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Here are three facts:
- Bullmastiffs are big, powerful, loving dogs that can steal your heart and make
you wonder how you ever lived without them.
- Bullmastiffs are big, powerful, loving dogs that require a lot of time, attention
and care and make you wonder why you ever got hooked.
- Bullmastiffs are big, powerful, loving dogs that aren’t for everyone.
Did you get that "big, powerful" part? Let’s start there. These dogs weigh between
100 to 130+ pounds of mostly muscle. They’re very confident. Which means they
can be very strong willed. Which means there is going to be a battle over who’s
in charge. If you’re up to the challenge, then the Bullmastiff may be right for
you.
Then there’s that word…"loving". Bullmastiffs thrive on sharing family life and
affection. They’re faithful, loyal, sensitive, and intelligent. They’re expressive
and fun…they make great buddies. They’re courageous, discerning and protective
of their family…they make great guardians. But they need love, affection and inclusion
as a family member. If that’s the kind of environment you plan to provide, then
the bullmastiff may be right for you.
Bullmastiffs generally cost $800 to $1,500 (see Buying A Bullmastiff) but that’s just the beginning. They can eat 3-6 cups of dry food a day and
a Bullmastiff has never met a treat he didn’t like. (They also love veggies as
treats…broccoli, carrots, and green beans…and they’re better for them.) If you
buy a Bullmastiff, you have to buy leashes, collars, (they outgrow them about
every 6-8 weeks) and a crate (large portable kennel). Crate training is a must
if you expect your house and belongings to survive puppyhood. And don’t forget
chew bones, fluffy toys, pig ears, all those spendy little things that empty your
wallet but make your bully happy. How about Vet bills? In addition to a series
of vaccinations in the puppy’s first 6 months of life, there are always those
unexpected little emergencies. Sometimes it’s just easier to offer to make your
Vet’s house payment for him. If you’re prepared to make this kind of ongoing investment,
the bullmastiff may be right for you.
Another must…obedience training. Obedience with a Bullmastiff is like voting
in Chicago…you need to do it early and often. At 4 months, you’re still bigger
and stronger than your bullmastiff and it’s a lot easier to teach him who’s boss
and good manners then when he weighs 130 pounds. Remember, good obedience training
really trains YOU how to control your dog. It takes time and effort. It’s not much fun to work
all day then go to obedience class at 7:00 PM for two hours so your dog can humiliate
you. But, if you have the determination to do it and the will to maintain obedience
control, the bullmastiff may be for you.
Another must…socializing. Actually, this can be fun. It involves getting your
bullmastiff out with other dogs and people. This means taking him to fairs, shopping
walks, anywhere he can meet new people and other dogs. Why is this important?
Bullmastiffs, upon maturity (about 18-24 months) can show signs of dog aggression.
Only some Bullmastiffs devlop this problem, and proper socialization early on
can help combat it. If you like the idea of getting out in public places with
your pooch, the Bullmastiff may be for you.
What kind of physical environment will you provide your dog? Bullmastiffs do
best when they live WITH the family. Usually, that means in the house… not outside
in a kennel, never on the end of a chain, and never to run free in the neighborhood.
Fenced yards are great… if the fence is 6’ or higher and the yard is large enough.
If you don’t have a good-sized fenced yard, then your dog (any dog for that matter,
not just a Bullmastiff) will need to be walked and exercised. Do you fill the
bill in these areas? If so, the Bullmastiff may be for you.
Ok, if you’ve made it this far, you’re ready for the final test. How do you feel
about drool? Remember the scene in "Turner and Hooch" (Hooch was a Dogue de Bordeaux,
similar to a Bullmastiff) when Hooch shook his head and "slingers" flew everywhere?
Get the picture? Bullmastiffs drool, some more than others. And when they drink
water, they like to come over and share their experience with you afterwards.
On the other hand, Bullies are clean dogs, don’t require a lot of grooming, and
they are shorthaired so shedding isn’t too bad.
Oh and one other thing. When they love you, they’ll give their life for you. They will be the best
friend you’ll ever have. If all that sounds good, then definitely, the Bullmastiff
is the right dog for you.
For other insight about whether a Bullmastiff is right for you, visit www.bullmastiff.org, or visit the ABA website. Also, there is a great section in the book, "Peerless Protector" which is listed
in our Links and Resources section.
NEXT: The Bullmastiff Standard... |
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