Friday, July 29, 2011

The Interesting Bull Mastiff

By Wayne Turlington


Bull Mastiffs are some of the biggest dog breeds seen, but this breed has quite a few exceptional qualities that are typically unnoticed due to its great size. Since the largest Mastiff ever recorded weighed about 315 pounds and measured greater than eight feet long, it's no wonder that this breed commands such interest, but this gentle giant is more than merely large. An ideal family dog, the Bull Mastiff is a brave, intelligent dog which can be taught to be a patient family member for years. Let's take a closer look at the Bull Mastiff to develop a greater familiarity with what this breed is about.

Bull Mastiff: Medieval Beginnings

The Bull Mastiff was bred as a part of the Mastiff family thousands of years ago and despite their age, today's Mastiffs are thought to be similar in shape and size to their ancestors. Dating back to 2000 B.C. in Asia, these dogs were extremely tall, muscular and weighed a great deal. Over time, many versions of this breed were developed which include the English, Bull, Neapolitan, French and Tibetan. Although the English and Bull Mastiffs are among the most appreciated, many people regard the English Mastiff as the original. An ideal working dog, it's believed that the Mastiff arrived in Europe with the Romans, where Europeans adopted them for a number of uses, such as guard dogs, cattle dogs and bull baiters. In due course, the Mastiff reached America where the Bull Mastiff took over as the most favored form of the breed.

The Bull Mastiff is an Attractive Rogue

Prior to taking a deeper look at the Bull Mastiff, it's clear that it is an attractive dog. A large breed, the dog can weigh between 120-200 pounds with short hair in shades ranging from brown, red, brindle to black. The Bull Mastiff's muzzle is small, broad and black in color, framed with short, floppy ears and a long, thin tail. This breed is often confused with its relative the English Mastiff; however one can find variations. The English Mastiff will appear considerably stockier and just a bit taller, while the Bull Mastiff has a wider, more powerful head with a sleek body. Plainly, the Bull Mastiff is an attractive dog that many find handsome.

A Pleasant Disposition

The Bull Mastiff is a lot more than just a pretty face, it has the temperament to flourish in almost any situation. Considered a very good family pet that does well with children, this breed is can be a great watchdog. Since this breed was originally developed as bull baiters, cow herders and fighters, they may need training as a puppy to make certain that the dog doesn't become aggressive in any way. This should not scare potential owners, though, as most aggressive tendencies are gone in these dogs. Furthermore, most Bull Mastiffs tend to be on the lazy and care-free side which ensures that these dogs can be taken care of easily without abnormal amounts of exercise.

The Nuts and Bolts of Owning a Bull Mastiff

Bull Mastiffs would be a superior pet in a wide range of situations, but let's look at the specifics that any owner would need before deciding on one for their home. This breed is clever, making it a fun companion and can be easily trained, especially as a puppy. A gentle creature, this dog will live easily with children as well as other pets. A little on the lazy side, the Bull Mastiff needs only moderate exercise to maintain a healthy body and can adapt to almost any living condition. Finally, this breed can be expected to have a lifespan of approximately 8-10 years and is susceptible to several medical conditions including hip dysphasia and eye problems including cherry eye.




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