Bullmastiff

Bullmastiff

A red Bullmastiff

Traits

Classification and standards FCI Group 2 Section 2 #157 standard AKC Working standard ANKC Group 6 (Utility) standard CKC Group 3 - Working Dogs standard KC (UK) Working standard NZKC Utility standard UKC Guardian Dogs standard

Dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Bullmastiff is a large breed of domestic dog. It has a solid build and a short muzzle. The Bullmastiff shares the characteristics of Molosser dogs, and was originally developed by 19th-century gamekeepers to guard estates. The breed's bloodlines are drawn from the English Mastiff and Old English Bulldog. It was recognized as a purebred dog by the English Kennel Club in 1924. They are a very quiet dog; they very rarely bark.

Appearance

Size

Males should be 25 to 27 inches (64 to 69 cm) tall (AKC Std.) at the withers and 110 to 130 pounds (50 to 59 kg). Females should be 24 to 26 inches (61 to 66 cm) at the withers, and 100 to 120 pounds (45 to 54 kg). Exceeding these dimensions is discouraged by breeders.

Color

A one-year-old male, fawn Bullmastiff

A bullmastiff's coat may appear in fawn, red, or brindle. These are the only acceptable colors in the AKC standard. The fawn can range from a very light brown to a reddish brown. Red can range from a light red-fawn to a dark rich red. Brindles are a striped overlay of the fawn or red. A Bullmastiff should have no white markings, except for on the chest where a little white is allowed. See breed standard under external links for additional details;}.

Health

A UK survey puts the median lifespan of the Bullmastiff at 7 to 8 years old. A Bullmastiff will not stop growing until it is about three and a half years of age. Bullmastiffs are prone to certain hereditary diseases including:

• Hip dysplasia, affecting 24.5% of individuals
• Elbow dysplasia, affecting 13.8% of individuals
• Entropion
• Hypothyroidism affecting 2.8% of individuals
• Lymphoma cancer
• Progressive retinal atrophy, a particular problem since the trait is an autosomal dominant one.
• Arthritis
• Bloat

Cosmetic genetic problems include longhairs and "Dudleys". Both are recessives and not common. The Dudley, named after a notable Bulldog breeder of the 19th century, the Earl of Dudley, is a lack of pigment in the mask. It can be liver colored or simply not present.

History

Bred by English gamekeepers in the 19th century to assist English wardens or gamekeepers guard estates. As a result the Bullmastiff is known as the Gamekeeper's Night Dog. The Bullmastiff was a cross of 40% Old English Bulldog (not the short, chubby Bulldog of today) and 60% English Mastiff for its size, strength and loyalty. They bark much less often than other breeds; however, they will bark on alarm.

The Bullmastiff was recognized as a pure-bred dog in 1924 by the English Kennel Club. In October, 1933, the American Kennel Club recognized the Bullmastiff. The first standard for the breed was approved in 1935. The standard has undergone several revisions since then. The most current version is available on the AKC web site.

Trainability

Bullmastiffs are strong, powerful but sensitive dogs. For a Bullmastiff to become well-behaved family member consistency is needed. Training and socialization is of high importance. Dogs of this breed are natural guardians of their home and owners. No special guard training is needed for a Bullmastiff to react appropriately if his family is endangered. Special approach to Bullmastiff training is needed because these dogs do not like to repeat the same actions again and again. Main activities Bullmastiffs can really enjoy are obedience, agility, tracking, and carting.

Famous Bullmastiffs

Rocky - Roloff family dog (Little People Big World)
Gus - Paul Teutul's dog (American Chopper)
Butkus - Sylvester Stallone's dog, starring in Rocky
Grace & Bonecrusher - Dogs belonging to director (Michael Bay)

See also

• Mastiff (disambiguation)

External links

• Bullmastiff at the Open Directory Project