The Bullmastiff Dog
The Bullmastiff dog originates from Great Britain dating back to the later part of the 19th century. It was developed
to protect game (and sometimes the estate owner as well) on large estates from poachers. What was needed was a dog that
could overtake and subdue intruders without biting or killing them in order that they could be arrested. The Mastiff
lacked the speed for this job, while the faster bulldog was not large enough. Crossing the two produced a dog
with the right size, speed, and temperament. Today's Bullmastiff dog originates from ancestors that were the product of
crossing the Mastiff and the Bulldog in the ratio of 60/40. The breed was recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1924
and the AKC in 1933.
| Origin |
Great Britain in the 1800's |
| Original Use |
Guard dog |
| Use Today |
Companion, guard dog |
| Temperament |
It is a gentle and even tempered dog. It makes a very good guard dog and is a very devoted companion. It can be stubborn. It needs a loving but firm environment and may not be suitable for first time dog owners. It drools and some snore. |
| Acceptance of: |
Other Dogs - Below average |
| Other Pets - Good |
| Strangers - Not very accepting |
| Children - Good
|
| Watchdog Ability |
Excellent |
| Guard dog Ability |
Excellent |
| Ease of Training |
Below Average |
| Living Conditions |
Can live in an urban environment. It is best kept as an indoor pet with access to a yard or safe area to have its exercise requirements met. |
| Exercise |
Requires a lot of daily exercise. |
| Coat |
Its coat consists of short, hard, but smooth hair. |
| Grooming |
Requires minimal grooming. |
| Colors |
Comes in various shades of fawn, red, or brindle, but always has a black muzzle. |
| Height and Weight |
Weight range is 90 to 130 pounds (40.8 to 57 kg) while the height range is 25 to 27 inches (63.5 to 68.6 cm). Variations may occur in individual animals. |
| Life Expectancy |
9 to 11 years. |
| Group |
The AKC places the Bullmastiff dog in the Working group. |
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