Bull Mastiffs?

[Divine Boxer]

Hello everybody, this is actually the first topic I've
ever posted although I've been reading the forums
for a while now.

I currently have a male boxer that is about 13 months
old and am thinking of getting another dog. The breed
in particular is the Bull Mastiff (of course topic).
I've went and read a bit and have found these dogs
very interesting. They seem to be somewhat like a
Boxer although a little taller and more built. I have
also read that they can be a bit more protective than
boxers and are not quite the clown.

So I was wandering if any of you all have or know of anyone
that has a Bull Mastiff and perhaps a Boxer too. Will they
get along? Are they basically bigger boxers? I would
appreciate any comments involving knowledge and or experiences with this breed. Thanks for the help.

 

[Lava Linda]

I've known only one Bull Mastiff, and he wasn't very boxer-like in personality. He was a big sweetheart, but more sedate and much less playful than the boxers I've known. I would imagine they'd get along though, if raised in a loving environment....
Why you'd want anything but another boxer is beyond me, but I may be a little biased.

That mastiff reminded me very much of my old rottweiler, Michaela. She was a pure love, but absolutely would not play with me. She had a rough first four years before I got her from rescue, so maybe that's why, but she just didn't understand the concept of playing with humans, although she would sometimes play with another dog. The mastiff wasn't that extreme, but he did remind me of her at the time.

Sorry I can't be of any more help, but I'm sure others will know more!

 

[Billysmum]

I agree with Lava Linda - why would you want anything but a Boxer? You'll see that I have a Rottweiler along with my Boxer - but Billy is my first love!

A friend has a Mastiff and it is very sweet, very gentle with her children (age 6 4 and 6mths), and very placid generally.

I don't think that they are 'playful' dogs like Boxers are. Also I'm told that they don't need a lot of exercise as they have a very slow metabolism - I don't know if that's true though.

Good luck anyway - they are handsome dogs (but not as handsome as boxers!)

 

[MarinaS]

What i would really do if I were you and were getting another big dog - I would chose a dog of a different gender to what you have now. At walks we came across bull-mastifs a few times, they seemed to be very slow and kind but their owners said that in fact they were very protective and could be very fast too. And they didn't tolerate dogs of the same gender. Since they all were males, they played with Tina all right and were friendly, but none of the owners let them off leash until he/she was sure Tina was a girl. I understand not all dogs are of the same temperament, but you have to keep this in mind just to be on the safe side.
What surprised me more - dispite their big size they eat less than Tina does (according to the owners). Something related to their lack of activity so it's better if they under-eat a little to keep them in a good shape and prevent from getting fat.
Personally I like these dogs. In fact my husband was begging to get a bull-mustif instead of getting another boxer, but I cannot imagine myself walking this huge dog (as I do it more often than anyone in the house). The only lady with a bull-mustif was twice as big as I am and her weight might have helped her to stop the dog if he rushed all of a sudden. Of course good training will help, but you never know...

 

[Alisha Mobley]

There is a lady at the training facility I use that has a female Bull Mastiff. She has been in 2 of Tyson's classes and in Pru's agility class. This dog wasn't very active at all. I couldn't imagine her with a Boxer, Pru tried to play with her but she would just stand there then would growl and lunge at Pru I guess because Pru wouldn't leave her alone. Her energy level compared to the Boxer was next to nothing. I'm not sure if all Bull Mastiffs are like this but if so then I wouldn't think they would make a very good play mate for a Boxer. If your just wanting a bigger Boxer then go to a Breeder who produces large Boxers. Your male couldn't ask for anything more than a Boxer play mate. They will keep each other wore out and keep you entertained while doing so. I've allowed my dogs to play with many different breeds and no other breed plays like a Boxer. They understand each other much better, they have their own way of doing things that other breeds don't understand and don't like. When my Boxers play with another dog or group of dogs most of the time the other dog will intrepid the play as agression but that's just how they play.

 

[Coco's Mom]

My best friend has a bullmastiff,and she is a sweetheart.Her name is mango,she and coco used to play all the time until she moved.She does not have the same energy level as coco.They tend to be big couch potatoes.one little run accross the yard and she needs a nap.She is wonderful with the kids,always wants to eat,and talk about drooling it is like a faucet.Compared to a boxer they are very,very,very,very lazy.As far as protection,she does bark when someone comes to the house but,she is somewhat of a chicken,but who knows when push comes to shove I am almost sure she would do what she needed to do to protect her family.Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

 

[karens]

My friend used to breed and show Bull Mastiffs, never known them to be mean. I have to agree with most, a pretty inactive, not very playful, but very sweet dog.

 

[Gail Lyons]

I've never owned a bull mastiff, but my previous dogs have been mastiffs......as a rule, they are great dogs, with kids and other animals, but much more mellow than boxers...I'm sure they would get along, but, I wouldn't count on them playing together very long.....like everyone else said,,mastiffs in general seem to be pretty laid back and would rather nap than run around.....

 

[Mike & Nala]

Mastiffs

I have seen several at the Dog Park. They seemed even tempered and happy. One was missing a front leg. He got along okay. They aren't as active as a boxer and do not require as much excercise. But a daily walk is still needed. I also met one on a walking path, when I had my late boxer Sugar with me. It was being walked by 3 children aging 6 thru 9. Sugar ran up to it and it growled a warning. This was a huge Bull Mastiff, 130 pounds of muscle and jaws with exceptional crushing power. much more power than any other dog. This dogs mouth was made for crushing. It occured to me I might not be able to save Sugar had it attacked her. I weigh 220 pounds and am in very good shape. This is the possible problem if you own this animal. Can you control it. I am not saying they are aggressive, however I can tell you as stated in other replies they are more protective. Along with that protection comes the possibility of aggression on the part of the animal. Good Luck.

P.S. I almost got a Bull Mastiff before I got a boxer. In hindsight, I made the best decision for me!!!

Mike & Nala

 

[Divine Boxer]

Thanks everybody for their replys so far. This is
a very tough decision. But at the moment I'm still
leaning towards the BM. Yes, like you all said they
can be quite protective. But if they had proper training
and socialization wouldn't that help keep them under
control? And if raised as a puppy with my boxer you
think they would get along. The BM may even become
protective of the boxer as I have no other "children".
Thanks again for everybodys help, any other comments
or advise would still be welcomed greatly.