Bullmasador

by Mary Simpson

Published: March 27th, 2017

About Bullmasador

Weight

70-140 lb

Lifespan

10-12 years

Group

not applicable

Best Suited For

committed and active owners, families with children, those looking for a companion watchdog

Temperament

gentle, playful, protective

Comparable Breeds

Labrador Retriever, Bullmastiff

Bullmasador Basics

The Bullmasador blends the gentle nature of the Labrador retriever with the strength and size of a Bullmastiff; rewarding pet owners with a wonderful family pet who is great with kids, eager to please and ready to assume the role of watchdog as needed.

The Bullmasador blends the gentle nature of the Labrador retriever

with the strength and size of a Bullmastiff.

Origin

While today Bullmasadors are a highly popular breed, the exact origin of this hybrid is unclear, it does bring together two well-known dogs – the Labrador retriever a breed that harkens back to the mid-19th century Canada, and the Bullmastiff, a working breed dog that originated in Britain around the same time. The Bullmasador is likely the result of a desire amongst pet owners for a smaller yet still sturdy variation on the extremely large Bullmastiff breed.

Pedigree

As a hybrid, the Bullmasador is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) however he does have pedigree lineage. The Labrador retriever became a member of AKC’s “sporting” group back in 1917 and is identified by the group as being friendly, active and outgoing. The Bull Mastiff joined AKC’s “working” group as recently as 1934 and is described as affectionate, loyal and brave.

Food / Diet

The Bullmasador can eat up to 5.25 cups of dry kibble each day so you’ll need a food that delivers the right balance of nutrients to help prevent joints, muscles, and bones from breaking down. Many blends also include the joint supplement glucosamine to further improve orthopedic health. Because he can be prone to a serious condition known as “bloat” he should be fed via multiple smaller meals throughout the day (versus free feeding), in a bowl or dish that sits on the floor (versus raised feeder), be a large kibble format to slow gobbling, and not have a high-fat content (e.g. not include oil or fat in the first four ingredients on the label).

As a hybrid, the Bullmasador is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) however he does have pedigree lineage

Training

The intelligent Bullmasador is keen to please so will listen carefully and obey quickly. That said, he can be a handful for a first-time owner of a large breed dog so patience, consistency and rewards-based training will be key to obedience and socialization of this gentle giant. If too daunting, consider hiring a professional dog trainer to get your pooch on track from the very start.

Weight

The Bullmasador is still considered one of the largest breeds around and when fully grown, can weigh between 70-140 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior

In spite of his large size, Bullmasadors are known to be a loyal, gentle breed that loves to be part of family activities – particularly when it’s playtime. His faithful nature and urge to protect means he will not hesitate to bark when he feels an intruder is present and he will defend his owner if the need arises. In spite of his energetic nature, this dog is highly adaptive to his environment and does well when indoors.

Common Health Problems

As with many large breed dogs, Bullmasadors are prone to joint issues that include hip and elbow dysplasia as well as arthritis. He is also known to have a relatively high incidence of lymphoma and mast cell tumours and can experience “bloat”, a digestive disorder of the stomach that can prove fatal if not monitored.

Life Expectancy

The Bullmasador has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. His lifespan is somewhat shorter than average for breeds.

Exercise Requirements

Bullmasadors require regular, daily exercise. He isn’t high-energy, so long walks should suffice but he does need to get out and work those muscles. A large fenced yard where he can get out to stretch and explore is the ideal home set up. Puppies in particular need to be kept active and a large backyard will allow him to explore, chase a ball, burn off some energy and start to tone his muscles. Bullmasadors are prone to heat stroke, so on very hot days you may want to fill a kiddy pool for him to cool off in, or bring him inside periodically to get him out of the sun.

Bullmasadors are known to be a loyal, gentle breed that loves to be part of family activities – particularly when it’s playtime.

Recognized Clubs

As a hybrid dog, the Bullmasador is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, however he is a member of the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) and the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA).

Coat

Bullmasador’s have a short, dense, double coat that is relatively easy to maintain. Minimal shedding make him a great fit for owners who don’t want the daily brushing/vacuuming routine that can come with other large breeds. Black and red coats are most typical of the breed, though they can be found with a fawn, brindle or even full black coat. Because he can be prone to ear and eye infections, regular cleaning should be part of the grooming routine.

Puppies

Bullmasador pups continue to grow up to 18 months of age (or older). As his weight could tip 140 pounds, this is a lot of growing over a relatively short period and it makes him highly sensitive to nutrient and caloric intake. Imbalances, deficiencies, and excesses all negatively impact the health of a large breed puppy as growing too quickly can result in joint and bone issues later in life. His diet needs to be specifically formulated to be lower in fat, lower in calcium, lower in phosphorus and lower in vitamin D then regular puppy food. Feed him several smaller meals throughout the day versus free feeding and monitor his weight to ensure he stays within a healthy range. Your vet can share details on what that range should be.

Photo credit: eriklam/Bigstock; desertsolitaire/Bigstock; Julia_Shumenko/Bigstock

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Scientists Uncover Secrets of Extinct "Wooly Dog" Breed

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Discovering that your dog is hurt or in pain is a concerning moment for any pet parent, regardless of the injury. But dental injuries can be particularly stressful. If you have ever experienced a toothache, you understand!Whether your pup chipped a tooth during a rough play session with their best furry friend or while gnawing on a hard chew like a bone or antler, any dental damage must be addressed promptly.Read on to learn how to prioritize your dog’s dental health, including identifying if they may be suffering from a broken or chipped tooth, how to address dental damage and tips for preventing a broken tooth before it happens. Your pup will thank you!Common Signs of a Broken or Chipped ToothThe first step to caring for dental problems is to identify that your dog is experiencing an issue. The signs of dental problems vary considerably. While some dogs won’t show any discomfort, others may demonstrate considerable pain. This is due not only to the difference in a dog’s personality and pain threshold but also the spectrum of injuries that fall under the heading of “dental problems.”Broken teeth can be categorized into three groups:Enamel Fractures: Damage only to the enamel of the tooth.Crown Fractures: Damage extends deeper into the tooth, breaking the crown and exposing the pulp.Root Fractures: The root of the tooth has been broken.Unless you inspect your dog’s teeth regularly and spot a problem, we often have to rely on body language and behavioral changes to know there’s a problem. Unfortunately, dogs are very good at hiding pain, so they may be suffering from a problem for a while before we’re aware that there is an issue.Some of the more common signs of a broken or chipped tooth include:Excessive droolingBloody salivaPawing at their muzzleChewing on one side of the mouthReluctancy to eat and kibble or harder-to-chew itemsRefusal to eat at allAvoiding drinking cold waterGrinding teethSwelling in the faceDiscomfort or reluctance to have muzzle touchedWhining or whimpering Not playing as they would normally Sudden or out-of-character aggressive or anxious behaviorTrembling or shaking

Can I Use Human Hair Shampoo to Wash My Dog?

Making sure your pet’s hygiene is up to standards is an important thing, but you have to be careful about how you go about it. There aren’t a lot of important rules to consider when doggo baths are considered, but you should pay special attention to the type of shampoo that you use. If you are all out of pet shampoo, and you are thinking that a little bit of human shampoo won’t make a difference – think again. Using human hair shampoo on your dog is not recommended, and the reasons for this are many, including negative effects on your pet’s overall health and the quality of their skin and coat. Here’s what you should know before you reach for your shampoo when bathing your pooch.Why You Shouldn’t Use Human Shampoo On DogsThe first and foremost thing you have to consider is pH balance. Human shampoos are formulated to match the pH level of human skin. However, that level is totally different for dogs. Because of this, human shampoo can greatly disrupt the natural pH levels of a dog’s skin, ultimately leading to rashes, irritation, and skin diseases. And the same goes for the ingredients in that shampoo.  Dog shampoos have totally different ingredients compared to human shampoos. The latter has many chemicals that are considered too harsh for dogs. Dogs are prone to skin allergies and sensitivities, and some of the ingredients in human shampoos could make these issues much worse. The allergies can also be triggered by the strong fragrances of human-grade shampoos, which dogs can’t really stand. You should also take into account that a dog’s coat and human hair are totally different. While human shampoos are meant to lather well on hair, they’ll be too soapy for dogs. Rinsing out human shampoo from a dog can be a challenge, and a lot of chemicals can stay trapped in the coat and absorbed through the skin. Ultimately, all of this can leave your dog’s coat damaged, their skin irritated, and their health vulnerable to viruses and skin-borne infections. 

Jack Russell Terrier Adopts and Nurses Six Abandoned Kittens

People grow up believing that cats and dogs are mortal enemies. Phrases like “fight like cats and dogs" just reinforce that belief.But, is this really true? Is there no way for felines and canines to get along? As it turns out, dogs and cats can be more than friends.A Jack Russell terrier, named Teasel, has become a surrogate mom to six abandoned kittens. Sue Stubley, who lives in the Suffolk town of Newmarket, was contacted after a feral cat abandoned her litter. Ms Stubley, who runs Suffolk Hedgehog Hospital in Newmarket, primarily rescues hedgehogs but has agreed to take the abandoned kittens for the night and take them to the cat rescue center the next morning. However, Ms Stubley’s two-year-old Jack Russell had other plans. According to Ms Stubley, Teasel began lactating the same evening and the hungry kittens latched on to feed. “My dog decided that she was going to look after them. She’s lactating, she’s feeding them, she cleans them, she does everything. So it’s actually been quite easy for me,” said Ms Stubley.At first, Teasel wasn’t making enough milk, and Ms Stubley had to supplement the kitten’s feedings. However, the new mom managed to produce a lot of milk the following morning, and the more she nurses, the more she produces. Apparently, Teasel's maternal instinct kicked in quickly. “If anyone comes in that she doesn’t know and picks one of the kittens up, she’ll march over and go and pick them up and bring them to her back again. She’s adopted proper mum behavior.”Ms Stubley was initially worried about how Teasel might react and thought that she might go after one of the kittens. But that never happened.“By the time they were ready for their second feed, they were sat with her and cuddled up with her. Generally, she is a very gentle dog that loves and adores everyone. She loves children, she’s a great little dog. And apparently, her mum was very similar and was very nurturing so it’s obviously something that’s in her nature.” According to BBC, Dr Rachel Grant, a biologist at London South Bank University, explained that such interspecies adoptions are most likely the result of fixed action patterns in which the adopted animal is reacting to a certain trigger from the adoptee. “This sets off a cascade in the brain that elicits the pattern of behavior,” said Dr Grant. The closer the species are to one another, the higher the chances for cross-species adoption to happen. This means that it’s highly unlikely that you’ll ever hear about an alligator nursing a puppy.“In baby mammals, there will be certain features that mammals share with other mammals,” said Dr Grant. “Cats and dogs, for example, are both mammals and the cues that are driving maternal behavior are very similar. They will be responding to certain cues.”When it comes to baby mammals, they will act on an instinct too. In Teasel’s case, the kittens are instinctively “rooting” - like human babies or puppies - for a nipple to feed on. “These things aren’t under conscious control,” Dr Grant explained. The strong maternal instincts exhibited by Teasel show that she’ll be a wonderful mother to her puppies, in case she one day gives birth to a litter of her own. Ms Stubley has already found loving homes for the kittens to go to when they are old enough, but she says she’ll miss them terribly.“As for Teasel, I don’t know how she’ll feel when they’re gone but I think she’s their surrogate mum for life now.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Do I Help A Dog Afraid of Car Rides?

Do you dream of travelling the world with your best friend by your side, but your dog turns into a nervous wreck every time you approach the car? If so, you’re not alone! Many dogs experience car anxiety to some degree, ranging from those who are slightly unsure of the vehicle to those who experience severe levels of stress. Luckily, there are options to manage your dog’s anxiety and even prevent it from happening in the future. In this article, we’ll explore various ways to improve your dog’s relationship with the car, from gradual desensitization to the use of calming treats and other products to make your next road trip easier for everyone! Is Driving Stressful for Dogs? Whether your dog finds car rides to be stressful will vary from dog to dog. Many pups are excited by simply hearing the phrase “car ride” and love sharing that experience with their human family members. However, for some dogs, the idea of getting into a vehicle instantly triggers feelings of stress and anxiety. As dog parents, the best thing we can do is pay careful attention to our dog's nonverbal communication and body language. Although dogs may not be able to speak English, they do a pretty good job of communicating how they are feeling if we know how to listen. How Do I Know if My Dog is Scared in the Car? Interpreting your dog’s body language often involves noting several different behaviors, as fear and anxiety can easily mimic excitement in many ways. For example, fearful dogs may whine when approaching a vehicle because they are afraid of getting into the car. However, approaching the same way with an excited dog may trigger a whine as they anticipate the fun ahead. Other aspects of their behavior, like their stance (standing tall and confident versus hunched low to the ground with their tail tucked), can help you better translate what your dog is trying to tell you.Some of the common signs that a dog is feeling afraid or anxious include: Excessive panting or yawning Licking the lips Whale eyes (showing the whites of the eyes)Large, dilated pupilsEars pressed forward or back against the headCowering or attempting to hideTail tucked between the legs or up and stuffShaking or tremblingSubmissive urinationStaring intently at the trigger Displacement behaviors like sneezing or itchingRefusal to take treats (even if they are typically food-driven)The most important thing to remember is that every dog is different. Your dog may display any combination of the symptoms listed above. No one knows your dog better than you. Trust your gut if you feel that something is off, even if it doesn’t fit the stereotypical fear response.

How Can I Tell If My Dog Has a Fever?

High fever is no joke, and can be quite serious – both for people and their furry four-legged friends. Yes, dogs can have a fever too, and it can be a much more serious condition for them than it is for us. Unfortunately, fever is not an ailment you can spot with your bare eye. Because of this, you will need to thoroughly observe your pet’s behavior and learn how to spot those little details that indicate a fever. Read on as we go through the basics of dog fever and just how to tell if your pet needs your help.Symptoms of Fever in DogsDogs, like humans, can develop a fever as a response to illness or infection. It’s the body’s natural way to fight off the “intruders” in the body. Fever comes in many forms and for various reasons. You can tell if your dog has a fever by observing their behavior and checking for physical signs. Here are just a few of the most common indicators.Increased Body Temperature: 

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