Once upon a time in 19th century England, gamekeepers responsible for protecting the grounds of aristocrats from poachers sought to develop a dog breed that was large, strong, and fearless. But they also wanted these dogs to be dependable and of a calm and composed manner. That’s how the Bullmastiff, a hybrid dog developed from the English Mastiff and the Old English Bulldog, was born. It’s the fascinating tale of a gamekeeper’s trusted companion, who, more than a century later, has transformed into a loving and loyal family pet.
Rewind to those times, and picture the Bullmastiff: a hefty doggo with a muscular structure, patrolling the estates at night, silently tracking trespassers. However, despite their intimidating size, these dogs were never known for their aggression but were admired for their composed nature and the ability to think and react only when necessary.
Fast forward to our present day, Bullmastiffs have retained their calm, controlled demeanor, combined with unbeatable loyalty, physical strength, agility, and a kind of stoic philosophy that makes them perfect for families. While these dogs may look tough and daunting, they are often docile giants who love nothing more than to laze around with their beloved humans, radiating a tranquil aura, beckoning you to sit near them, pat their heads and forget all the daily chaos and clamor.
Interestingly, Bullmastiffs are known as the silent watchdogs. Unlike other breeds that can’t stop yapping at the slightest noise or movement, Bullmastiffs are more composed. They sit quietly, watching everyone, processing everything, and then taking steps only when necessary. A Bullmastiff won’t bark on a whim; instead, they reserve their vocal cords for absolute necessities – when they feel their human’s safety is in jeopardy.
In terms of energy levels, Bullmastiffs score relatively low; they are, quite honestly, the couch potatoes in the dog world. Young Bullmastiffs may display bouts of energetic spells, running around and playing with toys, but as they grow older, their sedate disposition dominates their behavior. Remember, however, every dog’s energy level can be considerably influenced by their health, diet, and amount of daily exercise.
It’s interesting to note that a key trait in the Bullmastiff’s calm demeanor is its intelligence. Bullmastiffs are smart and quickly learn to differentiate between real threats to their family and harmless encounters. Therefore, it’s rare for a well-brought-up Bullmastiff to get anxious, fearful or aggressive in everyday scenarios – be it receiving a house guest or encountering another dog during a walk.
Their calm temperament, however, does not mean that Bullmastiffs lack personality. In fact, every Bullmastiff has its quirks. They have a strong sense of humor and enjoy “goofing around”, making you laugh is one of their favorite pastimes and, trust me, they’re good at it! Combine this with their adorable droopy eyes and expressive face – you’ve got a companion who speaks volumes through their eyes, charming your entire family.
Undeniably one of the best things about Bullmastiffs is their gentleness with children. These dogs inherently understand the need to be patient and gentle with little ones. They often form an incredibly close bond with the children in the family, adopting the role of a guardian cum best friend. These dogs are more than willing to endure the tugs and pulls of toddlers, calmly putting up with any annoyances.
The key to nurturing a Bullmastiff’s naturally calm disposition, however, lies in early and ongoing socialization efforts. As a Bullmastiff owner, it’s critical to expose your pup to different environments, people, and other pets from an early age. As you do so, be sure to emphasize positive experiences. Over time, your Bullmastiff will be familiarized with a variety of situations, enabling them to approach new experiences with ease and confidence.
Likewise, obedience training is vital for Bullmastiffs. Given their size, these dogs need to understand their boundaries from an early age. Training should be conducted in a gentle yet assertive manner, highlighting positive reinforcement methods. Remember, Bullmastiffs may portray an exterior of hardiness, but they’re softies at heart. Harsh training techniques can actually make them build walls, inhibit learning, and hamper their calmness.
To sum up, yes, Bullmastiffs are indeed calm dogs. Despite their strong, intimidating physical structure, Bullmastiffs are inherently calm, gentle, and quite the sweetheart. They make excellent family dogs and are particularly good around children. With the right socialization and training, a Bullmastiff can become the epitome of a calm canine companion. So, if you’re looking for a loving, protective, and peaceful friend for life, consider welcoming a Bullmastiff into your home.
But remember, owning a Bullmastiff, like any pet, requires a commitment of time, patience, and love. Ensure that you’re ready to devote the necessary attention to your Bullmastiff’s training, socialization, and healthcare needs. In return, you’ll be rewarded with unconditional love, loyalty, and a faithful friend for life. After all, the majestic yet humble Bullmastiff truly personifies the saying, “the dog is a man’s best friend.” You just have to experience it to believe it.
