Bullmastiff Advisory Home Medicine & Genetics - includes information on hip and elbow dysplaysia, eye problems, cancer, etc. Training & Temperament - includes information on training your Bullmastiff, temperament evaluations, etc. Nutrition & Weight - includes information on selecting proper dog foods, supplements, weight control, etc. Question & Answer Forum - available list of volunteers willing to answer your Bullmastiff Related Question via email. Bullmastiff Organizations - list of Bullmastiff Organizations of all types from all over the world! Bullmastiff Advisory - Bullmastiff Owner Support When You Need It!
Common Bullmastiff
Health & Genetic Defects

Hip Dysplasia

Elbow Dysplasia

Thyroid Dysfunction

Eye Disorders

Kidney Disease

Bloat

Cancer

Heart Problems

Temperament

DNA
Cruciate Ligament Ruptures

You should always consult a Licensed Veterinarian first for medical and health issues.  Only a Licensed Veterinarian will be able to properly diagnose and treat your Bullmastiff.

Bullmastiff Cosmetics

Brindle Bullmastiffs
Dudley Bullmastiffs
Long-haired Bullmastiffs

Emergency Care

First Aid

Before You Buy
That Bullmastiff Puppy

Questions to ask a Bullmastiff Breeder

You should always consult a Licensed Veterinarian first for medical and health issues.  Only a Licensed Veterinarian will be able to properly diagnose and treat your Bullmastiff.

Before adopting a Bullmastiff, potential owners should be aware of the genetic disorders common to the Bullmastiff breed.  Veterinarians and Bullmastiff Breeders will sometimes conflict on what one specific defect would be considered as inheritable or not (for example, hip dysplasia and thyroid dysfunction).  The bottom line for the defects listed here is that there has been more than enough evidence to give a positive determination that at least these disorders are congenital.  Improper care of a Bullmastiff puppy by the owner will increase the severity of the defect as well.

Always ask to see the documented proof of the test results before buying that Bullmastiff puppy!

Some Bullmastiff Breeders may tell the truth about the defects that exist or may have existed in their lines - others will not.  The later is very unfortunate because if a Bullmastiff Breeder is not willing to come forward and share their information - they not only taint another breeder's line with whom they breed with, but they also hinder the progress of improvement that the Responsible Bullmastiff Breeders are trying to achieve.   In the war of careless breeding, the Bullmastiff and the Puppy Buyer pays the ultimate price in grief, pain, and medical bills.  There is nothing more devastating than having to put down a Bullmastiff that is less than 5 years old who should have been enjoying the prime of their life. 

The articles presented on this site are to help you make an educated determination so that you will be able to do the following:

  • Ask the breeder about these specific defects that may or may not exist in their line
  • Ask the breeder about the specific testing that they have done to ensure a congenitally sound litter
  • Be able to identify what you are reading in the documented proof presented to you by the breeder
  • Recognize basic symptoms in order to promptly get veterinary care for your Bullmastiff
  • And to properly prepare you should your Bullmastiff be diagnosed with any of these problems.

Keep in mind, the above list of health problems is a short interpretation of the Bullmastiff Standard Definition(s) and from the inputs of other Bullmastiff Breeders who have experienced these problems.  Realize that the Bullmastiff is also prone to all other defects that affect the canine species.

If you notice a sudden change in your Bullmastiff's behavior - take him or her to the vet.  Bullmastiffs cannot talk - therefore, their expression of pain are shown through changes in behavior or misbehavior.  Anything that seems out of the ordinary for your beloved Bullmastiff should be investigated by a licensed veterinarian as soon as possible.

Other Articles about Canine Genetics & Breeding:

A Final Thought:

Are the Bullmastiff Breeders today doing "everything" possible to produce a sound Bullmastiff - genetically?  Or is too much emphases being placed on "cosmetics", that "exceptions" are made if the Bullmastiff "looks" wonderful conformation-wise?  Is it still possible to create a "genetically sound" Bullmastiff?  Is it "ok" to go ahead and breed a Bullmastiff that although he/she currently does not show any congenital defects - his/her's littermate does?  Was the breeding stock tested too early before maturity to really make an accurate call? 

Click Here to Email Your Question to Consultants!Medicine & Genetics Question & Answer Forum:

 

 

Contributed by her owner Linda Thompson of Gemstone Bullmastiffs.  "Bubbles" was bred by Anita Lewis and Jean Robinson of Leatherneck Bullmastiffs.  Her official registration name is AKC CH. Leatherneck's Pink Champagne.  Power The Dog of ORLOK as donated by her breeder Ghislaine Assink.  Brindle Bullmastiff puppy out of "The Dog of Orlok".  Born 2 April 2000, Power is out of Moraya The Dog of ORLOK and Turbo Tyson of Forest Rangers. Presley The Dog of ORLOK as donated by her breeder Ghislaine Assink.  This is a beautiful representation of a brindle Bullmastiff puppy out of the kennel "The Dog of Orlok". Rescued by Mickey Mullen of Florida Bullmastiff Rescue, this is Bumper in his new home and on his new couch. Alex at 13 weeks old, contributed by Chris Lezotte and Alan Kalter of HappyLegs Bullmastiffs.  Although a bit "off color" from the traditional Bullmastiff standard, these Dudley Bullmastiffs still make wonderful pets!

All Rights Reserved.  Copyright 1994 - 2001 BullmastiffInfo.org
Click Here for Website Dedications
Disclaimers & Notices
Please report all technical questions to the Webmaster.
This site is best viewed in screen resolution 1024 x 768 and browser MS Internet Explorer 5.0 or above.
Website engineered and maintained by Ahmylan Impressions, Incorporated.

Return to BullmastiffInfo.org