The Bullmastiff is a powerful dog that was originally developed for protection. English gamekeepers in the mid-19th century crossed the Mastiff and the Bulldog. The result was a powerful, fearless dog that could stop poachers in their tracks.
Today's Bullmastiff is still a highly capable guard dog, but the breed is most treasured as a companion. Despite it's powerful and somewhat intimidating appearance, this is a gentle and affectionate dog that forms a solid bond with it's family members. However, the Bullmastiff's tough side does instinctively come out when necessary. One important thing to know about this breed: be prepared for slobber. The Bullmastiff owner tends to carry around a drool rag. If this sort of thing bothers you, then look elsewhere for the breed of your dreams. Otherwise, there's a lot to love about these big sweeties. Could this breed be the choice for you? Learn all about the Bullmastiff and see for yourself.
People who know Bullmastiffs simply cannot say enough wonderful things about this breed. Have you been lucky enough to share your life with a Bullmastiff? Tell your story!
Photo © iStockphoto.com/Terry Bouvier
Comments
I like reading your blog about dogs. I am a dog lover with 3 myself. Mine are all rescue/mixed breeds. But, have you noticed the bigger and “scarier” the dog appears the more affectionate it is to you and your kids?
Bull mastiff is here sometime called as just bulldog. It differs with different countries. Anyways bigger the dig the more scarier it appears. But in reality they are very sweet.
I have been the proud mom of Oscar, our Bull Mastiff for the past 6 years and he is truly part of the family. He is wonderful with children and others pets. We socialized him early and he does well in public places and we take him camping with us often. He will however, put himself between the family and stangers if he senses that we are uncomfortable at all. I don’t doubt at all that he would put his life on the line for any one of us.
The article speaks true also that one needs to be prepared for the slobber. I have towels on the floor in my kitchen for him at any given time! He is also a gigantic lap dog, a “leaner”, and at night he MUST be able to lay against one of us at all times! If you move over, he does too!
I would recommend this breed to anyone that has the time to socialize and train it properly.
Next door neighbours…A 2 yr old Mastiff named “Doobie”. Wonderful dog until someone turned on a weed eater…Doobie’s glue would melt and I honestly though he was going to eat the fence trying to get at the weed eater. He REALLY didn’t like them.
Turn it off and he’d fall asleep in your arms.
I watched a a dozen kids in the back yard with him…kids from 4 ~ 12 and he played like a puppy with them. Gentle (as gentle as 150lbs can be) and tolerant.
Great dog!
ur articles about dogs are inspiring, but i need a bull mastiff but i aint got money for it can u help me?
The dog in the picture is Neko and he was an awesome friend! 175 pounds of big old lazy dog. He used to sleep on the bed with us and take up the entire bed! We used to take him everywhere – even drove across country with him! But as big as he was, he was very friendly – people used to always want to pet him and he was great with children. As the article mentions, bullmastiffs love to drool. We’d always be washing the walls but it’s a small price to pay for such a loyal companion!