Urbandream Bullmastiffs

Located in South London

 

    All about Bullmastiffs.

Originally Bullmastiffs were a combination of 40% English Bulldog and 60% English Mastiff. They were bred specifically to accompany gamekeepers on their rounds, being able to track well and having sufficient size and strength to tackle and overpower a poacher.

They are classified as a Working Dog. The English Bulldog from which the Bullmastiff is bred from is quite different from today's modern version. The English Bulldog of the 19th century was a more athletic dog than many of today's, although the loyal and calm temperaments are still the same.


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Breed Characteristics
 

This being said, if the family is loving and welcoming, getting a grown Bullmastiff dog through rescue contacts is a wonderful option, for those that don't want to go through the early "puppy" years. This is a quote from a long-time breeder of Bullmastiffs and rescue contact, "An overwhelming percentage of rescue dogs (dogs who have the most reason to be wary) settle in new homes with the greatest of ease. Almost all of the Bullmastiffs I meet in other people's homes are immediately outgoing and interested in being my best friend. Believe it or not Bullmastiffs can be quite cuddly and demonstrative. They must be integrated as a member of the family. I would say they are not very suitable for being an outdoor dog.

Bullmastiffs are also very good with children. Their easy going nature and calmness, tend to make them able to tolerate the energy of younger kids. But again, due to their size constant parental supervision is required.

They are a naturally protective dog. They have a suspicious nature in regards to strangers and "size" people up. Sufficient socialisation is extremely important due to this fact. They also naturally "guard" their family members. Bullmastiffs are constantly attentive and curious about their surroundings and will be alarmed if any danger is perceived to their pack. These two factors make, in my opinion, make on-going training and early puppy socialisation, all important. Without it, Bullmastiffs can become over-protective and over-aggressive towards strangers and other dogs, etc. The most amazing thing about Bullmastiffs is their ability to sense people's intentions - they seem to know instinctively the difference between a "bad" person and a harmless visitor to their property.

Bullmastiffs do not tend to tolerate LARGE variances in tThey present an aristocratic, attentive and intelligent look. The Bullmastiff is distinguished from the English Mastiff by its smaller size and more compact face.

They have been described as: intelligent, loyal, stubborn, laid back, family oriented, stoic, and even-tempered. Bullmastiffs rarely bark unless there is a reason. There is a minimal amount of slobbering associated with a Bullmastiff, usually after eating or drinking. They are a dog that requires consistent and fair training. They do not take well to being bullied into something but will accept leadership. Obedience work with Bullmastiffs can be challenging as they are independent thinkers, but once learned it sticks!

The Bullmastiff seems to be very easy-going and as such tends to integrate well with other dogs. But as with any breed, you should start socialisation early. Puppy kindergarten type situations are definitely recommended. As far as the Bullmastiffs relationship to other animals (other than dogs) I can only draw on my own experience; my Bullmastiff is extremely gentle with cats, birds, hamsters, etc. (can anyone else give me any info?). I have heard from others that size rather than aggressiveness is often more an issue when being around other animals. Often Bullmastiffs don't realise their size and can hurt a smaller dog, or cat, with rough-house play.

In relationship to people, Bullmastiffs tend to be one family dogs. They bond extremely close with "their" people and can be suspicious of strangers. Early puppy interaction with lots of different people is key to overcoming potential problems due to thisemperature. They do not like extreme heat or extreme cold. I have heard from people that some Bullmastiffs do like the snow.


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Exercise Requirements

The Bullmastiff is not a high-energy dog. One longish walk every day should take care of required exercise. But play sessions, trips to exciting places and other highlights should be incorporated as they will otherwise tend to get bored.

NOTE: Bullmastiffs do tend to have a high tolerance for pain and often will not complain about discomfort until the condition is quite bad.

Grooming Requirements
Bullmastiffs are a short-haired dog which have minimal shedding. The brushes I have found that work the best are: rubber palm brushes used in a circular motion to lift out dead hair and bring the oil to the surface followed by a slicker brush to trap the hair. A grooming session at least once a week should be sufficient.

Ear cleaning is a must as is nail clipping.

Would recommend teeth cleaning using an enzymatic toothpaste.


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Specific Health Problems

1. As with any large to very large breed, hip dysplasia is a problem. Suggestions are to make sure that both parents and grand-parents have been screened for hip dysplasia, either vet-cleared or OFA-cleared.

2. OCD "osteochondritis dissecans" - in the elbow can be particularly bad. They now OFA elbows.

3. Hypo-thyroidism - this can cause many problems and you should ask about this in parents and grand-parents. Although it can be controlled with medication I would not knowingly buy a puppy or dog at risk for this disease.

4. Eye problems "cherry eye" - can develop problems with the bottom lid poking through - this can be corrected with surgery. Entropia - eyelashes growing inside the eyelid. This can be corrected with surgery. The symptoms are: puffy eyes with discharge, eyes that look half closed.

5. Renal failure - probably mostly due to the hypo-thyroid condition if it is present.

6. Lymphoma Sarcoma - have talked to some Bullmastiff breeders who are seeing an alarming trait in some lines with the development of Lymphoma Sarcoma. I would talk with the breeder to make sure that this trend did not exist in past litters of both parents and grand-parents.

While this seems like a large list it should be remembered that the occurrences of some of the above conditions is rare. Hip dysplasia probably being the most common condition. As far as the breed as a whole, my vet has said it has very few commonly occurring medical problems as far as her vet science books are concerned.


British Breed Standard

General Appearance. Powerful build, symmetrical, showing great strength, but not cumbersome; sound and active.

Characteristics. Powerful, enduring, active and reliable.

Temperament. High spirited, alert and faithful.

Head and skull. Skull large and square, viewed from every angle, fair wrinkle when interested, but not when in repose. Circumference of skull may equal height of dog when measured at top of shoulder; broad and deep with well filled cheeks. Pronounced stop. Muzzle short; distance from tip of nose to stop approx. one third of length from tip of nose to centre of occiput, broad under eyes and sustaining nearly the same width to end of nose; blunt and cut of square, forming right angle with upper line of face, and at same time proportionate with skull. Under jaw broad to end. Nose broad with widely spreading nostrils; flat, neither pointed nor turned up in profile. Flews not pendulous, never hanging below level of lower jaw.

Eyes. Dark or hazel, of medium size, set apart the width of the muzzle with furrow between. Light or yellow eyes highly undesirable.

Ears. V shaped, folded back, set on wide and high, level of occiput giving square appearance to skull which is most important. Small and deeper in colour than body. Point of ear level with eye when alert. Rose ears are highly undesirable.

Mouth. Level desired but slightly undershot allowed but not preferred. Canine teeth large and set wide apart, other teeth strong, even and well placed.

Neck. Well arched, moderate length, very muscular and almost equal to skull in circumference.

Forequarters. Chest wide and deep, well let down between forelegs, with deep brisket. Shoulders muscular, sloping and powerful, not overloaded. Forelegs powerful and straight, well boned, set wide apart, presenting a straight front. Pasterns straight and strong.

Body. Back short and straight, giving compact carriage, but not so short as to interfere with movement. Roach and sway backs highly undesirable.

Hindquarters. Loins wide and muscular with fair depth of flank. Hind legs strong, and muscular; with well developed second thighs, denoting power and activity, not cumbersome. Hocks moderately bent. Cow hocks highly undesirable.

Feet. Well arched, cat-like, with rounded toes, pads hard. Dark toenails desirable. Splay feet highly undesirable.

Tail. Set high, strong at root and tapering, reaching to hocks, carried straight or curved, but not hound fashion. Crank tails highly undesirable.

Gait/movement. Movement indicates power and strength of purpose. When moving straight, neither front nor hind legs should cross or plait, right front and rear left legs rising and falling at the same time. A firm back line unimpaired by powerful thrust from hind legs denoting a balanced and harmonious movement.

Coat. Short and hard, weather resistant, lying flat to body. Long silky or woolly coats highly undesirable.

Colour. Any shade of brindle, fawn or red, colour to be pure and clear. A slight white marking on chest permissible. Other white markings undesirable. Black muzzle essential, toning off towards eyes, with dark markings around eyes contributing towards expression.

Size. Height at shoulder: dogs63.5-68.5 cms ( 25-27 ins. ); bitches 61-66 cms ( 24-26 ins.). Weight: dogs 50-90 kgs ( 110-130 lbs. ); bitches 41-50 kgs. ( 90-110 lbs. )

Faults. Any departure from the forgoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to the degree of fault.

Note. Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.



CANCER IN THE BULLMASTIFF


Cancer is the leading non-accidental cause of death in dogs in this country. It is common in all breeds and the rate of cancer increases with age. 
Cancer (also known as neoplasia) is caused by the uncontrolled, unrestrained growth of cells in the body. It cannot be considered as a single disease since cancer can arise from any tissue in the body, and some forms have the ability to spread (metastasize) throughout the body. Cancers can be very aggressive and spread rapidly, or they can be slow-growing and non-invasive. The cause of cancer in dogs, as in humans, is largely unknown, although there are many theories involving environmental factors, diet, vaccines, and genetic pre-disposition to specific forms of cancer. At this point, there is not enough conclusive evidence to point to any cause in particular.


Cancers fall into two basic categories:

sarcomas, which are derived from structural tissues such as bone, muscle, or cartilage, and
carcinomas, which are derived from non-structural tissues such as blood, glands, and skin.
Despite its reputation, cancer is considered to be one of the most treatable of all chronic diseases, especially when detected early. The AVMA and the Veterinary Cancer Society have developed a list of 10 common warning signs:


Abnormal swelling that persists or continues to grow
Sores that do not heal
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
Offensive odor
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
Persistent lameness or stiffness
Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating.

If your Bullmastiff exhibits any of these symptoms, prompt evaluation by a veterinarian is imperative. Remember, if cancer is found early, it can be treated more effectively.

 

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

 


A look back to the modern dog's wolf-like ancestor which roamed the plains and forests millions of years ago shows how critical it was to be able to move freely and rapidly in search of prey. Nature was quite uncompromising. If enough food couldn't be caught or stolen due to an inability to run, jump, twist and turn then starvation would be the only alternative. When supper was provided by another this need for excellence declined, so being a bit slower and being a bit stiff on a leg didn't matter so much.  The dog's association with man for more than 10,000 years may appear to have been to mutual advantage but some debts wait to be paid; one of these debts concerns a condition called hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia (HD) is a term which encompasses a number of specific developmental and other abnormalities involving the hip joint. Developmental changes come first and being related mainly to growth are known as primary changes. Others come later; these are related to wear and tear from usage and are termed secondary changes. The end result is that one or a pair of joints becomes mechanically unsound and therefore does not function properly. An unsound joint is usually a painful one and lameness will result. In extreme cases the dog may find movement very difficult and much suffering will be involved.

It was in the light of these findings that the British Veterinary Association (BV A) and the Kennel Club (KC) developed a scheme some 30 years ago to assess the degree of hip malformation of dogs through radiography. Over this time almost 100,000 radiographs (X-rays) have been examined to provide a standardised opinion on HD status, principally for the use of breeders. Currently 97 breeds are surveyed by the scheme in the UK.

 

Normal hips, the projection of the pelvis, the spine, the tail and the legs is straight with one side of the anatomy being a mirror image of the other.

 

Severe hip dysplasia (total score98).  There is considerable new bone formation completely altering the anatomies of the 'ball' and the 'socket' on each side.

STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

The hip joints of land animals and even some birds are remarkably similar. The design has withstood the test of time and usage by countless species and is close to anatomic perfection. Where mobility, meaning athleticism is needed the normal hip is an ideal way of enabling the transfer of power from the hind leg muscles to the body so that the creature is driven forward with strength and speed. The close relationship of the 'ball' to the 'socket' permits rapid changes of direction and the strength of the supporting structures of ligaments, tendons and muscles makes the hip a unit. Large joint surfaces of cartilage lubricated by joint fluid ensure smooth pain-free action. Little wonder, then, that any disturbance to this ideal circumstance has such dire consequences.

DEVELOPMENTAL DEMANDS

It is argued that dogs are not born with hips affected by dysplasia (unlike humans suffering from the disease). Hip modelling, otherwise termed development, can worsen with the passing of time, most particularly during the rapid growth phase between 14 and 26 weeks of age. Unwelcome changes in anatomic relationships within the joint start in early puppyhood with first usage and continue through into young adulthood. Wear and tear from exercise of the distorted joint is followed by varying amounts of inflammation and degeneration resulting in re-modelling change. It is not hard to understand why things happen so quickly and how critical a whole series of factors in the dog's life are, when realising some animals treble their size and weight during a three­month period of adolescence. Getting all the many nutritional needs in the right quantity, to the right place and at the right time requires a mastery of logistics. However, it has to be realised that this apparent basic requirement overlays the parts played by inheritance and other factors, for example the type of exercise taken and the degree of body weight.

THE BVA/KC HD SCHEME

All radiographs submitted to the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme  are assessed by means of scoring. The hip score is the sum of the points awarded for each of nine radiographic features of both hip joints. The lower the score the less the degree of hip dysplasia present. The minimum (best) score for each hip is zero and the maxi­mum (worst) is 53, giving a range for the total of 0 to 106. 

The average score of the breed, or the 'breed mean score', is calculated from all the scores recorded for a given breed and is shown alongside its range thereby giving a representation of the overall hip status of the breed. All breeders wishing to try to control HD should breed only from animals with hip scores well below the breed mean score. 

Sires (fathers) to be bred from should only be ones whose progeny (offspring) have achieved consistently low scores. The same selection procedure should be used for bitches for breeding, since the use of animals with higher than ideal scores may make the risk of producing offspring with high scores much greater.  This circumstance is not only disappointing and potentially costly    in terms of compromised breeding plans, but may lead to  subsequent civil court action.

For the hip scoring scheme to be meaningful and successful in    the attempt to control this serious disease it is important that all radiographs taken under the scheme are submitted for scoring, whatever the apparent state of the hips, in order that the information gathered is as relevant as possible. It is only by this means that  proper conclusions may be drawn by the scheme's statistitians, geneticists  and veterinary advisers.

SIGNS, APPEARANCE AND PATHOLOGY

Hip dysplasia, because it can be made up of a picture of joint looseness, new bone formation or bone loss and inflammation and pain, can show up in a range of signs from apparent soundness through lameness to degrees of exercise intolerance. Combine these findings with the fact that some breeds and some individuals are more stoical than others and there is no predicting, just by looking from the outside, to what degree a particular dog has or hasn't got HD. More reliable is the clinical examination which is likely to reveal limitation of movement of the affected hip, probably reduction in muscle mass of the limb and some degree of pain. Remember, a dog with HD in the normal course of life does not show discomfort by, say, yelping, mainly because the pain is likely to be continuous as opposed to sudden and unexpected. The only way to assess properly the presence or relative absence of HD is by radiography. This is an accurate photographic way of showing the position of the ball of the joint in relation to the socket and the presence and degree of any secondary changes.

CAUSES

If HD was caused by a single factor then it would have been fully under­stood and largely overcome by now. It is known that two factors determine whether HD is to occur and, if so, how bad it will be inheritance and what is termed 'environment'. The former relates to the genetic code passed to the offspring by both parents and the latter to all the outside influences which alter and mould the growth and functions of the bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscles of the body. In simplistic terms the genetic code is rather like the architect's building blue­prints and, the environment, the builders and their materials. In HD the architect gets things wrong to a greater or lesser extent but the builders have the greater influence on how things look and function in the final analysis.

                                   

Right hip in close up. Minor degree of hip dysplasia (single hip score: 10)     

   

Right hip in close up. Gross degree in hip dysplasia (single hip score :32).  Both  the 'ball' and the 'socket' show marked new bone formation and are distorted in shape.

TREATMENT

Alleviating some or most of the signs of pain and limitation of movement caused by HD is made possible due to sophisticated medicines and surgery. Applied heat, massage, good bedding and correct exercise also play a part in caring for a dog with HD. Professional advice is alvrays necessary to ensure the right combination of therapies is applied.

HOW DO I GET MY DOG'S HIPS X-RAYED?

An owner should make an appointment with their veterinary surgeon for hip radiography to be carried out under the scheme. This may require admission to the veterinary practice for a short period or a day.  

Sedation or general anaesthesia will be required since the manual restraint of animals during radiography is only permitted under exceptional circumstances. Additionally, the radiograph must be of the highest photographic quality and the projection of all the required structures must be as dictated by the rules of the scheme (copies of which are available from the BVA).

The advice of the practice staff should be followed regarding any period of 'nil by mouth', the time of the appointment and the need in every case to present at the time of the procedure the Kennel Club registration and, if appropriate, transfer certificates. It is a requirement of the scheme that the registration number is indelibly printed on to the radiograph. It will be necessary for the owner of the dog or his agent to sign the scoring sheet there by signifying the identity of the animal in question and associated details, giving permission for the results to be published and to be subjected to genetical and sta­tistical research.

The minimum age of the dog at the time of the radiography is 12 months; there is no upper age limit. Dogs may not be scored under the scheme more than once.

The cost of the procedure will be a composite of the veterinary surgeon's fee for taking the radiograph and the fee forwarded with the film to the BVA. The latter covers the fees paid to the scrutineers appointed under the scheme, a reimbursement of costs incurred by the Kennel Club and an administration charge made by the BVA.

By John Foster, BVSc, CertVOphtal, MROVS

This information was reproduced from the British Veterinay Association.