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The Bullmastiff is not as large as its larger cousin Mastiff. Nevertheless, standing up to 27 high at the shoulder and weighing between 100 and 130 pounds, it is still a lot of dog. Following the first impression made by the shape of the bullmastiff, it is the large, wide head that conveys the essence of the breed: dark eyes, high-set V-shaped ears, and broad, deep muzzle all to enlighten, alert and present. Let’s combine for Believed that the Bullmastiffs make a world-class defender and family companion. Coats come in fountains, reds, or bran.
These are spoken and reliable creatures, but as with any large Guard Dog, owners should begin training and socialization early, while the puppy is still small enough to control.
Bullmastiff’s nickname is “”The Gamekeeper’s Night Dog””, and it pretty much explains the early history of the breed.
During the middle of the 19th century, the vast country estates and game protection of the English elite were tireless targets of hunters. “”The punishments were severe,”” one breed historian wrote, “”yet poaching was impossible to eradicate only by laws.”” Because a hunter could face the death penalty if captured, they had nothing to lose during the encounter with the gamekeeper of the property. They can choose to shoot it with the game player when he corners instead of hanging.
The gamekeepers responded to the dogs in a big, fast, and brave manner and did enough to lead and pin a man who was advancing the field in the dead of night. Eventually they hit the right combination of breeding stock by surpassing the Mastiff in the ratio of 60 percent Mastiff and 40 percent Bulldog on Bulldog. The new breed was smart enough to operate on command, enough traffic to hold but not a hunter to Maul, big enough to scare the Bejes off any intruder.
Inevitably, a rivalry developed between the UK gamekeepers, who had the best quality bullmastiffs. The best specimen competitions and exhibitions were staged, and from there the show was a short jump to the Bullmastiff in the ring. Dog shows in England were gaining in popularity just as Bullmastiff fans were standardizing their breed. By 1924, the Bullmastiff as we now know it was ready to join the ranks of the Kennel Club (England). The AKC gave full recognition to the breed in 1933.
A symmetrical animal, showing great strength, endurance, and alertness; Powerfully built but active. The foundation breeding was 60 percent mastiff and 40 percent bulldog. The breed was developed by gamekeepers in England for protection from predators.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time.
Seasonal shedding is to be expected, although abnormal hair loss should be noted as a potential problem. A balanced diet and healthy environment are the most important for coat health. Frequent grooming ensures that shedding can be managed, and dogs should be bathed as needed. The skin and coat should be monitored to ensure that dryness or oiliness is not a problem. These can be related to diet, and sometimes allergies.
Early training and socialization are important for bullmastiff puppies. The breed can be quite strong-willed, and both dogs and owners will benefit from the training regimen put into puppies. Rules and routines should be followed early and as dogs grow up. Many breeders will encourage new owners to enroll in local puppy classes to ensure that puppies are kept in contact with other dogs and that owners have access to training assistance and information. Bullmastiffs can excel in agility, obedience, rally, even scent work and tracking, so training must begin immediately and be part of a lifelong bond between the dog and the owner.
Bullmastiffs enjoy daily exercise. Some are more sedentary, while others are very active by nature, but moderate exercise should be encouraged. Brisk walks and outdoor play are a favorite of the breed, although safe fencing is required for outdoor areas. Fencing is important to ensure that the dog is safely contained and therefore unfamiliar and unfamiliar animals do not intrude into the area of the bullmastiff. Puppies should not be overexpressed, especially during periods of rapid growth. Bullmastiffs are not an ideal breed for those who want a canine running partner, but they are very good companions.
Most bullmastiff breeders recommend feeding adult dog food or puppy food of a larger breed to puppies to ensure slow and steady growth. Many small meals are best for puppies, and two meals per day is a good routine for adults, so dogs do not have to digest too much food at each meal. Due to the risk of bloat, exercise is discouraged before and after eating. Bullmastiffs should be kept lean, especially in the form of puppies, as they grow very fast, which can be taxed on their systems.
Bullmastiff is a large breed with heavy bone. Breeders try to follow the standard and avoid overdon animals. For a Guard Dog to work, this working breed needs to be mentally and physically healthy. Responsible bullmastiff breeders support the American Bullmastiff Association Health and Research Committee, and screen their reproductive stock for cardiac issues, hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and eye problems. Like many dogs, both pure and not, bullmastiffs can cause cancer as well as bloat, sudden abdominal distension and swelling for life; Owners should educate themselves about their symptoms and what to do to get bloated. Heredity and environment play a role in breed health, so breeders and owners must work together to breed and raise healthy dogs.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: