As opposite to the common misunderstanding, Bullmastiffs are way smarter than many would have you believe. Did you know that Bullmastiffs have been known to outsmart their owners and figure out complex problems? For instance, they’ve been observed opening doors and even latching gates that would leave some breeds completely befuddled.
Bullmastiffs are a large breed known for their physical strength, protective instincts, and extreme loyalty. Originating in the 19th century in Britain, where gamekeepers bred them to guard estates and hunt down poachers, Bullmastiffs have a critically thinking brain under their muscular head!
Now, you might be surprised to discover that our gigantic furball friends aren’t usually listed among the top of ‘the most intelligent dogs rankings’. So how can we say that Bullmastiffs are ‘smart’? It’s because intelligence in dogs, just as in humans, can’t be generalized as a one-size-fits-all concept.
When it comes to canine intelligence, there are different types that experts consider. Some dogs fare better in understanding new commands (working intelligence), some in instinctive behavior (instinctive intelligence), and some in their ability to adapt to new situations or environments (adaptive intelligence). So, while an Australian Shepherd might learn commands faster (working intelligence), the context might change if we consider a Bullmastiff’s instinctive qualities (instinctive intelligence).
As far as Bullmastiffs go, they truly shine in two of these areas: adaptive and instinctive intelligence. These dogs are experts at picking up on their surroundings and figuring things out from their observations.
They can readily interpret situations and claim their roles according to the circumstance. Their pronounced instinctive intelligence manifests in their protective behavior and the careful measure they take of strangers.
Does this make them hard to train? Quite contrarily! They’re known as ‘silent watchdogs’. Can you imagine that? A giant dog silently observing, only to jump into action when required. And this, my friend, is the very model of training efficiency. They’re prudent, careful, and calculative – qualities that contribute tremendously to understanding and responding to training.
Nevertheless, if you’re considering adding a Bullmastiff to your family, it’s important to remember that, like all dogs, they require their training to be approached with consistency and patience. They are eager to please their perceived ‘leader of the pack’ and are typically very sensitive to their owner’s voice tonality. So, reward-based training using an encouraging, gentle voice usually yields excellent results. Yelling or harsh reprimands may end up confusing or upsetting them, which may hinder their learning.
Despite their size and powerful appearance, Bullmastiffs are gentle giants who are generally great with kids and immensely devoted to their families. They are calm, quiet, and relatively inactive when indoors. This makes them suitable for apartment living and a good choice for first-time dog owners, provided they can handle their size and strength.
Their intelligence is utilized to observe and react, rather than actively engaging in mischief. However, this doesn’t mean they will always be docile and inactive. Regular walks and exercises are essential, not just to keep them fit, but also to stimulate their minds. Mental stimulation is just as crucial for intelligent breeds like Bullmastiffs as physical exercise.
If you are thinking about adopting a Bullmastiff, do it with a clear understanding of their intelligence and the responsibility that comes with it. If trained well and treated with respect and love, they will use their smarts to be a loving guardian of the family.
In conclusion, Bullmastiffs are unique smarty pants in the dog world. Despite a lack of high rankings on traditional dog intelligence scales, their adaptive and instinctive intelligence makes them more than capable of amazing feats. They may not perform circus tricks on command, but they’ll certainly impress you with their loyal, sensible, and protective nature.
You’ll just need to unlock their ‘smartness’ by understanding their unique kind of intelligence and, equally importantly, by giving them the respect, kindness, and love they deserve. In return, they will reward you with a lifetime of devotion and love. Viva La Bullmastiff!
