Bullmastiffs 101

Name: Bullmastiff

Personality: Despite the breed's intimidating name, size and mug, bullmastiffs have "a good-natured temperament," says the Dog Breed Info Center. "Docile and affectionate. Intelligent, even-tempered, calm and loyal."

Grooming: "This is a good breed for people looking for an easy grooming regimen," according to eHow.com's "How to Groom a Bullmastiff." "Bullmastiffs require a once-monthly general grooming and full grooming every 8 to 12 weeks." The article suggests scissor-trimming a bullmastiff's whiskers if desired, shampooing with a rubber brush to remove as much loose fur as possible and conditioning after shampooing.

Common Health Issues: As bullmastiffs are prone to bloat and weight gain, Dog Breed Info Center recommends feeding "two to three small meals a day instead of one large meal." The site also notes that boils on the lips are another curious condition that strike bullmastiffs, while Bullmastiffs Online explains that the breed often suffers from "hot spots," aka wet eczema, which it describes as "pus-filled lesions that seem to suddenly appear on your dog." Hot spots and boils can be easier to treat the more quickly they are caught, and while not life-threatening, they can cause acute discomfort for your dog if not treated. There are many home and professional creams and remedies. Consult with your veterinarian.


Training Tips: How trainable is the bullmastiff? "These dogs crave human leadership," says Dog Breed Info Center, so be "a firm master, who is confident and consistent with the rules set upon the dog. They should be thoroughly obedience trained, and should be taught not to pull on the leash." One more tip: "These dogs are very sensitive to the tone of your voice and need someone to speak with an air of assertiveness, but not harshly." Bullmastiff.com takes a more strident tone concerning the dog's trainability: "The bullmastiff tends to be a domineering animal wanting to take control. It is important that they learn who the master is from day one to minimize any potential behavior problems. This breed should be socialized with other animals, as well as people, from an early age."

Best Owner/Animal Match: The breed is a good for those interested in a "devoted, alert guard dog" that will "catch an intruder, knock him down and hold him," according to Dog Breed Info Center, although they note also that the bullmastiff is "tolerant of children." In turn, the bullmastiff owner should be able to tolerate "drool, slobber and snore." Bullmastiff.com seconds that these dogs love lounging around doing nothing as much as they live to save the day: "This breed enjoys the luxury of being the family pet."

What Bullmastiff Owners Say: "Big dog!" says Paw Nation Facebook friend John Mazurick of Rahway, N.J. "A real teddy bear," adds Becca Angier-Owens of Cleveland, Ohio. Ana Stallings of Augusta, Ga., agrees with both, saying about her dog: "She is a gentle giant who thinks she is a tiny lap dog!"

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