Bullmastiff as a first family dog?
Discussion
We're thinking of getting our first dog in the next year or so and I'm drawn towards Bullmastiffs which for all intents and purposes seem to be great family dogs. It would seem that they aren't normally recommended as a first dog due to the training needed. There's me & my wife, a 19 year old daughter and a very well behaved 5 year old.
I have no issues in attending training classes (in fact I'm looking forward to it) for both me and the dog so I'm not sure if that overcomes the potential "issue" of it needing to be trained. I will be more than happy to take it on a couple of decent walks a day (1 hr +) and it will have a garden to mooch about in.
Essentially I want a dog that will be a good family pet but will also make a racket/ do something if it sees or hears someone taking an interest in the house (we were burgled when I was a kid and know how horrible it is so I'm paranoid about this happening to my home) and Bullmastiffs seem to fit the bill very well.
I've looked into the question of is one suitable for a first pet and the general consensus with owners is that with the right training they are great pets.
Thank you
I have no issues in attending training classes (in fact I'm looking forward to it) for both me and the dog so I'm not sure if that overcomes the potential "issue" of it needing to be trained. I will be more than happy to take it on a couple of decent walks a day (1 hr +) and it will have a garden to mooch about in.
Essentially I want a dog that will be a good family pet but will also make a racket/ do something if it sees or hears someone taking an interest in the house (we were burgled when I was a kid and know how horrible it is so I'm paranoid about this happening to my home) and Bullmastiffs seem to fit the bill very well.
I've looked into the question of is one suitable for a first pet and the general consensus with owners is that with the right training they are great pets.
Thank you
They can be amazing family dogs but you need to find a good breeder.
Basically the breeder should be interrogating you to see if you will be a suitable owner. They should be picky.
Usually they will have a waiting list so they can pick and choose and not be desperate for to sell them. They should be prepared to take pup back if that becomes a necessity (certainly hope not)
If they don't match this checklist then be cautious and preferably walk away. The above is a sign of a responsible breeder who wants to know their pups are going to be in the best home.
Basically the breeder should be interrogating you to see if you will be a suitable owner. They should be picky.
Usually they will have a waiting list so they can pick and choose and not be desperate for to sell them. They should be prepared to take pup back if that becomes a necessity (certainly hope not)
If they don't match this checklist then be cautious and preferably walk away. The above is a sign of a responsible breeder who wants to know their pups are going to be in the best home.
eybic said:
Thank you, I think we're moving away from them a bit due to numerous serious health issues. I joined a BM facebook group and it's full of stories of people losing their dogs at what I would consider a young age (5-8) 
They are a large/giant breed so yes they are prone to shorter life spans like many very large, giant breed dogs sadly. I would say 10-11yrs is a very good age for the mastiff breed. (though we lost our first whippet age 8yrs through illness and they generally have a 12-14yrs lifespan)
If you did continue to look into the breed, check breed lines and their history to try and find a good line.
As well as choosing a dog that suits you, you also need to consider if you can provide the right home for a dog. If you and your wife both work for instance then who looks after the dog during the day? I wouldn't rely on a 19 year old, at that age different priorities are kicking in! (that is an assumption of course).
Who will get up first thing to walk then do an evening walk? Do you have a secure garden etc.
dogs are amazing and I couldn't be without mine but they are a huge committment - we have three so holidays abroad are out, the house is always a state (no matter how much you dry them after a wet walk it gets everywhere) and I wouldnt' change it for the world.
Oh, and try not to encourage breeders, there are a huge number of dogs needing rescue, and all reputable rescue centers will carry out home inspection/interview (I've done these) to assess how suitable your lives are for a dog (sadly it is extremely rare a breeder will do this, I have never heard of one attending a home).
We have a rottie cross (rescue) and two red fox labs (one is rescue). They are all awesome but I'd say a lab could be a good choice for you - very loyal, lots of fun, good lifespans, good health (in general) and great family dogs. And they have quite a bark!
Who will get up first thing to walk then do an evening walk? Do you have a secure garden etc.
dogs are amazing and I couldn't be without mine but they are a huge committment - we have three so holidays abroad are out, the house is always a state (no matter how much you dry them after a wet walk it gets everywhere) and I wouldnt' change it for the world.
Oh, and try not to encourage breeders, there are a huge number of dogs needing rescue, and all reputable rescue centers will carry out home inspection/interview (I've done these) to assess how suitable your lives are for a dog (sadly it is extremely rare a breeder will do this, I have never heard of one attending a home).
We have a rottie cross (rescue) and two red fox labs (one is rescue). They are all awesome but I'd say a lab could be a good choice for you - very loyal, lots of fun, good lifespans, good health (in general) and great family dogs. And they have quite a bark!
With regard to the first walk, you can inadvertently train your dog not to want out at the crack of dawn!
They learn a routine very quickly, and especially if they are in a crate overnight, they will wait for you to get up and let them out.
Thought we just had a lazy male dog as our first dog (06-17) but our new female (03/18-) is just the same.
At times doesnt even want out when you open her crate in the morning, then saunters down when she feels like it!
They learn a routine very quickly, and especially if they are in a crate overnight, they will wait for you to get up and let them out.
Thought we just had a lazy male dog as our first dog (06-17) but our new female (03/18-) is just the same.
At times doesnt even want out when you open her crate in the morning, then saunters down when she feels like it!
I think we're moving away from a Bullmastiff due to the health issues, I don't think I could knowingly get a first family dog that is guaranteed to have a considerably shorter, more complicated life than other breeds.
I'm currently leaning towards some sort of youngish staffie cross likely from a rescue.
With regards to walks, we're early risers anyway so getting up at 0530 every day to take the dog for a walk isn't an issue, also evening walks would be fine. We've looked into dog walkers so would probably get someone to come in during the day for a lunchtime walk.
Are there German Shepherds around that don't conform to "breed standards" (an inherently unhealthy skeleton)?
I'm currently leaning towards some sort of youngish staffie cross likely from a rescue.
With regards to walks, we're early risers anyway so getting up at 0530 every day to take the dog for a walk isn't an issue, also evening walks would be fine. We've looked into dog walkers so would probably get someone to come in during the day for a lunchtime walk.
Are there German Shepherds around that don't conform to "breed standards" (an inherently unhealthy skeleton)?
Edited by eybic on Thursday 29th August 08:19
eybic said:
I think we're moving away from a Bullmastiff due to the health issues, I don't think I could knowingly get a first family dog that is guaranteed to have a considerably shorter, more complicated life than other breeds.
I'm currently leaning towards some sort of youngish staffie cross likely from a rescue.
With regards to walks, we're early risers anyway so getting up at 0530 every day to take the dog for a walk isn't an issue, also evening walks would be fine. We've looked into dog walkers so would probably get someone to come in during the day for a lunchtime walk.
Are there German Shepherds around that don't conform to "breed standards" (an inherently unhealthy skeleton)?
have you considered boxers ?I'm currently leaning towards some sort of youngish staffie cross likely from a rescue.
With regards to walks, we're early risers anyway so getting up at 0530 every day to take the dog for a walk isn't an issue, also evening walks would be fine. We've looked into dog walkers so would probably get someone to come in during the day for a lunchtime walk.
Are there German Shepherds around that don't conform to "breed standards" (an inherently unhealthy skeleton)?
Edited by eybic on Thursday 29th August 08:19
here's are 11 boxers ...........we kept Simba , he's the one with the yellow collar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0ce2m206wY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J1X9I-MOxg
and the beast and his mum he has grown into .............wonderful family dogs with great character ...every dog he meets is his personal play friend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E--nAX06-M
Edited by DBSV8 on Thursday 29th August 20:31
DBSV8 said:
have you considered boxers ?
here's are 11 boxers ...........we kept Simba , he's the one with the yellow collar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0ce2m206wY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J1X9I-MOxg
and the beast and his mum he has grown into .............wonderful family dogs with great character ...every dog he meets is his personal play friend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E--nAX06-M
We have indeed considered Boxers but again, are concerned about health problems, we know of a couple that have had pretty serious issues with lumps etc. A family member is a dog walker/ boarder and he has a lovely bhere's are 11 boxers ...........we kept Simba , he's the one with the yellow collar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0ce2m206wY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J1X9I-MOxg
and the beast and his mum he has grown into .............wonderful family dogs with great character ...every dog he meets is his personal play friend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E--nAX06-M
Edited by DBSV8 on Thursday 29th August 20:31
h that stays with him quite a lot, she goes in to old people's homes and schools as a therapy dog. Have you looked at other Mastiff breeds? That dont carry the health issues as a Bullmastiff. Elbows and hips will always be a concern due to size but a reputable breeder will have scored the parents.
I have a Presa Canario and her temperament and personality is truly amazing. I have a Bull Hound and have had an Alabai and a Boxer, and my Presa is the most loving, strongly bonded dog I have come across.
I have a Presa Canario and her temperament and personality is truly amazing. I have a Bull Hound and have had an Alabai and a Boxer, and my Presa is the most loving, strongly bonded dog I have come across.
I had 11 wonderful yrs with my Bullmastiff and the only health problem in all that time was an eye infection.
Amazing dogs and they are just as happy lazing around the house as they are going for walks.
When I lost my boy in march it destroyed me as they really are the most loyal companions you could ask for.
I now have a press Canario / xl bully cross and this bugger chews everything.! He is also going to be a giant and already 60kg @ 8 months old.
You can't go wrong with either breed but I would recommend Bullmastiff to start & Presa's need a LOT more exercise.
Amazing dogs and they are just as happy lazing around the house as they are going for walks.
When I lost my boy in march it destroyed me as they really are the most loyal companions you could ask for.
I now have a press Canario / xl bully cross and this bugger chews everything.! He is also going to be a giant and already 60kg @ 8 months old.
You can't go wrong with either breed but I would recommend Bullmastiff to start & Presa's need a LOT more exercise.
Edited by keslake on Friday 30th August 17:54
My first dog (of my own) was a staffy cross from a local rescue, and he was one of my 'soul dogs'. Lovely temperament, great with people and other dogs and pretty healthy until he got cancer when he was about 11.
My other staffy cross was a bull lurcher who again had a wonderful temperament (a gentle giant). He was about 12 when I adopted him and he managed another couple of years before his legs gave up.
So I would always recommend a staffy or staffy cross, especially a rescue. Good luck
My other staffy cross was a bull lurcher who again had a wonderful temperament (a gentle giant). He was about 12 when I adopted him and he managed another couple of years before his legs gave up.
So I would always recommend a staffy or staffy cross, especially a rescue. Good luck
He looks wonderful. Sorry for your loss.
A friend of mine had a bullmastiff called Bull. He was an amazing dog and I’ve loved them ever since meeting him. I used to have a bulldog and wonder how similar their temperament is. My much missed bulldog-Winston- was a stubborn boy but a great character.
He never looked for trouble and I only saw any sign of violence in him once. We were in a local park and 2 large dogs probably GSD mixes who were running free with no sign of an owner came running towards us showing teeth and acting aggressively. Winston stepped in front of me putting himself between me and them and growled at them in a way I never heard again. I think it was the dog equivalent of “come and have a go if you think you’re hard enough “. The other dogs stopped and ran away. I am sure he would have fought with all he had to protect me that day.
I’d love a bullmastiff but i’m just concerned about any temperament issues given their size and power.
A friend of mine had a bullmastiff called Bull. He was an amazing dog and I’ve loved them ever since meeting him. I used to have a bulldog and wonder how similar their temperament is. My much missed bulldog-Winston- was a stubborn boy but a great character.
He never looked for trouble and I only saw any sign of violence in him once. We were in a local park and 2 large dogs probably GSD mixes who were running free with no sign of an owner came running towards us showing teeth and acting aggressively. Winston stepped in front of me putting himself between me and them and growled at them in a way I never heard again. I think it was the dog equivalent of “come and have a go if you think you’re hard enough “. The other dogs stopped and ran away. I am sure he would have fought with all he had to protect me that day.
I’d love a bullmastiff but i’m just concerned about any temperament issues given their size and power.
Only just seen this. My old Pal Billy the BullMastiff honoured us with his presence for 14 beautiful years. The most laid back Dog I have ever met and even after nearly 6 years since his passing I smile every day when I think of his majestic ways. He was a magnificent clown and a gentle giant.
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