English Bull Mastiff: A Comprehensive Guide to Ownership

The English Bull Mastiff is a massive breed, with males weighing up to 130 pounds and standing as tall as 30 inches at the shoulder.

They require regular exercise, but their short coats mean they don't need to be bathed often.

English Bull Mastiffs are known for their calm and gentle nature, but early socialization is key to developing good behavior.

Their short coats also make them relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they do shed heavily.

English Bull Mastiffs are generally easy to care for, but they do require regular attention to their grooming and health. They have a short, close-fitting coat that sheds some year round, so regular brushing is a must.

To keep their coat healthy and shiny, brush your English Bull Mastiff at least once a week, and more often during shedding season. You can use a bristle brush, grooming glove, or rubber curry brush to keep their coat in tip-top shape.

Consider reading: English Mastiff Coat

Their large size means they need regular exercise, but excessive running is not recommended, especially in the first two years of life. Regular exercise will help prevent slothful behavior and various health problems. A soft surface is recommended for them to sleep on to prevent the development of calluses, arthritis, and hygroma.

Some common health issues to watch out for in English Bull Mastiffs include hip and elbow dysplasia, gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), cancer, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and entropion. Here are some key facts to keep in mind:

English Mastiffs have a specific set of coat colour standards that are widely accepted by kennel clubs.

The AKC considers a long coat a fault, but not a reason for disqualification. Long-haired Mastiffs, known as "Fluffies", are caused by a recessive gene and are occasionally seen.

A black mask should occur in all Mastiffs, regardless of coat colour. The fawn coat colour is generally a light "silver" shade, but can range up to a golden yellow.

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The apricot coat colour can be a slightly reddish hue up to a deep, rich red. Brindle markings should ideally be heavy, even, and clear, but can be light, uneven, patchy, faint, or muddled.

Piebald Mastiffs are rare, and other non-standard colours include black, blue brindle, and chocolate (brown) mask. Some Mastiffs have a heavy shading caused by dark hairs throughout the coat or primarily on the back and shoulders, which is not generally considered a fault.

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Bullmastiffs are prone to certain health issues that you should be aware of as a responsible owner.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are common problems in large breed dogs like the Bullmastiff. This is a condition where the joint doesn't fit properly, and it can be managed with regular exercise, a healthy weight, and joint supplements. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a life-threatening emergency that can occur in Bullmastiffs. To help prevent GDV, feed your pup two or three smaller meals throughout the day, and use a slow feeder bowl. Make sure you avoid exercise within an hour of eating.

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Regular exercise is essential for Bullmastiffs, but excessive running is not recommended, especially for the first two years of a dog's life. A soft surface is recommended for your dog to sleep on to prevent calluses, arthritis, and hygroma.

Here are some common health problems that can affect Bullmastiffs:

It's essential to keep your Bullmastiff's coat healthy and shiny with regular brushing, ideally once a week. You'll need to ramp up the brushing to several times a week during spring and fall when they shed more frequently.

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A high-quality and well-balanced diet is crucial for your English Bull Mastiff's overall health and well-being.

Your Bullmastiff will benefit from a food that meets standards set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Puppies need specific nutrition for their developing musculoskeletal systems, so consider a puppy food specifically formulated for large dog breeds.

Brands like Hill’s, Purina, and Royal Canin offer large-breed puppy food that can be beneficial for your pup.

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Don't forget that dog treats count as calories too, so find a good balance between meals and treats to keep your dog at an optimal weight.

Follow your vet's advice on mealtime recommendations to meet your pup's optimal nutritional needs.

Your Bullmastiff's muscular build means they can easily become overweight, so it's essential to maintain a normal weight through a balanced diet.

Treats are allowed, but be sure to deduct them from the next food ration to keep your dog slim and healthy.

Be careful not to overfeed your Bullmastiff, as this can lead to health problems like hip and elbow dysplasia.

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Training your English Bull Mastiff requires patience and consistency. These dogs are intelligent and quick learners, so they pick up basic commands like sit, stay, and come right away. They are also strong, so it's essential to teach them not to pull on the leash or jump on people during training.

To prevent mishaps, start training your puppy early and teach them to respond to commands like "place", which means going to a specific spot, like their bed or crate. You can encourage them to go to the spot by holding a treat over it and saying "place", then giving them the treat and praising them when they sit in the spot.

Bullmastiffs are generally easy to train, but they can be slow to respond at times. They thrive on positive reinforcement, so consider hiring a trainer who uses special treats, toys, and praise to keep them motivated and engaged.

The Bullmastiff is a powerful breed that requires experienced pet parents willing to dedicate time to socialization and training. They need to learn their strength and boundaries to avoid knocking people down.

These canines are intelligent and quick learners, picking up basic commands and tricks right away. They thrive on positive reinforcement and consistent training.

A great command to teach your Bullmastiff is "place", where they learn to go sit in a certain spot every time. This is especially helpful when guests arrive, keeping them from bounding towards them.

To teach "place", start by holding a treat over the desired spot and saying "place", then giving them the treat and praising when they sit. Gradually increase the distance between you and the spot, so they associate the word "place" with the action.

Bullmastiffs need firm, consistent training, and new pet parents may find attending a group training class helpful. One-on-one training with a positive reinforcement trainer can also be beneficial.

Getting started in dog sports can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. You can begin by learning about the basics of dog sports through an intro to dog sports.

There are various dog sports to choose from, and one way to get started is to enroll your mixed-breed dog in a canine partners program.

You'll also want to familiarize yourself with the different titles and abbreviations used in dog sports.

To decide which sport is right for you and your dog, consider factors such as your dog's breed, age, and energy level.

You can start training your dog through a reputable dog training program or by attending virtual dog sports and events.

Here's a quick rundown of some popular dog sports to consider:

The English Mastiff is a powerful breed, but its size and strength come with great responsibility. According to the breed standard, the Mastiff weighs 120–230 pounds (54–104 kg).

In some areas, there are laws and regulations regarding the ownership of large breeds like the Mastiff. Breed-specific legislation, or BSL, is a topic of debate, with some arguing it makes communities safer and others believing it's ineffective.

The Mastiff has a long history of being used as a guard and fighting dog, dating back over 2,000 years in England.

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Mastiffs have been used as guard and fighting dogs in England for over 2,000 years.

The breed has a long history, with dogs of this type found in European and Asian records dating back to 3000 BCE.

Mastiffs are often characterized as powerful but gentle dogs, with a broad head, drooping ears, and a short coarse coat.

They come in various colors, including apricot, silver fawn, or brindled fawn and black, with dark ears and muzzle.

Male Mastiffs must stand at least 30 inches tall at the withers, while females must stand at least 27.5 inches tall.

The breed weighs between 120-230 pounds, making them a large and imposing presence.

Some people argue that breed-specific legislation, such as "pit bull bans", could be used to discourage dog fighting and the breeding of dangerous dogs.

However, others argue that there is no evidence that such legislation makes communities safer, and that it's a costly and controversial approach.

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As a Bullmastiff owner, it's essential to have the right accessories to ensure your dog's safety and comfort. A collar and a lead are part of the basic equipment for when you're out and about.

A muzzle may also be mandatory in your region, so be sure to check if your dog is on the breed list beforehand to get the necessary information about official requirements.

Food, bowl, and brush are also basic essentials for your Bullmastiff, while claw scissors can help keep their nails in check. A bib can be helpful in catching excess saliva.

For driving with your large dog, a dog crate makes it safer for both you and your pet. In the car, the dog should sit in the trunk.

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If you're considering bringing a Bullmastiff into your family, you're likely curious about their temperament and characteristics. Bullmastiffs are often compared to other breeds, which can help you understand their needs and personality.

Some breeds that are often related to Bullmastiffs include the Boerboel and the Mastiff. These breeds share similar characteristics with Bullmastiffs, such as their large size and protective nature.

The Cane Corso is another breed that is often compared to Bullmastiffs. While they have some differences, they both have a strong prey drive and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

If you're looking for a breed that is similar to the Bullmastiff, you may also want to consider the Alaskan Malamute. While they have some differences, they both have a strong work ethic and require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Here are some breeds that are often related to Bullmastiffs, listed in a table for easy reference:

Remember, every dog is an individual, so it's essential to spend time with a potential new pet before making a decision.