Bullmastiff

Bullmastiffs - dogs with a formidable, severe appearance. But quite often flashed their photos with small children, which giants allow any pranks. How power and guard qualities get along in the character of one dog along with patience and calmness? And what caused the popularity of this breed?

How did the breed

The Bullmastiffs are descendants of more ancient English mastiff dogs. The first, rather modest, references to bullmastiffs and selection work on the crossing of bulldogs and mastiffs date back to the late 18th century.

In most sources, the birth of the breed is associated with a later period - the end of the 19th century. At this time, the huntsmen holding the game and engaged in its protection, experienced certain difficulties associated with the increasing poaching activity. The chasseurs needed strong and fearless helpers who were able to wait for a long time for violators with their dogs and attack the poachers' dogs. But do it exclusively on command.

The bulldogs lacked dimensions for this work, and the mastiffs were quick and agile, therefore attempts were made to breed them to breed a new type of dog combining the qualities of both breeds. The result was the most suitable dog, who was called "the night dog guarding the game." At that time, the best color was dark, imperceptible at twilight time of the day.

Due to improved qualities, the breed quickly gained popularity. They began to use dogs in landlord farms as guards. Many liked the dogs with light hair and a pronounced black mask on the face. But it was not enough for the breeders to simply cross the two breeds, they set out to get a new, purebred breed that has 60% of bulldog qualities and 40% of features from mastiffs. As a result of the selection work, the light saw new dogs - the bullmastiffs.

Recognition of the English Kennel Club breed received in 1924, and in 1933 it was officially adopted by the American Kennel Club.

Characteristics of the breed Bullmastiff

Representatives of this breed are distinguished by a powerful constitution and an impressive body weight, but the appearance of the dogs is not without harmony. They are strong and powerful:

• The head has the shape of a square, the skull is wide, heavy. Muzzle shortened, well filled cheeks, there are distinct skin wrinkles.
• The eyes have a wide formulation and separation by a notch; according to the standard, the iris can have a dark or nutty color. Yellow or light iris is a significant drawback.
• The dog's nose is wide enough, but without signs of acuity or snub, has wide nostrils.
• In comparison with the body, the auricle of the bullmastiff is small and V-shaped, high and well attached to the skull. Their color is darker than the main one, folds in this area are a defect.
• The teeth are large, strong, jaws have a direct bite. Suppose a slight snack.
• The neck is medium in size, with well-developed muscles. The back is meek, without bends, the chest is powerful, deep.
• The hind and fore limbs of the dog have strong bones and muscles, pads are firm, fingers are round, dark-colored claws.
• The tail is thick at the base, to the very tip becomes thinner. A twisted shape is preferable, but curved towards the top, as well as straight, is allowed.
• The coat of the bullmastiff is dense, short, smooth. If you feel, it turns out that it is quite hard. Representatives with elongated, soft hair are considered a marriage of a breed.

There are several colors: dogs with yellow-brown hair are more common (“reindeer” color), less often monochromatic - tiger or red. The standard allows for a small white spot in the chest area. The black mask is a prerequisite for the breed, it makes the face and the whole appearance of the bullmastiffs more expressive.

The nature of the breed

The appearance of purebred dogs causes trepidation, but most owners of "serious" dogs speak of their pets as of the kindest, most faithful creatures. Bullmastiffs are really very affectionate with members of their family, but they only fear others with their appearance.

During the appearance of the breed, dogs were famous for their fierce and tough temper, but selection work reduced these characteristics to the maximum. Today they are actively used as security guards of bars, banks, office premises, private territory. But more often, dogs are acquired for other needs - as family members and companions. Numerous reviews confirm that bullmastiffs are great for this role. Due to the calm disposition and unreal patience, dogs get along well not only with one person, but also in large families with many children.

Dogs of this breed perfectly adapt to the pace of life of the owners. They can accompany the owner on morning jogging, cycling, any occupation active sports. But even with a more relaxed life with long gatherings with a book in their hands or at the TV screen, and then with unhurried walks in the park, the bullmastiffs feel good.

Dogs get along well with children, and their massiveness does not prevent them from being very delicate and neat in handling even with little ones. They cope well with the role of nanny and can be excellent companions for games.

Children for dogs become the main objects of protection and protection. Sometimes a dog may even prevent parents from punishing the guilty child. This happens without undue aggression, it simply blocks the road.

Despite the fighting ancestors, the bullmastiffs themselves are not. Among the representatives of the breed in most cases there are phlegmatic individuals or sanguine, that is, completely balanced. They have a developed intellect, so they never act “in a hurry” without first assessing the situation.

If the dog is harsh, cowardly or aggressive, then similar qualities lead to culling. Such individuals are not allowed to breed, therefore such a measure also contributes to more intelligent and balanced individuals.

Features of education and dressure

Bullmastiffs are amenable to training and have a high rate of learning. Possessing a powerful, athletic physique, they need long walking and constant training (see the rules of dog walking ). Owners must understand that it is unacceptable in the learning process to apply violent, aggressive measures, and the pet will not tolerate humiliation. The dog requires respect, and nothing else.

You should not evaluate the dog by its appearance, because the bullmastiff, having a formidable appearance, is able to love the members of his family, showing tender, sincere feelings and boundless devotion.

Like most breeds, a bullmastiff puppy should be raised from the very first day of its appearance in the house. It is not necessary to encourage games involving the biting of hands and feet. Any manifestation of aggression, even if in a game form, should be stopped immediately.

The owner must immediately declare his position as a leader. To do this, on any snarl on the part of the pet, it is necessary to lift the baby by the scruff into the air, then apply it to the floor and press lightly. Thus, the leader of the pack reminds who is in charge here, and the puppy realizes it very quickly.

Content policy

The guard qualities of bullmastiffs are somewhat limited, they are more aimed at protecting the family and property than on tracking the territory and objects located on it. If the dog is used for its intended purpose, it will perfectly fulfill its duties.

Bullmastiff dogs do not impose their society, move quietly and can confuse any intruder, simply blocking his path. Warning attack will be a formidable dog stance. At this time, the view of the dog is very awesome, as its muscles literally begin to walk with a shake.

Lai - to match the complexion - loud, rolling, rough. When such a guard encounters thieves, one thing remains - to run as fast as possible, hoping for a miracle rescue.

Choosing a similar pet for protection, one should give preference to nurseries, since it is here that the correct selection and breeding of representatives of such a colorful breed takes place. Puppies will have the necessary restraint and flexibility. In this case, mental deviations from the stated standards are excluded. The same is very important when selecting a bullmastiff as a companion and pet of the family.

The impressive size does not prevent the dog to feel good in the conditions of the apartment. And he is never a hindrance and does not have the habit of getting underfoot. Being more often a phlegmatic person, he can lie aside for a long time, thinking, and he likes this business much more than running around the house and poking his nose in everything.

It is important to bear in mind that a dog has a short coat and the dog’s life on the street is possible only if there is a heated booth and a heated enclosure.

The advantage of the breed is that dogs rarely bark, which means that they don’t give the neighbors any concern. Among the minuses can be noted increased salivation, characteristic of all breeds derived from the Molossus. But this process in bullmastiffs is not very rich.

Care features

Representatives of this breed quite unpretentious in the care. To rid the pet of dead cells and wool, you need to comb it once a week. More often it is necessary to do this during the seasonal molting - spring and autumn. It is often not necessary to bathe a pet, besides, the dog has no pronounced smell. It is enough to wash the dog 3-4 times a year, and during breaks, if necessary, use dry shampoo.

The dogs' weak point is the ears, they must often be inspected and cleaned 1-2 times a week. The same can be said about the eyes, with the slightest redness, they should be washed with special moisturizing agents or chamomile decoction.

Hound dogs require regular clipping of the claws . After each walk, it is recommended that you always wash your pet's paws in order to remove contaminants and possible harmful components.

Photos of bullmastiff

Video about bullmastiff

Where and at what price to buy a puppy bullmastiff

There is no fixed price, it depends on many factors, and varies from 10,000 to 40,000 rubles. A cheaper puppy will cost when you buy with it, but in this case there are few guarantees of its adequacy and the availability of the necessary qualities. In the nursery, you can find out about the parents of a future family member and get a better breed representative.

When choosing a bullmastiff for a family or a guard, it is worth remembering that this is not a toy, but a big responsibility.