Bullmastiff - breed description and dog character

Bullmastiff breed means formidable and majestic dogs, which are able to inspire fear with only one look. However, on the network you can find thousands of photos and videos in which large dogs frolic with children and allow them all sorts of pranks. From this we can conclude that the bulmastiff perfectly combines a good-natured pet and a family friend, as well as a stern guard. What else is so unusual for a dog? Let's try to figure it out together.

Historical summary

Representatives of the breed descended from their ancestors, who are called only English mastiffs. Very modest and concise references to dogs were first discovered in the late 18th century. In the annals it was said that the bullmastiffs occurred as a result of breeding work on crossing mastiffs with bulldogs.

To be more precise, other sources say that the origin of the breed dates from the end of the 19th century. In those days, the people who kept the game and guarded it complained about poachers. Therefore, there was a need to have a fearless and large animal that would scare unscrupulous people.

With all this, the task was not only to scare off and catch the poacher, but also the dogs with whom he went to jaeger game. However, the dog must carry out such manipulations strictly by order of the owner, which means that the dog must have restraint and organization.

Due to the fact that the mastiffs were not so dexterous and fast, but the bulldogs were small, it became necessary to cross two individuals in order to get a new look. Breeders with hard work brought the dog, which they called the "night guard". The color turned out to be dark, so the dog was not visible in the dark.

By improving the characteristics of the dog and borrowing certain skills, the two breeds managed to bring out the bullmastiff. He immediately became popular, animals were kept for hunting qualities in utility rooms.

Due to the demand, breeders did not stop there. They set a goal - to bring the dog, which will be 40% mastiff, 60% bulldog. Over time, the task was completed, and a new purebred breed appeared. At the end of 1924, the dog received universal recognition, an amateur club was created in England. After 9 years, the breed was accepted into the American club.

Generally accepted standards

If you just look at the dogs of the breed in question, immediately add to the eyes the addition of the body, as well as impressive size. However, this does not prevent the dogs from looking harmonious.

1. Wool. Thick, short, smooth, does not curl and does not fluff. If you stroke the dog, the coat will seem stiff. If the representatives of the breed are excessively soft and elongated, this is considered a disadvantage. Also, rare hair can be attributed to marriage.
2. Head. Square, heavy with a fairly wide skull. The muzzle is short, the cheeks are moderately full. A distinctive feature of the breed is the wrinkling that exists in the muzzle area. The nose is wide with large nostrils. Dogs of this breed should not look snub-nosed, and also have a protruding lobe. The teeth are complete, they are round, the bite is straight. One jaw may protrude slightly.
3. The ears. If you compare the size of the auricles with the body as a whole, the ears will seem small. They are set high, adjacent to the head. The color of the ears is darker than the rest of the coat on the body. If skin folds are visible in this area, this is a defect.
4. Eyes. Arranged at a distance from each arc, bulge, have a dividing recess.If you adhere to generally accepted standards, dogs of the breed in question should have exclusively dark eyes. Brownish or hazel, iris of a light or yellow shade is unacceptable.
5. Body type. Powerful, muscular. The neck has an average size, passes into a weakly expressed withers and a straight back. The back is short, there are no bends, the chest is deep and moderately wide. She should not be overly swayed. The tail tapers towards the end, thicker at the base. A straight tail is not considered a vice, but preferably twisted. The limbs are strong, not too thick, but not thin. Rather, harmonious, ideally suited to the body. Hard fingertips, nails black or dark, fingers round.
6. Color. To date, there are several main colorings of the wool cover of the breed. Most often you can find a deer coat, dogs with brown-yellow hair. There are also red, tiger bullmastiffs. According to generally accepted standards, a speck in the chest area is permissible. The breed under discussion must necessarily have a black mask on its face, which distinguishes the breed from similar ones.

The subtleties of education

1. Dogs learn quickly, so there should be no problem with them. Naturally, all the manipulations associated with the upbringing and training, it is necessary to start with a small age of the pet.
2. The emphasis should be on physical activity and frequent walks. Dogs are powerful, they have a lot of energy, so they need to move. If the dog does not have enough walks, he will begin to entertain himself. And you are unlikely to like it.
3. It is necessary to allocate time for physical activity. You can play “bring a stick” or “frisbee” with your dog. In the learning process, there is no need to be aggressive towards the pet, so you will achieve the opposite result.
4. The dog is proud, it needs a master with a firm disposition. The dog will not tolerate disrespect for himself, this must be taken into account. If you don’t obey, learn to negotiate and read the psychology of bullmastiffs.
5. Many people evaluate the dog externally, respectively, so they relate to it. The pet is powerful and aggressive on the outside, but very soft inside. He gets along perfectly with children, forgives them even the most evil pranks. Always stand up for the child. Able to distinguish a baby from a five-year-old.
6. The subtleties of education suggest that you need to start training from the first day. In games, the animal must not be allowed to bite its arms or legs. You should immediately stop aggressive behavior, even if you play.

Character

1. In appearance, the breed presented in some people can cause awe. Owners of such dogs themselves speak of them as devoted and very kind pets. Bullmastiffs are affectionate to all family members. As for strangers, such a dog can cause only fear and genuine excitement.
2. As soon as the breed in question appeared, it became famous for its very tough and ferocious disposition. Only due to breeding work, such characteristics have decreased as much as possible. In the modern world, bullmastiffs are used as security guards for office premises, banks, private territories and bars.
3. It is also worth noting that most owners start these dogs as excellent companions and full members of the family. According to the reviews of the owners of bullmastiffs, we can conclude that pets do an excellent job with this role. The dog has simply unreal patience and a calm disposition.
4. Bullmastiffs coexist without any difficulty in a large family with small children. Dogs can easily adapt to the living pace of their family members. You can easily go on a morning walk with your pet. The dog can accompany when riding a bicycle and any other active sport.
5. In addition, you can safely read the book for a long time, and the animal will humbly lie nearby. After that, you can go on a leisurely walk with the dog. With any lifestyle, the breed will feel comfortable. Do not think that the impressive size can somehow prevent the pet from getting along with the children.
6. Bullmastiff will be neat in handling and delicate even with a baby. These dogs are considered pretty good nannies. The pet will be a great companion in various games. The child for the breed is the main object that needs to be guarded and protected.
7. In some cases, a bullmastiff can even interfere with you if you decide to punish your child. Do not worry ahead of time, in this case the pet will not show aggression, it will just stand in your way and will block the road. It is worth noting that, unlike their ancestors, bullmastiffs do not belong to fighting dogs.
8. In most cases, the breed is balanced. Pets have a developed intellect. That is why the dog will not act without thinking. She will first assess the situation. Most often, those dogs that show excessive harshness, aggressiveness or cowardice are referred to culling. Such dogs are not allowed for breeding.

Content

1. As for the protective qualities of the breed, they are somewhat limited. The dog will excellently protect the owner and all members of the family, which cannot be said about the protection of the territory and what is on it. Therefore, the pet is recommended to be used as directed. Bullmastiff copes with such obligations 100%.
2. Keep in mind that the pet will not impose its company on you. The animal will move quietly. Because of this feature, any attacker can be confused. A dog can suddenly block his path. First bullmastiff will stand in a formidable stance, this will indicate a warning.
3. Believe me, the sight will be intimidating, since the dog’s muscles are tensed at this time, as if they were walking with a shake. After this, the pet will begin to grin and bark. The animal’s voice is rather coarse, loud and booming. If you saw such a protector, you would run away at all costs in the hope of salvation.
4. If you are going to get an animal for protection, then when choosing, give preference to professional nurseries. Such puppies will have complaisance and the necessary restraint. An animal simply cannot have mental abnormalities. You should pay attention to the same qualities when choosing a bullmastiff as a family member and companion.
5. Despite the impressive dimensions, the animal feels great in the apartment. You will not notice the dog, as it has no habit of getting underfoot. Also, the pet prefers to lie in its place most of the time, rather than rushing around the apartment and poking its nose into all the cracks.

Bullmastiffs are considered excellent companions for a large family with children. Also, nothing will stop you from having an animal if you live alone. With proper upbringing, no problems will arise with the animal. With a pet, you can stroll measuredly or actively engage in sports. The dog will accept your every lifestyle.

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