Bullmastiff: Characteristics and care

Origin and history of the Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff dog has an exciting history. It is a breed that was born in the middle of the 19th century with the aim of protecting country estates from the threat of poachers in Great Britain. The gamekeepers were the main breeders of this dog breed, created by crossing the Bulldog with the Mastiff, the largest Mastiff breed we know.

Thus, a dog of robust constitution is created, capable of moving at great speed and with a special instinct for the protection of its territory. The American Kennel Club recognized this breed in 1933. Nowadays, they are very familiar, faithful and calm dogs, in spite of their imposing appearance. Although it may seem so, the Bullmastiff is not a dangerous breed in essence.

Types of Bullmastiff

Organizations focused on classifying the different breeds of dogs and determining their characteristics, agree on the recognition of a single type of Bullmastiff. This classification is especially strict in the collection of colors and patterns that are accepted for the Bullmastiff dog.

Colors

The standardized colors are beige, brindle and red, and all the combinations that can be made between them. Black Bullmastiff dogs are not considered part of the breed, as this color is not recognized as such. The brindle Bullmastiff can have different shades, but the black lines must stand out over the rest of the coat colors.

Hair type

The coat of the Bullmastiff breed is short and soft. Its color is the most characteristic, since, due to its length, it does not require special attention and care. Although it has a very limited length, it is not one of those that leave less hair in its path, so you can find quite a lot of Bullmastiff hair sweeping the area where it moves around the house.

Bullmastiff puppy

The Bullmastiff puppy is quite an energetic dog. His friendly nature will make him want to meet and connect with his adopters and play with them tirelessly. Being a dog that grows to a considerable size, he may seem rough at this stage. However, the Bullmastiff puppy can be greatly calmed down if we dedicate daily time for physical activity.

It is a dog eager to explore, that needs a lot of movement to develop physically and mentally, so, in its puppy stage, it will need constant attention. Also, don’t forget to socialize him with other dogs and people to develop properly.

Breed character

The Bullmastiff dog’s character is extremely protective and is susceptible to training from an early age. It adapts very well to its environment and has a cheerful and playful character. Although his protective nature makes him constantly alert, as an adult he is quite calm and does not tend to bark excessively.

The temperament of this breed of dog is strong, which is increased if we take into account the intimidating appearance of this animal. Although they will always be close and obedient with their family, their characteristics make necessary a correct socialization from puppyhood, so that they do not develop problems with other dogs or people.

Bullmastiff Health

There are different pathologies that can affect the Bullmastiff. Some are characteristic of large breed dogs, such as hip dysplasia, which affects mobility in the joint. To prevent it, we must avoid a sedentary lifestyle and overweight, providing physical activity and quality food.

Gastric or stomach torsion is also a common condition among large dogs, through which the blood vessels in their stomach are strangled, preventing them from evacuating. To prevent this situation, we should feed him at least twice a day and prevent him from eating before or after a bout of intense exercise.

The Bullmastiff puppy can suffer from entropion, a disorder in which the eyelashes bend towards the eye, causing discomfort, pain and irritation. It is urgent that it be treated by a veterinarian to avoid future problems. It usually occurs during the first twelve months of the animal’s life.

This breed has less thyroid hormones than usual, so it tends to suffer from hypothyroidism. A slower metabolism can lead to overweight, which increases their risk of heart problems. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common for the Bullmastiff. Avoidance of high fat foods and daily physical activity will be the best mechanisms to avoid these situations.

Typical care of the breed

The Bullmastiff is a dog that does not require great care. An exercise routine that meets their daily activity needs is the best care you can give them. Combined with a quality diet that meets their needs and regular visits to the veterinarian, you will get the perfect formula to take care of your dog’s health.

Hair

As they have short and straight hair, their coat does not require specific attention. The health of its coat will be maintained through a balanced diet. A brushing once a week with the appropriate comb will be enough for the Bullmastiff. One or two baths a month are the most appropriate to control the shedding of this breed of dog.

Skin

When brushing, we must control that the skin is not supporting an excess of dryness, creating cracks and small detachments, nor an excess of grease, appearing comedones or dirtying very fast its coat. A good diet will be in charge of controlling these variations.

Others

As with all breeds, the Bullmastiff dog needs us to check the health of its eyes and ears weekly, to avoid infections or other problems. They should be cleaned regularly with the appropriate products. Their nails also need to be trimmed, as domestic dogs do not wear them down enough.

What is the best food for Bullmastiff Dogs?

This breed of dog needs special attention to its diet to prevent health problems in the future. A balanced diet that meets the Bullmastiff’s needs is essential for its correct physical and intellectual development.

Puppy stage

The Bullmastiff puppy requires a specialized diet for large breed puppies. A mixture of dry food and wet food of these characteristics ensures a slow and steady growth. Due to its large size, it can be very detrimental to put on too much weight during its growth, as its joints are undergoing great changes. We must control their weight in a special way during this stage of their growth. In this way, we will prevent their feeding from leading to joint or thyroid problems.

Adult stage

Adults need a diet that focuses on energy intake. A dog that carries out so much activity throughout the day needs to have its batteries charged daily. Options low in fat and high in quality protein are the most recommended to keep his muscles strong and keep him from becoming overweight.

Senior stage

In its senior stage, the Bullmastiff breed may need a specific diet to take care of the pathologies we have mentioned. The care of his teeth is essential, so it is likely that he will need to change rations of dry food for wet food. The use of chondroprotectors at this stage may be a good option for him. After familiarizing yourself with the needs and characteristics of the Bullmastiff dog, it is not surprising that you are considering adopting a Bullmastiff, especially if we remember its character.