View Full Version : Bull Mastiffs
BigDog2191
06-29-2005, 12:09 AM
Anyone who's owned a bull mastiff, I've got a couple of questions:
I hear from websites that they're hard to train, true?
Good guard dogs?
Are they slobberers? It's alright if they do, I'm just wondering.
It's one of the dogs I've considered getting in the future...
Renee750il
06-29-2005, 12:14 AM
Bulls are stubborn, lol! They are slobberers, not the champions the English Mastiffs are, but pretty impressive droolers. They are good guardians. One of their historical jobs was catching poachers. A good Bull Mastiff should be intelligent, calm and somewhat reserved.
To be fair, part of the reason they seem to be stubborn is that they are dogs capable of processing information and making decisions on their own and don't necessarily look to their owners to tell them what to do in every instance.
BigDog2191
06-29-2005, 12:31 AM
Renee, you've had a bullmastiff before?
Thanks for the info.
Renee750il
06-29-2005, 01:05 AM
Charley's had a couple in the past and I've been around a few of them. They're more affable and easier than the Filas, but less so than the English Mastiff.
The dogs you see in the Toyota truck commercial are English Mastiffs.
cleobear
06-29-2005, 05:15 AM
I own two Bullmastiff both differant in they own way..
Gypsy my girlie is very headstrong and stubborn She is our Protector by her own choose i may add.but is very loving to all who she knows and loves
where my boy Joe is very lied back and does everything you ask him to do a oure gem.We were thinking of training him up to be a Patdog (where he would visit hospitals and old people for them to meet him ) as he is so lead back
Are they slobberers? I have to say NO to this my two only Slobber when had a drink or after food :D
If you would like to know more Please feel free to ask
Tracie xxx
Renee750il
06-29-2005, 10:49 AM
A lot of the slobbering has to do with the climate - they drool substantially more if it's hot - and I'm beginning to wonder if diet doesn't have something to do with it as well. The grrrrls tend to drool more in the summer, but not nearly as much as we were warned to expect and the biggest difference is their diet.
And of course, if they are waiting for something they particularly like you'll find a puddle forming on the floor, lol!
I've seen a few Bull Mastiffs who were therapy dogs, Cleo. They do very well (depending, of course on the individual dog's personality). There is something about the benign, dignified Giant that touches so many people.
showpug
06-29-2005, 10:57 AM
One of my best friends shows and breeds Bullmastiffs. They are not a breed for inexperienced dog owners as they can be somewhat stubborn and headstrong. She actually shows hers in AKC conformation and in agility trials...yes, they do agility :D They are good guardians, but generally calm and loving and good with family. I have known 3 bullmastiffs very, very well and they have all been awesome dogs, but they have also been trained and socialized extremely well which makes a difference. We live in a somewhat cool climate and one of her bullies drools a ton while the other two are not droolers. Generally speaking, the males, especially if left intact can become male dominant and or aggressive towards other males. I like bullmastiffs a lot and love their low energy level, but that's just me, I love lazy dogs that like to cuddle :)
BigDog2191
06-29-2005, 12:02 PM
Yeah, one of the things that I liked so much about them is they have low-energy and are big! And another great plus is that they're great guard dogs...
Most big dogs like Shepherds have a lot of energy... I can handle it to an extent...
I hear that statement so much, "those aren't for novice owners, those aren't for novice owners, those aren't for novice owners."
I heard it so much that when I looked for a breed to get, I just disregarded the statement.
This is a real question: exactly what breed of dog IS for novice owners?
showpug
06-29-2005, 12:17 PM
Oh, I can name a few that would work well with novice owners....golden, lab, pug...the list goes on.
If someone has never owned a dog before than I don't think a Bullmastiff would be the right choice. They have a powerful build and a head-strong way about them. I think they are great, but not for someone who knows nothing about proper handling and socializing. They need a confident and firm leader who knows what they are doing, especially during the puppy stage.
When they are handled properly they make wonderful family dogs and guardians. This is a breed I am very fond of. :)
BigDog2191
06-29-2005, 12:35 PM
Can you name some more?
beagle_lovergirl
06-29-2005, 12:41 PM
Beagles are great for novice owners;) I also heard that most toy breeds and some terriers.
BigDog2191
06-29-2005, 12:54 PM
I do like beagles but I prefer big dogs... not much a fan of terriers or toy breeds...
showpug
06-29-2005, 12:54 PM
Poodles...boxers...corgis...german shorthairs...shi tzus....practically any breed that is generally easy to train and even tempered. I am not saying that a Bullmastiff does not have these qualities, but it would be naive to think that they don't need a knowledgeable owner. I would not be saying this if I was not familiar with the breed, but I am. I have learned so much since I got my first dog and even I admit that I would not be skilled enough to take on a Bullmastiff, Fila, German Shepherd or Neo back then. I think people need to grow and learn with their dogs. I don't think their is anything wrong with the saying "not for novice owners." I think in many situations it is true and I am sure it does not apply to everyone, but as a general statement I don't see what is wrong with it. If someone has never had a dog before in their lifetime, do you really think they should start out with a challengeing breed...or a 170 lb great dane that has all the requirements of an average dog multiplied by 100!!!
BigDog2191
06-29-2005, 12:55 PM
No particular reason... I'm just not a fan of them...
Cause I want to know more... :confused: why not?
beagle_lovergirl
06-29-2005, 01:04 PM
Well Harriers have similar personalities and charactetristics of a beagle but they're bigger.
BigDog2191
06-29-2005, 01:07 PM
Poodles...boxers...corgis...german shorthairs...shi tzus....practically any breed that is generally easy to train and even tempered. I am not saying that a Bullmastiff does not have these qualities, but it would be naive to think that they don't need a knowledgeable owner. I would not be saying this if I was not familiar with the breed, but I am. I have learned so much since I got my first dog and even I admit that I would not be skilled enough to take on a Bullmastiff, Fila, German Shepherd or Neo back then. I think people need to grow and learn with their dogs. I don't think their is anything wrong with the saying "not for novice owners." I think in many situations it is true and I am sure it does not apply to everyone, but as a general statement I don't see what is wrong with it. If someone has never had a dog before in their lifetime, do you really think they should start out with a challengeing breed...or a 170 lb great dane that has all the requirements of an average dog multiplied by 100!!!
Well, sure.
But it gets annoying seeing that everywhere... I saw it so much on breeds I'd been looking for like German Shepherds.
Soon I just disregarded it... which I'm sure a lot of people do when seeing it on every breed except the small toy breeds that some people don't want...
BTW, my first dog is a German Shepherd... and everything's worked out extremely well... sure it was hard at times but I'm sure it would be like that with any PUPPY...
showpug
06-29-2005, 01:21 PM
Like I said, it does not apply to everyone. ;)
I am sure you are little more deticated to your dog than most novice owners are, and it seems you are more open to learning. We have to realize, that not all new dog owners view dogs the way we do, and I think that this statement is aimed more towards those who are expecting a "walk in the park." Personally, I don't think people should get dogs if they want things to be easy. ;)
Renee750il
06-29-2005, 10:06 PM
If someone wants to eventually own more intense dogs, the Terriers are a great way to start. They're giant guardians in a compact body, lol! Every bit as headstrong and stubborn as any of the molossers, and great to train owners, lol!
Showpugs is right. There are novice owners, and then there are NOVICE owners, lol! Some people may own dogs for forty years and still never be ready to own a Bull Mastiff, or Dobie or GSD, while others have the dedication and strength of will and mind to jump right in and start out with a German Shepherd - or a Giant Schnauzer!
Invisible
06-29-2005, 11:33 PM
Showpugs is right. There are novice owners, and then there are NOVICE owners, lol! Some people may own dogs for forty years and still never be ready to own a Bull Mastiff, or Dobie or GSD, while others have the dedication and strength of will and mind to jump right in and start out with a German Shepherd - or a Giant Schnauzer!
Thats so true :D
Barb04
06-30-2005, 09:16 AM
If someone wants to eventually own more intense dogs, the Terriers are a great way to start. They're giant guardians in a compact body, lol! Every bit as headstrong and stubborn as any of the molossers, and great to train owners, lol!
Can't agree with you more Renee. CJ is the smallest one in the family and the one people watch out for. When it comes to protecting her home, she's #1. She might be little, but she packs a punch.
WazSupDogs
07-01-2005, 03:09 PM
Its not hard to train ... its just up 2 da trainer itself
with a good trainer , its not gonna be hard
Its also up to the dog, if da dog obey den its easy. :cool:
showpug
07-01-2005, 03:20 PM
Its not hard to train ... its just up 2 da trainer itself
with a good trainer , its not gonna be hard
Its also up to the dog, if da dog obey den its easy. :cool:
You are right in the sense that a good or bad trainer will make or break a dog, BUT it is a fact that some dogs are easier to train and more willing to please than others. In other words, they are more eager and enthusiastic about what they are learning. Take for example my dog. A wolfhound/mastiff cross pup who is in preschool right now. Getting him to do anything next to fall asleep on the floor is a challenge and then we look to the left of us to see an Aus. Shep who is sitting up perky and panting looking at their owner and saying "what's next...hmmm?....hmmm?...what do we get to learn next??...hurry mom, hurry...pant, pant!" While this takes place I have my pup in a sit-stay and he is slowly melting into a lay down position!!LOL :D
You know, a while back Renee said that I was "very ambitious" for wanting to use him for competitive obedience....I know what you mean now!!!LOL!!!!
Hi there.
ARE THEY EASY TO TRAIN
Has I have a Bullmastiff myself, I would say they are easy to train, BUT he can become easily bord and distracted so we recommend to keep lessons short.The addition of food treats as rewards is also beneficial as they are a food driven breed of dog. We also recommend to always leave training on a good note and keep it fun.
ARE THEY A GOOD GUARD DOG
This is a breed that was bred solely to guard, therefore it is their natural instincts, they are not a herding breed unlike most other large breeds that are for some reason used as guard dogs. Without a doubt even the most aloof of the breed will surprise you. I call the Bullmastiff the natural guardian, as they know the TRUE meaning of danger and act. Occasionally depending on the individual character some can become overly protective of his family.
DO THEY DROOL
They will drool if you happen to be eating in front of them or if it is a hot day or if they have just had a drink, a cloth should always be at hand.