The dangerous dogs list refers to a 1991 UK Act that made it illegal to own certain dangerous breeds of dogs. Many countries since then have made similar lists. Bullmastiffs are strong, stubborn animals that make loving pets for many families, but are they on the list?
Bullmastiffs are not on the dangerous dogs list and are not illegal. However, that’s not to say that they aren’t dangerous dogs. Some Bullmastiffs, especially untrained and unsocialized, can be very aggressive. Therefore, it’s essential to know when considering getting one.
Bullmastiffs can still be wonderful, loyal, and stubborn pets to a fault. There are lots of unique traits to them, but there are a lot of concerns to consider as well. So we’ll take you through both angles to see where you land between them if you consider getting one.
What are Bullmastiffs?
Bullmastiffs are a large, muscular breed of a guard dog. They are the result of crossbreeding bulldogs with mastiffs. They aren’t as big as mastiffs but stand as high as 27 inches to the shoulder. As adults, they weigh between 100 to 130 pounds, which is still a large dog.
They have high-set, V-shaped ears and a deep muzzle with dark eyes framing their face. This all combines into an alert, confident breed that makes a perfect family guardian.
Bullmastiffs are reliable family pets, but as with any guard dogs, they require lots of socialization and training when they are young.
Be ready to invest in them from a young age, and you’ll have a fantastic lifelong companion.
Are Bullmastiffs on the Dangerous Dogs List?
No, they are not on the dangerous dogs list, based on UK legislation.
However, they are known to have stubborn personalities and be highly protective. That’s why they can get aggressive with strangers and animals entering their territory.
They are a large breed that is naturally quite strong. Unfortunately, like many other dogs, they can be highly aggressive towards same-sex dogs if not trained to curb this behavior.
In some instances, they may cause serious harm to other dogs.
In terms of aggression, they are best known for their intense protection of their home and family. If they feel their family is threatened, they are very likely to react.
That’s why training is so essential to prevent unwarranted attacks.
When looking at recent fatal dog attack statistics across the US, we can see Bullmastiffs is rated the 6th most dangerous breed for attacks. The most dangerous breed for fatal attacks is the pitbull.
When meeting new people, it’s essential to introduce them to your Bullmastiff and show them that they are no threat to the household.
“Bullmastiffs are often thought to be dangerous because of their size.“
Beyond just their aggression, their large size and deep muscularity also make them dangerous.
And it’s true, larger dogs may not be inherently more aggressive, but their size can make them more dangerous.
That’s why it’s so important to socialize them when young and take precautions when necessary. The more training and socializing they get, the less dangerous they become to you and your family.
They can get aggressive when they feel threatened or if they’re not adequately trained.
A Bullmastiff can be a wonderfully loving and affectionate pet when appropriately trained. They only want to be loyal and protective, but their instincts can go wrong sometimes.
“The problems arise for untrained Bullmastiffs, which can be aggressive and dangerous.”
Due to their large size, they can be especially dangerous for children and smaller animals. Consistent training is vital if you wish them to remain relatively calm at home.
It’s also crucial to consider when they might feel threatened. Same-sex dogs are a significant factor in this for them and strangers and new people they aren’t used to.
Bullmastiffs are generally very friendly and affectionate with people.
As we’ve said before, given some proper training, Bullmastiffs can be very friendly and affectionate. They are very loving dogs that get along really well with families.
Overall, they tend to be calm and easy-going, mostly lounging around as big indoor dogs.
Their laid-back attitude can feel like a big 180 when a stranger appears, though, so watch out for that.
They also tend to be a bit stubborn and act as independent thinkers. That can make training a bit tough when getting them to obey. Introducing them to other family pets can also be a bit difficult.
How to React if you Encounter a Bullmastiff on the Street?
- These are signs of anxiety and fear if the Bullmastiff wants space, is freezing up or is lunging or barking and growling at you.
- These are signs of anxiety and fear if the Bullmastiff wants space, is freezing up or is lunging or barking and growling at you.
- If they are yawning, have a stiff body, or tucking their tail under the body, that’s a sign of stress.
- General aggression will have their ears back, a closed mouth, and whites of eyes showing.
All dogs can show signs of aggression. It’s just a matter of reading them. You can get yourself out of a dangerous situation by recognizing these symptoms.
Always approach dogs slowly and make sure to discuss with the owner first. They’ll know a lot about how their dog feels and generally reacts.
Bullmastiffs and children – is it Safe?
If the Bullmastiff is around children when it was a puppy and grows up with them, it tends to be great with kids. However, adult supervision is always necessary.
If an adult Bullmastiff hasn’t been around kids, it can be dangerous to introduce them.
The children will have to act very well around them for a long time, and even then, there’s still a danger.
It’s essential to teach your kids how to act around dogs. They can get very aggressive with them, and not all dogs will tolerate it. But, starting with some nice petting, you can build a good bond between your dog and kids.
Are there any other Dangers of Owning a Bullmastiff?
We’ve covered most of the dangers. They can be aggressive to strangers and especially to same-sex dogs. They’re also potentially dangerous around children and small animals, as they are pretty large and can sometimes get aggressive.
The only way to curb this is through socialization from a young age and lots of training.
Tips for living peacefully with your Bullmastiff
- Socialize them as puppies to curb aggression
- Provide them with adequate daily exercise
- Feed them several small meals per day instead of one meal for good nutrition
- Keep them indoors to reduce overheating
- Teach them not to jump up on people, even when happy
- Teach them not to bark at people
The importance of Training your Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are an intelligent breed but have a bit of a mind of their own. They are also quite stubborn. Getting them obedience training while still young and impressionable is a big key to curbing their aggression.
Positive reinforcement is considered the best and most effective way to train dogs. Whenever your puppy does what you want them to do, give them lots of praise and a treat.
When they do something wrong, instead of physical punishment, say “no” firmly, and over time, they will understand the difference.
“Bullmastiffs prefer confidence in their trainer. By being firm and consistent, you’ll break through their layer of stubbornness.”
Consistency means not having different rules for you and other people too – if they can’t jump up on strangers, they shouldn’t be jumping up on you.
Much of the difference between an aggressive and non-aggressive Bullmastiff will come down to training, but some of it is genetic.
A list of all breeds included in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
The Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 was a law passed by the UK prohibiting certain dogs after a bout of horrific attacks that year.
It outlawed four types of dogs:
- Pitbull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
In particular, it made it illegal to own, sell, breed, give away, or abandon any of these types of dogs.
Unfortunately, the standards for this were quite hard to determine as it was essentially based on appearance.
Therefore, sometimes half the litter could be considered illegal in crossbreed situations while the other half was deemed to be legal.
Under the law, an illegal dog can be seized and killed based on its appearance alone, without having to have behaved aggressively or injured anyone.
How to help Protect yourself against Dangerous Dogs?
When encountering one, the primary way is to look for the signs of anxiety, fear, and stress and act with caution.
If you are thinking of owning one, the main thing is to get one at an early age and socialize and train it yourself.
Bullmastiffs are most dangerous around same-sex dogs, and some won’t even tolerate opposite-sex dogs. They also have strong instincts to catch fleeing small animals, so you have to watch out for that with cats and other small animals.
Final thoughts
Bullmastiffs are a complex breed to consider. They can be fantastic companions and guardians given a responsible family and good training.
However, getting an adult Bullmastiff with little training or socialization can have many problems. That’s why it’s essential not to take one’s responsibilities lightly when getting a dog.
They may not be on the dangerous dogs list, but they are a stubborn and sometimes aggressive breed.
