Bullmastiffs

The only problem I found with American Bulldogs is the variance of how the head looks. I liked some of the johnson type, but had a hard time finding a breeder that had both males and females that looked the same. I was also worried about temperament. The few I have met had serious dog aggression issues. But then again, I don't know if they came from reputable breeders.

Corsos are big but not too big. I was also amazed on how well these dogs could move at their size. Im probably 80% likely to get one as my next dog. But I really want to try my hand at a big beautiful boerboel. I just cant get them out of my mind! Haha. It’ll take years until I could get one.

Sometimes I think about how smart and trainable Jasper is. I wonder if some of these mastiff breeds would be able to do the off leash play time I do with Jasper. With a boerboel, I feel like he should never be off leash in public. So big and powerful, if something went wrong it wouldn’t be possible for me to hold one back. Just some things that go through my mind when I look for my next breed.


Have you considered Rottweilers?
 
Lizbeli said:
The only problem I found with American Bulldogs is the variance of how the head looks. I liked some of the johnson type, but had a hard time finding a breeder that had both males and females that looked the same. I was also worried about temperament. The few I have met had serious dog aggression issues. But then again, I don't know if they came from reputable breeders.

Corsos are big but not too big. I was also amazed on how well these dogs could move at their size. Im probably 80% likely to get one as my next dog. But I really want to try my hand at a big beautiful boerboel. I just cant get them out of my mind! Haha. It’ll take years until I could get one.

Sometimes I think about how smart and trainable Jasper is. I wonder if some of these mastiff breeds would be able to do the off leash play time I do with Jasper. With a boerboel, I feel like he should never be off leash in public. So big and powerful, if something went wrong it wouldn’t be possible for me to hold one back. Just some things that go through my mind when I look for my next breed.


Have you considered Rottweilers?
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Variances in the appearance of dogs is something I've noticed, yes, and it's (for me) in Boerboels that I am most concerned about it. I suppose you may be right about Johnson type ABs as well.

Dog agression in ABs? I expect that, really, and it wouldn't be much of a problem with me. What I would want to know with some certainty is that any of these Molosser type breeds would not be prone to that type of aggression that we hear about where dogs (usually more common where more than one at a time are involved) actually maul someone. We don't hear of Dobermans involved in maulings. Bites, yes, but they don't switch into that mode where they just start to destroy a human being. So, with a wife and kids, I would want to be as assured as possible that the temperament of a dog I buy is stable and reliable.

I personally (not based on first hand experience) worry about the potential of dangerous aggression most in a Boerboel. Next of my breeds of interest would be the ABs. I don't really know Corsos from personal experience, but I have the feeling most of them are bred to a fairly watered down state. I could be wrong. I feel that Bullmastiffs are watered down in terms of aggression and courage to act.

Yes, I too worry about winding up with a dog that does not seem to have much going on upstairs. Now on my third Doberman, I'm accustomed to the highest level of intelligence and working aptitude. Frankly, though (and I know many people find it distasteful to hear someone speak in terms other than adoration for their dog) I feel that living with Oji has prepared me for a dog that is less intelligent and certainly less willing to work and please mankind.

I know what you mean when it comes to the thought of not being able to hold your dog back physically. I read one comment online that stuck with me. It was about Boerboels. The person asked: How would you break up a fight between two or more of these dogs? I mean, I'm pound-for-pound pretty strong, but a 160 - 200 lb. athletic Mastiff-type dog that is switched on? I don't think so. Would maybe need to have a strong shock collar on and a prong collar as well, in addition to the best training and socialization possible. At the same time, you'd need to really trust the dog's temperament. You wouldn't want it to turn on you in it's lit-up state.

Just some more thoughts. :)
 
You know, it's interesting: In all my online looking into these breeds over the past handful of years, I've noticed that the people (the men at least) who own these Molosser and Bulldog type breeds tend to be large, beefy people.

Just look up, for instance, a Boerboel event. Look at pics from some of the shows where they have American Bulldogs. The dudes are the big powerlifting looking guys. Like their dogs of course, many of them are not in great shape; but they're big dudes.

Makes me wonder if I really belong with one of these breeds, as I definitely more resemble our athletic, slender Dobes.

I happened to be looking at the beginning of a video on Bullmastiffs recently, and the woman mentioned how on that show American Chopper the guy had a Bullmastiff. I had forgotten about that. Fits though, eh?
 
Eh, if the breed fits the characteristics you are looking for, who cares! You don’t have to fit in with the stereotypical owner, and its usually best not to.

I totally get what you mean though. But it would be refreshing to see non-stereotypical people own these breeds. As long as they are responsible and such. I think it would lessen the stigma associated with them.
 
Yesterday I was working in my horse barn when my neighbor and her Bull Mastiff were walking by. It was the first time since all this mayhem started that we actually were out at the same time. Her dog and I locked eyes and I felt SO freaking bad that I couldn't go to him and hug him! He had that 'look' on his face like, There you are!!!! Aw, man. :( He's such a sweetheart! We just kinda yelled to each other from a distance and they walked on. :sorry:
 
I'm pasting in something written by John D. Johnson, who I think is one of the – if not the – founder of the Johnson type American Bulldog. The claims are truly incredible. Any thoughts?

IN MEMORY OF DICK THE BRUISER – BY JOHN D. JOHNSON

“In loving memory of Dick the Bruiser, one of my American Pit Bulldogs.”
(NOTE: American Pit Bulldog was the original breed name before it was changed to American Bulldog)

He had a heart attack on May 12, and another on May 13, which took his life. On May 12, I was working him, even though he was 9 1/2 years old he was unusually strong, and ready to do anything I told him to do. When he had the first attack, he laid flat on his side. I sat by him talking to him for 30 minutes, then he rolled over on his stomach and appeared to get over it. I gave him his last two commands of several hundred that he always obeyed regardless if they pleased him or not. He always wanted to do what I told him, “get up old buddy, and lets go”, which he did. He went to his place and ate about half his supper. The next morning he had another heart attack and was gone.

He was the only dog that I ever saw my wife cry about, but to her he was the only one that ever lived, as he saved he life on a number of occasions.

One time she was picking up Pecans below the barn and a man was coming up on her with a gun from off the river. Dick made quick work of him and his gun. In the same pasture we have a calf feeder, my wife was going to feed the calves, Dick ran ahead of her. There was a very large red wild dog waiting on a calf to come in. Dick took care of him also. About an hour before he had gotten another wild dog, a black and white on that was headed her way. Another time they went to the barn, and one was hiding under the loading shoot, she walked right by him, but Dick killed him. One other occasion he got the dogs before they got her.

I must stop and explain that we have packs of wild dogs that will kill a man if he gets in their territory without some protection, or some way to get away. They have attacked lots of people in this country. Some on horseback, and the horse would out run them. Some would attack men on tractors, and some have been attacked close to their homes, and even in their yard. All my dogs are bred to protect their master, but Dick was one of the best I ever saw doing it. He was always with my wife, so he had lots of opportunities to do so.

He saved my life when three black wild German Shepherd dogs attacked me, or started to, but Dick got the dogs first. Without help I would have been killed. After he killed more wild dogs than any one dog ever has in these parts, I started training some other dogs to help him. I saw him whip six wild grown German Shepherds at one time, and the smallest of them was as large as Dick was. I bought a .30-06 rifle and started helping him also. I have killed them within 20 feet of me, coming right at me.

One of my neighbors, while I was gone, saw a pack of wild dogs go into my pasture and he got old Dick to go after them. They went over a small hill and was in the middle of them before he knew it. He shot one and Dick was fighting three more when one slipped up to my neighbors back and was about to get him when Dick saw him and broke away from the three and grabbed that dogs just before he got my neighbor. My neighbor had to run off and leave Dick fighting four dogs as he went to get some ammunition for his gun. As he passed my place he turned Lady Tuffie loose, and when he got back there was only one wild dog left and Dick was chocking him to death. Dick was known far and wide as a great dogs and people came from other states to get me and my dogs to go kill their wild dogs for them.

Pound for pound there has never been a better dog that walked God’s green Earth than ‘Dick the Bruiser’. He loved cake and cookies, also flowers, so he is buried with his head against a bed of peonies with a butternut tree for shade.

Of all the great dogs that I have owned, Dick has a special place in my heart. I always cry when one of my dogs dies, but it took me over a year to be able to write this story about him. Every time I started, I could not see for the tears in my eyes.

I have six of his daughters and one of his sons left that I am keeping. His bloodlines will be in my dogs for a long time to come, but there will never be another just like him.

Article © by its respective owners. Article produced for educational purposes.
 
As I was walking Oji in the warm sunshine today a thought occurred to me:

Considering for a moment just the size and deterrent factor: I have had my mind on switching to a Mastiff or American Bulldog breed in order to have a nice large, or very large, dog that is intimidating in appearance. I have been expecting that if I get one of those dogs, I will probably not wind up with a dog that has nearly the watch dog capabilities of a Doberman. In my estimation if I go with a Bullmastiff, especially, I will have a dog that will probably not do much in the way of overt guarding behaviors, and might actually welcome the thief into the house or not even get up off the dog bed. Maybe if I go with a Cane Corso, it will have a certain amount greater watch dog / guard dog capabilities – maybe.

So, what would I be getting with this breed-switch?

I would be getting a dog with pretty much guaranteed larger size than a Dobe (well, actually probably shorter in height, with is a negative!). I have had major size-envy with having Oji, who weighs in at only about 70 lbs. as a fully matured male!

I would be gaining a dog that gains a big, non-skinny, appearance sooner. Dobermans look skinny and unimpressive until they start to fill out. Males can take 3 or 4 years to fill out. This can amount to 1/2 the dog's life waiting for it to gain its full impressiveness!!!

So, let's say I wind up with a large, intimidating dog that's maybe 25 - 27" tall and 110 - 140 lbs. with not too much in the way of overt watch dog tendencies. Is that such a great thing?

What if I got instead a nice Euro Dobermann which hopefully will be nice and large (yes I appreciate breed standard) and is hopefully 28" or perhaps 1/2 and inch or an inch taller, and weighs in at 90 lbs. or 5 or 10 lbs. more? That's really comparable size to the couple of Mastiff-type breeds I'm considering AND it's with greater height and taller ears (that last part is partly said in jest). And, I would be getting the stellar watch dog, extremely alert and pretty suspicious characteristics most Dobes have.

Maybe this Euro Dobe would not have the actual working Dobe capabilities that my last two working Dobes have had (like a full-mouth bite) but remember that I have already been considering sacrificing this type of thing by taking on one of these Mastiffs or Bulldogs.

Lastly, the Doberman, I think, strikes some of the greatest fear into a lot of people – even compared to, say, a Corso with a cropped ears.

I don't know if I've communicated my thoughts well enough, but that's my latest thinking.
 
Its funny you posted this... like you I have been researching mastiff breeds and have similar tastes, mainly in the cane corso. But just the other day I was admiring how smart and responsive Jasper was. Doesn’t take much to have him run back to me even with distractions. And it is clear that his appearance is enough to keep most people away, even though he is under 1.5yr. (He is 82lbs and getting those muscles)

Actually, just the other day a guy jogging by said “beautiful dog, good protection.” The stereotype and intense look of the breed is enough to keep those with bad intentions away. And I have a dog that isn’t as stubborn as a mastiff.

Still, if you had a cropped corso I doubt you would be approached by a sketchy person. They are so large and imposing. And that big head and wide neck! Still an athletic large dog, but I bet they would be a bit easier in terms of exercise than a doberman (which I wouldn’t mind). Jasper can just be so needy at times, sometimes I wonder if the mastiff would be more content on the odd day I can’t go to the park. I always feel bad when Jasper doesn’t get his exercise.

My uncle’s bull mastiff was a sweetie. She only barked when she was inside. She accepted everyone into their home. Literally begged for pets from anyone at parties. I don’t think they are that imposing looking. They are just so calm and those floppy ears can make them look cute. No doubt they can be big and muscular, but the ones I have seen were always sweet. They might even attract attention from strangers. Cute big dog. Just my opinion.
 
Lizbeli said:
My uncle’s bull mastiff was a sweetie. She only barked when she was inside. She accepted everyone into their home. Literally begged for pets from anyone at parties. I don’t think they are that imposing looking. They are just so calm and those floppy ears can make them look cute. No doubt they can be big and muscular, but the ones I have seen were always sweet. They might even attract attention from strangers. Cute big dog. Just my opinion.
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Just touching upon this part for the moment: I was just thinking today that I'd hate to wind up with a Bullmastiff that does not have a big, impressive head (it seems common that the females don't have proportionately as large heads) and to have someone think that I just have a big Boxer.
 
I've seriously been looking into Great Danes as a next dog and found a couple great breeders, even though we'd always have a Doberman regardless. But after carefully weighing the differences, I think we're just going to stick with Dobermans.
Oh Little Oji said:
I would be gaining a dog that gains a big, non-skinny, appearance sooner.
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And that part usually leads to a shorter life expectancy which is the thing that deters me from the Mastiff breeds to start with.
Lizbeli said:
They are just so calm and those floppy ears can make them look cute.
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And don't forget relaxed. LOL
Mastiff relaxing in ring.webp
 
My coworker has a great dane. He is 8yrs old and over 200lbs. He is fat, but a horse! I swear when he gives paw it feels like you are holding a 10lb weight! If I ever change my mind and want a more laid back dog it would probably be a dane. Of the mastiffs, I believe Cane Corsos are probably the healthiest. They are prone to less health problems than dobermans, and the problems they can get aren't anywhere as severe as DCM. I was so close to getting one before I decided on a doberman.

I keep bringing up the idea of a red female to my hubby and he thinks I am crazy. For him, Jasper is a LOT of work. He was raised in a house where the dog just existed. His parents never walked the dogs. They just laid around the house. When I really think about it I am the one exercising Jasper and caring for him. Hubbs is too busy with school and work. So in reality, another high energy dog will probably be a bit stressful right now.
 
Yeah bull mastiffs have a lot of health problems. Cane corsos have a good life span for a large dog, 10-12 years.
 
Oh Little Oji said:
That age range nails it for the Dobes I've owned thus far: 8 1/2, and 8 1/4 – both in top condition and fighting weight, but taken by a typical disease or sudden affliction.

We'll see with Oji. We think he'll live long and torture.
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I'm just saying that for me to change breeds I would have to start with breeds that have a longer life expectancy than dobes and would definitely rule out any with a shorter one.
 
GennyB said:
I would have to start with breeds that have a longer life expectancy than dobes and would definitely rule out any with a shorter one.
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Very true and why I've always ruled out any giant breeds in the past. I was inspired when my Daughter's Dane lived to be close to 12 years old so I did start considering it.
 
Have you seen this Cane Corso whose owners seem to be some internet personalities of some sort? They call their Corso Bruce Wayne and he's gorgeous. They have several videos about him. They are quite smitten with him and fancy themselves pretty informed on the breed (though I think this is their first Corso).

In the following video they set up a mock home invasion. I appreciate what appears to be a legitimate surprise test of their Corso; but while it is impressive to see Bruce Wayne's energy and deep bark, I am NOT impressed with his level of courage. I see a dog lacking courage and displaying fearfulness.

I see that the husband explains (his interpretation) of his Corso's response and seems convinced that his dog passed with flying colors.

 
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