Bullmastiffs

[MyBuddy]

From what I've seen these intimidating looking dogs rely on appearance and size for warding off attacks.

When we met our neighbors first bullmastiff, he told me they were known for actually bulldozing into a intruder and knocking them down. And then holding them at bay by standing or laying on them! I know the one they have now can hold me down! LOL he said they're not overly aggressive, but their size and demeanor is a good deterrence.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

When we met our neighbors first bullmastiff, he told me they were known for actually bulldozing into a intruder and knocking them down. And then holding them at bay by standing or laying on them! I know the one they have now can hold me down! LOL he said they're not overly aggressive, but their size and demeanor is a good deterrence.

Yes, that's what they were bred to do back in England – patrol wealthy estates and detect poachers, run to them, knock them down and hold them. The breed's founders found that the Bulldog of the day was too aggressive and might maul or kill intruders, and the Mastiff was not fast enough. Hence the 60/40 cross: Mastiff/Bulldog (not the short, squat Bulldog most people see today).

 

[JanS]

I wouldn't like the fact that if they just hold them at bay and not fight that the person they're holding at bay could easily stab or shoot them while they're holding them down.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

This seems a reasoned bit of writing on the Bullmastiff type dog and its protection behaviors.
http://www.bestdogtrainer.net/Bullmastiff_as_a_Guard.pdf

 

[MyBuddy]

I just stopped over to talk to my neighbor and as usual, her bull mastiff was very excited to see me! He is such a sweetie pie. Always so excited to see me.

I said I have to get a picture with you! It was really hard trying to get him to sit still! But this is what we got.



She said he is 105lbs. And he feels like it, laying on me!! But not a lot of slobber either!

 

[Brioddy]

Loving the pics of those bull mastiffs! Here's some food for thought, what about a Rhodesian ridgeback or a beauceron? I have regulars at the restaurant I work at, one man has a Beauceron who is a lovely dog... he is never on a leash, perfectly mannered, and now that he knows me is very friendly and expects a thorough butt scratch with his extra rare hamburger. He is aloof with strangers and lays down obediently next to his person. Then I have another couple with two very large ridgebacks, beautiful dogs well over a hundred pounds and no drooling to speak of. They are also very well behaved and so sweet, but also imposing.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Thank you, @MyBuddy ! Boy, his head is approximately twice the size of yours.

105 pounds is actually really light for a mature male Bullmastiff. I believe the weight range is 120 lbs. to 160 lbs.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

My biggest question is this: What is the alertness, protectiveness, defensiveness and courage of the typical Bullmastiff? From the reading I've done, I gather that the Bullmastiff is really kind of a candy-ass compared to (at least) the working ability of other breeds.

I actually don't care much about working ability so much. I don't want prey drive – I am fricking sick of prey drive. I want a dog that will stand its ground and defend itself and its family.

My concern is that the modern-day Bullmastiff may be all size and appearance and not much in the way of courage.

My HUGEST fear is winding up with a dog that is a coward.

 

[GennyB]

two very large ridgebacks, beautiful dogs well over a hundred pounds

I have never seen Ridgebacks that big I've only seem them about 70-80 lbs. For whatever reason they are almost popular around here.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

I have never seen Ridgebacks that big I've only seem them about 70-80 lbs. For whatever reason they are almost popular around here.

I agree. Ridgebacks should not be 100 lbs. I consider that they should be about the size of a Doberman, maybe a bit heavier.

Yes, the Ridgeback is one of the breeds that is "enjoying" a lot of popularity these days. It continues to really baffle me how a lot of the currently popular breeds with the hipster set are breeds that are very high-energy and demanding of activity.

 

[GennyB]

I consider that they should be about the size of a Doberman, maybe a bit heavier.

Curiosity got the best of me so I looked it up. Copied from the standard

• Height: 25-27 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
• Weight: 85 pounds (male), 70 pounds (female)
• Group: Hound Group

 

[Brioddy]

I agree that I don't think they're SUPPOSED to be that big... but these ones are. I know they have to be because the older one is as tall as Brinks whom is just nearly 90 lbs, but easily twice as wide! I wanted to add they are not exactly "trim", not obese but certainly not in shape.

 

[GOD'S GRACE]

Everyone wants the big version....that's great, right up until the time the Vet tells you about all the health issues...I'll stick with the standards.

 

[Brioddy]

Except that many purebreds including the doberman have their list of health issues minus the size dilemma... plus giant breeds have shortened life spans compared to smaller ones, generally.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Everyone wants the big version

Reminds me of when I've tried to rent a car.

 

[GOD'S GRACE]

Reminds me of when I've tried to rent a car.

I always ask for a power blue Prius.... oh man, my bad!

 

[Kaiser2016]

I always ask for a power blue Prius.... oh man, my bad!

I knew this was coming lol.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

I always ask for a power blue Prius.... oh man, my bad!

Nevermind the vehicle. Fear the driver.

 

[Kaiser2016]

But it's so hard to look past the vehicle

 

[Oh Little Oji]

But it's so hard to look past the vehicle

A higher level of consciousness. Come on, join me here as I try to appreciate and take seriously uncropped, undocked Doberman Pinschers.