Dog
Group:
Working 
Bullmastiff Champions
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Breed Description:
The Bullmastiff is a powerful, alert short-haired working dog, originally bred to protective game from poaching. He is highly intelligent and eager to please, and can make a wonderful family pet. Ideally, the Bullmastiff breed of dog has a keen, alert, and intelligent expression. His eyes are dark and of medium size. Ears are V-shaped and carried close to the cheeks, set on wide and high, level with occiput and cheeks, giving a square appearance to the skull; darker in color than the body and medium in size. The skull is large and broad, with a fair amount of wrinkle when alert. The forehead is flat, stop moderate, and muzzle broad and deep; The length of the muzzle, in comparison with that of the entire head, is approximately 1 to 3. A dark muzzle is preferred. The Bullmastiff's nose is black, with nostrils large and broad. Flews are noticeable, but not pendulous. Bite is ideally level or slightly undershot. Canine teeth are large and set wide apart. The neck of the Bullmastiff breed of dog is slightly arched, of moderate length, very muscular, and almost equal in circumference to the skull. The dog is straight and level between withers and loin. His chest is wide and deep, with ribs well sprung and well set down between the forelegs. Loins are wide, muscular, and slightly arched, with fair depth of flank. The tail is set high, strong at the root, and tapering to the hocks. It may be straight or curved, but never carried hound fashion. The Bullmastiff's shoulders are muscular but not overly so, and slightly sloping. The front legs are straight, well boned, and set well apart; elbows turned neither in nor out. Pasterns straight, feet of medium size, with round toes well arched. Pads thick and tough, nails black. Likewise, the Bullmastiff breed of dog has broad and muscular hindquarters, with well developed second thigh denoting power, but not cumbersome. The Bullmastiff's coat is short and dense, giving good weather protection. He may be red, fawn, or brindle. Except for a very small white spot on the chest, white marking is considered a fault. The Bullmastiff breed of dog moves freely, smoothly and powerfully. When viewed from the side, his reach and drive indicate maximum use of the dog's moderate angulation. Back remains level. Coming and going, the dog moves in a straight line. Feet tend to converge under the body, without crossing over, as speed increases.
Temperament:
The Bullmastiff breed of dog is generally a clam and stoic dog, but devoted and protective of his family. He is affectionate with them, as well. Absent a strong and confident but kind owner, the rambunctiousness of puppyhood can last into adulthood. They are not big barkers.
Height:
24 to 27 inches
Weight:
90 to 130 pounds
Health Problems:
Health problems associated with the Bullmastiff breed of dog include bloat, allergies, dysplasia, heart problems, various cancers, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
Living Conditions:
The Bullmastiff, although large, can adapt fairly well to apartment living, provided he is given the walks that he needs (whether he wants them or not!)
Exercise:
The Bullmastiff breed of dog does not require signficant exercise, but does need to be walked at least twice per day. His natural lethargy makes it imperative that his owner take the lead in getting him the exercise he needs.
Life Expectancy:
8 to 10 years
Grooming:
The Bullmastiff breed of dog has moderate grooming requirements. His coat requires only routine brushing with a firm bristle brush a few times per week. His wrinkly face needs attention, however, in order to keep it clean and infection-free.
Origin:
The Bullmastiff breed of dog originated in Britain as an effective guard dog developed by crossing the Old English Mastiff with the Bulldog. They were originally used to assist gamekeepers in their ongoing fight against nighttime poaching. Comments
The standards for all the breeds accepted to the AKC are used here for breed information, and those not part of the AKC are resourced from FCI standard information, where it is written and coded into the club rules for those breeds.
