FAQS

The Bullmastiff is a loving & loyal companion and can usually live with children and other pets and dogs. However
they are not for everyone. Before you make a decision to add one of these wonderful creatures to your family
please research them carefully. You can do this by reading up on them, talking to Breeders, going to shows, and
hopefully meeting a few in person. They do best living indoors with their loved ones and are co-dependant on their
human companions. Most Bullmastiffs don't require a lot of exercise. A brief walk or two daily and a few romps
around the back yard may be all they need. They are independent thinkers, they want to please their owners but
can bore easily. I highly recommend obedience classes but it should vary in lessons to keep their attention.

Socialization is very important for your Bullmastiff. The more exposure they get as youngsters the better the
chances are of them growing into sound and stable adults.

The average lifespan of a Bullmastiff can vary from 8-12 years old. They have their fair share of health problems
such as: Cancer, Hip & Elbow dysphasia, Torn Cruciate ligaments, Bloat, and Thyroid problems.

They are a wash and wear breed. Their short coats don't require much care other than a daily brushing. Keeping
their nails trimmed will keep them from getting splayed feet. Cleaning their ears often will help to prevent ear
infections.

Please remember they are a Guard Breed and should never be allowed to roam freely unless under your care.
Some do fine with other dogs and others don't. You can discuss that with your breeder. I personally do not place
males in a home that another male resides, no matter what the breed. They should never be left unattended with
small children & should be supervised at all times. I'm not implying they can't do well living with children and aren't
great family additions just would not do well being provoked into rough play, or being poked, pulled, or tugged on.

Crate time should be respected. Children should not be allowed to poke the fingers inside their crates, feed them
treats through the crates, etc...

Are Bullmastiffs good with children? The Bullmastiff loves children, and is very affectionate and loyal to its
family. But remember, this is a large breed and toddlers, if bumped can be knocked down so always supervise your
children and bullmastiff when interacting.

Never allow children to:

Sneak up and frighten a sleeping bullmastiff

Annoy, tease, hit, smack, pull or jump on a bullmastiff

Encourage rough play or chasing games, this will only result in the child being knocked down and getting hurt

Teach your child to respect the Bullmastiff's right to time alone. Crate train you bullmastiff, and teach the children
when he's in his crate, that is HIS place and time alone. This will give your bullmastiff a place to go when he wants
to relax and not be bothered.

Is the Bullmastiff a good Guard Dog? Yes, the bullmastiff was bred solely to guard, therefore it is their natural
instinct. They typically will not bark, but when they do, it is best to investigate, however, if an intruder comes into the
home, he will most likely never hear the bullmastiff coming at him! Early socialization is important to your bullmastiff,
as this will teach them to decipher the difference between acceptable people and those with ill intent. We also
recommend puppy play groups and/or puppy kindergarten for your puppy so they may learn manners around other
dogs as well as people. Remember, this dog was bred to Guard so take nothing for granted.

Do I have to have a huge yard for a Bullmastiff? No, a Bullmastiff can live in a home with a smaller yard, but
must be walked several times a day for at least 15 minutes a walk. They may be large, but they are not overly
energetic. We do require that all of our Bullmastiffs go to a home with a securely fenced yard.

How much exercise does the Bullmastiff require? Again, an adult Bullmastiff needs a few walks a day. A
puppy however, needs to have all exercise kept to a minimum until 1 year old. No running or jumping on or off
furniture, or in and out of cars/trucks. It has been proven that over exercising a puppy can result in the bullmastiff
being hip dysplastic.

How much do they eat? An adult Bullmastiff will eat up to 2 cups of quality kibble, 2 times a day. A puppy will
consume 2 cups 3 times a day until they are 4 months old. Be sure to feed a food that is low in protein, 24% or
less, and NEVER feed a Bullmastiff puppy, Puppy Food. They are weaned onto adult food and should be kept on it.

Does the Bullmastiff drool a lot? Every dog drools, but a Bullmastiff will definitely drool when there is food
present, if they are hot or in distress, and of course, after getting a drink of water prepare to get "slobbered". Best
solution, keep some drool rags laying around. When your Bullmastiff comes in from getting a drink, wipe his face.

How Destructive is a Bullmastiff? As puppies, Bullmastiffs can and will be very destructive. They will chew on
anything, but be warned, anything wood, will most likely be their favorite! A good deterrent for this is spray on
deodorant. It may leave a white film on your furniture, but this will wipe off easily with a damp rag, tooth marks won't!
The key is to confine your bullmastiff to a crate when ever they cannot be supervised, especially as a puppy.
We've even heard stories of bullmastiffs eating holes in walls! Yes, walls, chewed right thru the drywall! If your
bullmastiff gets bored or lonely for you, be assured, if it has your scent on it, they will chew it, shoes are a favorite
too.

Digging is also a favorite activity. Establish a Designated Digging area for your bullmastiff, somewhere in a shady
spot, loosen the soil, bury a few toys, treats. This will teach them to dig there, and not in the middle of your lawn!
Bullmastiffs will dig in shady areas, especially when it is warm outside, as they are trying to cool off. It is always best
to keep your bullmastiff inside during warm weather, so be sure to keep tabs on them!!!

Does the Bullmastiff require a lot of grooming? No, they are a low maintenance grooming dog, but nails are
still a weekly task!

What are the major health concerns? Like any large breed they can suffer from hip Dysplasia. It has now been
proven that hip Dysplasia is not entirely hereditary but environment also plays a big part of hip Dysplasia. The
breed can also suffer from an eye condition known as entropian and ectropian . Entropion is where the eyelid rolls
inwards and the eyelashes irritate the eye causing the dog to eventually go blind. Ectropian is the opposite of
entropion where the eyelid turns outward resulting in constant conjunctivitis and inflammation problems. Both eye
conditions can be surgically corrected but a responsible breeder would avoid breeding from such a dog with this
hereditary problem.