The Bullmastiff is a large, powerful dog that excels at watch dog and guard dog duties. Just seeing one of these dogs should put anyone up to no good on notice. They can live in an apartment because they can be fairly lazy and laid back. They train easily, need to be socialized with other pets and do well with older children.
Good With Children?
Will generally tolerate children. May tend to knock toddlers over as a clumsy puppy. As a reminder, never leave young children unsupervised with a puppy or dog.
Good With Other Pets?
They need to be socialized with other pets early on.
Temperament
Docile yet fearless. She is a dependable family protector.
Trainability
She is sensitive to voice tones, intelligent, and does well in training.
Approximate Adult Size
The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male bullmastiff is 25 to 27 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 110 to 130 pounds. The female ranges from 24 to 26 inches to the withers and 100 to 120 pounds.
Special Health Considerations
Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Bullmastiff is no exception. Be on the look out for canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), gastric torsion, bloat (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, the second leading killer of dogs, can kill within the hour, this space is too limited for a complete explanation but you should read up on this).
Feeding more then once a day and avoiding exercise right after meals may help guard against bloat. Also look out for cancer, eyelid problems and possibly hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland which can result in weight gain).This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
Grooming
The Bullmastiff has a short, dense, somewhat coarse coat, great for weather protection. She sheds little but should be brushed regularly to help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
Life Span
She was developed in England to guard against poachers The Bullmastiff can live between 6 and 10 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
History
The Bullmastiff is a cross between a Mastiff and Bulldog. They were developed in England around 1924 to help guard against poachers. They were trained to find and hold poachers, not kill them. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1934.
In the 1700s the Havanese was bred and owned by rich landowners and the plantation aristocracy of Cuba. These little dogs were also clever at performing in circuses during this period of time after it lost its popularity in these prominent society circles of Cuba.
The Havanese has always been admired most for its intelligence and adaptability. It is an excellent companion dog. The Havanese migranted from Cuba to the United States in the 1950s and was admitted to the AKC in 1999.
Grooming the Havanese
The coat of a Havanese is long and silky and tangles easily. It can be wavy or slightly curled. Grooming will need to be carried out frequently. The double, wavy and profuse coat isn't trimmed for normal purposes or the show ring except for nominal scissoring of foot hair. Havanese pets are either clipped or scissored down to a manageable length. The Havanese is seen in all colors from black to white.
You will want to achieve a loose, natural look for the Havanese. Brush through the entire coat to removing any tangles. Then comb the coat with a wide-toothed comb.
Brush along the back. When the Havanese shakes his hair it should fall nautrally in a parting. Do not try to make a perfectly straight part. A topknot can be tied up away from the eyes. Topknots are not usually used in the show ring.
Grooming Equipment Needed
You will need a pin brush, a wide-toothed comb and a slicker brush. The slicker brush is used on tough tangles, otherwise use the pin brush for normal daily brushing because the slicker brush can be too harsh on the Havanese coat.
Exercise Requirements
The Havanese exercise needs are easily met. A short walk, a romp a day with the kids in the backyard is about all it needs to stay in good physical shape.
Personality
The Havanese is sensitive, playful, friendly, accommodating, affectionate and comical. The Havanese is outgoing and adapts easily to adults. The Havanese gets along well with other pets. He is highly trainable. He does not respond well to yelling. He wants to please. The Havanese has a good memory and is quick to learn.
Appearance
The Havanese is generally about 10 inches tall and weighs about 10 pounds. He is a sturdy little dog. He is not delicate or frail. The Havanese is quite athletic. The legs of a Havanese are usually short, straight and strong. Pigmentation of nose, lip and eye margins is always black or solid dark brown on chocolate brown dogs. He has a "happy" sort of a look with his drop ears, straight topline, high tail set and animated gait.
The Havanese is usually good with children of all ages. They are not frail and delicate so even smaller children can learn to handle a Havanese with ease.