Questions to Ask When Buying A Bullmastiff

1. DOES THE BREEDER GUARANTEE THE PUPPIES?
A signed SALES AGREEMENT is required to be provided by BMC of WA members
(important for both buyer and breeder to ensure quality Bullmastiffs are sold and the quality of the breed promoted).

2. HAVE THE PARENTS BEEN HIP & ELBOW SCORED?
Hip dysplasia is a problem in large breeds of dogs and reputable breeders should make sure that the dogs are x-rayed in an attempt to eliminate the problem by using low hip scored parents. What is the grade? All BMC of WA members are required to hip score their dogs

3. ARE THE PARENTS GOOD QUALITY?
Proven to be a worthy representative of the breed by a comprehensive judging scheme designed to highlight dogs of good quality.

4. WHAT ABOUT VETERINARIAN CARE?
A reputable breeder will provide a health certificate from his veterinarian, along with a health record showing you when the puppy was wormed, had his vaccinations and when the next check up is due.

5. ASK THE BREEDER IF YOU CAN SEE THE PARENTS
Remember that the puppy will grow up to resemble to some extent, one or both parents so take a careful look at the mother and father.

6. IS THERE ANY HISTORY OF GENETIC DISORDERS?
Entropian - in-rolling of the eyelid and with it, its' accompanying eyelashes. O.C.D. (Osteochondritis Dissecans), accelerated growth seems to be the major factor in the cause of this disease -either through over nutrition or genetic selection, for large, fast growing pups. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia - abnormal development of the hip and elbow joints.

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK YOURSELF

1. Can I afford to properly feed such a large dog?
2. Do I have enough space for a Bullmastiff to live comfortably?
3. Will I have time to spend with it especially in the first year?
4. Can I provide it with a stable home for its' lifetime?
5. Why do a want a BULLMASTIFF? (Pet, show, obedience, guard, breeding or combination)
6. Have I found out as much as possible about this breed of dog?
7. Is the breeder reputable?


BOOKS ON THE BREED
THE BULLMASTIFF FANCIER'S MANUAL
Bill Walkey 1992

THE MASTIFF & BULLMASTIFF HANDBOOK
Douglas B. Oliff 1988

HOW TO RAISE & TRAIN A BULLMASTIFF
Mary A Prescott 1964

BULLMASTIFFS
Mary A Prescott 1989

THE BULLMASTIFF HANDBOOK
Clifford L Hubbard 1958

BULLMASTIFFS TODAY
Lyn Pratt 1996

THE BULLMASTIFF "A BREEDER'S GUIDE"
David Hancock 1996

THE BULLMASTIFF - FEARLESS PROTECTOR
Jack Shastid/Geraldine Roach 1999

SOME QUESTION YOU MAY WANT TO ASK

1. WHAT BREED OF DOG IS THAT?
Bullmastiff. The modern Bullmastiff is the result of
experimentation over many years to arrive at the ratio of 60% Mastiff and 40% English Bulldog.

2. WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?
The Bullmastiff is a BRITISH breed. The breed was first recognised by the English Kennel
Club in 1924 and the first Breed club was formed the following year. The first Bullmastiffs
in Australia were sired by Boomerang of Bulmas our of Bush Lass of Bulmas and whelped on June 4, 1955.

3. WHAT WERE THEY USED FOR?
The job of a Gamekeeper was to secure wild game on British Estates from poachers and the
Bullmastiffs were taken out on patrol to protect the Keeper as well as find poachers and thieves.

4. DOES THEIR SIZE CAUSE A PROBLEM?
You need to understand how big they are going to be. Once you are with them for awhile
you don't find they take up much room.

5. DO THEY EAT A LOT?
No more than an average adult dog. It comes down to a bit of trial and error in working it out. i.e. 750g of meat, then add dry food, rice, pasta etc.

6. ARE THEY GOOD WITH CHILDREN?
Yes, although people with children would be advised to buy a puppy
rather than an older dog who is big and boisterous.

7. ARE THEY EASILY TRAINED?
If you can't control this large dog at the age of one with responsive commands, the chances are you won't be able to do it physically. Start informal training as soon as he arrives home. Bullmastiffs as a breed need firmness in training and repetitive consistency.

8. ARE THEY GOOD GUARD DOGS?
Several inherent qualities make them ideal guard dogs. They almost never bark to get attention so you know something is amiss if they bark.

9. ARE THEY EASY TO LOOK AFTER?
The Bullmastiff coat type requires minimum work to keep in top condition.

10. CAN YOU LEAVE THEM ON THEIR OWN FOR LONG? They are very affectionate - like a pat and a cuddle BUT are not totally human dependant. They seem content with their own company.

11. DO YOU NEED A BIG AREA FOR THEM?
You wouldn't be able to own one if you live in a flat but they are content to be inside or outside in a small or large yard.

12. DO THEY GET ON WITH OTHER DOGS?
Bullmastiffs are a dominant breed and will become antagonistic to male dogs. They normally
tolerate strange, submissive female dogs. Socialising when young is important.


BREED ORIGIN

The breed is young, and was only recognised in 1924 by the English Kennel Club, although the breed in one form or another had been around for a hundred years before that. It originally evolved as a cross between the Old English Mastiff and the long legged English Bulldog as the "Nightkeeper's Holding Dog" and was used by the Keeper of the large English country estates
to catch poachers. Because of the conditions under which he had to work, the Bullmastiff needed particular features, both anatomical and emotional and it is essential that this be kept in mind even today when judging the dog in the show ring.

The dog was developed to guard thickly covered areas and the Gamekeeper as well, as many poachers would not have hesitated to attack had the Keeper been undefended. He needed strength to overpower, the soundness and stamina to patrol all night over rough ground, sufficient steadiness of character to stay silent as he patrolled and in his domestic circumstances, to be loyal and trustworthy to his owner and family.

If he is overweight, incorrectly constructed, clumsy and with bad feet he will be unable to perform his work. He is capable of short bursts of speed and if he wants to clear a fence, he jumps from a standing position. A Bullmastiff is able to overtake and overcome a fleeing man and to do this the dog runs with one shoulder, normally the right slightly forward, knocks
his opponent to the ground and rolls him over. The dog goes no further and is content to hold the intruder until his owner arrives. He does not use his teeth or muzzle but either stands over the offender or stands with his feet on his chest. De Beers used the dogs in the Kimberley Mines in South Africa and records which have been kept, attest to the fact that intruders
have been held for up to four days by Bullmastiffs.

The finally accepted ratio for the modern Bullmastiff is 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog. The modern Bullmastiff doesn't have many opportunities to catch poachers, but he is a very loyal, devoted, intelligent family guard and pet.



REMEMBER

Purchasing your puppy from a BULLMASTIFF CLUB member will ensure your protection. Membership of the Club is conditional on adherence to the Canine Association of WA and Bullmastiff Club of WA Code of Ethics. When buying from a reputable breeder you will know that the puppy should be:-

1. Properly fed, vaccinated, wormed and reared correctly
2. Bred from stock with NO major faults
3. Bred from parents which have been x-rayed for H.D.
4. You will have a breeder who will be a constant help and give
advice when needed.

If a puppy is not available at the present time from a reputable Club member, it is wise to WAIT, reserve a future puppy and spend the time learning about the breed. You are welcome to join the club and receive the benefits of this organisation.

Some problems associated with this breed are Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), Entropian, Gastric Torsion, Bloat, Hip Dysplasia (HD) and Elbow Dysplasia. Although most dogs are not bothered by these problems, some are, so it is best to be aware of them when considering a Bullmastiff as part of your household.

There is no advantage to the breed if you breed only for the sake of producing puppies. Unless you are breeding to enhance the breed, DON'T DO IT.

You should be aware that complications can arise during whelping so be prepared for the additional Veterinarian expenses.

One thing is sure, if you do make a Bullmastiff your friend, you will be converted for life and he will give you many years of loyalty, love, protection, warmth and affection.