Bullmastiff Breed Guide
Looking for a loyal, gentle giant to join your family Say hello to the Bullmastiff! This breed is a blend of muscle and mushiness, perfect for anyone looking for a loyal, protective, and utterly lovable companion. Let's jump into everything you need to know about this incredible breed.
Bullmastiff Basics
Average Lifespan: 8-10 years
Average Weight: 45-59 kg
Average Height: 61-69 cm
Colouring: Fawn, red, or brindle
Trainability: Moderate, needs consistent and positive reinforcement
Exercise Needs: Moderate, about an hour a day
Shedding: Low to moderate
Origins of the Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff's story begins in 19th-century England, where gamekeepers needed a reliable, strong, and silent partner to help guard estates from poachers. By crossing Bulldogs with Mastiffs, they created the Bullmastiff – a breed with the perfect balance of strength, speed, and stealth.
These dogs were dubbed the "Gamekeeper's Night Dog" and proved to be exceptional guardians. Today, their guarding instincts remain, making them excellent protectors of the home and family.
What Do Bullmastiffs Look Like?
The Bullmastiff is a large, muscular dog with an imposing yet gentle presence. They have broad heads with short muzzles, V-shaped ears, and dark, soulful eyes that can melt anyone’s heart.
Their coats are short and dense, coming in fawn, red, or brindle, often adorned with a striking black mask. Despite their size, Bullmastiffs move with a grace that belies their bulk, exuding both power and elegance.
Bullmastiff Personality
Bullmastiffs are the epitome of gentle giants. They're fiercely loyal and protective, yet incredibly gentle with their loved ones. These dogs thrive on human companionship and are particularly good with children, displaying patience and tolerance.
However, their size means they can accidentally knock over small kids, so supervision is a good idea. They're naturally wary of strangers but will only show aggression if they perceive a real threat. A well-trained Bullmastiff is both a loving pet and a formidable guardian.
Are Bullmastiffs Good Guard Dogs?
Absolutely! Bullmastiffs were bred to be guard dogs and they excel in this role. Their natural instincts make them highly protective of their family and territory. They're alert and fearless, yet they can be trained to be discerning, knowing when to stand down.
Proper training is essential to ensure they don’t become overly protective. With the right guidance, a Bullmastiff can be a loyal and trustworthy guardian.
How Much Do Bullmastiffs Bark?
Bullmastiffs are generally quiet dogs. They don’t bark much, which is a trait that gamekeepers originally bred them for. They will bark to alert their owners if they sense something unusual, but they aren’t prone to excessive barking. This makes them excellent pets for those who prefer a quieter household.
Bullmastiff Feeding Requirements
Feeding a Bullmastiff is like fuelling a small car. These dogs require a high-quality diet rich in protein to maintain their size and muscle mass. An adult Bullmastiff typically eats between 2-3 cups of dry kibble twice a day, which is more than a lot of other breeds.
Here are some essential tips for feeding your Bullmastiff:
- Calorie monitoring: Use a dog food calculator to ensure you are feeding the right amount based on your Bullmastiff's weight, age, and activity level. This helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.
- High-quality ingredients: Choose foods with clearly identified meat sources as the main ingredient. Avoid products with vague labels like "meat by-products".
- Joint support: Incorporate foods or supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health, which is crucial for large breeds like Bullmastiffs.
- Hydration: Ensure your Bullmastiff always has access to fresh water. For dogs on dry kibble, you might consider adding water to their meals to increase water intake and prevent urinary issues.
- Digestive health: Include foods with probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health and prevent digestive issues, which are common in large breeds.
- Read Ingredient Labels: Always read the ingredient labels to ensure the food contains high-quality ingredients and no harmful additives or fillers.
Scrumbles, the Pawfect Food for Bullmastiffs
For Bullmastiffs, having the right food is essential to keep them healthy and happy. Our recipes are crafted with their needs in mind, providing all the nutrients they need.
- High-quality protein: Essential for maintaining muscle mass and energy levels.
- Probiotics or prebiotics: Support healthy digestion and gut health.
- Natural ingredients: No artificial additives, ensuring wholesome goodness.
- Joint support options: Important for their large frames and to prevent joint issues.
- Hypoallergenic: Ideal for Bullmastiffs with sensitive stomachs, we avoid gluten, soy, dairy and egg.
So, why wait? Try Scrumbles today and see the difference it makes for your Bullmastiff! We can't wait to hear how much they love it.
Is a Bullmastiff Right for You?
The Bullmastiff is a magnificent breed that offers both protection and affection. If you have the space, time, and experience to care for one, a Bullmastiff could be the perfect addition to your family.
They’ll provide you with endless loyalty, love, and the occasional slobbery kiss. If you’re ready for a big-hearted companion who doubles as a steadfast guardian, the Bullmastiff might just be your new best mate.
