Bullmastiffs

Author

Nancy Milinkovich, c/o rpd-info@netcom.com.
Nancy will be offline for several months beginning Feb '97. All correspondence will be held for her until she is back online.

The AKC standards, club names and breeder information were all provided by the informatiion given out by the American Bullmastiff Association, INC.

Additions, corrections, and suggestions all welcomed.

Thanks to Jon Dawson for providing materials on the standard, etc.

Breed Purpose
Breed Characteristics
Exercise Requirements
Specific Health Problems
References

Breed Purpose

Originally Bullmastiffs were a combination of 40% English Bulldog and 60% English Mastiff. They were bred specifically to accompany gamekeepers on their rounds, being able to track well and having sufficient size and strength to tackle and overpower a poacher.

They are classified as a Working Dog. The English Bulldog from which the Bullmastiff is bred from is quite different from today's modern version. The English Bulldog of the 19th century was a more athletic dog than many of today's, although the loyal and calm temperments are still the same. Description AKC Standards removed due to copyright violation concerns.

Breed Characteristics

They present an aristocratic, attentive and intelligent look. The Bullmastiff is distinguished from the English Mastiff by its smaller size and more compact face.

They have been described as: intelligent, loyal, stubborn, laid back, family oriented, stoic, and even-tempered. Bullmastiffs rarely bark unless there is a reason. There is a minimal amount of slobbering associated with a Bullmastiff, usually after eating or drinking. They are a dog that requires consistent and fair training. They do not take well to being bullied into something but will accept leadership. Obedience work with Bullmastiffs can be challenging as they are independent thinkers, but once learned it sticks!

The Bullmastiff seems to be very easy-going and as such tends to integrate well with other dogs. But as with any breed, you should start socialization early. Puppy kindergarten type situations are definitely recommended. As far as the Bullmastiff's relationship to other animals (other than dogs) I can only draw on my own experience; my Bullmastiff is extremely gentle with cats, birds, hamsters, etc. (can anyone else give me any info?). I have heard from others that size rather than aggressiveness is often more an issue when being around other animals. Often Bullmastiffs don't realize their size and can hurt a smaller dog, or cat, with rough-house play.

One note of caution, e-mailed to me by a long time breeder of Bullmastiffs, is that, being a territorial breed, sexually in tact males and females put together, may lead to problems. Caution should be used when introducing studs and bitches to one another - unless you know they are extremely passive.

In relationship to people, Bullmastiffs tend to be one family dogs. They bond extremely close with "their" people and can be suspicious of strangers. Early puppy interaction with lots of different people is key to overcoming potential problems due to this trait. This being said, if the family is loving and welcoming, getting a grown Bullmastiff dog through rescue contacts is a wonderful option, for those that don't want to go through the early "puppy" years. This is a quote from a long-time breeder of Bullmastiffs and rescue contact, "An overwhelming percentage of rescue dogs (dogs who have the most reason to be wary) settle in new homes with the greatest of ease. Almost all of the Bullmastiffs I meet in other people's homes are immediately outgoing and interested in being my best friend. Believe it or not Bullmastiffs can be quite cuddly and demonstrative. They must be integrated as a member of the family. I would say they are not very suitable for being an outdoor dog.

Bullmastiffs are also very good with children. Their easy going nature and calmness, tend to make them able to tolerate the energy of younger kids. But again, due to their size constant parental supervision is required.

They are a naturally protective dog. They have a suspicious nature in regards to strangers and "size" people up. Sufficient socialization is extremely important due to this fact. They also naturally "guard" their family members. Bullmastiffs are constantly attentive and curious about their surroundings and will be alarmed if any danger is perceived to their pack. These two factors make, in my opinion, make on-going training and early puppy socialization, all important. Without it, Bullmastiffs can become over-protective and over-aggressive towards strangers and other dogs, etc. The most amazing thing about Bullmastiffs is their ability to sense people's intentions - they seem to know instinctively the difference between a "bad" person and a harmless visitor to their property.

Bullmastiffs do not tend to tolerate LARGE variances in temperature. They do not like extreme heat or extreme cold. I have heard from people that some Bullmastiffs do like the snow.

Exercise Requirements

The Bullmastiff is not a high-energy dog. One longish walk every day should take care of required excercise. But play sessions, trips to exciting places and other highlights should be incorporated as they will otherwise tend to get bored.

NOTE: Bullmastiffs do tend to have a high tolerance for pain and often will not complain about discomfort until the condition is quite bad.

Suitability for Working People

The Bullmastiff seems to tolerate being left alone well, and would fit into a family where both parties are working. Although it should be noted that any puppy will require someone coming home during the afternoon.

Please note that puppies of any breed are a LOT of work and require without a doubt, time, energy and love. On average a puppy requires at least 4 hours per day and probably more if you are into any type of training.

Grooming Requirements

Bullmastiffs are a short-haired dog which have minimal shedding. The brushes I have found that work the best are: rubber palm brushes used in a circular motion to lift out dead hair and bring the oil to the surface followed by a slicker brush to trap the hair. A grooming session at least once a week should be sufficient.

Ear cleaning is a must as is nail clipping.

Would recommend teeth cleaning using an enzymatic toothpaste.

Specific Health Problems

As with any large to very large breed, hip dysplasia is a problem. Suggestions are to make sure that both parents and grand-parents have been screened for hip dyplasia, either vet-cleared or OFA-cleared.
OCD "osteochondritis dissecans" - in the elbow can be particularly bad. They now OFA elbows.
hypo-thyroidism - this can cause many problems and you should ask about this in parents and grand-parents. Although it can be controlled with medication I would not knowingly buy a puppy or dog at risk for this disease.
eye problems "cherry eye" - can develop problems with the bottom lid poking through - this can be corrected with surgery. entropia - eyelashes growing inside the eyelid. This can be corrected with surgery. The symptoms are: puffy eyes with discharge, eyes that look half closed.
renal failure - probably mostly due to the hypo-thyroid condition if it is present.
lymphoma sarcoma - have talked to some Bullmastiff breeders who are seeing an alarming trait in some lines with the development of lymphoma sarcoma. I would talk with the breeder to make sure that this trend did not exist in past litters of both parents and grand-parents.

While this seems like a large list it should be remembered that the occurrences of some of the above conditions is rare. Hip dysplasia probably being the most common condition. As far as the breed as a whole, my vet has said it has very few commonly occuring medical problems as far as her vet science books are concerned.

References

UNITED STATES

American Bullmastiff Association: Pres: Peter Aczel 1380 Masi Rd. Quakertown, PA 18951-5221
Secretary: MaryAnne Duchin (1995-1997): P.O. Box 37 Dayton, KY 41074 606-291-3127
ABA National Rescue/Information: Barbara Brooks-Worrell 9840 South 222nd St. Kent, WA 98031 (206) 850-6319
Rescue/Central Linda Thompson: P.O. Box 399 Conifer, CO 80433 (303) 697-0547 FAX (303) 697-5089
Kelli Johnsen: P.O. Box 1902 Manhattan, KS 66502-0022 (913)539-5741
Southern (including TX): Anna Williamson 934 North San Jose, Abilene, TX 79603 (915) 677-7635
Eastern Anne Lewis: Rt. 1 Box 2475 Berryville, VA 22611 (540) 955-2562

CANADA

Bullmastiff Fanciers of Canada: Amy Hayward RR #6 Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada E0J 2B0 Ph. 506-325-2658 Fax 506-328-0802

CLUBS

Bullmastiffs of NO. California: Connie Urbanski, President Patricia J. Potter, Secretary 1957 Everwood Court San Jose, CA
California Bullmastiff Fanciers: Carol Beans, President Mona Lindau-Webb, Secretary 1934 South Holt Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90034
Delware Valley Bullmastiff Club: Adele Millett, President Helma Weeks, Secretary 133 Chase Avenue Iveyland, PA 18974
Eastern Atlantic Bullmstiff Association: Roxanne LaPaglia, President June Moeller, Secretary Box 69 Rohersville, MD 21779
Glass City Bullmastiff Fanciers: David Schwieterman, President Zoe Murphy, Secretary 7326 Starlight Rd, Perrysburg, OH 43551
Great NY Bullmastiff Fanciers: Ed Silva, President Jude E. Newton, Secretary 517 Commack Road Islip, NY 11751
Heart of America Bullmastiff Fanciers: Lance Wright, President Izetta Wright, Secretary 215 St. and 69 Hwy Bucyrus, KS 66013
Midwest Bullmastiff Fanciers: Ben Baratto, President Linda Haskett, Secretary 514 South 700 East, Marion, IN 46952
Northwest Bullmastiff Society: Mark Worrell, President Laura Doll, Secretary 9840 S. 222nd St. Kent, WA 98031 (206)850-6319
New England Bullmastiff Association: Cindy Sellitto, President 147 Janet Dr., East Hartford, CT 06118 Jean Gomes, Secretary
Piedmont Bullmastiff Club of Greater Washington: Greg Swain, President Sue Andrews, Secretary 14040 Esworthy Rd., Germantown, MD 20874-3312
Southeastern Bullmastiff Enthusiasts: Andrea Jiles, President Jane Fleming, Secretary 2587 Willowbrook Circle, Birmingham, AL 35242
Southwest Bullmastiff Club: Vickie Lang, President Vickie Miller, Secretary 3700 Hialeah Dr., Arlington, TX 76017

Breeders (ABA) (United States)

Dr. John G. & Susan M. Crawford DOX Bullmastiffs: 505 N. Ridgeland Avenue Oak Park, Illinois 60302 (708) 524-9788 (815) 673-2068 e-mail: john.crawford@aquila.com
Lea Reuter Sound Off Bullmastiffs: 11605 Pythian Cave Road Yreka, CA 96097 (916)436-2578
Helene Neitsch Banstock Bullmastiffs: 14 Dodgingtown Road Newtown, CT 06470 (203)426-8194
Pam Kochuba Shady Oak Bullmastiffs: 52 Walnut Tree Hill Sandy Hook, CT 06484 (203)426-7735
Karen Skiba Avonlea Bullmastiffs
46 Vista Drive Danbury, CT 06810 (203)743-0880 WEB page: http://www.lyriq.com/avonlea.htm
Chris Lezotte and Alan Kalter Happylegs Bullmastiffs: 6283 Hellner Road Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105 313-741-7326
Mickey & Dick Mullen Crossbow Bullmastiffs: 3899 Kingston Oaks Cove Oviedo, FL 32765 (407)365-6760
Reyna & David Blasko Crossbow Bullmastiffs: 3493 Soda Canyon Rd. Napa, CA 94558 (707)252-8850
Mimi Einstein Allstar: 377 Mt. Holly Rd. Katonah, NY 10536 (914)232-9166
Patricia O'Brien Bullmast: 1012 Dolores Dr. Fullerton, CA 92633 (714)870-5235
Kathy McAlister Sedentary: Box 549 Hayden, CO 81639 (303)276-3196
Carol Beans Tauralan: 12131 Arroyo Ave. Santa Ana, CA 92705 (714)544-1824
Bud & Pauline Smith Torous: Box 1415 Oakhurst, CA 93644 (209)683-8537
Taun Brooks Wild Heart: 56372 Paseo Las Ninas Yucca Valley, CA 92284 (619)369-2400
Brian & Tracy Ferrick Wild West: 15455 Rockwood Rd. Escondido, CA 92027 (619)745-5756
Gail & Scott Lucas Wakulla Bullmastiffs: 203 Mullis St. North Augusta, S.C. 29841 803-593-2823 ABA & SEBA
Joyce Nelson: 113 Winifred Rd. Landsdown, MD 21227 410-242-1961
Merry Johnson: 11824 Harford Rd. Glen Arm, Md. 21057 410-592-2859
Melinda Agee Melkev's Bullmastiffs: 2808 Greenbriar Rd Mt. Washington KY 40047 502-538-8822
Cindy Sellitto Camelot Bullmastiffs: 147 Janet Drive East Hartford, CT 06ll8 (860)568-9074
Virginia Rowland Blackslate Bullmastiffs: PO Box 325, Templeton MA 01468 fax/ph: 508-939-5300 email: Blackslate@aol.com

Canadian Breeders

Mike and Cheryl Kelter Blackmoor Perm Reg'd: 15412-84th Ave, Surrey, B.C. V3S 2N4 (604) 597-5205 E-Mail- mkelter@direct.ca
Sylvia and Roy Lawton Kinanama Kennels: 17318 24th. Ave. Whiterock, BC V4B 5E7 (604)531-3895 (604)889-6836
Amy & Lanson Hayward Nytestok Reg'd Bullmastiffs: RR #6 Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada E0J 2B0 PH 506-325-2658 FAX 506-328-0802
Larry Christie Crimsontyde Bullmastiffs: RR6, Site 11 Barrie, Ont L4M 5P5 PH 705-436 1960 FAX 705-436 7533 e-mail christie@bconnex.net
Joan and Jerry Minks Thunderlove Bullmastiffs: 11428 - 64 Street Edmonton, Alberta, T5W 4H7
David & Charlene Ball Shire Kennels: 1544 Sunrise Drive Parksville, B.C. V9P 1X7 (604) 752-6532 email via djball@mfor01.for.gov.bc.ca
Danier Kennels: 9 Isle Vista Drive RR#3, Pefferlaw, Ontario L0E 1N0 (705)437-4204
Paul and Lynne Rehsler Banbury Bullmastiffs: R.R.#1 1363 Duffield Road Cobble Hill, British Columbia Canada V0R 1L0

UK Information

Mr & Mrs D. M. Fernandez Ferlines Bullmastiffs: @ ferlines.prestel.co.uk

Netherlands

Mrs. Assink Ghislaine The DOG of ORLOK: Vivaldipad 43 1323 AJ ALMERE the Netherlands +31 365362744

Danish Information

Web site (in Danish only) http://www.image.dk/~mkyed/dbk/

Danish Bullmastiff Club: Sandbjergvej 44 DK-2950 Vedbfk Phone 45 42892843 President, Mr. Frank Hansen
Magazine: DBC-News: Tornbjergvej 26, P.o. Box 6 DK-4130 Viby Sj. Phone 45 56821116 Fax 45 56820175 Editor, Mr. Henrik Hyttel Eriksen E-mail HYTTEL@msn.com

Breeders reg. in DBC:

Kennel Asethor v/ Jens Erik Pedersen: Moenstedvej 28 DK-7470 Karup +45 8666-1413
Kennel Bedste v/ Lis Lingskov: Kamillavej 4 DK-4593 Eskebjerg +45 5929-2056
Kennel Big-Bull v/ Johnny Linder Pedersen: OMoellevej 130 DK-3630 J?gerspris +45 4750-6070
Kennel Brak v/ Elin & Erik Madsen: Favrbovej 22 DK-4591 Foellenslev +45 5346-8778
Kennel Bullgaarden v/ Bill Linder Strand: Bautahoejvej 36 DK-3630 Jaegerspris +45 4753-5254
Kennel Bullstone v/ Ralph Smidt: Tranevaenget 5 DK-4160 Herlufmagle +45 5375-7043
Kennel Downland v/ Henrik H. Eriksen: Tornbjergvej 26, Postboks 6 DK-4130 Viby Sj. +45 5682-1116
Kennel Drot v/ Rune Thomsen: Langgade 50 DK-9000 Aalborg +45 9813-1285
Kennel Farmerdog v/ Ronnie & Bente Petersen: Gammelrand 10 DK-4470 Sveboelle +45 5929-4493
Kennel Kialixi v/ Johnny Jonasson: Middelfartvej 125, Ore DK-5400 Bogense +45 6444-2867
Kennel Werdoland v/ Dorthe Werth: Dalbyvej 52 DK-4281 Goerlev +45 5355-9363

Norway Breeders:

Kennel Rambull Mary Heli: 7354 Viggja,Norway phone/fax +47 72867876 mob.ph.+47 90741662 e-mail:sindre@interlink.no

*NOTE: I am not guaranteeing the quality or honesty of any of these breeders, you should contact them directly and also call the local club for references. (If anyone would like to provide more breeders names please feel free to contact me via e-mail at rpd-info@netcom.com)

BOOKS/MAGAZINES, ETC

Oliff, Douglas B. The Mastiff and Bullmastiff Handbook. Published by: Howell Book House, INC. 230 Park Avenue New York, NY 10169 U.S.A ISBN #0 85115 485 9.

Beans, Carol and Adele Pfenninger. A Practical Guide to the Bullmastiff. (Carol Beans # (714) 544-1824)

Beans, Carol. Bullseye.

Hoflin Publishing (Colorado). Bullmastiff Annual.

Hubbard, Clifford L.B. The Bullmastiff. Published by: Nimrod Press 15 The Maltings Turk Street Alton Hants, GU34 1 DL ENGLAND.

Walkey, Bill. The Bullmastiff Fancier's Manual. Published By: Coast Arts Publishing P.O. Box 363 Sechelt, B.C. CANADA V0N 1V0.

Bullmastiff FAQ
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