Bullmastiff

They say we're roughly 60/40 mastiff/bulldog in those proportions. That was the mix in 19th Century England when gamekeepers on big estates needed a special dog to ward off poachers and guard the grounds. There's not much work like that these days. But we're still the right size (24-27 inches at the shoulder, 100-130 pounds) to guard your home and keep an eye on the kids. The Bullmastiff was recognized by the AKC in 1934, as a guard dog, and placed in the Working Group.

• Affectionate, devoted family friend
• Agile and active
• Aloof and proud
• Always alert
• Born to run, happy to walk
• Confident and self-assured
• Courageous canine
• Even-tempered, good-natured

• Dominant personality
• Independent thinker
• Intelligent and ready to learn
• Lives to work
• Loves kids and vice-versa
• Novice owners might be challenged with this breed
• Perfect protector
• Pleased to please
• Caters to the country, tolerates town
• Ready to romp
• Socialization and training must start early
• Steadfast and strong
• Stubborn streak
• Training must be firm, patient, consistent

Please be aware of my reputation -- as a strong-willed, independent, intelligent, and potentially very strong dog -- who even as a pup can be a challenge in obedience training. Before you sign on the dotted line for a Bullmastiff, make sure you've lined up an experienced obedience instructor to help us both through my learning stage. Oh, this is going to be great fun!

Pup's parents should be screened for hip dysplasia and temperament. There is also some chance of bloat, skin and vision disorders, back problems, and cancer.