Shannon_C

[quote name='"Anonymous"']I am considering buying a puppy but I am not too sure which breed I'd like. I would like a breed of the Molosser/Mastiff type as the purpose of the dog I want is to guard my property and also be a good companion. [b] As mentioned above, the Bullmastiff back in the 19th-century Britain had a task of apprehending poachers. The requirement was for a dog of sufficient agility to pursue a man, together with the power to bring him to the ground and hold him there, without savaging. However the breed must not be trained to guard its family and property as there need for this comes later when the Bullmastiff is adult, if these rules are not taken the Bullmastiff will see his family as outsiders in which case the dog will no longer be your companion. There life-span is 10 years [/b]

[b]Oops, here is another link of the Mastiff, many kennels on this one! [url]http://www.oaktrees.org/mastiff.shtml[/url][/b]

[b]Hi Guest. I am from the UK as well. Out of all the Mastiff I own a Bullmastiff as well has 2 other dogs that are a Westie mix and Border Collie mix, however if i had the room i would definately have more Bullmastiffs. I will be looking for 2 more myself in the near future. Lets just say having one is not enough, they become very addictive that you want more. (This is so true that many breeders and owners say the same) so my choice would be the Bullmastiff. Why because they dont drool excessively as the Mastiff, Neopolitan Mastiff, and Great Dane (they only tend to do this when they get hot and had water) a towel should always be handy. They are a very loyal breed, very gentle in there ways like other Mastiffs....sometimes you dont even know you have got one....they are coach potatoes at times and there place is to sleep by the fire or cuddle up to you. They do need careful upbringing from pups to adult as they are prone to serious Hip Dysplasia from being overexercised when there bones are still developing, if these are not taken seriously, the pup can end up with being permanantly damaged, from 18 months old they will take as much has you can give them. Bloat is another serious condition, this can be prevented if you keep to regular feeding times, and feed two small meals daily rather than one large one. Exercise the dog well before his meals are due, and never directly after he has been fed. Allow him to rest after he has eaten, and discourage any boisterous games until at least half an hour after his meal. (Same goes with the Mastiff) If you would like to know more, rather than me writing a long message, here is a link which i find is the best on the net about the Bullmastiff. [url]http://www.bullmastiffinfo.org/your.htm[/url] Here is a Mastiff site as well. [url]http://www.yiffle.com/animals/pets/dogs/breeds/byname/mastiffs/[/url] I suggest what ever you choose, do your research first as not all large breeds suit everyone and visit and talk to as many breeders/kennels as you can to find which type you like. Good Luck with your search, if you need any more help please let me know. [/b]

[b]Roo, I have noticed that there are some nice breeders about.....i have spoken to a few, but you also get the odd one that is not. As for this lady who i showed the photo too, she had finished going in the ring and was just sitting there next to her Bullmastiff that i liked the look of....so my fiance and myself thought it was a great opportunity to go and say hello.....she seemed nice at first even when she looked at the photo, but it was only till i said where my Bullmastiff came from and that he was not a show dog, she stuck her nose up...we both saw it as being very rude. It seems that if you dont show a dog many breeders dont see that you should be there! Shows are for everyone to go too, whether you show your dog or not. [/b]

[b]Mine is the same as K. My Bullmastiff is red/fawn...(but this does not mean he is 2 colours, it just means that his colour is light instead of being a solid red.....which is quite rare in the breed today), he had some black that went half way down his tail that formed a ring, and white tips on his toes....the breeder was very honest and said that he might or might not be good for showing, depending on whether the black would fade in time, (which i can say it did even though we just wanted a pet, not a show one) and with this he was also sold at 1/2 price...which as K knows is a true and honest breeder. All i can say is that both K and myself were very lucky to have found such honest breeders, many others are not so lucky! [/b]

[b]Gizmo, im here with you on this one :D I went through the same with my Bullmastiff in September last year when i had him neutered,....i was worried sick about leaving him...i didnt know if he was going to pull through the anasthetic, but i needn't have worried as he was fine. I know your dog will be fine too.....so chin up girl :wink: [/b]

[b]Why should i feel embarrased by my replies i know what im talking about, and England like others countries are not perfect. Im not the one who keeps dogs in rescue and puts them to sleep within a week, because no one as claimed there pets, and as for questions and oppinions, your the only one here who is rude to people telling them to do this, do that, do the other...how the hell do you expect them to take note from someone who as an attitude.....your the one who isnt liked here and you hate that, you have seem many replies in my name that is making you feel slightly envious perhaps ? Yes thats correct i am a Bullmastiff Adviser, i research the breed to find out there needs, you dont have to show or breed your dog to know the Bullmastiff either....yes i have read many books and searched over the net, all in all i know enough. (but as you might no im not the only one)! I am no novice neither. [/b]

[b]Stiff, never mind the wife let the poor dogs in :D [/b]

[b]Jacsmom, he is gorgeous :D I was also advised to give my Bullmastiff large breed puppy food when he was a youngster, many larger breeds do grow up fast, and certain foods which have the necessary ingredients do help!....being over excercised, when pups can course joint problems like Hip Dysplasia! I think i was too cautious with mine though! I didnt want him to get that condition. [/b]

[b] Hi Jacsmom...I am so glad Jac is ok, :D theres always problems arent there with animals :roll: [/b]

[b]Hi Bizness. When you had your puppy, where you given any papers....which would have the names of all your pups relatives ?[/b]

[b]Beagle. I too have a few friends who breed and show there dogs within the Bullmastiff breed, in which one is my Penfriend who lives not far from me. I dont show my dog but i do go occasionally go to see the breed and maybe speak to a few Bullmastiff breeders there, and its seems that because you dont have a dog or you dont have one of there dogs, there seems to be some kind of dislike towards you. I showed someone a picture of my boy and she stuck her nose up at it, and im thinking what is the problem....are people really there to have fun with showing there dogs or are they there to be funny with others. I thought showing was suppose to be about having fun even if you lose, and to get on with people.[/b]

[b]What is everyone elses views on show breeders who have attitudes towards people ?[/b]

[b]Hi Bronxie. My Border Collie used to do this and it got to the point where it was very annoying (dirty habit for a dog to get into) i suggest the litter tray be moved to another room if this is possible, so that your puppy wont be able to get near it only your cat, (i ended up doing this myself)...a cat flap would help so that only your cat can enter the room not the pup (thats if you dont mind have a hole in your door. If that isnt wise another solution is to say 'NO' to your pup everytime she goes towards it, SHE WILL LEARN IN TIME :roll: but if she is allowed to stay in the same room as your cat, her habit will get worse and it will eventually be difficult to stop her. Hope this as helped! GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR PUP :) [/b]

[b]I myself think its ridiculous using the colour silver to ruin the Labrador, after seeing that website of those silvers, they just reminded me of Weimaraners. (The colour looks pathetic) (to those who dont approve), sorry but it as to be said! Why dont breeders just stay with the Black, Chocolate and Yellow colours. Its like the breeds type, i have noticed they have differed in looks over the years....many have narrow heads instead of these lovely round heads. A relative of mine had a Labrador years ago, and she was a good example of the breed...not like the breed today. Its a good job there are still breeders producing the old type. Its such a shame because Labradors are lovely dogs! Here is the link [url]http://hosting.newnorth.net/silverlab/[/url][/b]

[quote name='Nicki']Greensboro Police Search For Person Who Burned DogPolice in Greensboro are looking for the person who set a pit bull puppy on fire early Tuesday morning. Officials said the dog was severely burned and was covered with sores. Authorities said the dog had to be euthanized. Police said felony charges [b]may[/b] be brought against the person responsible. Investigators have not been able to track down the suspect or the dog's owner.[/quote] That is terrible and so sad, who could do this to a defenceless animal, why are these thugs allowed to walk the streets is beyond me, they need more than being charged and being put in prison. :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

[quote name='hockeyfan']I posted before regarding my new min-pin. I have 4 all together, and I've house trained the previous three without a problem. However, this new one is being quite the challenge. :roll: [u]All[/u] methods, and suggestions that I have recieved from my vet, dog trainers, and all you wonderful people here in this forum, have been tried. I understand and expected patience, however, I also expected [u]progress[/u], which there is none. I wonder, is it possible for a dog to be...mentally challenged? :-? I'm really starting to wonder. I know many people with min-pins, and they're beginning to wonder as well. I've discontinued the crate method with concerns for her health. She soils herself in there that she needs a bath everyday, and her skin is starting to become dry and flaky. She does go outside, but not all the way. She holds some of it for when she comes back inside. I've never seen or heard of a dog doing that. :o I don't know what to do anymore, so I'm asking what would you do? [/b][/quote] Hi Hockeyfan. Theres always one :roll:, well here is a link i think you will be interested in to help you with your Puppy's Housetraining! (Some puppies are quick learners, where as others are slow)! [url]http://www.perfectpaws.com/htrp.html[/url] Good Luck!

[quote name='hazelhover']Hello out there! Can any one tell me how to teach a dog to heel? Our last one came "pretrained" and would heel even without a leash (good dog!). Hazel however will just about choke herself everytime she sees a kid or another dog! She's only 3 months, is this too early to leash train? I would like to train her before she reaches her estimated 40 or so lbs. thanks for the help[/quote] Hi there. Training your puppy to walk to Heel is fairly simple once the Sit-Stay exercises have been accomplished. Begin by having your pup sit on your left-hand side on her lead, and after getting the pups attention by calling her name, give command "Heel" and walk briskly forward, always with your left foot first. Walk as fast as you can, keeping her close to your left side with her shoulders more or less level with your left knee; this way she will not be able to cross over in front of you. Go forward, making right turns, left turns and about turns, all the time praising and encouraging her. If she makes a mistake, say "NO" and show her what you want her to do. Most areas have classes for Obedience or Ring Training and either of these are suitable for socialising puppies with dogs of all ages and types, and will also teach her to accept being handled by different people. Good Luck!

[b]My cats seem fine when puppies or dogs come in our home....there might be some hissing, but if left alone long enough they soon get used to it, it doesnt put them off eating or coming over for some attention. Does she pay a lot of attention to her cats ? this could well be triggering the situation ?[/b]

[b]I mean what difference does it make if this dog as been picked up off the street or been in a pound, you still going to say that Aroura should not have her, just because her dog is not used to another dog yet ? How do you think Breeders get on with bringing up other breeds with the elders, (you saying they shouldnt do it either)? Get real will you! If i wanted more dogs now (which i will be in the near future) i would go and get 2 female Bullmastiffs, but because i have 3 already, we dont have the room for any more. The Bullmastiff i have now was 9 weeks, he is now 3 years old and Patch (the Westie mix stray we found) was 10 years old, now 13...yes he did not like the idea of another dog, especially a male coming into his home but he soon got used to him....including the Border Collie mix. In fact the males play together, so who says that a elderly dog wont get on with younger dogs. [/b]

[b]Guest who do you think your talking too, im no child who you think you can have a dig at when you feel like it...you might be but im not. You came aross to Aroura about getting rid of the dog not encouraging her to do whats right, she took it in her heart to take this dog in and give it a good home (many wouldnt)...she says she as done everything she can to find its owner (with no luck)if you think that the owner is going to come looking for her then your wrong because believe me that wont happen. This dog as been dumped, no pet would end up looking tatty and skinny if was cared for, in time these dogs will be great friends so just let it be whoever you are, for god sake! I was in the same situation when i found a puppy (only 6 months old), someone had said he had been thrown out the car as he was lying in the road right outside some stables where i used to ride and this dog had bones sticking out from all directions, his coat was so matted he had to be clipped, his claws had overgrown into his pads which was causing him to limp, he had a cut on his head which we thought he had either been hit by a car or someone had hurt him. We tried everything to find his owner....phoned round all the rescues near and far, put posters up everywhere, we did this for a few weeks but still no one owned up...and personally we knew that they wouldnt....seeing the state that this poor dog was in it was not possible he would be claimed....so we decided to keep him...and we still have him now (age 13) Did you know that when dogs go into rescues, if they arent claimed by the end of the week...they are put to sleep ? I dont know about other countries but it happens in England! I have been bought up with animals and been around dogs over 20 years now, so dont tell me i dont know about or do not have feelings for animals, cause your wrong. To the other Guest, i suppose you know how to introduce dogs then do you ? Guest everyone as to learn these things..its not just something that comes out the blue like (Oh i know how to bring dogs up together, i know how to do that and the other) it just doesnt work like that...everyone needs practice and Aroura as come here to get that advice. What difference does it make if Buffy had worms ? Puddles wont catch it if she is treated regular (which i know she will be). You pair are a disgrace to this forum, you both need to get a life....i dont see it as giving out good advice and i expect others wont either.....im not perfect either. [/b]

[b]RedHotJen. Im glad you didnt think i was imposing, just have to ask questions sometimes! Here are a few links to Bullmastiff breeders who are knowledgable of this breed. [url]http://www.adamswaykennels.com[/url] There dogs are gorgeous, (the type i like) they come from a good line too. Puppies early May for early July, they also have a 2 year old, spayed red/fawn girl who is available. Location: Walkerton, Ontario in Canada [url]http://www.albertapride.com[/url] Another kennel of beautiful Bullmastiffs Reds and red/fawn puppies are due around the end of May, Check out the images at this site (so cute) Location: Alberta, Canada. Have a look at these, if you need any more please let me know! Thankyou [/b]

[quote name='Lafayette Kennels']I want to hear about your happy endings and your wonderful rescues! I recently lost my male gold and white border collie (<--- the one in the picture) and I wanted to do my share by giving back to our canine friends so I went to visit our local animal shelter. I was not sure if love was waiting for me, but sure enough there was. A 3 month old bundle of joy came bounding up to the fence and licked my hand. She did not bark, though just layed down, watching me. I took one look at her and realized she was the one. And so, entered Dayzee, 3 month old German Wirehaired Pointer, liver and white, to our lives. As we walked down the isle way to exit the loud building, another solomn face caught my eye. A 3 year old shepherd/husky mix lay sadly in the back of her cage. Her dark sad eyes told me her previous owners had abused her. I took Dayzee out, crated her and returned to the sad dog. She lay in the back of the cage, not moving. Just watching and hoping. Though I don't think she cared if she got rescued. I think she was just happy to be in a non-abusive environment. I opened her cage and walked in. She looked up, her eyes seemed to glow with spirit. I called her over and she came with a slight limp. I asked the caretaker what had happened to her. She replied "Her owner hit her with a shovel." I almost broke into tears. I know if I did not take her home, she would most certainly be euthanized. I did not want such a loving dog to die with thoughts of only abuse. And so I took her home as well. Bullet, as she is named is as lovable as they come. She runs and plays though surgery is on the way for her torn tendon in her back leg. She weighs 125 lbs. and eats a ton. But we love her. I am so happy that people rescue. Some of the ugliest and most tortured dogs can turn out to be the best pet one can wish for. And I still stress, we need more rescuers and less puppymill/petstore/back yard breeder buyers. I urdge everyone to visit their local shelter and pickup a friends. Though again, do not get it just because its a puppy. Puppies are not just fun toys when they are young. They are a life-long commitment. Thank You, Sierra & Dogs[/quote] Im so glad that Dayzee as found a good owner and will be loved for the rest of her life....wished many would think about these dogs left in shelters, its so sad. I have put a story on this board about my baby who was abused, you can find it at: 'In Memory!

[quote name='GizmoRedNosePit']I was reading The United Kennel Club Breed Standard for the APBT and it said " The APBT is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremly friendly, even with strangers" 8) I'm happy to hear that!!! Now I can tell you all that every dog is diffrent let alone there breed. I agree but I dont. Pitbulls are very loving but if they want to attack becuase they feel threatened I believe they would be good gaurd dogs but they are still better pets personally..... I just want to know everyones opinion!!! :)[/quote] Gizmo. I agree with you 100% about APBT, i can immagine them being so gentle and loving (in the right hands of course)....any breed i would say are not guard dogs but protectors but if there was a time when they needed to be, i know for sure that they would do there best to defend there family and property...as said before dogs are what you make them..which is to be a healthy and happy loving pet to its family, if that is used then you have a protector for life!

[b] My husband and myself will be getting 2 female Bullmastiffs in the near future, and both will be spayed before there first season! We are not into showing so that would not be a problem for us, although we do go occasionally to see the breed and meet friends! (The dogs are our pets, whome we adore). [/b]