BULLMASTIFF

... is high spirited, alert, intelligent, sometimes stubborn, and faithful. They’re courageous, discerning and protective of their family and make great guardians. They do however need love, affection and inclusion as a family member...

Brie Bell

Brief History

The Bullmastiff was originally bred to accompany the English Gamekeepers at night to protect their forests from poachers. Early 20th century laws in England were so harsh that poachers would go to great lengths to escape. The “Gamekeepers Nightdog” was bred to catch a desperate man, take him down and hold him. They were developed to be a silent, agile, unstoppable deterrent to those who trespassed on the estates.

Bullmastiffs were developed by blending the original British Bulldog and the English Mastiff (the agreed blend was approximately 60% Mastiff for size and substance and 40% Bulldog for agility and tenacity).

Today the Bullmastiff is much more widely known as an excellent companion.

General Breed Description

The Bullmastiff is a large, powerfully built breed with a distinctive head and expression, being large with a square skull and muzzle, compact and muscular in body, capable of a medium level of activity. They come in any shade of fawn, red or brindle, along with a black mask and darker coloured ears, with slight white marking on the chest allowable.

The breed requires limited and controlled exercise in their first year of growth due to softer, developing bones, with special care made if spending time indoors on slippery surfaces or stairs.

As a large breed they need consistent, firm training from the time you bring your puppy home. The Bullmastiff puppy should also be widely socialised with both people and dogs to ensure you raise a sensible, well balanced and valued member of the household.

Be aware, they do drool, not excessively, but especially after drinking when they like nothing more than to share it with you and also whilst you are eating.

Temperament

The Bullmastiff is generally described as high spirited, alert, intelligent, sometimes stubborn, and faithful. They’re courageous, discerning and protective of their family and make great guardians. They do however need love, affection and inclusion as a family member and do best when they live with the family.

Average Life Span

When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. The average life span of the Bullmastiff is approximately 9 to 10 years.

Coat And Care Requirements

The Bullmastiff coat is short and dense needing minimal grooming, typically a weekly brush. The coat has a major change at the end of puppy and towards each summer and more consistent grooming is desired at these times of shedding. Nails should always be kept short and trimmed for the best foot/toe health. In high humidity they can be prone to hotspots, so regular checking of the coat, especially around the neck, cheeks and under the ears is recommended.

Their diet needs to be nutritious and balanced, providing a suitable amount of protein without too much fat. In most parts of this country they can live either indoors or out but typically they prefer to be inside with their family. If living outdoors, they should have a warm kennel and adequate shelter from the varying elements of our climate.

Size

Height: Males 64 to 69cms (25 to 27ins), Females 61 to 66cms (24 to 26ins).

Weight: Males 50 to 59kgs, Females 41 to 50kgs.

Health

All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about the breed’s health and what health testing the breeder does. The Bullmastiff is generally a healthy breed, however health conditions do occur. These may include Hip Dysplasia (HD), Elbow Dysplasia (breeders are required to X-ray and score all breeding stock), Entropion (where the eyelid rolls inward causing irritation), Lymphoma and other cancers.

Suitability

Bullmastiffs are known to be very tolerant of children. Due to their size alone, they should always be supervised when around children, as a wag of the tail or raised paw to shake hands, or an over enthusiastic puppy can unintentionally cause harm.

A dog of this breed can be a much-loved family member in any type of household. The Bullmastiff must be kept in a fully secure yard and should always be walked on a lead. They are typically territorial of their yard and once mature, do not always accept other older, unfamiliar dogs on their property.

Although the Bullmastiff is a wonderful breed, it is not the breed for everyone. If you cannot or will not take the time to properly train, socialise and control a large, powerful dog you should not own a Bullmastiff. An individual or family willing to spend the time to love and discipline a

Bullmastiff will find the dog will become one of the greatest pleasures in the owners’ lifetime.

Dogs Australia Activities

Whilst the Bullmastiff is a versatile dog, he is often suited to:

• Conformation Shows

• Obedience

• Rally

In Conclusion

Now you know a little more about this breed. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Queensland. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this

Sire: Sire: BISS - RBISS BIS GR CH Waterlea's Mad About BISS - RBISS BIS GR CH Waterlea's Mad About The Boy The Boy

Dam: Dam: BISS - RBISS Ch Waterlea's Pride And Joy BISS - RBISS Ch Waterlea's Pride And Joy

Best in Show Speciality Winner Best in Show Speciality Winner

Multi Best in Show Winner Multi Best in Show Winner

Multi Runner-Up Best in Show Winners

Multi Runner-Up Best in Show Winners

Multi Best in Group Winner Multi Best in Group Winner

Multi Runner- Up Best in Group Winner

Multi Runner- Up Best in Group Winner

Owned by: Michael, Vicki Yates & Wayne Mills

Owned by: Michael, Vicki Yates & Wayne Mills

Handled by: Vicki Yates & Ian Smith

Handled by: Vicki Yates & Ian Smith

Sire: AM & CAN CH Banbury’s ZZ Chops (IMP CAN)

Sire: AM & CAN CH Banbury’s ZZ Chops (IMP CAN)

Dam: BISS - BIS Sup Ch Waterlea Stormy Weather

Dam: BISS - BIS Sup Ch Waterlea Stormy Weather at Salieri (IMP NZ) at Salieri (IMP NZ)

Multi Best in Show Winner Multi Best in Show Winner

Multi Best in Group Winner Multi Best in Group Winner

Multi Runner- Up Best in Group Winner

Multi Runner- Up Best in Group Winner

Multi Class in Group & in Show Winner

Multi Class in Group & in Show Winner

Current No:1 Bullmastiff in Australia

Current No:1 Bullmastiff in Australia

Owned by: Michael, Vicki & Denise Yates

Owned by: Michael, Vicki & Denise Yates

Handled by: Vicki Yates & Ian Smith

Handled by: Vicki Yates & Ian Smith