![Bullmastiff Dog Breed](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium_440x440/public/2022-07/Bullmastiff.jpg?itok=T_-crxca)
Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
Exercise needs: | 3/5 |
Easy to train: | 3/5 |
Tolerates being alone: | 2/5 |
Likes other pets: | 4/5 |
Energy level: | 2/5 |
Grooming needs: | 4/5 |
Shedding: | 1/5 |
Bullmastiffs are a brachycephalic breed; problems associated with this condition include;
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome: a condition in brachycephalic breeds (those with a short nose and squashed face) where breathing is obstructed and can lead to reduced ability to exercise, or even severe respiratory distress.
- Skin inflammation/infection: brachycephalic breeds have a short nose and a normal amount of facial tissue. This means there is often excess skin around their face which leads to skin folds. The skin inside these folds can become sore and infections are prone to develop.
- Eye ulcers: ulcers are painful erosions on the surface of the eye. They are more common in brachycephalic breeds due to their conformation, as their eyes tend to be more bulbous.
As with many breeds, Bullmastiffs can suffer from:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Entropion and/or ectropion which are painful conditions where the eyelids turn inwards or outwards.
- Persistent pupillary membrane which is where embryonic membranes do not regress as they normally would.
- Lymphoma which is a cancer in some of the cells that make up immune system.
- Cruciate disease¹ which is where the ligaments in the knee become diseased and damaged which can lead to pain and limping.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
- Hip dysplasia screening scheme
Bullmastiffs are devoted to their owner and their family. However, they will guard and protect them which is why a Bullmastiff dog has to be socialised from an early age and this natural behaviour managed throughout the dog’s life. The Bullmastiff will often only accept strangers if they are introduced to them by someone they trust. Other visitors will usually be greeted with suspicion bordering on distinct unfriendliness. It is not usually a breed for the novice owner, due to its strength, stubbornness and over-protective nature - and its tendency to try and be a lapdog!
The most famous Bullmastiff was probably Sylvestor Stallone’s dog Butkus. He adopted him when he was a six-week old puppy and used him in the film Rocky as he couldn’t afford a trained stunt dog. At one point, Sylvester Stallone was so down on his luck, he had to sell Butkus. But as soon as he had the money he went and begged to have him back.