinned and start to flow. With that said – None of my Bullmastiff’s have drool problems. Our Labradors drool significantly more than our Bullmastiff’s.
12. Are they trainable/smart?
Yes, sort of. They can learn fast so they can be easy to teach. They are so independent that they are hard to train. They tend to get tired of doing the same thing again and again. So don't do long training sessions. And don't expect them to fetch the stick 500 times. If the dog likes and respects you, he will do what you want (especially if there is a treat involved). He will be willing to cooperate, but hard to program.
13. Can I walk them safely?
Depends on the degree of training and the size of the person doing the walking. SOME training is required. Bullmastiffs tend to be independent and strong willed. We live on a farm with a lot of potential distractions. I have only been able to maintain consistent control with a metal prong collar. I researched the standard choke collar and found that it could be damaging to the neck and throat of dogs. I purchased a prong collar and I have had amazing results with it. However, I only use it for training purposes. You must follow the instructions that come with the collar. I’ve experienced wonderful behavior modification using the collars with my Bullmastiff’s! And they no longer pull me around behind them like a rag doll!
14. MY FINAL THOUGHTS
In my opinion there isn’t a “bad dog.” I think “bad dogs” are the result of misguided and misinformed owners. You must understand general dog behavior. Dogs are “pack animals” and they must understand that you are the LEADER OF THE PACK! This means you must invest large amounts of time! You must train and socialize your Bullmastiff. I strongly encourage you enroll in a reputable “puppy school.” There are also several books out that I recommend: “Super Puppy” by Peter J. Vollmer is my absolute favorite puppy book! Actually, Peter Vollmer has several books in print that are well worth reading. Also “Puppy Preschool” by John Ross and Barbara McKinney. You must teach your dog through love and training what kind of behavior you expect from them. If you take time to do this when they are very young puppies you will have earned the love and respect of a GENTLE GIANT for the rest of their life! And truly there is no greater reward!!
