Here are a few of the more popular questions I am asked, and my responses.  If there is a question you feel should be included, please let me know. 

Question:  Are they a good family dog, stable in temperament?

Answer:   Yes, I feel bullmastiffs are a good family dog.  When bred responsibly, they are devoted, good natured, gentle giant.  As with any breed, only those of stable, healthy mind and body should be bred.  Sometimes this is not always the way, so be very selective when choosing a breeder, even if you must wait a lengthily time.  Bullmastiffs are a guarding breed, and their ability to perform that duty should always be respected and realized.

Question:  Are they good with children?

Answer:  Yes, I feel bullmastiffs are good with children.  Having said that I also feel strongly that children should NOT be left unattended with ANY BREED of dog.  Think about it, neither your child, nor your dog has the capacity to take care of himself or herself, why would you think they can take care of each other?    Bullmastiffs have a high pain tolerance, so chances are, if someone were to step on them accidentally, the dog will not strike back by biting, where some other breeds may.  Taking into consideration the size of the dog though, they can easily knock over a child, or even an adult.  Remember they were bred to knock over poachers…. 

Questions:  Do they shed a lot, and are they easy to keep care of?

Answer:  With regular brushing, a bullmastiff’s shedding is minimal.  Regular brushing also keeps bathing to a minimum.  You can groom with a nubbed rubber mitt, or curry brush.  They love it!  Ears should be checked regularly and cleaned about once a week or so.  Nails should be trimmed about every 2 weeks.  Teeth should also be brushed occasionally, with special paste, and appropriate brush, or terry cloth.  Starting these tasks when the puppy is small, and in a relaxed atmosphere, can make for happy grooming, the puppy’s lifetime.  Once a week, you should go over your dog from nose to tail, including between the toes, to make sure nothing is unusual. 

Question:  Do they drool?

Answer:  Yes, they do drool.  The shape of the lips of the parents of your puppy can tell a part of the story as to how much they will drool.  Loose lips can mean more drool.  Generally, I find my dogs only drool noticeably when we are eating in front of them, or they are hot.  My biggest complaint is that some of mine leave the water dish without closing their mouth, so they spill water from their mouth as go.  Not drool, but your wet socks don’t know the difference!

Question:  Just how big are they, and what colors?

Answer:  In brief, males should be 25 – 27 inches at the shoulder, and up to 130 lbs.  Sometimes a big boy will be a bit over 130.  Females are 24 – 26 at the shoulder and a bit less in weight. Colors are shades of fawn, red, and brindled.   For a detailed overview of the bullmastiff refer to the Canadian Standard http://www.oocities.org/bmf_canada/standard_cdn.htm    and a very detailed American Standard at http://clubs.akc.org/aba/index.html

Question:  How active are they?

Answer:  The bullmastiff is a moderate activity dog.  They should not be a couch potato, but they need not be a hyperactive either.  I like a bullie that will relax with you, provide some good cuddles, and at the same time be always ready to go for a walk, hike, or play.   During the first year or so, when the bones are knitting, and growth plates are forming, it is important to monitor hard play.  I recommend 20-minute boot scoots.  If you are leisurely walking, you can go longer, but I recommend you not venture too far away from the house, in case puppy becomes too tired to get back.  Once a dog is fully mature, they can accompany you on jogs, etc.. But please remember, your dog isn’t wearing running shoes so pavement pounding can be hard on him, at any age.

Question:  What about traveling in the vehicle?

Answer:  If you are on the go with your dog a lot, I recommend a van or SUV.  I tried a canine seatbelt but they didn’t work for me.  Could work for you, but my boy wanted to turn in circles too much trying to get comfy.  The safest way to travel with your dog is in a crate, or with a dog barrier.  If you slam on the brakes, 130 lbs of dog being catapulted towards you, or a passenger can cause harm to either, or worse the dog may be thrown through the windshield. 

Question:  So you recommend crating a dog?

Answer:  Yes, very much.  Present your crate as a happy, relaxed place for your puppy/dog.  Dogs have a den instinct, and if introduced in a positive way, will love their crate, door open, or closed.  Some of the advantages of a crate are when you are housebreaking a puppy, they do not want to soil their bed, and this can avoid accidents when you have to leave the room.   If you have people in your home, and it would be best if the dog were placed away for a while, this is a happy place for them.  Sometimes dogs just need a break from children, and their crate is their haven.  I never allow children to play in the dog’s crate.  This is their haven when they need time to themselves.  If you travel with your dog, they are often more accepted into a home or hotel, when they are trained to a crate to sleep, or periods when you cannot be with them.  Here are some  helpful sites on crate training:  http://www.netpets.com/dogs/reference/training/cratetrain.html

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/crate1.html

http://www.selkirkvet.com/crate.html

Question:  Can I just train my dog at home, or should I attend obedience classes?

Answer:  I highly recommend you find an experienced instructor, and attend obedience classes, starting with Puppy Kindergarten, where puppies will get to interact with other puppies, and develop canine social skills.  Continue on, until your dog in confident in basic commends.  Sit, lie down, come and stay.    This would include being able to call your dog when he is distracted, and training him to DOWN from a distance, and while on the move.  These simple commands could save his life.  Bullmastiffs are a stoic, and intelligent breed.  They bore easily if not kept motivated in their training, and some may mistake this as stupidity.  Nope!  They got it, and want to continue on.  I have found positive reinforcement training works well with them.   Proper socialization is important when bringing up a bullmastiff.  Guiding him through many positive experiences will find you rewarded with a stable, outgoing companion.

Question:  What is their life span?

Answer:  I have found various answers to this.  So, I would say that if your dog lives to celebrate his 9th birthday without serious illness, you would most likely see 10+ years with him.  Sometimes they pass before age 9, due to illnesses such as cancer, which seems to strike humans and canines, more and more, in this modern age. 

Question:  What health problems are bullmastiffs prone to?

Answer:  Certainly orthopedic problems.  This breed is square and balanced, so I feel it is just as important to x-ray the elbows, as it is the hips.  In fact, some believe that a bullmastiff carries even more weight on the front than the rear, so elbows are even more important than the hips.  Personally, I feel that as with other large breeds, hereditary heart disease can be a problem, and will be a more prominent problem without more breeding dogs being tested.  Heart disease cannot always be detected through simply listening to the heart, even by a cardiologist.  Hypothyroidism comes up in our breed.  Some eye problems, but certainly not the problems as with other breeds.  Some bullies are more prone to skin conditions/allergies.   All breeds have certain health concerns that a responsible breeder will speak to you about, and test for.  Mixed breeds have them too, we just don’t hear about them as much.  Overall, the bullmastiff, especially for being a large breed, is a healthy one, in my opinion.

Question:  Is it costly to maintain a bullmastiff?

Answer:  After you have your initial expenses of the cost of the dog, and set up equipment like a crate, leash, bowls, etc, you may expect to spend approx $75 a month. 

Question:  Do bullies like to swim?

Answer:  Some to and some don’t.  I have only had one swimmer so far.  I have only one so far that hates water, even to get her pretty toes wet.  All of the others love to wade and chase sticks, as long as their feet are still touching bottom. 

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