| Weight: | 60 – 140 pounds |
| Temperament: | Loyal, protective, intelligent |
| Lifespan: | 9 – 14 years |
| Height: | 23 – 27 inches |
| Suitable for: | Individuals or families who lead an active lifestyle and are in search of a protective companion |
| Colors: | Black and tan, brindle, fawn, black |
The Bullmastiff mixed with German Shepherd is a wonderfully unique and loyal companion that has been gaining in popularity for its excellent temperament, imposing presence, and wonderful versatility. This hybrid was created by carefully breeding the two parent breeds together – the lovable German Shepherd and the ever-steady Bullmastiff – to obtain a canine with specific characteristics from both parents. Therefore, this gorgeous creature makes for an intelligent guard dog as well as an amazing family pet. On top of that, while they are strong and durable, their personality often turns out soft and affectionate instead of intimidating like one might expect from the combined size of these two distinct breeds. Read on to learn more about this awesome mix!
Some Facts about the Bullmastiff German Shepherd Mix:
- Bullmastiffs were originally bred to be protectors
Bullmastiffs have an English heritage, dating back to the mid-19th century. They were primarily utilized to protect estates, tasked with deterring poachers. These dogs were specifically bred for enhanced physical prowess, including their formidable strength, impressive size, swiftness, and aptitude for work.
- German Shepherds tend to be extremely versatile as a breed
The German Shepherd is a highly versatile breed, known for its many roles beyond being the star of a movie. Some examples of its various occupations include guiding the visually impaired, helping law enforcement with criminal pursuits, detecting prohibited substances, and are used in armed forces as well. They also provide companionship to the sick, and manage livestock.
- The mixed breed tend to have a large variety when it comes to appearance
This hybrid breed is known for its substantial size, often falling between the Bullmastiff and German Shepherd parent breeds. They possess a wide range of physical characteristics, with short or medium-length fur coats in various colors such as black and tan, fawn, brindle, or solid black. Some may have the double coat of the German Shepherd, while others may exhibit the strong, powerful build of the Bullmastiff or an athletic, leaner appearance similar to that of the German Shepherd. Additionally, the muzzle can vary in length from short to long or have a medium length. Overall, this mixed breed may display traits from both of its parent breeds.
About the Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a breed of dog that has been around since the late 19th century.. Originating in England, they were bred as guard or catch dogs to help with estate protection, primarily guarding against poachers hunting game on large estates. They are the result of a cross between the Bulldog and Mastiff breeds. By combining these two breeds, the Bullmastiff was born. Athletic and well-muscled, they are distinguished by their short muzzle and square build. They are loyal, gentle and affectionate members of the family but can become protective of their home and family when necessary.
About the German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a breed of dog that has been admired for generations. Originally developed in Germany at the end of the 19th century, the German Shepherd was bred to be an all-purpose working dog. These canines were particularly useful to shepherds, and soon became desirable around the world due to their intelligence, obedience and loyalty. During World War I and II, they were co-opted as police dogs and search-and-rescue animals, furthering their popularity after serving bravely in service to both militaries. Since then, they remain one of the most beloved breeds around the world and are often utilized as service dogs or protectors. It’s no surprise that they have lasted through such changing times since they are so versatile in their roles.
What to expect with a Mixed Breed Dog
Mixed breed dogs, or hybrids, crossbreeds, and mutts, can be a unique and special addition to any family. Despite their unpredictability in terms of temperament, appearance, and grooming requirements due to the complexity of their genetics, having an understanding of purebred characteristics and breed history can prove useful in caring for your mixed-breed dog.
Purebred dogs are known to have predictable temperaments and physical convictions since they come with known pedigrees; however this comes at the cost of potential health risks and abnormalities as a result of years of inbreeding.
Mixed-breed dogs may not suffer from these conditions as much but could have specific issues arising from their genetic makeup. Nonetheless, owning a mixed-breed pet is likely to provide an overall healthier companion with fewer physical ailments than its purebred siblings.
It is therefore recommended to acquire knowledge about each contributing parent breed when caring for a mixed-breed dog – understanding which traits are expected in terms of temperament, behavior and even looks.
An example might be found in a Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix; such a combination will bring together protective attributes with higher intelligence levels than seen in most other breeds.
The Bullmastiff German Shepherd Mix at a Glance
The Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix is one of the most interesting designer breeds around. It combines the size and protective disposition of the Bullmastiff with the agility, intelligence, and loyal nature of the German Shepherd. As an owner of this lovable pup, you will often find yourself in awe at how easily they can switch from serious guard dog to excited companion in moments. These dogs will often be large in size, but despite that, your Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix will certainly be able to keep up when playing games such as fetch or Frisbee in addition to protecting your home and family.
Some of the characteristics that the dog may have that is common between both parents are their large abdomens, ears that are folded, a muzzle that is robust, black patches on their fur and paws that are large. They will also share the same behavioral aspects, like their loyalty, their trainability, protective instincts as well as the boundless energy they often come with.
If you are looking for a loyal, intelligent pup with a unique appearance, then this might just be the perfect breed for you!
Training and the way you treat your dog during it’s upbringing will have a major impact on how it grows up to be
Training a German Shepherd Bullmastiff mix is certainly no walk in the park, but it’s not impossible either. Training and upbringing are essential for any canine, regardless of breed. With a GSD-Bullmastiff mix, you’ll be dealing with a big dog that is naturally eager to please its owners and work hard. The intelligence of a GSD combined with the loyalty and self-assurance of the Bullmastiff makes this hybrid breed highly trainable. Training is critical for a well-trained GSD-Bullmastiff and will ensure that they make an excellent companion to its loving owner, as long as you put in the effort it takes to raise a balanced, obedient pup.
What are Bullmastiff German Shepherds like in terms of personality? Temperament as well as Intelligence
The German Shepherd Bullmastiff Mix has a gentle, yet firm temperament. They are usually calm, gentle and docile, which is why they make great family pets, especially if you have children. Still, it’s important to start socialization early on in order to avoid any hostility towards strangers or other pets. That being said, this particular breed is also excellent when it comes to guard dog duties; their size and presence alone can be enough to ward off potential intruders.
Also Read: Blonde German Shepherd: Complete Guide
Physical Characteristics of the German Shepherd Bullmastiff Mix
The Bullmastiff mixed with German Shepherd can be anywhere between 22 inches to 27 inches in height and 50 to 130 pounds in weight, depending on which breed they take after. You can be sure that your dog is going to be a large dog.
This breed is pretty unique, and the diverse genetics make it difficult to pinpoint what kind of a dog you are going to get. There will be many unique and unknown traits and characteristics you will have to keep an eye out for.
Coat
It is difficult to predict what sort of coat your German Mastiff is going to have. If they take after the Bullmastiff, they will have a short coat that is smooth to touch. If it takes after the German Shepherd, they can have medium to long coats along with a dense undercoat . It could be of a solid color like red, gray or black, or they could have a brindled coat.
Temperament
The German Shepherd Bullmastiff Mix has a gentle, yet firm temperament. They are usually calm, gentle and docile, which is why they make great family pets, especially if you have children. Still, it’s important to start socialization early on in order to avoid any hostility towards strangers or other pets. That being said, this particular breed is also excellent when it comes to guard dog duties; their size and presence alone can be enough to ward off potential intruders.
Grooming
Your dog’s grooming needs will vary, depending on which parent it takes its characteristics from. If your German Shepherd Bullmastiff mix has taken after the Bullmastiff, it will be relatively easier to groom. However, if your dog takes more after its German Shepherd parentage, be prepared to groom your dog regularly.
This breed can have a short coat, a medium-length coat or a long coat. If it has a short coat, you will not need to groom it much. A once-in-a-month bath will be enough to ensure that your dog stays clean. Make sure you give them a quick brush before you bathe them though. If they shed, you can brush their coat once a week to reduce it.
Medium-length coats on the other hand will require some moderate effort in grooming. Since their coats are vulnerable to matting, it is a good idea to brush them every two days or so with a bristle or a pin brush. Bath them every two weeks to keep them clean.
Dogs with long coats on the other hand will require the most effort. If they have a long coat, you can be sure that it is going to be accompanied by a thick undercoat. If this is your pup, be ready to brush them every single day. You will also need to get their undercoat removed two times a year by a groomer.
Apart from that, make sure their ears stay clean. Check them regularly and clean them when it is required. Also, they will need their nails trimmed, so get them into the practice by clipping their nails from when they are pups. It is important that your dog is accustomed to this process, as an adult German Shepherd Bullmastiff mix will be much more difficult to hand if they are skittish around clippers.
Also Check: Short Haired Vs. Long-Haired German Shepherd: What’s The Difference?
Training
Training a German Shepherd Bullmastiff mix is certainly no walk in the park, but it’s not impossible either. Training and upbringing are essential for any canine, regardless of breed. With a GSD-Bullmastiff mix, you’ll be dealing with a big dog that is naturally eager to please its owners and work hard. The intelligence of a GSD combined with the loyalty and self-assurance of the Bullmastiff makes this hybrid breed highly trainable. A well-trained GSD-Bullmastiff will make an excellent companion to its loving owner, as long as you put in the effort it takes to raise a balanced, obedient pup.
Exercise Needs
The Bullmastiff-GSD mix is often a high-energy dog. They require frequent stimulation, both physical and mental, in order to stay happy and satisfied. It is recommended that you provide them with at least 30 minutes of strenuous exercise everyday. However, exercise them for an hour if you can, as that is ideal. Keep in mind though that they are large in size and will love to exercise in an open space where they can play and explore independently. A large ground that is fenced all over is a great choice in that regard.
Lifespan
Due to the uniqueness of this breed, there isn’t enough data to determine the actual lifespan of the breed. However, from what has been observed and by taking the lifespans of its parents into consideration, it can be concluded that they live for at least 9 years and can live for as long as 13 years.
Health Issues
When it comes to the health issues that a German Shepherd Bullmastiff mix can face, one of the more common conditions is hip dysplasia. This condition affects the hips of larger breeds, such as the Bullmastiff and German Shepherd, and is caused by an inadequate development in the ball-and-socket joint in their hips. This can lead to pain, difficulty with movement, arthritis, and even lameness if left untreated.
Another health issue that this mix can suffer from is elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs in the elbow joints and can cause discomfort for your pup due to inflammation or cartilage damage. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair the joint if the symptoms become severe.
Bloat is another problem that these pooches are prone to, which occurs when there is an accumulation of gas in their stomachs as a result of overeating or eating too quickly. Signs of bloat include excessive drooling, restlessness, rapid heartbeat, panting heavily, and collapsing all of a sudden.. It’s important to take them to a vet right away if you suspect they are suffering from bloat as it’s life threatening if left untreated.
Lastly, Cherry eye is another issue this breed may experience due to its loose skin around their eyes. This condition occurs when their third eyelid prolapses and becomes visible on the surface of their eyeball. Surgery is usually required in order to correct it.
In addition to these issues above, German Shepherd Bullmastiff mixes may also suffer from allergies due to both parent breeds being allergic prone animals. You should be on the lookout for skin problems, ear infections, joint issues, heart problems, eye problems and digestive problems.
It’s important for owners of this breed mix to be aware of any genetic predispositions their pup may have inherited from their parents so they can watch out for any signs or symptoms that may occur over time. Regular vet check-ups will also be beneficial in order to identify any potential health concerns before they become more serious medical issues later on down the line.
Pricing
A German Shepherd mixed with Bullmastiff can set you back up to $1200 if you purchase one from a breeder or pet store, but there are cheaper options available as well. It’s possible to find a rescue Bullmastiff mixed with German Shepherd for as low as $350. These dogs are just as loyal and loving, but sometimes require extra patience due to neglect in their past. Additionally, you could potentially find them at a lower price point through private owners who need to re-home their dog for any number of reasons. No matter how much your budget allows, it’s important that the buying decision is based on what is right for your lifestyle and not by price alone.
Is This Dog Breed for You and Your Family
When considering whether or not to get a German Shepherd Bullmastiff mix, it is important to take into account the characteristics and needs of the breed. A German Shepherd Bullmastiff mix is an intelligent, loyal, and brave dog that requires lots of physical and mental exercises to stay happy and healthy.
They make great family pets but may be a bit too large for small living spaces. Additionally, these dogs have a tendency to bond closely with one particular family member and can become suspicious with strangers if they are not socialized properly. They will also need regular medical checks in case of any issues.. However, if you are able to be patient with it, willing to train and exercise them regularly, this wonderful blend of two popular breeds can make a wonderful addition to any household. They will protect you and be very affectionate towards you and your family.
Final Thoughts
The Bullmastiff mixed with German Shepherd is an excellent watch and guard dog, with the added bonus of being gentle and loving with their families. However, it’s important to remember that this breed needs plenty of exercise – ideally an hour per day – as well as regular grooming to keep their coat in tip-top shape if they take after their German Shepherd Parent. With the right care and training, they can be excellent companions for any family.
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