Description: The Bullmastiff is a massive dog with a strong constitution. Despite his bulk, he is not clumsy, but moves with ease and agility. This is an extremely strong dog measuring 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighing 100 to 130 pounds, depending on the sex of the dog. The head is large and the jaws are slightly lower. The Bullmastiff’s coat is short and coarse and comes in red, tan, or brindle, all with darker masks and ear markings. The Bullmastiff has a relatively short lifespan, usually less than 10 years. This dog is also known as the Night Guard Dog.

History: As poachers became a big problem on English country estates, a dog was needed to help the gamekeepers deal with it. By crossing the Old English Bulldog with the English Mastiff, the Bullmastiff was created. No one wanted a poacher to be ripped apart by a dog, and the Bullmastiff was perfect in its role of immobilizing and restraining an intruder until the ranger arrived. Since then, the Bullmastiff has been used in police and military work. They are excellent companions and watchdogs.

Temperament: The Bullmastiff will bond extremely strongly with his family and will be completely devoted to them. He will defend them with his life, if necessary. This dog needs to interact with his human companions. The Bullmastiff is calm around the house and very good with children, although it may not be suitable for very young children just because they may accidentally knock over a child while playing. This dog absolutely requires obedience training, you must know his place in the home. This breed should be socialized with other people and dogs from a young age. Male dogs may never be able to tolerate another dog of the same sex.

Health Issues: About a quarter of Bullmastiffs will suffer from hip dysplasia. This breed can also get cancer. He is prone, like most large dogs, to bloat. Feeding the dog several small meals and keeping the dog calm after eating will help prevent this. If the Havanese is suffering from bloat, it is imperative that he be taken to a veterinarian immediately. The dog will not recover from this on its own. You can also suffer from entropion and progressive retinal atrophy.

Grooming: With its short coat, the Bullmastiff does not require much grooming. An occasional brushing will remove dead hairs and distribute natural oils. Nails should be kept short to prevent feet from spreading and remember to check ears for infections.

Living conditions: The Bullmastiff must be kept in the house for several reasons. For starters, he longs for social interaction with the family he loves. This dog needs a lot of attention. Also, as he is one of the Mastiff breeds, he does not tolerate either heat or cold. He cannot be kept outside during extreme weather conditions. As the Bullmastiff is a calm dog indoors, it is possible to keep it in an apartment. However, the dog must get enough exercise to maintain its health, both mental and physical.