The Bullmastiff is a large breed of dog that makes a wonderful pet. Most owners claim they have never had such a wonderful dog and would never own anything but another Bullmastiff for the rest of their lives. As with all dogs, however, there are certain concerns prospective dog owners should take into consideration before going ahead and purchasing a Bullmastiff.
The Bullmastiff is a very large dog, sometimes growing to 130 pounds or more. Taking them in the car with the family is not going to be the same as if you had a poodle or even a cocker spaniel. They take up a lot of room and they shed. All dogs shed, but it seems like the bullmastiff sheds nonstop. To some this may not be a major concern, but more and more people are choosing to travel with their dogs. Therefore, their size is something that needs to be considered. They will not always be the small cuddly puppy they are when you get them.
As they are growing up, they will try to jump and act foolish as little puppies do. The difference is they may be a puppy in age, but you won't think of them as a puppy in size. This is why training must be started at a very young age and must be consistent. They absolutely have to have an owner or master that is a take-charge kind of person and not afraid to be firm with the dog.
You may find that they have aggression towards certain people or certain animals. This also needs to be worked on from a very young age. Socialization is probably more important with this breed of dog than any other breed. Before you bring this bundle of joy into your home, make sure that you have everything it takes to keep this dog happy and healthy all of his life. It's a large commitment and many choose to go with a smaller breed when they read all the pros and cons of owning a Bullmastiff.
They need a special sort of nutritional diet to avoid the annoying gassiness that is so characteristic of Bullmastiffs. What may seem like a minor inconvenience when reading about it (gassiness) can become major if it has to be dealt with on a daily basis. Such is the case with their snoring, snorting, and wheezing, which are also characteristic of the Bullmastiff because of their short face. Some people are annoyed by the sounds, while others think they're cute.
The Bullmastiff dog requires a lot of exercise to wear off some of the high amounts of energy they possess. Many dog problems can be eliminated by giving their dog more daily exercises to tire them out. Bored dogs are often destructive dogs - not bad, just bored.
While many of these concerns may appear to be negatives, there are many positives to owning a Bullmastiff, as most of the owners will attest. It's very important to know both sides.
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