These are our personal feelings on the
breed and why we came to the decision to include them in our lives. As
this is probably where you are today, as you review our site, we
thought readers would find this information helpful.
We were looking for a dog that was intimidating
to look at, however had to have a stable temperament, ability to
train, and be family oriented. Cindi wanted a dog with soft ears, that
enjoyed human cuddling & companionship, but that she could also
take for walks and not be nervous. We wanted a dog of substance that
when you petted it, you didn’t feel all their bones. A dog that
could handle a big hug without being hurt. With small children in the
house, we needed a dog that was stable, and not stressed by children.
By this we mean a dog that wouldn’t be upset by sudden movement,
loud noises, or the occasional tricycle zooming by. To fit our
lifestyle, a hyper dog that required hours of exercise daily would not
be happy with us. Moderate exercise with a desire for life and some
get up and go was more our nature. An easily cared for coat would be a
bonus, but not a high priority. The bullmastiff was the answer to all
of our needs, and more!
Our dogs are very stable in nature, fearless, yet very friendly and
affectionate. They want to spend time with humans and try very hard to
please us. They do not hesitate to meet strangers and new adventures.
Training is always a fun time for them, however they tend to bore
quickly of one particular task, & need to move on. They are very
good with our children, however we do not put the dogs and the boys
out to play together in case the dogs forget themselves and knock over
a child. As adults, we are always on the watch for a bully on the run,
but kids tend to forget and may not see one coming. On occasion, Cindi
has been known to be bulled over. Also, with some adventurous small
children, there is always the fear that they will play doctor with
your dog, or hide the tiny toy. The poor dog could end up with heaven
knows what in their ear, or any other opening. Then, a few days later,
when the child returns for a repeat procedure, mother wonders why the
dog reacts negatively to the child?? It is in the best interests of
the child and dog to have an adult in attendance.
Bullmastiffs are usually not barkers, but we feel sometimes family
heredity can take over & some will bark more than others.
Generally, they will meet guests quietly and politely at the door when
trained to do so at an early age. We strongly recommend and stand
behind obedience training at an early age. These dogs will grow to be
large, and what they get away with at an early age, they will expect
the same when they are over 100 lbs. This includes jumping on you,
pulling on the leash, mouthing you, sleeping on the couch, demanding
attention etc... Socialization of this breed is very important,
with other people, big and small, and other animals, under supervised,
proper conditions. You can obtain assistance in all of these areas
with a good, respected obedience instructor.
Always remember that the bullmastiff is a guard breed. Our personal
experience, is that unlike some of the other more popular guard
breeds, bullies are unlikely to put on any "show" to warn an
intruder off. However, when required, a bullmastiff will protect
their property and people from intruders, be that man or other animal.
They have been known to let an intruder in, or part way in, and then
not allow them to leave, by holding them.
Learn all you can about the breed before you make a decision. Phone
more than one breeder and make a list of questions. Attend local dog
shows and meet some dogs. Visit the homes of breeders, and spend some
time with their dogs if physically within distance. If there are
characteristics about the breed that do not appeal to you, don’t
think that just won’t apply to your pup, or you can change a breed
characteristic. It would be better to move along to another breed. The
bullmastiff isn’t for everyone, but for some of us, there is nothing
else comparable.
