Stellar Bulldogs | Breeds Details

Despite their large, imposing size, Bullmastiffs are truly the gentle giants of the dog world. Fiercely loyal and loving to their families, these big softies just want to be by your side. While they may look intimidating at first glance, bullmastiffs are really just 120-pound lap dogs. They're calm, quiet companions content to lounge around the house, maybe with a toy or bone to chew on. But don't let their easygoing nature fool you - bullmastiffs also make excellent guard dogs, ready to spring into action if they sense a threat to their loved ones. With proper training and socialization from a young age, the bullmastiff is a wonderful family pet, getting along great with kids and other dogs.

Raised as a gentle family pet, these dogs thrive on companionship and enjoy participating in various activities with their family members.

With a heart of gold, amazing and amusing this dog breed will win you over with their loyalty and lovable nature.

The Bullmastiff originated in 19th century (around 1860) England as a cross between the English Mastiff and the Old English Bulldog. The breed was created to be a powerful guard dog that would silently defend wealthy properties from poachers trying to steal game, such as deer or livestock

The end result was the Bullmastiff (bulldog - mastiff) combined the best traits of both parent breeds: strength, speed, and loyalty. Its role expanded beyond guarding estates to police and military work, as well as becoming a devoted family companion known for its gentle nature with children.

The De Beers diamond mining company imported Bullmastiffs to South Africa to guard valuable diamond mines. Wealthy oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller imported Bullmastiffs to the United States in the 1920s to guard his country estate in Tarrytown, N.Y., appreciating their protective instincts and calm demeanor.

The Bullmastiff was officially recognized by the Kennel Club in England in 1924 and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1933. Today, it remains a popular breed for protection work and family pets, valued for its combination of power, intelligence, and gentle temperament.

History Of The Bullmastiff

Originally bred to be a silent protector, the Bullmastiff played a crucial role in the preservation of wildlife on large estates. Gamekeepers relied on these dogs to track and apprehend intruders without causing unnecessary harm, just holding them hostage. Their ability to remain quiet while stalking made them invaluable in the field. Thanks to their physical prowess and natural instincts, Bullmastiffs quickly became the go-to breed for those needing a estate guardian.

Still A Working Dog At Heart

While no longer commonly used for security purposes, the bullmastiff's watchful, protective nature makes them excellent family guardians and companions today. Their calm, confident temperament, affectionate disposition, and trainability have transitioned these gentle giants from the game preserves to the hearth and home, where they serve as devoted pets and protectors.

They're always on the lookout, ready to step in if they sense any trouble. But don't worry, they're not aggressive - they're more likely to just pin an intruder down and hold 'em there until you say otherwise. With a bullmastiff around, you can't help but feel safe and sound, knowing your faithful friend has got your back no matter what. That watchful, protective nature is just hardwired into them, giving you that extra peace of mind.

Physical
Characteristics

The Bullmastiff size is impressive—these dogs weigh from 100-130 pounds and have a shoulder height of 24-27 inches, depending on their gender. They are known for their large, broad heads, deep chested, V-shaped ears, dark eyes, and muscular forequarters and hindquarters. Their short coats which only occasionally need to be brushed comes in colors of fawn, red, red fawn, brindle or a combination, with a black mask.

Temperament

Affectionate and loyal nature, making them excellent companions. They possess a strong, confident demeanor, coupled with intelligence that allows them to be trained effectively. Their happy-go-lucky attitude adds to their charm, making them both loving family pets and reliable guardians. They can be protective watchdogs when the situation calls for it, always keeping a vigilant eye out for anything suspicious. But most of the time, bullmastiffs are content to just chill out and relax with their humans, soaking up affection and enjoying a good belly rub. They've got a calm, easygoing demeanor and tend to be patient and tolerant, even with rambunctious kids climbing all over them. Don't get me wrong, bullmastiffs still need plenty of training and socialization to be well-mannered family members - that massive size comes with a lot of strength to control! But with proper guidance, bullmastiffs make loyal, loving companions.

Health Issues

Health concerns within the breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, bloat (Medically referred to as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), this is a life-threatening disorder which requires emergency medical and surgical care, Bloat is where the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood supply. Early recognition and treatment are essential. and cancer, with a relatively high incidence of lymphoma and mast cell tumours.

Responsible breeding, proper care, and regular veterinary check-ups can significantly reduce the risk of these ailments, allowing many dogs to lead healthy, long lives.

A Healthy Bully is a Happy Bully

Bullmastiffs are powerful, gentle, and devoted companions, but they can be susceptible to certain health concerns. Common issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, heart conditions like cardiomyopathy, and specific cancers. Understanding these risks allows owners to provide the best preventive care, ensuring their Bullmastiff stays strong, comfortable, and happy for years to come.

Health Issues Overview

Bullmastiffs can face several health challenges, including heart conditions, cancer, hereditary diseases, and infections. Regular vet care is important to maintain their well-being.

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that can cause the heart to enlarge and weaken, potentially leading to heart failure.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

This is a severe form of cardiomyopathy where the heart becomes enlarged, thin, and weak, making it unable to pump blood effectively.

Cancer Risks

Bullmastiffs are prone to cancers such as lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and hemangiosarcoma.

Hereditary Diseases

Hip dysplasia affects nearly a quarter of Bullmastiffs, while elbow dysplasia affects about 14 percent. Other hereditary issues include entropion, hypothyroidism, and lymphoma.

Ear Infections

Bullmastiffs are also prone to ear infections. Regular ear cleaning with a vet-approved cleaner helps prevent these problems.

Reputable Breeders - Are Key

With such a docile gentle giant, that has your back the bullmastiff makes a perfect family companion, with a moderate activity level and gentle temperament, the bullmastiff excels as a family companion, requiring regular yet moderate exercise to maintain their health.

Their loyalty and protective instincts make them excellent guardians, while their affectionate nature allows them to bond deeply with family members, including children.

Proper socialization and training from an early age can help ensure that these gentle giants are well-mannered and confident, making them a beloved addition to any household. Search online reputable - responsible breeders that raise their puppies in a socialized environment. Read More

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First Name

Last Name

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Bullmastiff

History Of The Bullmastiff

Still A Working Dog At Heart

Physical
Characteristics

Temperament

Health Issues