Old English Bullmastiff: A Comprehensive Guide to Ownership

The Old English Bullmastiff is a gentle giant, but it's essential to understand what owning one entails. They were originally bred to guard estates and are naturally protective of their families.

These massive dogs can weigh up to 130 pounds and stand as tall as 24 inches, making them a significant addition to any household. They require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but their large size means they need plenty of space to move around. A spacious living area or a large yard is a must for this breed.

As a breed, Old English Bullmastiffs are generally quiet and not prone to excessive barking, but they do have a deep, rumbling bark that can be intimidating to strangers.

Related reading: English Mastiff Large

The Bullmastiff breed was developed in England during the mid-1800s.

Gamekeepers needed a dog to protect their game from poachers, so they experimented with cross-breeding.

The bulldog was fierce and intrepid, yet too small to take down a human.

The mastiff was too large and slow to do the job, but crossing the two breeds resulted in the ideal guard dog.

The brindle color was preferred as it provided natural camouflage.

The Bullmastiff was imported to guard the De Beers diamond mines in South Africa.

In 1928, the De Beers diamond mining company specifically imported Bullmastiffs to South Africa for this purpose.

The Bullmastiff was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1933.

It was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1955.

By the beginning of the 20th century, the Bullmastiff was in widespread use as an aid to gamekeepers in the control of poaching.

For more insights, see: Bullmastiff Guard Dog

The Bullmastiff is a large dog, with bitches standing between 61-66 cm at the withers and weighing between 41-50 kg on average.

They come in a variety of coat colors, including fawn, red, and brindle, with any shade allowed, and some limited white marking on the chest is acceptable.

The muzzle is a distinctive black, although it can become paler towards the eyes.

Bullmastiffs are brachycephalic, meaning they have a flat face and short muzzle, but surprisingly, this doesn't affect their breathing.

Old English Bullmastiffs are prone to certain health issues that can affect their quality of life. The life expectancy of the breed is lower than that of purebred and crossbred dogs, with an average life expectancy of 10.2 years.

Hip dysplasia is a common issue in Bullmastiffs, affecting 24.5% of individuals. This condition can lead to arthritis and mobility problems if left untreated.

Bullmastiffs are also susceptible to elbow dysplasia, which affects 13.8% of individuals. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent or manage this condition.

Progressive retinal atrophy is a genetic eye disorder that can cause blindness in Bullmastiffs. An autosomal dominant form of this condition is common in the breed.

Some common health problems in Bullmastiffs include:

Bullmastiffs are also prone to bloat, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Responsible breeders strive to breed healthy dogs by testing for genetic disorders and maintaining high breed standards.

A Bullmastiff's diet is crucial for its overall health and well-being. They should be fed twice a day, with each meal consisting of 1 1/2 cups to 2 cups of dry dog food, depending on their size and activity level.

Fresh, clean water should always be available for your Bullmastiff. Their dietary needs will change throughout their lifespan, so it's essential to discuss their health with your veterinarian to develop the right feeding schedule.

Feeding your Bullmastiff two meals can help prevent the problem of bloating and stomach torsion. This is because gulping down food or eating a large meal can lead to excessive gas production, which can cause the stomach to twist and cut off the blood supply.

To monitor your Bullmastiff's weight, you should weigh them regularly and take action if you notice any additional pounds creeping on. Obesity can shorten their lifespan and predispose them to additional health conditions.

For your interest: Olde English Bulldog Life Span

Here's a general guideline for feeding your Bullmastiff:

As your Bullmastiff grows, their dietary needs will change, and it's essential to adjust their feeding schedule accordingly.

The Bullmastiff is not overly active, but the breed needs routine exercise to remain fit and motivated. Take your dog for a couple of walks each day to keep it happy and healthy.

Good leash training from puppyhood is crucial to prevent your dog from pulling on the leash as it grows larger and more powerful. This will make walks more enjoyable for both you and your dog.

The Bullmastiff is vulnerable to overheating due to its short snout, so be sure to keep your dog cool in hot weather. Don't overdo exercise to prevent heat exhaustion.

Proper training and socialization are essential for the Bullmastiff, as they are smart but also have an independent streak. Firm consistency is key to training a Bullmastiff.

Bullmastiffs are not a good match for multi-pet households, as they have a high prey drive and may harass cats and other small pets.

Intriguing read: Bullmastiff Training

The Bullmastiff is not overly active, but it still needs routine exercise to stay fit and motivated. Take your dog for a couple of walks each day.

Leash training should start from puppyhood, as these dogs will be very large and powerful in adulthood. If they pull on the leash, you'll have a hard time controlling them.

These dogs shouldn't be allowed to run free in a dog park, as they're unlikely to do well with other canines. Their size and strength can be intimidating to other dogs.

The Bullmastiff is vulnerable to overheating due to its short snout. Don't overdo exercise, especially in hot weather.

For another approach, see: Old Chihuahua Dogs

Training a Bullmastiff requires firm consistency, as they can be smart but also have an independent streak.

Their high prey drive means they may harass cats and other small pets, even if raised together, so they're not a good match for multi-pet households.

Male Bullmastiffs, in particular, don't live peaceably with other male dogs of any breed and will confront any animal entering their territory.

To avoid hazardous situations, curb any habit of jumping on people early on, as this can become a problem once the dog is fully grown.

Training must be started when a Bullmastiff is young, because they can become stubborn and difficult to train as they mature.

Bullmastiffs can excel in a variety of training classes, including puppy classes, obedience, and agility, if trained as a puppy.

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The Old English Bullmastiff's coat is relatively low maintenance, requiring only a monthly brushing to reduce shedding. This short, dense coat sheds seasonally, but regular brushing can help manage the process.

A monthly brushing is all that's needed to keep their coat in good condition. You can use a slicker brush and a bristle brush to remove dead hair and dirt from the coat's surface while distributing oils to keep it soft and shiny.

Their short fur isn't prone to matting, so you won't need to worry about taking them to a professional groomer. However, it's still a good idea to brush their teeth at least 2 to 3 times a week to prevent decay and periodontal disease.

You should also keep an eye on their nails and trim them at least once a month to prevent clicking on the floor.

If you're considering bringing an Old English Bullmastiff into your family, you'll want to start by checking with local shelters or rescue groups to find one available for adoption. You can also check with the American Bullmastiff Association for a list of breeders, although they don't guarantee or endorse any particular breeder.

Expect to spend around $1,000 to $1,500 for a puppy from a breeder. Keep in mind that Bullmastiffs are a sensitive breed, so patience and a gentle, positive approach are key when training and interacting with them. Their enormous size also requires special consideration when it comes to supplies and exercise.

If you're looking to bring a Bullmastiff into your life, there are two main options to consider: adoption or buying from a breeder.

Check with your local area shelter or rescue groups to find Bullmastiffs available for adoption in your area.

The American Bullmastiff Association's mission is to find homes for unwanted Bullmastiffs, while Mastiffs to Mutts Rescue Inc. provides rescue efforts in the mid-Atlantic states.

You can also look into reputable breeders, but be aware that the American Bullmastiff Association doesn't guarantee or endorse any particular person or group.

Generally, you can expect to spend around $1,000 to $1,500 for a Bullmastiff puppy from a breeder.

For your interest: Bullmastiff Rescue Texas

Owning a large guard dog requires patience and attention from a young age to minimize situations demanding correction and ensure a happy, outgoing dog.

Both Mastiffs and Bullmastiffs are natural protectors that form strong bonds with their families and need to live indoors with them.

They're intelligent, food-motivated, affectionate, eager to please their favorite people, and can be aloof with strangers.

It's essential to buy from a responsible breeder who prioritizes health and temperament.

Both breeds need early socialization and obedience training to be well-rounded family members.

Their size is a consideration when purchasing supplies, from food and exercise requirements to their training needs.

They're both droolers, and the Mastiff wins the drooling contest with their larger and longer flews.

These dogs are awesome snorers, but the loyalty and companionship they offer are well worth it.

Additional reading: Best Food for Olde English Bulldog

The old English Bullmastiff is a gentle giant, known for its calm demeanor and loving nature. They crave human companionship and will be fiercely loyal to their owners and family.

One of the most notable characteristics of the Bullmastiff is their high affection level - they love people and want to be around them all the time. This makes them a great companion for families with children, as they are naturally kid-friendly.

Bullmastiffs are also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise. They have a medium energy level, which means they need regular walks and playtime, but they don't require hours of intense exercise.

In terms of trainability, Bullmastiffs are generally considered to be medium in intelligence and trainability. They respond well to formal training and are eager to please, but they can be stubborn if they don't receive consistent training and leadership.

Here's a summary of the Bullmastiff's characteristics:

Overall, the old English Bullmastiff is a loving and loyal companion that makes a great addition to many families.

Bullmastiff puppies are a joy to be around, but they require careful training and socialization from an early age. They tend to be obedient with proper attention, but can become strong-willed and difficult to train if left untrained.

To ensure your Bullmastiff puppy grows into a well-behaved adult, it's essential to enroll them in training and socialization classes as soon as possible. This will help them become well-behaved around people and other pets.

Socializing your Bullmastiff puppy is crucial, and it's best to start early. They should be exposed to various people and animals, and trained to respond to specific commands, including "sit" and "stay". They should also learn to walk well on a leash and remain calm around other dogs, adults, and children.

Here are some essential training goals for your Bullmastiff puppy:

Remember, early training and socialization are key to raising a well-behaved Bullmastiff. With patience and consistency, you'll be rewarded with a loyal and affectionate companion.

Puppies require due diligence to find reputable sellers and a compatible dog for your family.

You can usually locate adoptable dogs or purebreds through breeders, though it's essential to research the parent's background.

Health testing and temperament testing on the puppy will help ensure a long, happy life with your new dog.

Socializing and training are crucial for Bullmastiff puppies, which can be challenging to manage when they weigh over 100 pounds.

Instilling good habits like staying off the furniture and not jumping on people must begin early.

Fortunately, they tend to be obedient with the proper attention, which includes training and frequent exposure to various people and animals.

Pet care considerations are crucial when bringing a new furry friend home. Bullmastiffs, in particular, require attention to their large size and strong will.

They need regular exercise, including long walks and playtime in a fenced-in yard, to prevent destructive behaviors and maintain their physical and mental health. Daily exercise is essential for their well-being.

Bullmastiffs are prone to ear infections due to their large ear canals, so regular ear cleaning is necessary to prevent infections. Cleaning their ears every two to three weeks and after baths will help keep them healthy.

To prevent accidents and injuries, supervise interactions between Bullmastiffs and small children. Training and socialization are key to ensuring a harmonious household.

Here are some essential training commands to teach your Bullmastiff puppy:

Early training and socialization are crucial for Bullmastiffs, as they can become strong-willed and more difficult to train as they get older. Enrolling them in training and socialization classes as soon as possible will help them become well-behaved around people and other pets.