Cunliffe - Bullmastiff

Physical Characteristics of the Bullmastiff

(from the American Kennel Club breed standard)

Head and Skull:SkullLarge, with a fair amount of wrinkle when alert; broad, with cheeks well developed. Forehead flat. StopModerate.

Ears: 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.

Eyes: Dark and of medium size.

Nose: Black, with nostrils large and broad.

Neck: Slightly arched, of moderate length, very muscular, and almost equal in circumference to the skull.

Muzzle: Broad and deep; its length, in comparison with that of the entire head, approximately as 1 is to 3. Lack of foreface with nostrils set on top of muzzle is a reversion to the Bulldog and is very undesirable. A dark muzzle is preferable.

Forequarters:Shouldersmuscular but not loaded, and slightly sloping. Forelegsstraight, well boned, and set well apart; elbows turned neither in nor out. Pasterns straight.

Size: Dogs, 25 to 27 inches at the withers, and 110 to 130 pounds weight. Bitches, 24 to 26 inches at the withers, and 100 to 120 pounds weight.

Body: Compact. Chest wide and deep, with ribs well sprung and well set down between the forelegs.

Color: Red, fawn, or brindle, except for a very small white spot on the chest.

Coat: Short and dense, giving good weather protection.

Tail: Set on high, strong at the root, and tapering to the hocks. It may be straight or curved.

Hindquarters: Broad and muscular, with well developed second thigh denoting power, but not cumbersome. Moderate angulation at hocks.

Feet: Of medium size, with round toes well arched. Pads thick and tough, nails black.

Contents

Meet Englands Gamekeepers Night Dog, a breed established from Bulldog and Mastiff bloodlines to create a strong working dog that would be an effective deterrent against poachers without being savage. Follow the breeds origin, meet the people responsible for establishing breed type and trace its evolution into a dog that is now more companion than guard.

Find out if you are suited to the affectionate and gentle Bullmastiff. Although large and powerful, the Bullmastiff is equally friendly and docile, making a wonderful pet for those who can meet the needs of a large breed. This chapter discusses the breeds personality, unique traits, physical characteristics and breed-specific health concerns.

Learn the requirements of a well-bred Bullmastiff by studying the description of the breed set forth in the American Kennel Clubs breed standard. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.

Find out about how to locate a well-bred Bullmastiff puppy. Discover which questions to ask the breeder and what to expect when visiting the litter. Prepare for your puppy shopping spree. Also discussed are home safety, the first trip to the vet, socialization and solving basic puppy problems.

Cover the specifics of taking care of your Bullmastiff every day: feeding for the puppy, adult and senior dog; grooming, including coat care, ears, eyes, nails and bathing; and exercise needs for your dog. Also discussed are the essentials of dog identification.

Begin with the basics of training the puppy and adult dog. Learn the principles of house-training the Bullmastiff, including the use of crates and basic scent instincts. Enter Puppy Kindergarten and introduce the pup to his collar and leash and progress to the basic commands. Find out about obedience classes and other activities.

By Lowell Ackerman DVM, DACVD

Become your dogs healthcare advocate and a well-educated canine keeper. Select a skilled and able veterinarian. Discuss pet insurance, vaccinations and infectious diseases, the neuter/spay decision and a sensible, effective plan for parasite control, including fleas, ticks and worms.

Step into the center ring and find out about the world of showing pure-bred dogs. Heres how to get started in AKC shows, how they are organized and whats required for your dog to become a champion. Take a glimpse into the other areas of canine competition.