The American Kennel Union recognizes the bullmastiff as the fourth largest common dog breed in the USA. These giants stand about 27 inches at the shoulder and have a broad strong body to match their tall stature.
Yet, bundled up in that huge frame you’ll find a heart of gold, lashings of loyalty, and a kind, intelligent personality.
Find out more about bullmastiff temperament and why one of these dogs makes a great addition to any family.
The History of the Bullmastiff
The bullmastiff breed came about in England during the 19th century, by crossing mastiffs with bulldogs. The aim was to create an agile, active, and powerful animal to help in the fight against poachers on country estates.
These dogs’ task was to chase and overpower a fleeing poacher and hold them at bay until their master arrived to apprehend the culprit.
Today’s bullmastiffs are rather more laid back than the earlier specimens. Yet, they retain the intelligence and loyalty of the original.
The Rockefellers imported some of the first bullmastiffs into the country to patrol their estates in the early 30s. The AKC recognized them as a distinct breed in 1933.
Understanding the Bullmastiff
Thanks to their short coats and laid-back nature, bullmastiff care is a breeze. They will need copious amounts of well-balanced dog food to keep them in peak condition though.
They’re fiercely loyal and loving pets and will defend family members against intruders. So, it’s important to teach them the difference between invited and uninvited guests.
It’s important to remember that while your bullmastiff will happily laze around on the sofa 24/7, they’re a working breed after all. As such, they need a job if you want them to thrive.
Training and walking your bullmastiff is a good way to keep them stimulated, healthy, and happy.
Bullmastiff Temperament and Children
Despite the bullmastiff’s loving and gentle nature, they’re exuberant dogs. Due to this they sometimes knock small children flying in their excitement to play.
Even bullmastiff puppies are large and boisterous. Always supervise any interaction between them and very young children.
Thanks to their over-affectionate nature and large size, adult dogs aren’t ideal playmates for small children. They’re the perfect match for energetic older kids though.
Are Bullmastiffs Easy to Train?
As much as your bullmastiff would love to please you, their stubborn nature often gets the better of them. You’ll need patience and a firm hand to succeed in training these dogs.
If you do decide to adopt an adult dog, always do so from an accredited bull mastiff rescue center. That way, you’re assured the dog’s been thoroughly vetted for any serious training issues beforehand.
Another thing to bear in mind is that this dog’s fierce loyalty to their human family can sometimes manifest in aggression toward other family pets.
Finding Your Ideal Canine Match
Using what you’ve learned about bullmastiff temperament, you should have a better idea if this is the right breed of dog for your family.
If not, there are hundreds of other dog breeds to choose from as well as an infinite amount of crossbreeds in shelters all over the country.
Choosing a new family pet’s never something you should take lightly. So, keep reading our blog for more information on everything you need to know about choosing and caring for the pet of your choice.