Bullmastiff
This week’s breed is the Bullmastiff! I have a little story to go along with the photos. See this handsome fella?
He was in my mom’s front yard one morning this week. She left home to walk her own dog, Honey, and this Bullmastiff was outside, playful and sweet. When she got home, he was in her back yard. She assumes he jumped the chain link fence.
He doesn’t want to get too close to me. We walked out to say hello and I gave him treats. He’s unaltered. And he must be young. I could have sworn a Bullmastiff would be much larger.
A Brindle Bullmastiff, he’s taking the treats cautiously. He liked the treats, but was shy about coming to me and taking the treats. It took several attempts before he’d take one from my hand. By then he was drooling.
It turns out that the neighbor had found this handsome boy. His name, for now, is Bud, but he’s no longer living next door. He probably hopped the fence again. I’ll update y’all if I hear anymore.
About the Breed
Let’s find out more about the Bullmastiff. This one was adorably sweet. Are they all? Here’s what AKC has to say about the breed:
The Bullmastiff is a strong and powerfully built animal that possesses great intelligence and a willingness to please, making them ideal family companions and protectors. Although large, the breed remains both agile and active and is successful in conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, carting and therapy work. The Bullmastiff’s coat may be red, fawn or brindle.
They’re classified as a working breed. I can attest to them being powerfully built. Bud is a real beauty. And are they the right dog for you? Again, I’ll quote the AKC breed page:
The Bullmastiff is fearless and confident, yet remains docile and sweet-natured with his family. They are natural guardians of the home, but do not bark much, as silence was a virtue when guarding estates. Bullmastiffs are independent thinkers and may not respond to traditional obedience training. The breed does not require much exercise or grooming, and can live happily in a house or apartment.
Pros and Cons
They sound like the ideal dog for a young and growing family. Or for someone like my mom, who lives on the edge of a rough neighborhood. But let’s find out more, go a little deeper. That part about not responding to traditional obedience training leaves me with questions.
Pros:
- Docile and affectionate
- Not prone to attack – will knock an intruder down and hold him there rather than hurt him
- Tolerant of children
- Smart – which means lots of socialization from a young age
- Very little grooming or shedding
- Will do okay in an apartment
So this is a great dog if you’re looking for a) a family dog, and b) protection. Let’s look at the …
Cons:
- Smart – a smart puppy plus a bored puppy equals a destructive puppy – the Bullmastiff needs socialization and activities to stimulate it’s brain, just like any bright child
- Lifespan – under ten years
- Quite a few health issues, including cancers, hip dysplasia and eye issues
- The Bullmastiff is a large, strong dog which needs a firm hand, but not a harsh master – training, training, training, with consistency are vital
Really, this all boils down to knowing yourself and your family. Are you a meek, passive person? This is not the dog for you. And that’s okay. There are great dogs out there that would be perfect for you. But this ain’t it.
It was tough to get good photos of this shy dog, even using treats. He kept pulling away. Poor dear. I love to speculate on which Jones treats given breeds would like. In this instance, I know that this particular Bullmastiff loved the Big Paw Jerky. It snaps into smaller pieces, which I love.
I think he felt safe taking the treats as long as he was near my mom. The Big Paw Jerky was a hit. I’m pretty sure that Bud would also love any of the Mammoth Bones, as well as a Windee. I know for sure he’d love the Sausage Sticks. Lots of them.
Giveaway
Speaking of the Sausage Stick, have y’all entered yesterday’s giveaway? Well get over there and leave a comment! It’s good stuff! And your dog wants it!
Spreading the good chews …
Flea
P.S. Today’s post is gently recycled. We hope that the dog’s owner found him quickly.
