The Bullmastiff Lab Mix is a unique and lovable breed that can make a wonderful companion for active families.
This crossbreed combines the gentle giant characteristics of the Bullmastiff with the intelligence and loyalty of the Labrador Retriever.
They typically weigh between 100-130 pounds and stand between 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.
Bullmastiff Lab Mixes are known for their calm and gentle nature, making them an excellent choice for families with children.
Care and Feeding
Regular veterinary checkups are crucial to detect any health concerns early, so schedule those appointments with your vet.
Labradors require more exercise than Mastiffs, so your Mastador hybrid needs about one hour of rigorous exercise per day.
Check your dog's ears daily for debris and pests, and clean them as recommended by your vet. This will help prevent infections and keep your dog comfortable.
Trim your dog's nails before they get too long, usually once or twice a month, to prevent clicking against the floor.
Your main concern when it comes to your Mastador's care will be maintaining their oral health, so brush their teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and bacteria.
Mastadors have a tendency to gain weight if overfed, so stick to a regular feeding schedule and limit their treats.
A well-balanced diet for your Mastador should be formulated for a large breed with high energy, and you should consult your veterinarian for recommendations on their diet.
Feeding
Feeding your Mastador requires careful consideration of their large breed and high energy needs. They can easily gain weight if overfed, so stick to a regular feeding schedule and limit treats.
A balanced diet is essential for your Mastador's health, and their dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and beyond. Consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.
Mastadors need a diet high in animal-based proteins and fats, and a calcium to phosphorus ratio of approximately 1.2:1 is crucial for bone development and maintenance. This ratio is essential for strong bones.
To determine how much to feed your adult Mastador, multiply their body weight in kilograms by ¾ power and add 70. For example, a 10 kilogram dog would need around 400 calories.
As Mastadors can't regulate their food intake, it's essential to monitor their eating habits and adjust their food accordingly. You'll need to observe your dog to ensure they're getting the right amount of calories for their weight and energy levels.
Puppies require more calories to fuel their growth, and their dietary needs will change as they enter their senior years and their metabolism drops.
A fresh viewpoint: Lab Pit Mix Weight
Exercise Needs
Your Mastador will need about an hour of rigorous exercise per day, which is less than a Labrador retriever but more than a Mastiff. This can be broken into two shorter sessions to avoid over-exercising them.
As Mastadors are large dogs, it's easy to over-exercise them as puppies. Too much exercise can lead to deformities, so keep it to five minutes per day maximum per month of age.
A four-month-old puppy needs about 20 minutes of exercise per day, while a six-month-old puppy needs 30 minutes. Mastadors are still considered puppies until the age of two, so keep their exercise routine in check.
If your Mastador doesn't like water, respect that and don't force them to swim. However, it's a good idea to teach them how to swim for their own safety.
Mastadors will tell you when they're tired, so you won't have to guess. They'll likely lay down and refuse to move in the middle of a walk if they're feeling exhausted.
Suggestion: Old English Bullmastiff
Meet the Breed
The Bullmassador is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Bull Mastiff, making them a large dog that can weigh up to 140 pounds.
They are typically tall too, so you'll need a large house to accommodate one of these pups.
These dogs are loyal companions who make very efficient watchdogs and love to be around their human family.
Breeds: Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a popular breed that can make an excellent family pet. They can grow to be quite large, weighing up to 140 pounds and being tall to boot.
Labrador Retrievers are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to joint problems. They can live a long life, up to 12 years.
One of the best things about Labrador Retrievers is that they don't require a huge amount of exercise, being content with one long walk every day.
Meet Some!
Meet some of the Mastadors! They're high shedders, which means they need regular grooming sessions to stay looking their best.
Their grooming needs are similar to those of a Labrador, with most owners happy to bathe or shower them as needed.
One Mastador owner noted that their dog suffered from dandruff, so be prepared for that possibility too.
Physical Characteristics
Mastadors can be quite large, with males often weighing between 130-140 pounds, and females weighing between 75-130 pounds.
Their height ranges from 28 to 36 inches at the shoulder, with males generally being larger than females.
Mastadors tend to have a stocky body and broad head, with ears that flop down on either side of their face.
They can inherit the flat nose of a Mastiff or the longer nose of a Lab, and their coat can be either short and dense like a Mastiff's or short and double-coated like a Lab's.
Brushing them twice a week can help remove loose hair and minimize shedding issues.
Mastadors can weigh anywhere from 85 to 160 pounds and come in a variety of colors including black, brown, yellow, or brindle.
If this caught your attention, see: Red Nose Pitbull and Lab Mix
Size
Mastadors can vary significantly in size, with some weighing as much as 170 pounds.
Females can be as small as 75 pounds or as large as 130 pounds, depending on their parents.
Males tend to be larger than females.
In any litter of Mastadors, you can find pups that favor one side of their genetics over another.
Most Mastadors weigh in at 85 to 160 pounds.
Males tend to be larger than females.
They range in height from 28 to 36 inches at the shoulder.
Some Mastadors can be smaller or larger than this range.
Appearance
Mastadors are big dogs, with males ranging from 30 inches in height and weighing as much as 230 pounds, while females start from 27.5 inches and can weigh 120 to 170 pounds.
They have stocky bodies and broad heads, characteristics common to both Labrador and Mastiff breeds. Their ears typically flop down on either side of their face.
Labradors are known for their short double coats that shed a lot, but Mastiffs have a short, dense, and silky coat that doesn't shed as much. However, it still sheds, and regular brushing is necessary to remove loose hair.
Mastadors can inherit either the flat nose of a Mastiff or the longer nose of a Lab, but their ears will always be floppy. They come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, yellow, and brindle, and can have either a solid or mixed coat.
Their size and head shape can make them look intimidating, but they're actually gentle giants. Regular grooming is essential to keep their coat healthy and to minimize shedding issues.
Temperament and Behavior
Mastadors are known to be friendly and loving to their families, but they can develop separation anxiety issues if left alone for extended periods.
They're highly intelligent, but can get bored with long training sessions, so short sessions several times a day are recommended.
Mastadors are sensitive dogs and should never be trained using punishment, as it can lead to confusion, shyness, fear, or aggression.
Positive reinforcement is a great approach for teaching Mastadors new behaviors.
Socialization is crucial for Mastadors, especially during the first 18 months of life, to prevent overly-protective behaviors from developing.
Mastadors can be prone to digging and chewing, so early training is essential to prevent destructive behavior.
If you notice aggressive behavior in your Mastador, don't wait to address it – use a spray bottle with water or a 3:1 water-to-vinegar solution to deter the behavior.
Consistency is key when using these methods, and it's essential to be prepared to use them every time your dog shows signs of aggression.
Electronic collars can be an effective option if other methods don't work, but it's essential to consult with a professional trainer for guidance.
See what others are reading: Bullmastiff Training
Health
The health of your Bullmastiff Lab mix is something to take seriously. A well-cared-for Mastador can live 13+ years, but diet and healthcare play a major role in achieving this.
You should feed your dog a diet that's free of corn, wheat, and soy, as these ingredients can cause problems. Raw feeding is the best alternative, but it can be expensive and time-consuming to prepare.
Regular veterinary checkups are essential to monitor your dog's health. Some common health issues that Mastadors face include elbow dysplasia, pulmonic stenosis, cataracts, retinal dysplasia, canine hip dysplasia, obesity, and gastric dilation volvulus (GDV) or bloat.
Avoid getting your dog spayed or neutered before they reach full maturity, which is around 24 months for Mastadors. This can increase the risk of early hip dysplasia, joint failures, and certain types of cancer.
Here are some common health issues to watch out for in your Mastador:
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Pulmonic Stenosis
- Cataracts
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Canine Hip Dysplasia
- Obesity
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
Monitoring your dog's bathroom habits can help you detect potential health issues early on. If your dog's routine changes, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
History and Rescue
The Mastador breed has a fascinating history. It's believed to have originated in the late 1990s in North America through intentional breeding of Mastiffs and Labradors to create a healthier and more loving family companion dog.
Breeders aimed to minimize health problems associated with inbreeding of pure breeds by mixing the two parent breeds. As demand for Mastador pups grew, breeders continued to create this wonderful mixed breed.
The Mastador breed is recognized by several clubs, including the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, Inc., International Designer Canine Registry, and Designer Breed Registry.
If you're interested in bringing a Mastador into your family, consider adoption. You can check local shelters, look up Mastador rescues, or contact breed-specific Labrador and Mastiff rescues, as they often help re-home mixed breed dogs.
Worth a look: Papillon Dog Mixed with Poodle
History
The Mastador breed has an interesting history. Designer breeders started mixing Mastiffs and Labradors in the late 1990s in North America to create a healthier and more family-friendly dog.
Breeders wanted to minimize health problems associated with inbreeding of pure breeds and create the perfect family companion dog. They achieved this by intentionally breeding Mastiffs and Labradors together.
The Mastador breed got its start as a designer breed, but some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. This is why it's essential to consider adoption if you're interested in bringing a Mastador into your family.
You can find Mastador rescues or check with breed-specific Labrador and Mastiff rescues, as they often help re-home mixed breed dogs. Some of these organizations include the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, Inc., International Designer Canine Registry, and Designer Breed Registry.
Here are some organizations that recognize the Mastador breed:
- American Canine Hybrid Club
- Designer Dogs Kennel Club
- Dog Registry of America, Inc.
- International Designer Canine Registry
- Designer Breed Registry
Rescue Groups
If you're interested in adopting a Mastador, you may be wondering where to start looking for a rescue group. It may be challenging to find a breed-specific rescue for Mastadors due to their mixed breed status.
You can try contacting Labrador Retriever or Mastiff breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes as well.
Mastiffs To Mutts Rescue, Inc. and Lucky Lab Rescue & Adoption are two organizations you can reach out to for assistance.
For your interest: Bullmastiff Rescue Texas
Adopting a Puppy
Adopting a puppy can be a thrilling experience, but it's essential to know what to expect. Mastadors are one of the rarer designer breeds, making it relatively difficult to find a reputable breeder.
Be prepared to pay a significant amount for a puppy, as Mastadors are expensive to breed due to their food consumption. You can expect to pay at least $1,000 for a puppy.
Don't be tempted by cheaper options, as they may come from irresponsible breeders who prioritize profits over animal welfare. It's better to wait for a reputable breeder than to support irresponsible breeding practices.
If you're not set on buying from a breeder, consider looking for Mastadors in shelters. Many wonderful dogs end up in rescues and shelters due to their high maintenance needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Lab Mastiff mix called?
The Lab Mastiff mix is commonly known as a Mastador, a designer dog breed created by crossing an English Mastiff with a Labrador Retriever. Learn more about this gentle giant's temperament, size, and grooming needs.
Is a mastador a good dog?
A Mastador is a loyal and loving companion dog suitable for families with or without a yard. They make great protectors and loving friends for those seeking an unconditional companion.
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