Saturday, July 30, 2011

Bull Mastiffs: Much More Than Size

By Wayne Turlington


Bull Mastiffs are some of the largest dog breeds seen today, but this breed has quite a few notable qualities that are typically unnoticed because of its large size. Considering that the biggest Mastiff ever recorded weighed in excess of 315 pounds and measured over eight feet in length, it's no wonder that this breed attracts such interest, but this gentle giant is much more than merely large. The ideal family dog, the Bull Mastiff is a courageous, clever dog that can be conditioned to be a caring member of the family for years. Let's take a closer look at the Bull Mastiff to develop a better understanding of what this breed is about.

An Intriguing History

The Bull Mastiff was bred as a part of the Mastiff family thousands of years ago and despite their age, today's Mastiffs are thought to be similar in shape and size to their ancestors. Going back to 2000 B.C. in Asia, these dogs were extremely tall, muscular and weighed a lot. Over time, many varieties of this breed were developed including the English, Bull, Neapolitan, French and Tibetan. While the English and Bull Mastiffs are among the most popular, many consider the English Mastiff as the original. A good working dog, it's believed that the Mastiff arrived in Europe with the Romans, where Europeans used them for a number of uses, including guard dogs, cattle dogs and bull baiters. Ultimately, the Mastiff came to America where the Bull Mastiff took over as the most favored form of the breed.

The Bull Mastiff is an Attractive Dog

Before taking an in depth review of the Bull Mastiff, it's apparent that it is an attractive dog. A large breed, the dog can weigh between 120-200 pounds with short hair in shades ranging from brown, red, brindle to black. The Bull Mastiff's muzzle is short, broad and black in color, framed with short, floppy ears and a long, thin tail. This breed is usually confused with its relative the English Mastiff; even so one can find distinctions. The English Mastiff will look considerably stockier and just a bit taller, while the Bull Mastiff has a broader, more powerful head with a sleek body. Clearly, the Bull Mastiff is an attractive dog that many find handsome.

A Mellow Dog

The Bull Mastiff is a lot more than just a pretty face, it has the temperament to succeed in almost any situation. Considered a very good family dog that does well with children, this breed is can be a great watchdog. Because this breed was originally created as bull baiters, cow herders and fighters, they will need training as a puppy to make certain that the dog doesn't become aggressive in any way. This should not distress potential owners, though, as most aggressive inclinations are long gone in these dogs. Furthermore, most Bull Mastiffs are usually on the lazy and care-free side which means that these dogs can be taken care of easily without abnormal amounts of exercise.

The Nuts and Bolts of Owning a Bull Mastiff

Bull Mastiffs would be an excellent pet in an array of situations, but let's look at the specifics that any owner would need before deciding on one for their home. This breed is clever, which makes it a fun companion and can be easily trained, especially as a puppy. A gentle animal, this dog will exist well with young children as well as other pets. A little on the lazy side, the Bull Mastiff requires only moderate exercise to keep up good health and can adapt to almost any living condition. Finally, this breed should be expected to have a lifespan of around 8-10 years and is prone to several medical conditions including hip dysphasia and eye problems including cherry eye.




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